The best way to describe Larry Bird was summed up by Laker coach Pat Riley he said "If I need a shot to win the game I would choose Michael Jordan, If I needed a shot to save my life I would choose Larry Bird" Larry was by far the most clutch player in NBA history
So very true, I was saying the same thing in my comment. You were first with it, sorry, I didn't read the comments before making mine, but I couldn't agree more, he had ice water in his blood system, stupid amount of confidence, his teammates say that of him, love the quote, Bird : "you want to win the game ,( I cant remember the player that said it) but he said yeah, Bird then said, " give me the ball and everyone else get out of the way" . Then he came through
Your comment at the end... Being a 1 team player , winning titles ,retiring and becoming a HOF'er.... Love it. Something that never happens now.. Players these days just trying to be in super teams and not doing the work and building towards a championship. Great vid mate!
Larry is 6'9. On the night of his retirement there was no game, stadium sold out for him alone. Him and Magic were and still are good friends. Larry won the shootout 3 years running
It's great to see young men appreciate the genius of Larry Bird and players of the '70's and '80's. I actually saw him play, and it was nothing short of spectacular. Top 5 all time. Subbed! :)
I'm a Celtics fan from back in the day. This video doesn't even scratch the surface of what Bird was all about. Keep digging into videos about him. All the great players of his day are on video talking about him, telling stories about him. He was not just a great trash talker, he was a LEGENDARY trash talker, most of it hilarious. He would tell his defender what he was going to do to him, then do it. When the game was on the line in the last seconds, he would tell the opposing team the play they were going to run to win the game, then do it. When he mowed down the Atlanta Hawks for 60 points, he was coming up the court, calling every shot, or saying "Where do you want the next one?". He used to routinely trash talk COACHES. Check it out. As for his play making, he would do something almost every game that would you make you shake your head in disbelief. I'm not exaggerating. I know I'll never see another athlete or competitor like him again.
Same thing Magic said at his retirement celebration. He said that Bird said there will be another Larry Bird ,Magic said , "there will never, ever ever be another Larry Bird". Magic is right and so are you, sir.. ..
No dude, there are thousands of regular players, then there are some great players, then there are few legends, and then very few true legends, and then there he is, Larry Bird with lacking physical abilities, he made it up with heart, determination, pride, glory, practice, understanding, believing, everything that makes a champion among champions or greatest among legends, Larry Bird thought us the most valuable thing, for every play, every minute, every second, you don’t quit until everything inside your bones and dna says, it’s time.
@@ajstyles5704 mr.styles your analogy is the best I think I've ever seen to accurately describe Larry Bird, I mean u absolutely nailed it. Frickin outstanding job sir. Are u a sports journalist? If not, maybe you should consider a career change.. absolutely outstanding work
The 80's was the best era. Guys had to go inside in those years. They played the game inside out as opposed to outside in these days. Teams had centers back in the day.
Jerry West who was all world himself said that Birds about as close to perfect as you can get in every aspect of the game . Danny Ainge said he had just a different level of confidence, he felt that in clutch time, if he could get a shot , it was going in, NBA best ever clutch player, when his team needed it the most is when he was at his best. Over 70% in clutch time, nobody else is even ckise to that. He would tell his teammates, o want to win the game, just give me the ball and get out of the way. Then he would come through, what are you going to say....GOAT
@@randycrocker9459 my favorite Bird story is when he told everyone, the day before a game, he was gonna play it left handed. He does it the next day scoring 27 of his 47 points left handed. I’ve never heard a story about LBJ or MJ telling everyone they were going to use their off hand the day before a game, then putting up those numbers doing it. He did it against NBA players! Bird was unreal
@@MrTacos33 Mr . Hartman you are 100% right, Birds quote that just dribbling and shooting was not it anymore ,like a gymnast, I go for degree of difficulty. Danny Ainge said he would ask the opposing teams ballboy what the record was in this building because he needed things like that to motivate him. When your so good that playing against the best in the world isn't challenging to you, that's good, that's Larry Legend
@@kristalmacleod3215 it may be, I read where at the end of the quarter or half included with needing a basket in the final seconds of a game or in overtime that he was over 70% Any other player would be very, very happy to have that kind of clutch shooting percentage. The more important it was, the deadlier he was, he talks about a missed shot against the Lakers that gave them a championship, that he felt/thought it should have gone in and that was years later. That would have made his 4th champioship, up from 3 and dropped Magics to 4 instead of 5 and made it 2 to 1 over the Lakers instead of 1 to 2 . Like having 11 strikes when bowling and you bury your ball in the pocket, after the pins quit flying, the fu-kin 5 pin is still standing. You never forget it, especially when it's happened twice. A 299 not 300 Bird will never forget that shot
Good point. You can’t really understand Bird without understanding Magic. You can’t understand Magic without understanding Bird. They are tied by the universe. Each an individual, but each incomplete without the other.
the sad part is the 80s and the 90s was the golden age of Basketball. Every team was competitive, every ball played to the end. Players played for money and pride back then, and I don't feel that right now from the new players. This is why I love to see young people seen the BEST player who ever grazed the NBA.
Great reaction! I’ve been a fan of Larry Legend since the early 90s at the tail end of his career. I always enjoy seeing younger fans appreciate the talent of the birdman, he really was something else. This guy played against some of the greatest of all time including Jordan and even with two busted Achilles’ tendons and a crippled back he still found a way to win. Love from Australia bro
You need to react to "A courtship of rivals." Larry and Magic first went head to head in college. Then they went on to save the NBA from extinction. Their lives and careers became so connected that they received lifetime achievement awards in a dual ceremony on a night the NBA had no games scheduled. There was even a Broadway play about them called "Magic Bird" It's a special friendship and an awesome documentary.
I think Kareem said it best "Bird might have been the best player I ever played against, he was always a few steps ahead and in the right place at the right time" NBA has another great vid of him you should check out "Bird's best 50 assists" 🔥
Great reaction vid to the Legend! Magic said LJB was so good it was frightening. Larry kept Magic up at night. You should see how some of the real greats talk about Larry Joe Bird. And you should look into the Magic and Larry relationship. It went BROADWAY its such a good story.
I was in Boston for game 7 in 84. Sitting 8 rows behind the Lakers bench. We never sat down...what a great game. So loud ears were ringing for hours. partied in Boston pubs till morning. what a memory!
It was a different time, man. So many legends and battles. Bird, Johnson, Jordan, all of them. I really miss those days. My favorite quote was about the rivalry between Johnson and Bird. Completely different backgrounds, but they had the same work ethic and belief system regarding hard work. That's why they were both champions.
How about this Bird stat! From his rookie season in 1980 through his injury shortened 1989 season Larry Bird received 67% of all possible MVP votes. Of every MVP vote cast 1980-89 67% of them were for Bird! Between 81-88 he never fished lower the 2nd in the MVP balloting finishing : 2nd, 2nd,2nd, 1st,1st,1st, 2nd, 2nd! LEGEND
Hey Thony, I knew subscribin to your channel was gonna be good. I seen this Bird mix a lot of times, but your reaction made it even better. You posted up another good one, man. MERRY CHRISTMAS, THONY. PEACE BE WITH YOU, TILL I CATCH YOU NEXT TIME.
Larry Bird won 3 straight NBA MVP awards. He would tell opponents what he was going to do and dare them to stop him. He injured his shooting hand after graduating from Indiana State and he said that the injury made him a less accurate shooter. Let that sink in.
If that doesn't blow your mind, maybe this will: Larry finished 2nd in league MVP voting for 3 consecutive years before winning it for 3 straight years. He was in the top 5 vote-getters 8 (not a typo) times in his 13 year career.
I'm so glad to see a young guy like you appreciate Legend Larry. He was one of the greatest of all time. Best clutch shooter ever, trash talker too and always backed it up, passing abilty was ridiculous and hustled all the time. Definitely in discussion of being the GOAT
Bird and Magic in the 80's made the NBA - it was so special to grow up during this time and to see them square off! Boston Garden - the old one - crazy.
That play where he made the impossible steal and assist with 2 seconds to play was game 5 of the 1987 conference finals. Bird’s prime was 83-88 so jordan was there and killing it already, but the bulls weren’t a good team until 89.
Thank you for the reaction and thank you for recognizing talent. There are many things we don't know. It's up to us to explore and seek out the facts. Peace be with you young man, and good luck with your channel.
@Brian Fuller different era's and I'm not picking one over the other but if LeBron had half of Bird's toughness he might have already passed Jordan in Rings.
Great video. Man! I really enjoyed that. I'm 43 and grew up watching Magic vs Bird. I don't think I realized the impact those two players had in the game. You're right that it's not the same and something is missing in todays game. It's more about the markets now.
I love Bird. He's my favorite player. His attitude and humble beginnings makes it easy for me to relate to him. Keep up the good work. Glad I found your channel.
What you don't see is a tough competitor through through all four quarters of a game. There was not let up, and Bird lifted his teammates to this same level of competition.
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson saved the NBA back then, it wasnt for those two basketball wouldnt be what it is today Oh and fun fact, Larry Bird injured his right hand very early in his career, he said that his shooting was never as good as it was before the injury, imagine if he never injured himself xD
He won COTY, executive of the year, MVP, and FMVP. Arguably highest BBIQ in the history of the game. Can't jump as high or run as fast but he kicked everybody's ass, including young MJ.
You sir are a great commentator. I watched this same video commentated by a young man your age and all he did was trash talk Bird and Magic. He said they were not good and didn't know what all the fuss was about. Said Larry might be lucky to get 6 points a game now. So disrespectful. You were a joy to watch and I love how you appreciated them and their era.
When he played, he was all basketball. Red Auerbach said he was the most self motivated player he had ever seen and he coached "Hondo" Havlicek who had a motor like nobody had , except for maybe Wilt Chamberlain who played 48 minutes a game for the whole season.(that's frickin amazing.). But Bird demanded the ball when his team needed a last second basket to win the game. He was over 70% in clutch situations. Pat Riley said if he needed someone to make a shot to win the game, he would want Jordan to shoot it , if my life depended on it, I'd want Bird. That's why they call him Larry Legend, listen to the other greats from his era and every single one say the same thing. He talked trash constantly ,but he backed it up. Cooper from the Lakers said he was the best , he was / is known as one of the greatest defensive players of all time. Magic said Bird was the only player he feared,he said Birds so good its frightening, Jordan told people that he picked Bird in his starting top 5 of all time and they questioned him, Jordan said you guys just don't get it "Birds the best SF to ever play the game" Kareem said Bird was the best he ever played against, chubby white guy wore us out, the muscle between his ears was superior, every second of the 48 minutes, he knew the best place to be to help his team. Dr. J said hes a basketball genius. Woolridge said, heres a white guy on the floor with a bunch of black guys talking trash, then he said , hey the boys bad, what you gonna say. Ewing said he demolishes every body he's doing it to the best defenders in the league. The Hick from French Lick.....Larry Legend, when other Legends of the game say it for you, that's saying something....
@@teezy6256 if he had Lebrons freakish physical ability, there would be claims that he was an alien. Lebron has been healthy it seems like forever, God bless him, i certainly don't wish him injury I know he takes care of himself and ( I don't want to jinx him so I gotta put monkey dust on this) (monkey dust) but he's like the Energizer bunny. He just keeps going and going and doesn't seem to be slowing down. He might play till he is 50
Larry Legend! He played before my time as well but thank God for highlight videos, and for games that include legends like him! My first exposure to Larry Legend was NBA Street Vol. 2 (Highly recommend that game). He's definitely my favorite "old school" player, and I really felt it when you said that he made the game look too easy. Imagine him in today's game, where there are more fouls called and it generally favors offensive players? Man, one could only imagine, lol. Great video man! You have a new sub! By the way, I would love if you reacted to my fav current/recently retired player- Andrei Kirilenko (AK47)- The dude is probably the most underrated defender of all time, broke stereotypes for white players because he was actually known for his athleticism and defense rather than being a shooter like most white players are known for (and he actually was a decent shooter too which is even crazier lol). But long story short, he's the only player in NBA history to have a 5x6 in regulation time (when you have at least 6 in 5 different categories- pts, rebs, ast, blk, stl, in one game- 14 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds, 7 blocks and 6 steals vs. the Lakers on 3rd Jan, 2006. The only other player to do it was Hakeem Olajuwon, but it was in an overtime game. He's also the only player besides Ben Wallace 6'9 or shorter to average over 3 blocks a game in 2 or more seasons, and lead the league in blocks two or more seasons as well. He's also the only SF ever to do those same things. I won't say more, just see for yourself, you'll enjoy AK47, the freak of nature! Here's one of the best highlight videos of him: Please make a reaction! Thanks bro, take care! th-cam.com/video/E50MCQs2xPM/w-d-xo.html
I saw him during his college career at Indiana State...so much fun to watch. You enjoyed every second. He was also a team player that complemented others on the court and highlighted their strengths. He knew every aspect of the court and if another player was on the court, you better be ready for the ball at all times. So glad to see young people look for past wonderful players
For those that think Larry Bird was not as good as he really was. This comment is for those whom never had the chance to see him play. Little know thing about Larry to those that never saw him play , he could effect the outcome of a game and never take a shot thats how devastating his passing skills were. Here is one thing that most fans (people) either don't know or try to ignore, prior to Larry joining the NBA there was no such thing as a three point line, that came in when Bird was starting his first year off in his NBA career. Just think about what would todays game be without the three point line or if the line was one foot farther out like it was when it was first introduced. Food for thought. At that time it was not about the individuals stats it was about the win. But if you need some stats here you go: Here are some of Larry Bird's notable career achievements and statistics: Three-time NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986); Two-time NBA Finals MVP (1984, 1986); Three-time NBA MVP (1984-86); 12-time NBA All-Star (1980-88, 1990-92); Nine-time All-NBA First Team (1980-88); All-NBA Second Team (1990); Three-time All-NBA Defensive Second Team (1982-84); NBA Rookie of the Year (1980); NBA All-Rookie Team (1980); Three-time NBA Three-Point Contest champion (1986-88); Career-high in points: 60 (March 12, 1985) -- tied for franchise record with Jayson Tatum; Named NBA Coach of the Year (1998); and Named NBA Executive of the Year (2012). Larry Bird, was the first player to accomplish the 50-40-90 achievement, and one of two players to achieve the feat in multiple seasons. Career averages: 24.3 points per game 10.0 rebounds per game 6.3 assists per game 88.6% free throw percentage 49.6% field goal percentage 37.6% 3-point percentage Now we can't forget that Bird famously played with two injured ankles and a notoriously cranky back that forced him to lay down on the floor during practice breaks. After season-ending foot surgery just six games into the 1988-89 season
Great video Thony! Larry would adapt so well to today's game. I wanted to point out also that if Larry Bird grew up with the 3 point line, his 3pt shooting % would have been even higher. This guy was shooting bombs when there were no 3 point line. 3 point line was created in his rookie year.
You might want to watch the "Iceman" George Gervin, he was a scoring machine he would weave his arms between double teams and after you close your jaw because you can't believe what u saw and u wonder," how the hell" he do that. He made a commercial with a bunch of newer Spurs players( at that time) and they were set In a barber shop and they were talking about how he8 could finger roll a shot going in the lane (Iceman was known for his like of the herb that's superb) and Ice replies ,oh yeah, I could finger roll and all the guys just bust out laughing. It was so natural, it had to be unplanned, because he could finger roll both ways and it was well known, check out the commercial, it was spontaneous combustion laughter, but the man was magic with a soft touch on the ball.
he publicly announced that he will play the game left handed...and he did it...successfully if this is not the epitomy of basketball badass then i dont know what is
Great reaction. And there are videos of him taunting MJ. In this one after Magic gave him the jersey at the end, Magic took hid jersey off and had a Celtics jersey under it. Straight up respect and love.
6:9 and the game he played 3 quarters left hand Kersey was guarding him. McHale was coming off the bench. Bird scored 6 straight and McHale hollered at Kersey(hey wait till he starts playing with his right hand)
Bird and Magic saved the NBA. Were it not for this rivalry, you wouldn't have had Jordan, KD, Lebron, etc.. I remember James Worthy said, "Jordan made you look slow, but Bird made you look stupid"
“If I had to choose a player to take a final shot to win a game I'd choose (Michael) Jordan, but if I could pick one to shoot to save my life I would pick Bird.” Pat Riley
Larry Bird is the greatest... You need to watch his passing video and his trash talking video. Best IQ ever just wonderful to watch it's what the NBA is missing now.
No, this was when Michael Jordan played, but he had no chances back then as the Pistons, Pacers, and Celtics were the dominant forces. Hence why he got all his championships in the 90s when Bird was about to retire as he did in 1992 due to back injuries that never went away and Magic was tested positive for HIV and stopped playing, came back later in '95/'96 but was only a shadow of his past self - played only 4 games, but still averaged 15 pts in those 4. Jordan came in to the league in 1984, Bird and Johnson both came in 1979. Jordan's first title was in 1991 against Magic's Lakers. It took Bulls a while to form a great team around MJ and they've ultimately done so. Small fun fact: Jordan made Bulls instantly better starting from his rookie season, the bulls were always a playoff team, despite being defeated in the first round, or the second.
@@teezy6256 and so true but Bird took the Celtics from last to first his rookie year improving their record by 32 games. He was the only addition to the team that year. Thats how good Bird was in just his rookie year
Bird and Magic arguably, saved the NBA. They never took a night off and won championships by playing the smart game of getting the ball to the teammate with the best chance of scoring. A reaction to Magic, Dominique Wilkins, Kareem... You can't miss. You are so lucky to have You Tube. I sure wish I could go back to see Baylor, Robertson, Russell, Wilt... Lookin forward to your next reaction vid.
The rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson is what built the NBA. When they arrived to the league the NBA was at its last legs, close to bankruptcy. Nobody cared about it. Just a handful of years after they entered the league, the NBA had become an multi-billion dollar juggernaut. Today's players led by Lebron James are great basketball players, perhaps even better than the old guard, but their divisive "woke" politics and greater loyalty to the Chinese market than the American market has turned off probably as much as half the US fan base from the NBA. It's a shame. It's so much easier to destroy than to build.
Think about this. Larry Bird took his College Team Indiana State to the NCAA Final. They were undefeated at 33 - 0! Larry Bird was the only PRO on the team! They lost to Magic Johnson and Michigan State! Larry played all 40 minutes had 19 points and 13 rebounds 5 steals and 2 assists! He is incredible!
There is a "making the case for Larry Bird as the GOAT video. You really need to see it. Without Larry and Magic rivalry there would not be an NBA. Larry the Legend was the greatest clutch shooter of all time. It doesn't hurt that he would tell what he was going to do to other team members BEFORE the shot and dare them to stop him. This sells tickets and the Legend's Celtics and the Magic's Hollywood Lakers rivalry was epic. You need to see it to believe it. At Larry's retirement Magic spoke that "there will never, never, EVER be another Larry Bird and gave him a signed Jersey. Best regards to your success.
I'm a Lakers fan and was a kid who grew up watching basketball in the 80's. How good was Larry Bird? He won 3 straight MVP's in the NBA, when Jordan, Magic, and Isiah Thomas were in the NBA.
Kevin is a good comparison but you would have to give Kevin way more bb iq. Larry bird was the smartest player to ever play. The respect he gets from og basketball greats prove he is top 8 ever
#1 Jordan, #2 Kareem, #3 Wilt, #4 Bird, #5 B.Russell, #6 Kobe, #7 Magic, #8 Olajuwon, #9 T.Duncan, #10 Shaq But Bird is the only player who could beat ANY player ANY TIME!
Thorny Do yourself a favor, if you're a real basketball fan, watch the series, any series between the Lakers and Celtics in the 80s to see hard core playground intensity level ball playing. The electricity could be felt thru the TV!! I'm talking 80's TVs, too. You have no idea how different it was then. The NBA Finals was put on after the 11'O'Clock News and reruns of Green Acres! The NBA Finals was not even shown live... then Bird/Magic saved the league, helped make it the force it is today. Just little history there. Enjoyed your video, will check back on you. If you would like to know about players from the 70-80-early 90 NBA let me know who you're interested in and I can probably give you a little history about them. I have played and watched ball till 95, then slacked off. I still know history, though. Would be glad to help if I can. You seem to be a decent young man. - Subscribed ( for now, will see how you're doing. Keep up your interest in learning about the past. It'll motivate you. God bless you, hope you do well. )
For some more great clips, check out "Larry Bird - 50 Amazing Assists": th-cam.com/video/baBdnA7cui0/w-d-xo.html And there's another great video about the '86 Celtics who many consider to be the greatest passing team ever. That was one of the best teams in NBA history - they had offense, defense, a deep bench, they could run they could play half court, they had the best front court in history (Bird, McHale, Parish with Bill Walton coming off the bench). th-cam.com/video/O4Td5QRfzj4/w-d-xo.html
The best way to describe Larry Bird was summed up by Laker coach Pat Riley he said "If I need a shot to win the game I would choose Michael Jordan, If I needed a shot to save my life I would choose Larry Bird" Larry was by far the most clutch player in NBA history
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So very true, I was saying the same thing in my comment. You were first with it, sorry, I didn't read the comments before making mine, but I couldn't agree more, he had ice water in his blood system, stupid amount of confidence, his teammates say that of him, love the quote, Bird : "you want to win the game ,( I cant remember the player that said it) but he said yeah, Bird then said, " give me the ball and everyone else get out of the way" . Then he came through
Your comment at the end... Being a 1 team player , winning titles ,retiring and becoming a HOF'er.... Love it. Something that never happens now.. Players these days just trying to be in super teams and not doing the work and building towards a championship.
Great vid mate!
Thanks bro❤️
Larry is 6'9. On the night of his retirement there was no game, stadium sold out for him alone. Him and Magic were and still are good friends. Larry won the shootout 3 years running
It's great to see young men appreciate the genius of Larry Bird and players of the '70's and '80's. I actually saw him play, and it was nothing short of spectacular. Top 5 all time. Subbed! :)
Thanks 🔥
best era of NBA, I miss it.
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Basket brawl at its finest
Nope ots not wilt Russell is the best era of basketball
Perhaps the toughest NBA player and best trash talker ever!
I'm a Celtics fan from back in the day. This video doesn't even scratch the surface of what Bird was all about. Keep digging into videos about him. All the great players of his day are on video talking about him, telling stories about him. He was not just a great trash talker, he was a LEGENDARY trash talker, most of it hilarious. He would tell his defender what he was going to do to him, then do it. When the game was on the line in the last seconds, he would tell the opposing team the play they were going to run to win the game, then do it. When he mowed down the Atlanta Hawks for 60 points, he was coming up the court, calling every shot, or saying "Where do you want the next one?". He used to routinely trash talk COACHES. Check it out.
As for his play making, he would do something almost every game that would you make you shake your head in disbelief. I'm not exaggerating. I know I'll never see another athlete or competitor like him again.
Wow
Word.
Same thing Magic said at his retirement celebration. He said that Bird said there will be another Larry Bird ,Magic said , "there will never, ever ever be another Larry Bird". Magic is right and so are you, sir.. ..
@@randycrocker9459 I know this much. There will never be another white american player even close to Bird
There's a bunch of candidates for GOAT but there is only one Legend.
Like Stephen Smith said, "Bird is a bad somebody"....and "Larry Bird is the truth"
No dude, there are thousands of regular players, then there are some great players, then there are few legends, and then very few true legends, and then there he is, Larry Bird with lacking physical abilities, he made it up with heart, determination, pride, glory, practice, understanding, believing, everything that makes a champion among champions or greatest among legends, Larry Bird thought us the most valuable thing, for every play, every minute, every second, you don’t quit until everything inside your bones and dna says, it’s time.
@@ajstyles5704 mr.styles your analogy is the best I think I've ever seen to accurately describe Larry Bird, I mean u absolutely nailed it. Frickin outstanding job sir. Are u a sports journalist? If not, maybe you should consider a career change.. absolutely outstanding work
"MAGIC and BIRD" was the greatest NBA basketball era ever....... !
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1982-1998 was the greatest period to be a basketball fan. Basically the 80s & 90s.
Larry Bird was the best ever
@@rickcarlson7543 Magic was, ask Larry he'll tell you straight up .... !
The 80's was the best era. Guys had to go inside in those years. They played the game inside out as opposed to outside in these days. Teams had centers back in the day.
He’s the best all-around player of all time. Nobody was as great at as many facets of the game as Bird
Jerry West who was all world himself said that Birds about as close to perfect as you can get in every aspect of the game . Danny Ainge said he had just a different level of confidence, he felt that in clutch time, if he could get a shot , it was going in, NBA best ever clutch player, when his team needed it the most is when he was at his best. Over 70% in clutch time, nobody else is even ckise to that. He would tell his teammates, o want to win the game, just give me the ball and get out of the way. Then he would come through, what are you going to say....GOAT
@@randycrocker9459 my favorite Bird story is when he told everyone, the day before a game, he was gonna play it left handed. He does it the next day scoring 27 of his 47 points left handed. I’ve never heard a story about LBJ or MJ telling everyone they were going to use their off hand the day before a game, then putting up those numbers doing it. He did it against NBA players! Bird was unreal
@@MrTacos33 Mr
. Hartman you are 100% right, Birds quote that just dribbling and shooting was not it anymore ,like a gymnast, I go for degree of difficulty. Danny Ainge said he would ask the opposing teams ballboy what the record was in this building because he needed things like that to motivate him. When your so good that playing against the best in the world isn't challenging to you, that's good, that's Larry Legend
@@randycrocker9459 70 thats LOW ?
@@kristalmacleod3215 it may be, I read where at the end of the quarter or half included with needing a basket in the final seconds of a game or in overtime that he was over 70% Any other player would be very, very happy to have that kind of clutch shooting percentage. The more important it was, the deadlier he was, he talks about a missed shot against the Lakers that gave them a championship, that he felt/thought it should have gone in and that was years later. That would have made his 4th champioship, up from 3 and dropped Magics to 4 instead of 5 and made it 2 to 1 over the Lakers instead of 1 to 2 . Like having 11 strikes when bowling and you bury your ball in the pocket, after the pins quit flying, the fu-kin 5 pin is still standing. You never forget it, especially when it's happened twice. A 299 not 300 Bird will never forget that shot
Good point. You can’t really understand Bird without understanding Magic. You can’t understand Magic without understanding Bird. They are tied by the universe. Each an individual, but each incomplete without the other.
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What a GREAT way to say it.👍
I had to come back and watch this again. Your reaction to this was so great, I had to watch it again. ✌❤
Thanks bro🔥
@@teezy6256 👍👍👍
I was blessed to be brought up during this era of NBA. Today's game doesn't compare.
the sad part is the 80s and the 90s was the golden age of Basketball. Every team was competitive, every ball played to the end. Players played for money and pride back then, and I don't feel that right now from the new players. This is why I love to see young people seen the BEST player who ever grazed the NBA.
Great reaction! I’ve been a fan of Larry Legend since the early 90s at the tail end of his career. I always enjoy seeing younger fans appreciate the talent of the birdman, he really was something else. This guy played against some of the greatest of all time including Jordan and even with two busted Achilles’ tendons and a crippled back he still found a way to win.
Love from Australia bro
Thank you❤️
You need to react to "A courtship of rivals." Larry and Magic first went head to head in college. Then they went on to save the NBA from extinction. Their lives and careers became so connected that they received lifetime achievement awards in a dual ceremony on a night the NBA had no games scheduled. There was even a Broadway play about them called "Magic Bird" It's a special friendship and an awesome documentary.
I'm 50 now and was a teenager during the Celtics vs Lakers rivalry. That was the greatest era in the NBA in my opinion.
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I think Kareem said it best "Bird might have been the best player I ever played against, he was always a few steps ahead and in the right place at the right time" NBA has another great vid of him you should check out "Bird's best 50 assists" 🔥
Gotchu💯🔥
Great reaction vid to the Legend! Magic said LJB was so good it was frightening. Larry kept Magic up at night. You should see how some of the real greats talk about Larry Joe Bird. And you should look into the Magic and Larry relationship. It went BROADWAY its such a good story.
Thanks, and alright bet🔥
I was in Boston for game 7 in 84. Sitting 8 rows behind the Lakers bench. We never sat down...what a great game. So loud ears were ringing for hours. partied in Boston pubs till morning. what a memory!
Wow👏🏾🔥
It was a different time, man. So many legends and battles. Bird, Johnson, Jordan, all of them. I really miss those days. My favorite quote was about the rivalry between Johnson and Bird. Completely different backgrounds, but they had the same work ethic and belief system regarding hard work. That's why they were both champions.
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Bird was the first ever in the 50/40/90 club. 50% from the field, 40% from 3s and 90% free throws. One of 3 guys to win league MVP 3 years in a row.
Damn🔥
How about this Bird stat!
From his rookie season in 1980 through his injury shortened 1989 season Larry Bird received 67% of all possible MVP votes. Of every MVP vote cast 1980-89 67% of them were for Bird! Between 81-88 he never fished lower the 2nd in the MVP balloting finishing : 2nd, 2nd,2nd, 1st,1st,1st, 2nd, 2nd! LEGEND
Legend😤🙌🏾
Hey Thony, I knew subscribin to your channel was gonna be good. I seen this Bird mix a lot of times, but your reaction made it even better. You posted up another good one, man. MERRY CHRISTMAS, THONY. PEACE BE WITH YOU, TILL I CATCH YOU NEXT TIME.
Hahaha, thanks bro, Merry Christmas ❤️
Larry's downfall was how hard he played-it took it's toll on his body. I had the privilege of watching Larry and Magic in both college and the NBA.
Wow🔥
Larry Bird won 3 straight NBA MVP awards. He would tell opponents what he was going to do and dare them to stop him. He injured his shooting hand after graduating from Indiana State and he said that the injury made him a less accurate shooter. Let that sink in.
Savage
If that doesn't blow your mind, maybe this will: Larry finished 2nd in league MVP voting for 3 consecutive years before winning it for 3 straight years. He was in the top 5 vote-getters 8 (not a typo) times in his 13 year career.
Kid, watch what Magic Johnson said. To this day, the only white guy that was, and is, talked about in barber shops
That’s facts 😂💯
His statistics were fantastic but how many people can be as unselfish as he was and still put up those statistics? That’s a player!
Frr💯
I'm so glad to see a young guy like you appreciate Legend Larry. He was one of the greatest of all time. Best clutch shooter ever, trash talker too and always backed it up, passing abilty was ridiculous and hustled all the time. Definitely in discussion of being the GOAT
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Bird and Magic in the 80's made the NBA - it was so special to grow up during this time and to see them square off!
Boston Garden - the old one - crazy.
Legends🙌🏾🔥
That play where he made the impossible steal and assist with 2 seconds to play was game 5 of the 1987 conference finals. Bird’s prime was 83-88 so jordan was there and killing it already, but the bulls weren’t a good team until 89.
I saw that game live and it changed my life
Need to see highlights of Pistol Pete Maravich, this guy was way ahead of his time.
Bet🔥
I watch Larry Legend vids every day & STILL can’t get enough! Larry Legend IS MY TRUE GOAT 🐐!
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Thank you for the reaction and thank you for recognizing talent. There are many things we don't know. It's up to us to explore and seek out the facts.
Peace be with you young man, and good luck with your channel.
thanks ❤️❤️
Larry legend is the goat. Way better then lebron in every way except flopping and whining to the refs.
@Brian Fuller yea he forgot that lebron james is more athletic and less clutch and more of a bitch..
You don’t know Bird. Lebron is really good, more athletic than bird but bird was killer, A gene only a few has, Jordan Kobe and Bird has them genes
@@hansolomon7838 lol @ really good. Really good at missing free throws and crying like a bitch.
@Brian Fuller different era's and I'm not picking one over the other but if LeBron had half of Bird's toughness he might have already passed Jordan in Rings.
@Brian Fuller you not from Ohio are ya?
Great video. Man! I really enjoyed that. I'm 43 and grew up watching Magic vs Bird. I don't think I realized the impact those two players had in the game. You're right that it's not the same and something is missing in todays game. It's more about the markets now.
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Feel sorry for the younger generation to never got to experience the real NBA.. These dudes hustled and played defense
I love Bird. He's my favorite player. His attitude and humble beginnings makes it easy for me to relate to him. Keep up the good work. Glad I found your channel.
What you don't see is a tough competitor through through all four quarters of a game. There was not let up, and Bird lifted his teammates to this same level of competition.
Legend🙌🏾🔥🔥🔥
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson saved the NBA back then, it wasnt for those two basketball wouldnt be what it is today
Oh and fun fact, Larry Bird injured his right hand very early in his career, he said that his shooting was never as good as it was before the injury, imagine if he never injured himself xD
This was about the best era for basket ball ever, they played hard and the talent was all over the place.
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He won COTY, executive of the year, MVP, and FMVP. Arguably highest BBIQ in the history of the game. Can't jump as high or run as fast but he kicked everybody's ass, including young MJ.
Facts💯💯
You sir are a great commentator. I watched this same video commentated by a young man your age and all he did was trash talk Bird and Magic. He said they were not good and didn't know what all the fuss was about. Said Larry might be lucky to get 6 points a game now. So disrespectful. You were a joy to watch and I love how you appreciated them and their era.
Thanks bro🙏🏾❤️
That kid was a fool and ignorant.
Larry would average 40 today
Loved your reaction. A must see is the 1992 Dream Team documentary. Last time Larry and Magic played.
When he played, he was all basketball. Red Auerbach said he was the most self motivated player he had ever seen and he coached "Hondo" Havlicek who had a motor like nobody had , except for maybe Wilt Chamberlain who played 48 minutes a game for the whole season.(that's frickin amazing.). But Bird demanded the ball when his team needed a last second basket to win the game. He was over 70% in clutch situations. Pat Riley said if he needed someone to make a shot to win the game, he would want Jordan to shoot it , if my life depended on it, I'd want Bird. That's why they call him Larry Legend, listen to the other greats from his era and every single one say the same thing. He talked trash constantly ,but he backed it up. Cooper from the Lakers said he was the best , he was / is known as one of the greatest defensive players of all time. Magic said Bird was the only player he feared,he said Birds so good its frightening, Jordan told people that he picked Bird in his starting top 5 of all time and they questioned him, Jordan said you guys just don't get it "Birds the best SF to ever play the game" Kareem said Bird was the best he ever played against, chubby white guy wore us out, the muscle between his ears was superior, every second of the 48 minutes, he knew the best place to be to help his team. Dr. J said hes a basketball genius. Woolridge said, heres a white guy on the floor with a bunch of black guys talking trash, then he said , hey the boys bad, what you gonna say. Ewing said he demolishes every body he's doing it to the best defenders in the league. The Hick from French Lick.....Larry Legend, when other Legends of the game say it for you, that's saying something....
He’s one of the greatest fasho 🔥
@@teezy6256 if he had Lebrons freakish physical ability, there would be claims that he was an alien. Lebron has been healthy it seems like forever, God bless him, i certainly don't wish him injury I know he takes care of himself and ( I don't want to jinx him so I gotta put monkey dust on this) (monkey dust) but he's like the Energizer bunny. He just keeps going and going and doesn't seem to be slowing down. He might play till he is 50
Larry Legend! He played before my time as well but thank God for highlight videos, and for games that include legends like him! My first exposure to Larry Legend was NBA Street Vol. 2 (Highly recommend that game). He's definitely my favorite "old school" player, and I really felt it when you said that he made the game look too easy. Imagine him in today's game, where there are more fouls called and it generally favors offensive players? Man, one could only imagine, lol. Great video man! You have a new sub! By the way, I would love if you reacted to my fav current/recently retired player- Andrei Kirilenko (AK47)- The dude is probably the most underrated defender of all time, broke stereotypes for white players because he was actually known for his athleticism and defense rather than being a shooter like most white players are known for (and he actually was a decent shooter too which is even crazier lol). But long story short, he's the only player in NBA history to have a 5x6 in regulation time (when you have at least 6 in 5 different categories- pts, rebs, ast, blk, stl, in one game- 14 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds, 7 blocks and 6 steals vs. the Lakers on 3rd Jan, 2006. The only other player to do it was Hakeem Olajuwon, but it was in an overtime game. He's also the only player besides Ben Wallace 6'9 or shorter to average over 3 blocks a game in 2 or more seasons, and lead the league in blocks two or more seasons as well. He's also the only SF ever to do those same things. I won't say more, just see for yourself, you'll enjoy AK47, the freak of nature! Here's one of the best highlight videos of him: Please make a reaction! Thanks bro, take care! th-cam.com/video/E50MCQs2xPM/w-d-xo.html
great reaction. good stuff young man
Thanks bro❤️
I saw him during his college career at Indiana State...so much fun to watch. You enjoyed every second. He was also a team player that complemented others on the court and highlighted their strengths. He knew every aspect of the court and if another player was on the court, you better be ready for the ball at all times. So glad to see young people look for past wonderful players
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You don’t know what you missed growing up watching this NBA era...Lakers/Celtics rivalry was insane
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For those that think Larry Bird was not as good as he really was. This comment is for those whom never had the chance to see him play.
Little know thing about Larry to those that never saw him play , he could effect the outcome of a game and never take a shot thats how devastating his passing skills were. Here is one thing that most fans (people) either don't know or try to ignore, prior to Larry joining the NBA there was no such thing as a three point line, that came in when Bird was starting his first year off in his NBA career. Just think about what would todays game be without the three point line or if the line was one foot farther out like it was when it was first introduced. Food for thought.
At that time it was not about the individuals stats it was about the win. But if you need some stats here you go:
Here are some of Larry Bird's notable career achievements and statistics:
Three-time NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986); Two-time NBA Finals MVP (1984, 1986); Three-time NBA MVP (1984-86); 12-time NBA All-Star (1980-88, 1990-92); Nine-time All-NBA First Team (1980-88);
All-NBA Second Team (1990); Three-time All-NBA Defensive Second Team (1982-84); NBA Rookie of the Year (1980); NBA All-Rookie Team (1980); Three-time NBA Three-Point Contest champion (1986-88);
Career-high in points: 60 (March 12, 1985) -- tied for franchise record with Jayson Tatum; Named NBA Coach of the Year (1998); and Named NBA Executive of the Year (2012).
Larry Bird, was the first player to accomplish the 50-40-90 achievement, and one of two players to achieve the feat in multiple seasons.
Career averages:
24.3 points per game
10.0 rebounds per game
6.3 assists per game
88.6% free throw percentage
49.6% field goal percentage
37.6% 3-point percentage
Now we can't forget that Bird famously played with two injured ankles and a notoriously cranky back that forced him to lay down on the floor during practice breaks. After season-ending foot surgery just six games into the 1988-89 season
Great video Thony! Larry would adapt so well to today's game. I wanted to point out also that if Larry Bird grew up with the 3 point line, his 3pt shooting % would have been even higher. This guy was shooting bombs when there were no 3 point line. 3 point line was created in his rookie year.
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What magic said to larry a friend forever
That was so good.
🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀.
Even Michael Jordan said Larry was the best trash talker of all time
Legend 😂❤️
Great commentary, Thony. It is wonderful to see young men like yourself appreciate THE game, regardless of the age it was played in.
Thank you💯
Love to see Young generation react to Larry Legend! He was great! Thx to react so sincerely bro
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The Bird Johnson rivalry started in the 1979 NCAA finals.
He was the truth before the truth was the truth, PERIOD
You might want to watch the "Iceman" George Gervin, he was a scoring machine he would weave his arms between double teams and after you close your jaw because you can't believe what u saw and u wonder," how the hell" he do that. He made a commercial with a bunch of newer Spurs players( at that time) and they were set In a barber shop and they were talking about how he8 could finger roll a shot going in the lane (Iceman was known for his like of the herb that's superb) and Ice replies ,oh yeah, I could finger roll and all the guys just bust out laughing. It was so natural, it had to be unplanned, because he could finger roll both ways and it was well known, check out the commercial, it was spontaneous combustion laughter, but the man was magic with a soft touch on the ball.
He played against the greatest and frequently came out on top
Legend
GOAT candidate for sure
Fashooo💯
he broke a knuckle on one of his fingers before starting NBA career, it effected his shooting skill.
Damnn😳
he publicly announced that he will play the game left handed...and he did it...successfully
if this is not the epitomy of basketball badass then i dont know what is
Legend 😤
Great reaction. And there are videos of him taunting MJ. In this one after Magic gave him the jersey at the end, Magic took hid jersey off and had a Celtics jersey under it. Straight up respect and love.
Thanks❤️
Magic Johnson. "To the greatest basketball player ever!"
6:9 and the game he played 3 quarters left hand Kersey was guarding him. McHale was coming off the bench. Bird scored 6 straight and McHale hollered at Kersey(hey wait till he starts playing with his right hand)
Wow 🔥
Bird and Magic saved the NBA. Were it not for this rivalry, you wouldn't have had Jordan, KD, Lebron, etc.. I remember James Worthy said, "Jordan made you look slow, but Bird made you look stupid"
“If I had to choose a player to take a final shot to win a game I'd choose (Michael) Jordan, but if I could pick one to shoot to save my life I would pick Bird.” Pat Riley
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You are a cool dude that wants to know the history as well as the present NBA. Hats off and keep watching and posting these videos
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Dude you have no idea how much better the NBA was to watch in the 80's and 90's.
Damn
He and Magic were both 6' 9"!!
Wow, magic is taller than I thought
Larry Bird is the greatest... You need to watch his passing video and his trash talking video. Best IQ ever just wonderful to watch it's what the NBA is missing now.
I’ve watched all of that😂 check out my basketball reaction playlist 🔥
No, this was when Michael Jordan played, but he had no chances back then as the Pistons, Pacers, and Celtics were the dominant forces. Hence why he got all his championships in the 90s when Bird was about to retire as he did in 1992 due to back injuries that never went away and Magic was tested positive for HIV and stopped playing, came back later in '95/'96 but was only a shadow of his past self - played only 4 games, but still averaged 15 pts in those 4. Jordan came in to the league in 1984, Bird and Johnson both came in 1979. Jordan's first title was in 1991 against Magic's Lakers. It took Bulls a while to form a great team around MJ and they've ultimately done so. Small fun fact: Jordan made Bulls instantly better starting from his rookie season, the bulls were always a playoff team, despite being defeated in the first round, or the second.
Interesting
@@teezy6256 and so true but Bird took the Celtics from last to first his rookie year improving their record by 32 games. He was the only addition to the team that year. Thats how good Bird was in just his rookie year
Bird was so good that night against Atlanta that the Hawks players were giving each other high fives
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I saw him play and I’ve got to agree with you BIRD was definitely LIT 🔥.
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Bird and Magic arguably, saved the NBA. They never took a night off and won championships by playing the smart game of getting the ball to the teammate with the best chance of scoring.
A reaction to Magic, Dominique Wilkins, Kareem... You can't miss.
You are so lucky to have You Tube. I sure wish I could go back to see Baylor, Robertson, Russell, Wilt...
Lookin forward to your next reaction vid.
Gotchu🔥
The rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson is what built the NBA. When they arrived to the league the NBA was at its last legs, close to bankruptcy. Nobody cared about it. Just a handful of years after they entered the league, the NBA had become an multi-billion dollar juggernaut.
Today's players led by Lebron James are great basketball players, perhaps even better than the old guard, but their divisive "woke" politics and greater loyalty to the Chinese market than the American market has turned off probably as much as half the US fan base from the NBA. It's a shame. It's so much easier to destroy than to build.
Legends 🙌🏾💯
Great video! Bird is my all-time favorite NBA player!
Thanks 🔥
Top 5 all time.. Best clutch shooter ever....
Think about this. Larry Bird took his College Team Indiana State to the NCAA Final. They were undefeated at 33 - 0! Larry Bird was the only PRO on the team! They lost to Magic Johnson and Michigan State! Larry played all 40 minutes had 19 points and 13 rebounds 5 steals and 2 assists! He is incredible!
Wow, I ain't even know that 😳🙌🏾🔥🔥
Nice job here.
Thanks ❤️
If you want the full of effect of how good Larry Bird was, find the full game of his 60 points vs the Atlanta Hawks.
th-cam.com/video/5l7GKK7pYoU/w-d-xo.html
There is a "making the case for Larry Bird as the GOAT video. You really need to see it. Without Larry and Magic rivalry there would not be an NBA. Larry the Legend was the greatest clutch shooter of all time. It doesn't hurt that he would tell what he was going to do to other team members BEFORE the shot and dare them to stop him. This sells tickets and the Legend's Celtics and the Magic's Hollywood Lakers rivalry was epic. You need to see it to believe it. At Larry's retirement Magic spoke that "there will never, never, EVER be another Larry Bird and gave him a signed Jersey. Best regards to your success.
th-cam.com/video/E-tPbon1L-I/w-d-xo.html
Larry, Robert and Kevin with D.J. and Nate "Tiny". The real Dream team.
@@mezzb No, Dennis Johnson replaced Nate Archibald in the 1983-84 season.
I'm a Lakers fan and was a kid who grew up watching basketball in the 80's. How good was Larry Bird? He won 3 straight MVP's in the NBA, when Jordan, Magic, and Isiah Thomas were in the NBA.
Damnn
5:35 that’s how he’s different than Luka
Your comment about Kevin Durant is accurate Durant has said one of his favorite players was Larry Bird
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Larry is among the best.
Facts 💯
Larry Legend was a different breed of a beast
I can tell 💯
Kevin is a good comparison but you would have to give Kevin way more bb iq. Larry bird was the smartest player to ever play. The respect he gets from og basketball greats prove he is top 8 ever
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Back when basketball was worth watching
#1 Jordan, #2 Kareem, #3 Wilt, #4 Bird, #5 B.Russell, #6 Kobe, #7 Magic, #8 Olajuwon, #9 T.Duncan, #10 Shaq But Bird is the only player who could beat ANY player ANY TIME!
Interesting
tzgang💯💉
Gang😈❤️
Bird was 6'9 and moved like he was 5'9.
Legend💯😂😂😂
Larry Legend❤
Facts 💯🙌🏾
Bird hands down is the goat
Legend 😤💯
Not only did he play Fast he played three steps ahead of everybody
Legend🙌🏾❤️
Mvp ‘84, ‘85 & ‘86. Put his first 9 seasons up against anyone and they stack up.
Thorny
Do yourself a favor, if you're a real basketball fan, watch the series, any series between the Lakers and Celtics in the 80s to see hard core playground intensity level ball playing. The electricity could be felt thru the TV!! I'm talking 80's TVs, too. You have no idea how different it was then. The NBA Finals was put on after the 11'O'Clock News and reruns of Green Acres! The NBA Finals was not even shown live... then Bird/Magic saved the league, helped make it the force it is today. Just little history there. Enjoyed your video, will check back on you. If you would like to know about players from the 70-80-early 90 NBA let me know who you're interested in and I can probably give you a little history about them. I have played and watched ball till 95, then slacked off. I still know history, though. Would be glad to help if I can. You seem to be a decent young man. - Subscribed ( for now, will see how you're doing. Keep up your interest in learning about the past. It'll motivate you. God bless you, hope you do well. )
Thanks 🔥
Here for the #tzgang
On family 🤞🏾❤️
For some more great clips, check out "Larry Bird - 50 Amazing Assists": th-cam.com/video/baBdnA7cui0/w-d-xo.html
And there's another great video about the '86 Celtics who many consider to be the greatest passing team ever. That was one of the best teams in NBA history - they had offense, defense, a deep bench, they could run they could play half court, they had the best front court in history (Bird, McHale, Parish with Bill Walton coming off the bench). th-cam.com/video/O4Td5QRfzj4/w-d-xo.html
Bet🔥🔥
Good job T !