I close my eyes and see DJ, top of key, throwing a one handed fastball to the sneaky Larry Bird open under the basket, LB’s soft hands seem to barley touch the bullet with his finger tips, and casually flips the ball in,,an easy basket. Time and time again they’d make that connection. Beautiful.
Watching the game with a friend that was huge Boston fan .When that happened we looked at each other and said what just happened. That’s how fast it was
You are so damn right. I think they flew at the same IQ height that's why they got that connection. As soon as Bird steals the ball, in a blink of an eye, DJ knows exactly where to put himself, which way to run. This seems beyond brilliant because it's all natural. That play says everything about this Celtics team. They used to see things before they actually happens.
I know Bird's steal is an iconic play but the connection of minds between him and DJ in a spontaneous play like that with mere seconds left is just amazing
Keep your eye on DJ. You can see his excitement when he saw Bird steal the ball and his split second decision to react was unreal. Those guys played because they loved basketball.
@@golperuano That’s what makes guys like Bird and DJ such great players. They just figured out ways to win ballgames simple as that. They were coming after you with everything they had to beat you till the whistle blew. In my opinion Larry Bird was the greatest basketball player to ever live during those few crucial seconds of a ballgame. Nobody was more CLUTCH than Bird. I could name 15 of the greatest NBA players ever but if I had to pick just one to win the game it would be Larry Bird.
What a great example of keeping your head in the game no matter what. Bird gets stuffed in a massive moment and ends up on the floor. All looks lost but he doesn't pout. Makes one of the most iconic plays in basketball history. Awesome.
@@j.dragon651 Well, there's videos where he'd fake three or four guys under the basket and they'd all jump up in the air and he'd score as they were coming back down.
Bird gets his shot blocked. Not only does he steal the ball but does not go out of bounds AND has the awareness to find the open cutter who was also aware of going to the basket. Amazing!
I watched this live and Bird flew out of nowhere,seemed like it,and D.J. cutting in...I jumped up and down out of my mind. To me....one of the greatest moments on NBA history.
As a Pistons fan, this play ripped my heart out. The Pistons were finally going to get over the hump…not. I just stared in disbelief. Incredible play by one of the all time greats.
@@timmckennie4276 Oh I know, Timmckennie!!! I watched it live too. Living in Windsor, most of us at that time, were Detroit Pistons fans! They were always on the TV (channel 50 back then) I was 12 in 1987. When it took place, and Larry stole that inbound, made an amazing pass to Dennis Johnson, I legitimately cried. So did my brother! I broke things around the house until my mom put a quick stop to it....I know EXACTLY how it felt, was my original point!!
Totally agree….I remember it very well sitting in my apartment living room, going nuts! Sure seems like earlier that year, I.T. POPPED OFF about Bird just being average!
I love the moment D.J. realizes Bird has stolen the ball and he hauls ass to catch the pass from Bird. Unbelievable the connection those two had with their games...
DJ was a cutting, slashing, driving shooting guard type in his younger days, so he was exactly in his element here. Plus the “Basketball 101” logic - especially with Larry on the team - would have been “if something unusual happens, immediately cut straight to the basket.” So there was multiple independent streams of logic all directing him toward this moment. Almost as if his entire career had been designed specifically to prepare him for this play.
How many players stand and watch after Bird makes that steal? Credit to DJ for making the cut and a difficult layup. Smartest player Bird ever played with. Those two were meant to be on the same team together.
Ainge scrambling back from diving into the stands, to force the inbounds pass to go over him instead of directly to Laimbeer, also was a critical factor. Without that hustle there's no steal either.
@@7936Barry I agree. I think Sichting getting in front of Isiah caused a blind spot for Thomas who just lobbed it in, not seeing Bird. Very underrated part of this play.
Keep your eyes only on bird..he misses the shot..falls down on his back..gets up..sees the inbound developing..breaks towards the ball..swats it down ..maintains possession..tip toes on the base line...sees Dj.cutiing down the lane. Passes the ball falling backwards...all in less than 5 seconds. Larry Legend
The only thing more incredible than that play is the picture quality of this video! So hard to find high broadcast quality analog from the 80s. Many thanks!
This is right up there with Havlicek Stole the Ball. What really impresses me the most was that before he knew there was a foul called, DJ immediately went to defend the inbounds pass. Dennis Johnson was a very underrated player
Both plays were great but I believe the Bird/Johnson play exceeds the Havlicek stole the ball play. When Havlicek stole the ball the Celtics were up by one with only 5 seconds on the clock. It’s not certain at all the 76ers would have scored had they successfully inbounded the ball as the Celtics had a fierce defense. By contrast, the Celtics were losing by one point when Bird stole the ball, making a steal absolutely crucial. Bird’s steal and pass to DJ, and DJ’s great layup, put the Celtics ahead and left just one second on the clock.
@@handrm The ball was going into Hal Greer. If he catches that pass, he's lobbing the ball inside to Chamberlain for the stuff. It would have been as close to automatic as you can get. And Greer could have lobbed it in high enough to get it over Russell, if Russell had chosen to front Chamberlain. If I have to compare the two plays, I'm calling it a dead heat.
This Celtics team was my favorite team in the history of basketball. As a kid I watched every game I could, and their battles with the Lakers were so fun to watch.
Bird was a fighter. He had just been soundly stopped on his way to the hoop, but he doesn’t quit, he doesn’t give up, instead he got back up and makes this play. Props to DJ for his quick response, Bird did not do this on his own.
Die hard Lakers fan here. Magic. BUT, Larry Legend is the man. All who played know it, Laker fans know it, ya think Boston knows it? Unbelievably the things this man consistently did. And this play we just watched I’ve seen 450 times. Just keeps getting better. 👍
Kevin Garrett against Larry bird:: Kevin Garrett 50s points against Larry bird ; dirk nowitzki & Nikola jokic would've scored 50s points against Larry bird;; LeBron James & kobe Bryant would've a 🐦sandwich from Boston garden Cafe
@@norpriest521 Jordan faced Bird in his prime dozens of times. His Bulls have a losing record against Bird's Celtics, 11-24, I believe, including 0-6 in the playoffs. Bird is one of the reasons Jordan couldn't totally dominate the league like he did in the 90s.
one of the greatest plays in NBA history if not the greatest❓ the steel and the past now that is the greatest play in NBA history to me🐐 it just can't get any sweeter than this for any team
It was so great because it was totally unexpected. It wasn’t a thunderous dunk or a Hail Mary shot. Only Larry makes that play. Only Larry stays in that play and reels for that pass. Jordan doesn’t make that play. Kobe doesn’t. LeBron doesn’t. Magic doesn’t.
The Greatest, Bird is truly missed as a player and the way he commanded the floor was awesome. Plus he had some of the greatest team mates in basketball to make the dream come true.
The most "Larry Bird" of all Larry Bird Plays. Given all the circumstances, this might be the most "clutch" moment ever caught on film. Oh, and while everyone else is jumping up & down, Larry is sprinting back on defense.
The space Bird had to cover made Isiah think it was safe. Johnson's Vulcan mind meld was insane. The confidence and trust between those two cannot be overstated.
The first 31 seconds of the video is the time out AFTER the Bird steal, and they’re talking about how to defend the Pistons’ inbound for the final play of the game.
I thought of this play when Derrick White got the rebound & baskett off of Marcus Smart's 3 point attempt with .1 second on the clock.. Both plays are magical along with John Havlicek stole the ball moment.. The magic is alive & well for the Celtics..
@@MikeJones-rk1un What does that even prove? They could've hired a "real" coach if they felt they needed one...instead they choose to name Mazulla the head coach, then they choose to take the "interim" label off halfway through the season. They won 57 games, the 2 seed, and made the ECF. They didn't lose because of their coach bro...stop it. That's such a lame excuse. The players didn't play up to their standards...that's why they lost.
For me it wasn’t so much the steal. It was the lighting quick transition from defense to offense. DJ planted that foot and was at the basket before the pistons knew what happened. But Bird didn’t celebrate. He took off down the floor because he realized the Pistons would have to heave it because there’s only a second left.
As a Bulls fan going all the way back to the 60's, I have seen many great plays by Jordan, Pippin, Gilmore, Love, Walker, Van Lier, Theus and others, but this play ranks as my all-time favorite. If I could choose my all-time all-star team, I would definitely pick Bird at small forward. As for point guard, I would probably take Magic, but always question that choice because DJ had such a great connection with Bird that he might have been the better choice for the team as a whole. But then, if Magic and Larry played together for awhile, I can't help but wonder what kind of magic would have happened on the court. These competitors and opponents ultimately showed nothing but the ultimate respect for one another, eventually becoming friends. It's fun to think about.
That DJ finish, from the wrong angle with a defender on him...but with a PERFECT pass after the incredible steal. I watched it live, and I watched almost every final series live in the 80s and 90s....just awesome. Today's NBA is making some real memories as well.
Was living in Boston at this time and will never forget watching this live on TV, Larry was the most amazing player I had ever seen up to that time. During the 80's the Celtics were NEVER out of a game when the game was on the line and BIRD was in the lineup.
@@GnofgOf course you are wrong. Off the wrong foot, ducking under the defender, and getting only one shot at it because if he misses the game is over. And that doesn’t even take into account his mental superiority to recognize what is happening so fast and getting into a position to get the ball.
@@spactick I'm a Carolina fan and I agree. The plays are very different, but iconic. Bird showed the instincts and will that separated him from others; Laettner displayed that winning never-quit spirit with an incredible shot that made him such a special college player.
In the early 80s the Celtics had to contend with the awesome Philadelphia 76ers. In the late 80s the Celtics had to contend with the awesome Detroit Pistons. In the entire 80s if they made it to the Finals, they had to contend with the awesome L.A. Lakers. In the 80s the Celtics made it to 5 NBA Finals, winning 3 NBA Championships. Awesome team.
That was an amazing ball busting play. Unbelievable! I was around then as a basketball fan but even still I think I could watch that play a few hundred more times.
The single greatest play in NBA playoff history!! Never, ever let your guard down/try to pull anything on Bird. He was a man among boys when it came to pure basketball genius...
What I love about re-watching this is how Bird was literally knocked on his ass, rolled over, sat for half a second -- and realized nobody is watching me. He covered his man -- and realized nobody was on Laimbeer, whom the Pistons naturally expected to get an easy inbound pass. Bird and DJ had a mind-meld, but that's how it started. I wonder if DJ anticipated it?
when receiving a pass you should step toward the ball. Laimbeer takes a step back. All he has to do is step toward the ball and Larry has to go through him to get to the ball, or he can only get a hand on the ball and deflect it out of bounds.
Bird/ DJ made an amazing play for sure, but just as impressive to me was DJ's lazer focus to forego the celebration and immediately guard the inbound. That is higher level concentration.
I think there are two other elements to the final seconds of this game that goes unnoticed, namely Birds awful drive to the hole and Rodmans great block. Bird did redeem himself nicely in the end.
There are a few players capable of making such plays in the clutch. Bird was one of them, Jordan was another. Those two cats ate a lot of mice which were not paying attention, and they did this beautifully.
I was there that day - the game was lost - nearly. This just happened- it was not just Bird and DJ. The entire Celtics team was such that each could read the others’ minds. An amazing team that would have achieved even more with Len Bias who was Michael Jordan’s equal, and younger, in the NCAA.
This play LOOKS MIRACULOUS. BUT, you gotta know Larry. His TEAMMATES knew Larry. They practiced for 1 in a thousand situations. Larry said: “I told my teammates to EXPECT A PASS from me in any situation, from any angle at any time.” DJ cut because he knew Larry would pass it. It looks like sorcery on the court. But not with Larry
Bird's awareness of everything going on at once is beyond human comprehension. It's like he saw it all before it happened. If I had to pick a #1 team of all time, Bird and DJ would be on that team.
The Bird-DJ connection is telepathic. One of the greatest plays in NBA history.
I close my eyes and see DJ, top of key, throwing a one handed fastball to the sneaky Larry Bird open under the basket, LB’s soft hands seem to barley touch the bullet with his finger tips, and casually flips the ball in,,an easy basket. Time and time again they’d make that connection.
Beautiful.
totally ... love coming back to see this clip :-)
Watching the game with a friend that was huge Boston fan .When that happened we looked at each other and said what just happened. That’s how fast it was
Agreed!!!!
You are so damn right. I think they flew at the same IQ height that's why they got that connection. As soon as Bird steals the ball, in a blink of an eye, DJ knows exactly where to put himself, which way to run. This seems beyond brilliant because it's all natural. That play says everything about this Celtics team. They used to see things before they actually happens.
"Don't let winning make you soft. Don't let losing make you quit. Don't let your teammates down in any situation."
-- Larry Bird
So why didn't Detroit call a timeout after the ball went out of bounds; what was the big hurry?
@@jobobperry they just got too excited thinking they had won after the stop, not sure if they had a timeout or not.
@@jobobperry I remember Isaiah saying in the interview about this play that they had no timeouts left.
“I’m going to the locker room. To heck with the last few minutes of this game.”
LeBron James
Thanks for sharing that’s incredible
I know Bird's steal is an iconic play but the connection of minds between him and DJ in a spontaneous play like that with mere seconds left is just amazing
Keep your eye on DJ. You can see his excitement when he saw Bird steal the ball and his split second decision to react was unreal. Those guys played because they loved basketball.
@@johndardi1334 DJ's reaction was instant and IMMEDIATELY he went for the basket. He and Bird were in sync.
@@golperuano That’s what makes guys like Bird and DJ such great players. They just figured out ways to win ballgames simple as that. They were coming after you with everything they had to beat you till the whistle blew. In my opinion Larry Bird was the greatest basketball player to ever live during those few crucial seconds of a ballgame. Nobody was more CLUTCH than Bird. I could name 15 of the greatest NBA players ever but if I had to pick just one to win the game it would be Larry Bird.
I have to agree. I played hoops but I myself would never have been there where DJ was!
I did, HOWEVER, make some Bird no look passes!!
DJ the most under appreciated player in nba history
What a great example of keeping your head in the game no matter what. Bird gets stuffed in a massive moment and ends up on the floor. All looks lost but he doesn't pout. Makes one of the most iconic plays in basketball history. Awesome.
Agreed on that!!!!
he most have thought he was jordan going baseline lol
@@brucesmith1544 He got a lot of buckets driving the baseline during his career.
@@x00p3 Was it four on one?
@@j.dragon651 Well, there's videos where he'd fake three or four guys under the basket and they'd all jump up in the air and he'd score as they were coming back down.
One of THE greatest plays in NBA history!!!
Yup. That play alone made lots of money for the networks….
He was simply smarter than everyone else
@@murray8378 Jokic got that Larry Bird IQ.
I can feel it
It was really just a horrible play on the part of Isaiah.
@@Andres64B I agree. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?
No matter how many times you see it, this is one of the best plays ever.
I never tire of seeing this play. NEVER!
You’re right about that!!!!
It’s that big hug that always gets me. What a great moment.
#1 by far
I remember watching it when it happened.
The saying “Big time players make big time plays in big games” fits this play perfectly.
Omg...how unoriginal and cliche
@@robbie192 Omg....what a sad person you must be heeehhee
Jayson Tatum said the same thing about Jaylen Brown after Game 3 of the ECF against Indiana.
Yes it does!!!
Bird gets his shot blocked. Not only does he steal the ball but does not go out of bounds AND has the awareness to find the open cutter who was also aware of going to the basket. Amazing!
That was indeed Amazing!!!!
I watched this live and Bird flew out of nowhere,seemed like it,and D.J. cutting in...I jumped up and down out of my mind. To me....one of the greatest moments on NBA history.
As a Pistons fan, this play ripped my heart out. The Pistons were finally going to get over the hump…not. I just stared in disbelief. Incredible play by one of the all time greats.
@@timmckennie4276 Oh I know, Timmckennie!!! I watched it live too. Living in Windsor, most of us at that time, were Detroit Pistons fans! They were always on the TV (channel 50 back then) I was 12 in 1987. When it took place, and Larry stole that inbound, made an amazing pass to Dennis Johnson, I legitimately cried. So did my brother! I broke things around the house until my mom put a quick stop to it....I know EXACTLY how it felt, was my original point!!
All that said Larry was slow should have to watch this over and over until they admit that they were wrong.
@@big_fat_henHe made up for it by his hustle and timing.
Totally agree….I remember it very well sitting in my apartment living room, going nuts! Sure seems like earlier that year, I.T. POPPED OFF about Bird just being average!
I watched this live. It STILL gives me chills. Larry Bird was the greatest player I’ve ever seen, and I saw Jordan drop 63 in the Garden.
me too
Burt Weidermeyer
DJ’s alertness and immediate reaction was other-worldly.
Bird and DJ had a kind of subliminal connection of sorts .... so cool how DJ called Bird over for the hug after the fact!
Agreed!!!!
I love the moment D.J. realizes Bird has stolen the ball and he hauls ass to catch the pass from Bird. Unbelievable the connection those two had with their games...
DJ was a cutting, slashing, driving shooting guard type in his younger days, so he was exactly in his element here. Plus the “Basketball 101” logic - especially with Larry on the team - would have been “if something unusual happens, immediately cut straight to the basket.” So there was multiple independent streams of logic all directing him toward this moment. Almost as if his entire career had been designed specifically to prepare him for this play.
True!!!!
How many players stand and watch after Bird makes that steal? Credit to DJ for making the cut and a difficult layup. Smartest player Bird ever played with. Those two were meant to be on the same team together.
Ainge scrambling back from diving into the stands, to force the inbounds pass to go over him instead of directly to Laimbeer, also was a critical factor. Without that hustle there's no steal either.
Oops..should have said #12 Sichting
DJ was more favorite player. Never forget this. Loved how they acted like professionals after the play happened.
@@7936Barry I agree. I think Sichting getting in front of Isiah caused a blind spot for Thomas who just lobbed it in, not seeing Bird. Very underrated part of this play.
@@arizonaguy9015 True. Sichting being there hid Bird from Isiah for just enough time to keep Isiah from remembering that Bird was on the court.
Keep your eyes only on bird..he misses the shot..falls down on his back..gets up..sees the inbound developing..breaks towards the ball..swats it down ..maintains possession..tip toes on the base line...sees Dj.cutiing down the lane. Passes the ball falling backwards...all in less than 5 seconds. Larry Legend
Before Bird breaks towards the ball, he acted like he was going to cover a Piston.
@richardeast3328 good eye
Never gets old, it's one of the greatest sports plays I've ever seen
This and Derek jeters play
The only thing more incredible than that play is the picture quality of this video! So hard to find high broadcast quality analog from the 80s. Many thanks!
I thought that too. Had to of been digitized early. Like immediately. . Bc video degrades just like film does.
This is right up there with Havlicek Stole the Ball.
What really impresses me the most was that before he knew there was a foul called, DJ immediately went to defend the inbounds pass. Dennis Johnson was a very underrated player
Great player!
Both plays were great but I believe the Bird/Johnson play exceeds the Havlicek stole the ball play. When Havlicek stole the ball the Celtics were up by one with only 5 seconds on the clock. It’s not certain at all the 76ers would have scored had they successfully inbounded the ball as the Celtics had a fierce defense. By contrast, the Celtics were losing by one point when Bird stole the ball, making a steal absolutely crucial. Bird’s steal and pass to DJ, and DJ’s great layup, put the Celtics ahead and left just one second on the clock.
I watched the Havlicek steal live on TV.
@@handrm The ball was going into Hal Greer. If he catches that pass, he's lobbing the ball inside to Chamberlain for the stuff. It would have been as close to automatic as you can get. And Greer could have lobbed it in high enough to get it over Russell, if Russell had chosen to front Chamberlain. If I have to compare the two plays, I'm calling it a dead heat.
I was at that game and can still feel the intense energy in that arena. Bird is maybe the GOAT.
NO maybe.
He GOAT
@@serrielu8025 100% truth. I'd take him over Magic, Kobe or Jordan. And The Fraud King, LeBoob, doesn't belong in the conversation with Larry Bird.
Larry Legend, the NBA's Great One!
This Celtics team was my favorite team in the history of basketball. As a kid I watched every game I could, and their battles with the Lakers were so fun to watch.
Bird was a fighter. He had just been soundly stopped on his way to the hoop, but he doesn’t quit, he doesn’t give up, instead he got back up and makes this play. Props to DJ for his quick response, Bird did not do this on his own.
Larry Bird, after making an incredible play, ran back on defense as fast as he could.
Yes he did ! Glad you noticed that. Bird's hoops IQ was second to none.
Larry, Larry, Larry.
effort. the league has become literally just effort and care factor. and none of the players now care, the american players anyways
As did DJ.
@@tricia3114
He GOAT
Not MJ
Die hard Lakers fan here. Magic. BUT, Larry Legend is the man. All who played know it, Laker fans know it, ya think Boston knows it? Unbelievably the things this man consistently did. And this play we just watched I’ve seen 450 times. Just keeps getting better. 👍
Let's not forget DJ reading Bird's mind and following up just in time.
RIP DJ. You are missed and loved v
This is not a play by Bird. This is a play by DJ AND Bird. The hug after the play says it all. They know they just pulled off a Mt Rushmore of a play
One of the greatest plays ever..larry bird is in conversation for the best player ever along with Michael Jordan
MJ was on a different level than everyone. But LB is maybe the smartest to ever play the game.
leave out Jordan...many better players.
Kevin Garrett against Larry bird:: Kevin Garrett 50s points against Larry bird ; dirk nowitzki & Nikola jokic would've scored 50s points against Larry bird;; LeBron James & kobe Bryant would've a 🐦sandwich from Boston garden Cafe
@@loydkline keep puffing man
If that Celtics team was 2 years younger I think MJ reaches final 1 time on that 1st 3 peat.
Absolutely remarkable.
Like the immaculate reception with Franco Harris.
Bird was a phenomenal player.
Smart, great reflexes, tall, very quick and a high scoring player.
What else can you ask for?
Phenomenal?
More like GOAT to me.
MJ wouldn't want to face Bird in his prime
@@norpriest521 Jordan has Bird rated as one of the three best players ever.
@@norpriest521 Jordan faced Bird in his prime dozens of times. His Bulls have a losing record against Bird's Celtics, 11-24, I believe, including 0-6 in the playoffs. Bird is one of the reasons Jordan couldn't totally dominate the league like he did in the 90s.
one of the greatest plays in NBA history
if not the greatest❓
the steel and the past
now that is the greatest play
in NBA history to me🐐
it just can't get any sweeter than this
for any team
It was so great because it was totally unexpected. It wasn’t a thunderous dunk or a Hail Mary shot. Only Larry makes that play. Only Larry stays in that play and reels for that pass. Jordan doesn’t make that play. Kobe doesn’t. LeBron doesn’t. Magic doesn’t.
@@drbobperkins Perhaps Magic can make the play IDK but Larry is the GOAT IMHO
I hate the Celtics then and now.
The Celtics made their bones on great plays. Great steals. From Hondo Havlicek to Gerald Henderson to Bird and the late, great DJ.
The Greatest, Bird is truly missed as a player and the way he commanded the floor was awesome. Plus he had some of the greatest team mates in basketball to make the dream come true.
I watch this play again and still shake my head and marvel at it after all these years later.
Nothing but respect from a Lakers fan! I watched that game live and am still amazed today.
The greatest to ever play the game!
The most "Larry Bird" of all Larry Bird Plays. Given all the circumstances, this might be the most "clutch" moment ever caught on film. Oh, and while everyone else is jumping up & down, Larry is sprinting back on defense.
The TRUE GOAT.
No, but he could've been. His back didn't hold up. Sad how much basketball we didn't get to see from him because of injury.
Au contraire, my man Tommy Brady is the goat!
@@robertweir5313 😂😂😂😂 Shady Brady is the biggest cheating loser in pro sorts history.
@iamthelaw2828 Bird was elite with a broken back, 2 bad pre-surgery Achilles tendons and bronchial pneumonia. "The Duel"
Larry is indeed a Legend.
I’m a pistons fan. I watched this live and it broke my heart.
eat it!
Boohoo! That team won two titles. You'll be fine.
I remember this spectacular steal by Bird! Rip Dennis Johnson.
This game made me fall in love with basketball, the most magical game I ever watched. Larry Bird is basketball.
Yes, he is.
It NEVER gets old seeing the Celts of the Russell and Bird eras make it look easy!
Give me chills still everytime I see it , or hear 👂 it Larry legend
The space Bird had to cover made Isiah think it was safe. Johnson's Vulcan mind meld was insane. The confidence and trust between those two cannot be overstated.
The first 31 seconds of the video is the time out AFTER the Bird steal, and they’re talking about how to defend the Pistons’ inbound for the final play of the game.
I love the way the better teams absolutely hated each other back then.
I still remember my father walking off after the missed layup and him runing back in when i yelled bird stole the ball.....
I thought of this play when Derrick White got the rebound & baskett off of Marcus Smart's 3 point attempt with .1 second on the clock.. Both plays are magical along with John Havlicek stole the ball moment.. The magic is alive & well for the Celtics..
Magic may be slipping away. No Celtics team ever choked more in a game 7 than this year's team.
@@lordemed1 No Celtic team ever went into a season with an assistant coach running the team.
@@MikeJones-rk1un What does that even prove? They could've hired a "real" coach if they felt they needed one...instead they choose to name Mazulla the head coach, then they choose to take the "interim" label off halfway through the season. They won 57 games, the 2 seed, and made the ECF. They didn't lose because of their coach bro...stop it. That's such a lame excuse. The players didn't play up to their standards...that's why they lost.
For me it wasn’t so much the steal. It was the lighting quick transition from defense to offense. DJ planted that foot and was at the basket before the pistons knew what happened. But Bird didn’t celebrate. He took off down the floor because he realized the Pistons would have to heave it because there’s only a second left.
Bird was Incredible! Mr clutch, insane passer, very smart, fantastic shooter! definitely one of the goat's.
Top 5 all time
@@clearlycaribbeanreb2895 yep!
It is simple, the greatest players make the greatest plays. And what a reaction by Dennis Johnson. Just look at him. 💪
Mchale runs into the paint and checks Laimbeer at the end. 😂
Who’s the real magic man.Bird baby.
I never tire of watching this over and over. Bird and the steal and D.J. making the winning shot....
“There’s a steal by Bird, underneath to DJ, and he lays it in.”
Most clutch play in the history of sports. This is Larry Bird.
I went here after Derrick White last second shot in the 2023 ECF.
Great memories. This stuff never gets old.
As a Bulls fan going all the way back to the 60's, I have seen many great plays by Jordan, Pippin, Gilmore, Love, Walker, Van Lier, Theus and others, but this play ranks as my all-time favorite. If I could choose my all-time all-star team, I would definitely pick Bird at small forward. As for point guard, I would probably take Magic, but always question that choice because DJ had such a great connection with Bird that he might have been the better choice for the team as a whole. But then, if Magic and Larry played together for awhile, I can't help but wonder what kind of magic would have happened on the court. These competitors and opponents ultimately showed nothing but the ultimate respect for one another, eventually becoming friends. It's fun to think about.
Greatest play by one of the best
That DJ finish, from the wrong angle with a defender on him...but with a PERFECT pass after the incredible steal. I watched it live, and I watched almost every final series live in the 80s and 90s....just awesome. Today's NBA is making some real memories as well.
Who's here after Game 6 in Miami, Derrick Whites epic historical put back basket with 0.01 on the clock.
Wasn't that epic really.
I'm here after D white put the ball in with 1.0 seconds to win game 6 for ECF elimination 2023
yes that game winning shot will be on Top 5 of Celtics history!
Larry Bird is the GOAT!!!! ❤❤❤❤
Best SF Ever ‼️
You hardly hear DJs name on this play.. his play was just as awesome.
👍 absolutely… mad respect due there- well said!
They were both good. Larry's was more difficult.
The greatest team ever.
Bird was a force of nature.
Was living in Boston at this time and will never forget watching this live on TV, Larry was the most amazing player I had ever seen up to that time. During the 80's the Celtics were NEVER out of a game when the game was on the line and BIRD was in the lineup.
The finest teamwork I will ever see.
I don't think people realize how difficult a shot that was by DJ.
That was not difficult. It was a layup.
@@GnofgOf course you are wrong. Off the wrong foot, ducking under the defender, and getting only one shot at it because if he misses the game is over. And that doesn’t even take into account his mental superiority to recognize what is happening so fast and getting into a position to get the ball.
@@vikmusic1165 you must have sucked at BBall.
@@Gnofgthat was not an easy lay up, Dennis Johnson made it look easy though.
@@jc940 then you weren’t very coordinated
Any time Bill Lambeer cried and angel got its wings =)
THAT play by Bird and the play by Christian Laettner in the 92' NCAA Championship game are as iconic as the game itself
Laettner shot over two kids afraid to foul..big whoop
Laettner's play was good but it was no way near this.
@@x00p3 I actually saw both in 'real time', and believe me the 92' Duke game was right there with anything in the history of collegiate sports
@@spactick I'm a Carolina fan and I agree. The plays are very different, but iconic. Bird showed the instincts and will that separated him from others; Laettner displayed that winning never-quit spirit with an incredible shot that made him such a special college player.
@@garycraig5009 The fact that we're talking about plays that were made 30 and 35 years ago says it all
In the early 80s the Celtics had to contend with the awesome Philadelphia 76ers.
In the late 80s the Celtics had to contend with the awesome Detroit Pistons.
In the entire 80s if they made it to the Finals, they had to contend with the awesome L.A. Lakers.
In the 80s the Celtics made it to 5 NBA Finals, winning 3 NBA Championships. Awesome team.
Fun fact: Only 5 teams played in the NBA Finals in the 80s.
LA Lakers, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets.
The Late Great Dennis Johnson!!
I remember listening to this on the radio and Johnny Most going nuts!
That was an amazing ball busting play. Unbelievable! I was around then as a basketball fan but even still I think I could watch that play a few hundred more times.
The single greatest play in NBA playoff history!! Never, ever let your guard down/try to pull anything on Bird. He was a man among boys when it came to pure basketball genius...
That's what Dr. J said about him. You let your guard down for one second, and you're beaten
@@liordagan9342 Ask Isaiah about that one!! "Steal by Bird...on the lead to DJ......the Celtics win, the Celtics win!!"
What I love about re-watching this is how Bird was literally knocked on his ass, rolled over, sat for half a second -- and realized nobody is watching me. He covered his man -- and realized nobody was on Laimbeer, whom the Pistons naturally expected to get an easy inbound pass.
Bird and DJ had a mind-meld, but that's how it started. I wonder if DJ anticipated it?
One of the greatest plays in the history of the NBA.
The play was unbelievable by both players, Larry & DJ, but the best part was the quiet hug at the end, that's what you play team sport for
Like Kirk Gibson hitting that home run this is one of the greatest plays in sports!
Watch Laimbeer from the moment Bird swipes the ball to the moment Bill runs into McHale.
🤣😂😅
WHAT A FREAKING DOOFUS
Watch Isaiah
when receiving a pass you should step toward the ball. Laimbeer takes a step back. All he has to do is step toward the ball and Larry has to go through him to get to the ball, or he can only get a hand on the ball and deflect it out of bounds.
He's a doofus with TWO rings, son
@@dannyzuehlsdorf3697 so what? Chuck Nevitt had a world championship ring also.
Bird made Laimbeer look like a fool with only 5 sec left.
Lamebeer
Bird/ DJ made an amazing play for sure, but just as impressive to me was DJ's lazer focus to forego the celebration and immediately guard the inbound. That is higher level concentration.
Exactly - no celebrating by DJ or Bird. Right back on defense because there's still one second on the clock.
I think there are two other elements to the final seconds of this game that goes unnoticed, namely Birds awful drive to the hole and Rodmans great block. Bird did redeem himself nicely in the end.
I sure wish I knew what Johnson said to Bird as they embraced after one of the greatest plays in history.
My favorite era of basketball by far! Miss those days
I love big time defensive players and plays
That is the one play I can remember about the NBA from years abl because is was so unexpected.
Yes, great play by Bird but an exquisite finish by the great (late) DJ.
Gives me the chills every time I see it. Greatest play of all time, in my opinion
I got to watch this as it happened! Unbelievable!!! The NBA then was a magical thing. I quit watching it all together about 5 years ago.
There are a few players capable of making such plays in the clutch.
Bird was one of them, Jordan was another.
Those two cats ate a lot of mice which were not paying attention, and they did this beautifully.
Boston did it again
Such a complete player and fierce competitor.
Oh how I miss the old NBA
Bird was the smartest player in the history of the NBA. If I had to pick between Bird and Lebron, I would pick Bird.
That is situational awareness at its finest, take notes kids!
I was there that day - the game was lost - nearly. This just happened- it was not just Bird and DJ. The entire Celtics team was such that each could read the others’ minds. An amazing team that would have achieved even more with Len Bias who was Michael Jordan’s equal, and younger, in the NCAA.
RIP to Len Bias.
Know what Len Bias has in common with a lovely rose? They both die right after you pick them!
Bird is the true G.O.A.T!
Games those days where just awsome to watch the players what great Man just awsome ❤❤
That’s the 1% between the goats and the rest
This play LOOKS MIRACULOUS. BUT, you gotta know Larry. His TEAMMATES knew Larry. They practiced for 1 in a thousand situations. Larry said: “I told my teammates to EXPECT A PASS from me in any situation, from any angle at any time.” DJ cut because he knew Larry would pass it. It looks like sorcery on the court. But not with Larry
Bird's awareness of everything going on at once is beyond human comprehension. It's like he saw it all before it happened. If I had to pick a #1 team of all time, Bird and DJ would be on that team.