I really dont like how your talking as if Bird didnt literally have 4-5 Allstars on his team at the same time.. Celtics and Lakers were super teams in the late 80's.. Larry is prob top 3 SF in history, but you tripping..
This Games which Europe Football or Basketball or any other you don't have Ranking FU stupids Watch cricket they have Ranking and there's no debate who is best and whose not stupid bullshit you guys talk
@@Peace-zh2bt LOL.. "watch cricket" 🤣🤣🤣.. Idk if you can just scream that out like you did.. Its like yelling "Watch Water Polo" to people that live in the desert.
you guys miss key issue here. That is nothing to do with MJ or Pippen. The reason bulls lost because they had bad coach in doug collins. His job is let mj do what ever. This is only reason Bulls did not beat Pistons or Boston celtics, No one understand this. You need many pieces for championship team or even winning against good team. Doug collins was bland
In 1987 I met him by accident. My friends and I went to a game in the garden. We showed up 3 hours early out of excitement for the Celtics. There was a shoot around warmup. Someone from the garden staff said"Hey guys go down and have fun." Well halfway through our 6th game of horse my friends looked at me like I had wasp near my head. What's going on? I turned around it was Larry Bird. "Hey kid good arc release but you aim with your two big fingers like a slingshot." Then from half court he hits a no rim shot. He played with us for an hour and a half. Signed 6 basketballs and pointed to us when he was near us during the game. I still have that basketball to this day. I met my hero and he was everything I thought he was.I had to give it. He was everything your hero meets. Thank you Larry Bird.
My Dad was stationed at Ft Devens, in Ayer, my little brother was born in Shirley. That was when Shirley was not much more than a large size family. LOL The only thing I was good at and put much effort into was Basketball. I made white people look ethnic because I was so light-skinned. My family was Scottish-Irish and we were pretty hard-headed, this wasn't helped by the fact that every 8 months or a year, we moved to a new State, a new school, new friends.... etc, etc, etc. God, that got so old, so quickly. All me and my older brother knew was that we had to fight a new group of kids, that seemed to hate us. It was tough! I played sports and I played them with no thought of anything else. Didn't care...I had nothing else. Then we moved to Tucson, my Dad was doing military security for Ft Huachuca, Az, which was Air Force not Army. That's when I realized I didn't know my Dad as well as I thought I did. My freshman and sophomore years was when I finally realized, I'm playing basketball and others were playing a different game. I had a 42 inch vertical and would tip in every rebound or loose ball. My JV basketball Coach found me playing volleyball and said, would I like to play basketball. I had no idea that I really never understood the game of basketball...until Coach Curtis. Tucson, was the first time I found myself and I had 3 incredible friends and for the first time I understood that no matter how good or even great your talent is, you are not going to make it without, friends. The greatest lesson I've ever learned. Boy, I miss my Dad. I can't ACE your Larry Bird cos he's my favorite athlete of 3, but I went to Pete Maravich's Atlanta Hawks training camp when I was a teenager and I'm not sure that it gets any better. Enjoyed your comment and what a great memory, that will only become more important as time goes by. Take care.
@@pistolp01 Thank you for sharing your very heartfelt message. You're a good man and I know your Dad was (and is) proud of you. That had to have been cool to hang with the Pistol. He was amazing. God Bless you and take care.
He was not better than Jordan, quit it, they always seem to find clips of black players giving Bird compliments but never show the hundreds of black players who said that Jordan was the greatest player of all time and Bird couldn't touch him. Bird is ranked 36thin scoring 45th in scoring and a embarrassing 62th in rebounding so quit it!
Yes, this was before Steinbrenner ruined all professional sports by buying teams instead of building them. Now, as with everything nobody has a reason to care enough to play let alone teams of them.
I think the League is still Magical, but the level of competition is soooo much better!!! They’re are too many killers in the league & they play much better defense now because they can’t hand check anymore. I’ve never seen a league with soooooo many elite players. Even football is the same way now. Stacked with incredibly evolved players!
@@WAR4Prez But, you see, that's the problem. There's an old saying: Too many cooks spoil the broth. In the era of choices, we have too many good ones. The resulting product has nothing special about it. Imagine competing stores that all have the same products. Being special is the result of disparity...NOT equality. The same thing happened to basketball that happened to television: those special, better programs we loved when there were three broadcast stations got watered down by an opened faucet of programming and eventual online streaming. Sports as entertainment has become a beach full of golden sand. Sounds pretty good...until you live there long enough.
In 1974 Larry Bird was my P.E assistant when I was in the 8th grade and he was a senior at Springs Valley High School. At the beginning of each P.E. class we always ran 10 warmup laps around the gym. One day, a trampoline was set up on the basketball court and there was Larry Bird bouncing on it. As the whistle blew and we reluctantly lined up to run our laps, our teacher (who was also Larry's basketball coach) blew his whistle, and said "Larry is going to take 10 shots while jumping on the trampoline. If Larry makes any shots, each one made will delete a lap that you must run." Coach threw the ball to Larry and right there in front of me and the entire boys Jr. High P.E. class, Larry proceeded to hit 7 out of 10 shots while bouncing up and down on the trampoline, 35 feet away from the goal. Larry set an incredible example for me as a young boy in French Lick, Indiana that helped me through my entire adult career. If you are willing to work very hard and never give up, your dreams can and will come true. Thank you Larry.
@@caseyguidry5012 Thank you. Yes, a few times! I was interviewed earlier this year by a Dr/Professor/Author who is writing a book about Larry Bird's 4 years of high school basketball at Springs Valley. I think Bird fans are going to really enjoy this book. It's not just about Larry but what made Larry become so unique. Interviews with teammates, coaches, even former players that played against Larry, who had some unique encounters with Larry. The author is Randy Mills and the title as of now is "As If By Magic". My first impression to the title was Magic Johnson, but it comes from Larrys high school days and the moment Larry went from being a decent player and then, "As If By Magic" it was like a magic wand was waved over Larry. He grew 6 inches between his Jr. and Sr. year, his scoring average doubled, his passing, rebounding, passing, Everything dramatically changed. I can not tell you how many times I watched Larry grab a defensive rebound while guard "Beezer" Carnes would already be on his way to the offensive goal, Larry would throw the ball as if it were a baseball, it would hit "Beezer" in the numbers and many times he wouldn't have to take a single dribble, he would catch and lay it in. Amazing. The book is scheduled for release sometime in 2024.
As a young man I HATED Boston, specifically Bird and McHale. I could not figure out how 2 slow dudes always beat my team. Now that I am much older, I see how they did it, teamwork and fundamentally sound basketball. Now Bird (clutch shooting) and McHale (inside play) are 2 of my all time favorites.
I hear ya...I was a long time Laker fan and was so excited when the "showtime" Lakers arrived. But the Celtics held them in check much of the time and I have to say it was because of Bird...how he was able to affect the whole game and even all his teammates. When you compare the showtime Lakers vs Birds Celtics one on one, I mean Parrish and Mchale vs Worthy and Jabbar it looks like the Lakers should have run away with the decade, but they didn't. And Boston could have never done it, matched them up, with anyone else but Larry.
@@Marta_Lledo_Video_Channel - Amen. If memory serves me right I think Birds arrival marked one of the greatest team turnarounds (Lottery vs. Champion). I love what Riley said, to paraphrase - I'd would have Jordan take the game winning shot. I would have Bird take the shot that saves my life.
@@artofsoul I am 70 years old and loved basketball very early on. I remember watching Wilt in Philly vs Bill. I remember Jerry West joining Elgin as a rookie in LA. & Kareem (Lew Alcindor then) joining Oscar...so I have seen a whole lot of it. Wilt was by far the best individual player the NBA has ever seen. The record book looks like his mom wrote it! For individual accomplishments, nobody else comes close. Of the 43 times 63 points has been scored in an NBA game by one person, Elgin and Michael have done it 3 times...Wilt 23 times! But the proverbial G.O.A.T., that has to go to Bird. Nobody ever lifted his players abilities up like Larry. Nobody ever sealed the game with the last shot as often and as predictable as Larry. Not very many at all had that complete game as Bird did, not just scoring but rebounds, assists and some of the best passing basketball has ever seen. As a Laker fan, I remember Jerry West given the title Mr. Clutch, but I believe that title belongs to Larry now. Even Jerry West called Bird the closest player he had ever seen to complete perfection!
Michael Cooper is one of the all time great defensive players and he stated it perfectly. You not only had to worry about Bird scoring from the low, mid and high post when he had the ball but also him setting picks, passing and he was one of the best offensive rebounders.
One of my all time favorite memories of Michael Cooper is when Larry got the ball to take it out, Cooper was behind Bird trying to get in bounds to Gard him, Larry slightly bent over and "Butt checked" Cooper. When the Camera came back on Cooper, his feet were up in the air as he lay on the floor from being "checked"from Bird causing him to trip over the photographers lined up on the floor. Cooper was an awesome defender.
Larry Bird faced the toughest era of basketball against arguably the best talent in the nba against legendary teams and dominated....no doubt Larry Bird is one if not the greatest players ever....mad respect
@@markboyd1080 maybe once pippen and rodman got there,,,before that he was swept twice by boston in the first round,and if you go by titles then i will say bill russell then,but no dout jordan is up there for sure but he didnt make a huge impact on the league like magic and bid did in his first year in the nba
Getting operated for bone spurs is the stupidest thing you can do. Well you should have done was gone for ultrasonic shock therapy on his feet with laser therapy.
Keep in mind Bird played his entire career with disjointed index finger on his shooting hand. He was the smartest, most talented, trash talking stud on the floor. There will never be another. He was magical.
Ok but keep in mind that all his assist is because of his teammates being able to knock down the shots he gave them. If Jordan ever passes the ball other then to Pippen then they wouldn’t score so yea Jordan is the most talented not bird
@@jermyskith6471What kind of excuse can you manage to overcome the difference in rebounds? Yeah, there's probably ten thousand guys that could dunk better than Larry. None of them would out hustle or out think him though.
@@jermyskith6471 Absolutely BIRD played pretty much his whole career without a real center, chicago would not have even faced the celtics without MJ , bird had a serious supporting cast, Perish , Mchale danny , dennis that was a super team just like Magic who had help would beat the celtics, so it was MJ against Birds celtics
@@jermyskith6471Bird would trash talk about his own shooting against guys guarding him. He would tell them exactly what he was going to do and he did it. Don't try to take away Bird's talents because you can't.
I'm an old school street baller from way back. Love those Celtic teams. Also a huge Jordan fan. Larry's work ethic was beyond approach. As well as his Humor, Ability, and Comradery with his teammates.
@@BaileywanderingJordan was infamous for bullying his teammates as well is rival players. Jordan punched Steve Kerr. You won’t more mild mannered respectful guy than Kerr. Jordan threatened Bull Cartwright, Longley, and Bill Wennington among others with violence. Every Bull that has ever played with Jordan has a story about Jordan’s verbal abuse, hucking balls at their head, his tirades, and/or all the personal ridicule they had to endure. There is a book written about largely this with players’ testaments to Jordan’s physical and verbal abuse littering the entire book. It’s hardly a secret. Even Jordan himself doesn’t deny it. This isn’t a debate bc no one is arguing against this reality, save you. Anyone w a modicum of knowledge of Jordan knows this to be true. This isn’t the hill you want to die on. And this notion that you need to personally know someone to form an opinion of them means we’ll have to throw out quite a lot. History for starters. Because no historian ever knew Napoleon, Caesar, Genghis Kahn, Nero, Alexander the Great or anyone else throughout history. So how do we know their peculiarities and personalities? Because historians read about them. The entire profession of journalism is largely dedicated to writing of people they’ve never met or asked a single question of. So put to rest this idea that valid opinions of someone can’t exist without personal knowledge. Biographies even are very often written by people who’ve never met the figure they’re writing of.
Not people that matter. Kareem and MJ both have said he was the best player they ever faced. Magic's opinion and respect for him is well known. It's not for nothing that Bird was also, after a brutal loss, openly stating that Magic was the best basketball player he's ever seen, and then the first to set the record straight on Jordan. Real ones see the real ones and the rest is noise.
@@john9718 I love Bird but let's be fair. I don't know which year you refer to without Bird in the playoffs. In such case, both Mchale and Parish are not young anymore.
how many steals did mike have? so he didnt affect the game w out the ball too? ok d riders. mj is way better than larry 1v1 larry had a better team thats why they won. years later the bulls built a solid team for jordan to use as well and they were unstoppable
LB is a true legend. MJ recognizes the LB 's greatness, with the Celtics' win on that playoffs, when MJ dropped 63 pts, it's proof enough that even the most talented player can't beat a well assembled team, and don't forget it wasn't that MJ didn't beat LB, it was that MJ didn't beat the Celtics, because MJ was almost alone against an already Champion Team.
You are a very good narrator. When there is nothing worth watching on TV, it's nice to find a great story that someone has put together for his viewers. Thank you.
I'm a Lakers fan and I'm saying this right now. Bird is one of the top 5 players of all time and is HIGHLY under rated. And while playing during the best NBA Era. Don't you forget that Bird use too tell players WHAT he was going to do. And would still scored on you.
I would hope that Pistol Pete Maravich is on that list of 5, considering he was the most TALENTED basketball player we've ever seen. Unfortunately tho, he did not have the benefit of a 3 point line until the last year of his career. But he was sinking the long balls long before that line came into play, and no one then or now, could play with the flash that Pete played with.
😂😂😂😢 y'all really delusional his ending was the beginning of the best era ... After we got the slow , white boys out the league ... I mean .. nah bro lol you had trash out there tell Showtime came never a whole team but the all-star white boys 😅 let's be real Larry trash .. McHale trash ... dangie .. trash ... None of them starting where I take anyone else but Larry no thanks
I was at Larry's first college game. In the first half he stole the ball and dribbled down the court like a guard. The other team's 7 foot center had stayed back and was ready for Bird as he drove to the basket. He went up like he was going to try to dunk and instead "no look" flipped the ball over his shoulder to Harry Morgan, the other forward. Harry slammed it home, and I turned to my roommate and said the Hick from French Lick is the real deal!! Never missed a home game after that. He was the best player I've ever seen
@@ryanmoose4948 Some people are just born douche-bags and will remain that way for the rest of their meager existence. It shouldn't bother you in the least because you're always walking on familiar ground.
I saw that game originally aired and Larry Bird put on an incredible performance i was like damn he's a shooting assassin bullseye every single time in clutch situations absolutely incredible basketball by a man well past his prime and played against prime Jordan like he was still in his prime! #LegendaryAllAroundBaller
My thoughts exactly. You want to see someone admit a true rival, MJ just showed us what that looks like. When you're forced to say he stopped you from victory; that's the peak of admission to a competitor.
I was a Lakers fan growing up, hated the Celtics. But now that I’m older, I can’t help, but admire and respect how Larry Bird played the game. They don’t make players like him anymore! I miss those days!
@@mH8675309..Many reasons to elevate Bird, but I agree 100% that his ability to see the whole court knowing where everyone was was his biggest asset.. That ability proves in every great player to be the biggest advantage..
"If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game I'd choose Michael Jordan; If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life... I'd take Larry Bird." -Pat Riley this quote is worth subscribing!
Personally i feel it's a stupid quote. If Larry is good enough to save my life he's certainly good enough to save a game. So, I'd pick Larry in both cases. In any case, both legendary players in their own right and a discussion who's best is almost always a matter of personal preference (and kinda silly) when athletes are this good.
@@chrisrootnick4438 ...Actually it's not, because those are 2 totally different situations. In a game, Jordan was better at isolation, could get to the basket at will and finish over anyone,so saving a game without needing a play run for him, Jordan was way better. In a situation where you're taking a shot to save someone's life...we're talking just shooting the basketball,not necessarily an in-game situation. Bird could out shoot Mike with his eyes closed. That's what Riley meant.
Really well researched and non biased video man, thanks for posting. I was blessed to grow up in the late 80s early nineties and see both of them in thier prime
Larry was unreal. I'll never forget that epic game at the end of his career where he made an incredible 3 pointer while being fouled to send it to OT against the Blazers. I think Magic is overlooked today as well. Magic was unreal. He was out of the league for 4 years, then comes back and was still great.
I love Larry, but the game 2 playoff game of Bulls & Celtics also shows how much Jordan carried the early Bulls team. Bird had amazing teammates; reliable and experienced that allowed Bird to perform as good as he did. Still, Bird is undoubtedly one of the greatest.
My brother this is by far the best vid on Bird I have seen. I commend you good sir. Bird is still the best I have seen play Basketball. He played the whole game with his whole heart every damn game
Pat Riley’s quote sums up Larry’s career, at least for me. "If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game, I'd choose Michael Jordan," Pat said. "If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life, I'd take Larry Bird." Watching basketball in the late 70’s and 80’s was must see TV. Love him or hate him, Bird’s game has to applauded and recognized as true Greatness. His Basketball acumen, tenacity, and sound fundamentals made him such a well rounded technician of the game. Bird, Magic and “Air” Jordan were my favorite basketball players! I miss those battles and the rivalries. Thanks for the video!
@@timothy4557 Love the misplaced nostalgic response but there are, and never will be, no words that could replicate actually watching the game......ever.
Prime Larry Bird has a genuine argument for being the GOAT. It's such a shame his Prime got cut short, however the fact he still put in a few seasons with a broken back and still was a massive problem shows how much of a legend the guy is.
You value consistency over talent when at their best? This vid doesn't make you question the level of play Jordan is not undoubtedly best. Repeat the video and listen to the argument
That first sentence makes no sense dude.... "Prime Larry Bird has a genuine argument for being the GOAT." You stupid? With that logic any player with a high peak for a few years can be included in GOAT discussions...
The Bulls vs the Celtics playoff series where MJ dropped 63 points, Bird played with 3 other Hall of Fame players (Walton, McCale and Parish) giving the Celtics 4 HOF players. The Bulls had MJ and that's it, a young MJ at that. MJ played on a Bulls team full of paper boys and grocery baggers. People can't even name someone on that Bulls roster without looking it up.
That is why Michael scored 63, no one else got to shoot the ball. Bird in his prime could do it all. Bur neither is close to the best. Chamberlain average 50 P 25 R for an entire season. End of story right there.
Thank you, that was a wonderful look at a great players career. I knew he was great, but you showed him in an even more impressive light with giants of the game.
I like both of these men. Those were some great days for basketball. I didn't even like basketball, being a football player but I got into it because of these great players.
I’m a Philly fan that grew up with the Celtics and 76ers rivalry that I miss so dearly but Larry Legend was the smartest player I’ve ever seen. We all know he wasn’t the most athletic guy we’ve seen but mentally, clutchness, play making, and shooting he’s the best ever. Nothing but respect.
Bird vs Jordan all-time: 23-11. When Bird retired, Michael Jordan said, "Good riddance Larry, I'm glad to see you go. You've ruined some of my best games."
@@miraclepie1720 Bird also said michael jordan was god disguise as basketball player. You never heard that from a player with a superior team that had a winning record against an opponent. Same talent on both teams, jordan wins.
@@rollwash4432 well if were doin imaginary situations if larry never injured his back and ankles he beats jordan, not too mention even if the teams were equal jordan needed YEARS to become an actual leader/general on the court and be more than a 1 man wrecking ball, bird walked into the nba with all those intangibles, larry brought the celtics out of ruin with himself being the only new addition to the team his rookie year, remember dj, mchale and parrish did not join the celtics until 82-83 and 83-84 seasons, larry himself made that whole team better well before the big 3 and dj.
@@roryjohnston6567 Bird called that 86 team the best team ever. How is Jordan suppose to beat that team when he don't have nobody. The Lakers and the pistons also had superior teams. What happen when the USA olympic team spank NBA allstars. He had a team then and he dominated. So don't give me this bull crapt that he wasn't ready.
Top-notch video. Early on in Jordan’s career, he was playing a Celtics team that had so much experience playing together already successfully. Jordan eventually beat out all his peers, but it’s really interesting that Jordan never “beat” Bird. Thanks for this content!
I Agee with this post. What happen when jordan had talent on the USA team playing against NBA allstars. MJ dominated. When you look at Magic, Bird, and Thomas beating michael jordan they had better teams. You give michael the same amount of talent and it's a different story. Case closed.
@@rollwash4432 🎯EXACTLY . THANK YOU ,. MAN . PUT ALL. OF THE NUTS. AND BOLTS TO. WHY MIKE. DIDN ' T BEAT. LARRY IN A SERIES .. LARRY , MAGIC AND ISIAH HAD SUPER TEAMS AND A LOT OF HELP . PEOPLE RARELY TALK ABOUT THAT , WHEN THEY TALK ABOUT WINNING . THIS GUY AND OTHER LARRY BIRD G O.A.T. CHASERS DON ' T MENTION THAT .>🎤 🏀🗑️
The entire video uses fallacies: The "Celtics" or the "Pistons" beating the "Bulls" does not mean Bird beat Jordan, or Thomas beat Jordan, those are entirely different units of measurement
@Extinguish Idiot's IF JORDAN HAD NO HELP THAT MEANS DREXLER IS BETTER THAN MJ , BECAUSE CLYDE PLAYED ALONE VS PIPPEN AND JORDAN. EITHER WAY JORDAN IS NOBODY.
I never had him in my top 10 until I did a deep dive into all of the top all time greats over the summer and he was by far the biggest surprise of all of them. I now have him at 2 behind Jordan. The only thing he lacks is athleticism but he always made up for it with discipline, quick hands and quick thinking
Really he is a Goat too. The Bulls and the Celtics in the 80s early 90s is the best rivalry in Basketball history. This was the best time in basketball history.
I agree. While he played in an era of dominant big men and he himself wasn't dominant, he didn't need to be. 3rd option, but a very good player. He had such soft hands and a VERY soft shooting touch inside about 10-12 feet, and those short rainbow jumpers rarely drew any iron. He had a pretty shot, period, and is overlooked due to the talented frontcourt overall.
Was 6 years old when Larry Bird started for the Celtics. Grew up watching him in my formative years. His greatest strength and weapon was 'his mind'. Along with his natural 'ambidexterity' (Batted lefty, threw righty). His teammates loved him because he expected them to put in the time and work he did - his opponents feared and respected him because they knew he was working on his game when they were not. He was assassin with or without a B-Ball in his hand on the court. I watched a game in the old garden back in the mid-80's with my mother (who sadly passed 10 years ago. We watched many Bird games together). They were playing the Cavaliers. For the entire first quarter, almost every offensive set - they got Bird the ball on the right side of the foul line above the 3pt line. Parish was in the post on some poor wannabe center for Cleveland. Bird made almost every interior pass by either 'spinning' the basketball with a bounce pass into the post to Parish and just 2 or 3 passes to the outside of Parish's left hand up high out of reach of the guard and the center. Bird did this to get Parish involved offensively. It was basically practice while the other 8 players just watched! LOL Cleveland couldn't stop it, took them almost into the halfway point of the 2nd quarter to make adjustments. Later in the second half when things were getting tight and the Celts fans got the 'oh sh*t' look on their faces. He took over and they won by over 20 pts. He used the first half 'for practice' for his teammates to get them reps. It was incredible to witness. Bob Ryan (famous sports reporter for the Boston Globe) said he was the 'Leonardo da Vinci' of basketball and he would take 5 Larry Birds in 1986 over any 5 Michael Jordan's in any year you chose. Red Auerbach said if he had to start a team he'd take 'Larry Bird' OVER 'Bill Russell', Russell being the greatest center and greatest winner in the history of basketball. Magic said on 'Larry Bird Night'....'Larry...there will never ever, ever, ever...ever be another Larry Bird. THEY ALL WERE RIGHT (mic drop). Not much more can be said about him on the court. He didn't play just to win, he LIVED to win and thoroughly enjoyed embarrassing his opponents while doing it. He's my GOAT no matter what the numbers or records show to any basketball fan. End of story.
I've never seen anyone take it to Horace Grant like that 4x in a row, same exact spot on the court, same exact shot, same exact result every time! Incredible! Larry Legend is my 🐐
Such a phenominal breakdown of how great both these dudes were! Its hard to find this kind of dedicated footage and analysis from anything early-90s prior so much appreciated!
MJ was 22 when Bird was 29, who already won 2 championships before MJ got in the league. MJ had a weak team throughout the 80's, but being the youngest, still managed to get those sorry jokers to the Playoff's every time, and averaged 43.7 points - 6.3 rebounds - 5.7 assists - 2.3 steals - 1.3 blocks in 1986, while Bird averaged 28.3 points - 8 rebounds - 8 assists - 1.7 steals - 1.3 blocks. However, the Celtics dynasty meant that they were stacked since 1957 (Bird only got 3 rings for them at the end 81, 84, and 86). The Bulls began their dynasty WITH MJ (the ONLY one to do it so far 91, 92, 93, 96, 97, 98). Players do not win championships, TEAMS do, but the stats show MJ affected the game vastly better than ALL of his opponents. Stats don't lie.
You could talk about stats all day. This was a great informative TH-cam video. Like everything in life, the old ones go, then the new ones come through. It’s not about stats don’t lie, or about facts don’t lie but what is the truth and the truth is Michael Jordan needed Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Isaiah Thomas, To make their way out of the league for him to start his dynasty with Phil Jackson and the bulls.
What are you talking about? When Bird joined the Celtics they were one of the worst teams in the league. His first year their record improved by 32 games. They went from 10th n the East to First.
I grew up in the 70s and 80s in Chicago, but I was a Celtics fan before Jordan signed with the Bulls. I became a Bulls fan after Bird retired. I had the privilege to watch the greatest era in basketball...it was awesome...amazing.
First of all, when Jordan got there look who Jordan had, compared to who bird had, bird had 5 HOF on that team an as far as guarding each other, bird 6/10 Jordan 6/5, an stop asking Thomas he still hasn't gotten over not being on the Olympic team so yea he gonna say bird, but ask him this did he even think about guarding Jordan, bird was great but bird is a taller Seth curry, the goat is Jordan, pippen, grant, Oakley,Paxton, tony kucko rodmen came late, y'all stop hating air is the goat, I guess flo Jo isn't the goat, nobody broke her record in the 100 meters or the 200 meters, they said Marion Jones took steroids it did not help break flo Jo record, air is the goat.
@@alltimeraiderfanwinbaby826 stop Oh you Orlando Woolridge, Ice man gervin and Charles Oakley ( top rebounder in league ) ? Secondly Chicago got to the 85 playoffs WITHOUT MJ . So your HOF argument is weak asf . Most of those players wouldn’t even be HOF if it wasn’t for Larry. Lastly Walton wasn’t a starter and barely played due to 2 bad knees . Get real making more excuses for the so called goat .
A great player on a great team. It's funny how people always say Bird wasn't as physically gifted... he had every tool except insane vertical and blazing speed. He was physically gifted in every other way and had the brains to overcome those two.
People always say Larry was slow and couldn’t jump, yet you can find video after video of Larry leading a break or making a move on a defender to drive to the basket. And for a guy who couldn’t jump, he was a rebounding machine.
Larry wasn’t as physically gifted as a lot of the other players but he was so fundamentally sound that he made up for it. Lots of players weren’t very athletic or fast but were great shooters - Larry will admit he wasn’t as athletic as Wilkins, Jordon, Irving and others. There’s nothing wrong with admitting he wasn’t as athletic, it didn’t hinder him. Why can’t you just admit it. You don’t know more than the teams he played against and the greatest athletes have flaws. 🙄
I mean by the time he retired injuries had caught up with him, I was born in '84 and I didn't start watching basketball really until the Dream Team, I never watched Prime Bird live and for years I thought he was overrated, then I got to see more tape of him. His physical skills were overlooked because his basketball IQ was off the charts.
BTW, I have Larry Bird at #3 on my all-time G.O.A.T. list behind M.J. and Kareem. I think he was an extraordinary talent who could have dominated in any era and was the best small forward ever but I also think you can praise a great player without demeaning another great payer.
“I don’t put myself above them. I think that we’re all on parallel ground here. You know, they educated me about a lot of things about the game, from a team standpoint. So I can’t put myself above. I mean, people try to, but we played in different eras. I had an opportunity to go against them, in the peak of their careers, while I was still young. And I went against them, when I was at the peak of mine, when they was on the other end. So it was a passing of trends there, and we never had the opportunity to play against each other in peak years. You know, so it’s hard to say that I’m above them, by no means. I like to consider myself parallel to them.” Michael Jordan
@marktarmannpiano No - it means he thinks in his mind he is better but most people do not feel that he is better. So, without sounding conceded even though he thinks he is, he says that they are all parallel or equal. It burns his ass that he was not better than Bird in particular.
@@backhandchop 0-6 isn't barely. Love Jordan and yes his team had problems. However MJ fans need to admit that he wasn't a team player. His method was to scream at people. Until Scottie came along most people couldn't play with him. And we all know what Scottie thinks about it now.
Watching Bird in the 80's was like watching Brady at New England. Nobody in the arena/stadium thought either was going to physically overmatch the other team, but everyone knew that at some point they would make the right plays at the right time to either win or put their team in a winning situation. And there was really nothing the other team could do about it.
The Celtics were the best franchise from 59-86. Russell and Cousy to Havlicek to Cowens to Bird 🐦 they had a dominant franchise and tradition and culture. Bird was also like Favre and Aaron Rodgers. And slowly began giving away the Celtics ☘️ mystique and charm. He was the first Celtic leader to lose to Los Angeles in a Finals. He lost Game 7's to Julius Erving where Russell had the Celtics like some ridiculous level of wins to zero losses in such games. And Havlicek and Cowens and Don Nelson helped keep that lure alive and then Bird started routinely losing to Erving in Game 7's. Bird was there to continue the wave 🌊 of Celtics ☘️ dominance but was also part of the wave that started falling on itself until it died almost completely. Hell they may have been cursed since Larry cuz what happened to his back, Len Bias and Reggie Lewis. You could say Bird was the beginning of the end for the Celtics ☘️ dominance.
Watching Bird play was amazing, Bird was able to do crazy stuff that no one before could do. Brady was never like that, Brady doesn't do anything special besides his team winning.
Larry Bird was a huge part why I love the Celtics over the L.A. Lakers during their era. And same goes with Michael Jordan to the Chicago Bulls as to every team of their era. Both legends of their time.
My dad was a Lakers fan from Texas who loved Magic Johnson, but as a very young kid, my first formative basketball memories were watching Larry torch everyone. I loved him. I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for Legend.
People say Bird didn't have physical gifts. However, he had an incredible basketball brain -- who could scan the court in microseconds and use his impeccable vision to make quality decisions. His ability to do so was second to none.
You can't do what he did without being extremely athletic. You can have all the IQ in the world, but that doesn't mean you have the athletic ability to make the shots, passes, and other types of amazing plays that Larry did.
Both Larry and MJ are absolute legends! Larry is often underrated and has a strong case for top 5 all time. Could've seriously contended for top 3 all time imo if his career was longer. Still, I can't rank him over MJ. Yes, Bird generally beat him in their head to head matchups but he also had significantly more help. McHale, Parish, DJ, and Ainge were all better than MJ's best teammate during those years (Charles Oakley). Pippen joined NBA in 88 and didn't become a star until the 90s, same with Horace Grant. In 86, MJ's starting teammates were Orlando Woolridge (good scorer but bad at everything else, never fit with MJ), Charles Oakley, Dave Corzine, and Kyle Macy & 87 was even worse (Paxson, Banks, Oakley, Corzine). MJ was also in his 2nd and 3rd seasons at this point, while Bird was in his prime. Pistons were arguably even more stacked, with possibly the deepest lineup of all time. They had 5 legitimate all-star calibre players in Thomas, Dumars, Rodman, Laimbeer, and Aguirre that all fit perfectly. Great mix of elite defense, elite rebounding, elite scoring, and elite playmaking. On top of that, they had guys like Vinnie Johnson (best 6th man in the league), Rick Mahorn (elite defender/enforcer), James Edwards (good post scorer off the bench), and John Salley (ideal backup big man). Those Pistons teams were a nightmare to play against and beat the shit outta MJ. Also, I'd ignore any comments made by IT in this video. IT and MJ despise each other, so all of his comments on this topic should be completely disregarded. He's insanely biased against MJ and refuses to give him any credit ever.
You clearly didn’t watch this video! But let’s use your same arguments! MJ had the superior teams during the 90’s, so if you can’t give Bird credit then MJ can’t get credit either. I never put MJ in my starting 5 I always had Bird instead of him. I’m a diehard Laker fan and even I know Bird was nasty on that court! Not flashy, but he had the results!
THANK YOU! I never realized how amazing Bird was until I saw him live. Larry Legend was affecting play when he didn't have the ball. Jordan was amazing every minute he had the ball but Bird was amazing every minute he was on the court.
@@mrspaulb3889 Also the big difference between those teams. The Celtics played like a true, unselfish team, like a well-oiled machine. That's why they were so spectacular and practically unbeatable. As great a player as Jordan was, it was the beginning of the end of the "team" mentality. Red Auerbach knew exactly what worked and what didn't, and so did Pat Riley.
I SAW those games LIVE....as a KID. I was still in HIGH school. My father had season tickets for clients....but I always managed to talk him into letting me and my grandmother go see Larry play. Back then, they played in the old Boston Garden....and there were RATS always running underneath everyone's feet in the stands. I will NEVER forget being able to see Larry Bird...! He was a brutal...BRUTAL....competitor..! Some of those games in particular still stand out in my memory, when Larry would make a final shot from no time left on the clock and sink it from down court winning the game...! And NOW I have had Tom Brady for these past 22 years...! I lost interest in basketball after Bird retired, just as sure I will [in all likelihood] loose interest in NFL once Brady is gone. But LARRY was like a human light bulb....he somehow brought the ENTIRE team to life.....just like Brady does.
@Ide Iben:I'ma die-hard Pistons gan and I was actually scared FOR them whenever they faced Bird in the playoffs!! He was just UNconscious from 25 feet out!! I even patterned my own frighteningly =ACCURATE"Rainbow Shot"after his high-arcing jumpers!! Jordans shooting percentage is shamrful,when subtract all the baskets he made while in CONTACT with the rim!! :O
@@SuperDetroit9 I likely saw a good portion of those Piston match-ups..! Great, great memories...! Back when the world was still sane...! Sportsmen still had class back then, now the greater portion of them are egomaniacal asshats who think they have the mental means to give opinions where they do not belong. I totally lost interest in NBA after Larry retired. I tried to stay interested but the Joy just faded away. Larry had eyes in the back of his Head...! Amazing player..!
Sounds like you're not a very good fan then. Strange coming from Boston since people say they have some of the best fans. You just said you follow the teams when they're great or have great players.
@@ideiben3190 sports have become political and the players are pansies. Any of these guys from the 70s-80s-90s would tear through all the modern teams like toilet paper. Basketball isn’t a contact sport anymore 😂
The celtics would play at the Hartford civic center I had my son & nephew and got the see Larry Legend,Parrish,McHale,DJ Cornbread great games still haveT shirt 40 years old
I couldn’t imagine having bones spurs in both feet and a broken back yet still play in the NBA! Birds probably the only player I’ve seen that had to lay on his stomach instead of sit on the bench because he couldn’t physically sit.
Outstanding video breaking down in detail how it all happened, emphasizing what Bird was able to do back in the day. Well done. Also remember that last year he faced Magic in the Finals, 4 of the 5 Celtic starters were playing injured. Even playing with 4 injured starters, the Lakers still needed 6 games to put them away! And that was the Magic baby sky-hook over McHale who was playing with a broken bone in his foot. In an interview, Magic said "I saw that I had McHale guarding me, I knew I HAD to take the shot!!"
I love Larry bird I actually was fortunate enough to meet him on several occasions after he retired... Bill Walton is a close family friend and I had something horrible and life changing happen to me and through the kindness of Larry I have now been in the care of the Celtics team Drs and have had 4 successful lumbar and cervical surgeries. Larry actually went out of his way To get me in touch with the best doctors that who could ever ask for. Bill did much more for me and Tommy hinson What is instrumental in Getting me the best neurosurgeon I could ever ask for. I am actually going in for my next surgery on Thursday for my cervical spine following that I will have a lumbar spine surgery in June once I am healed (as much as I can hope for) I might be able to return to the life I had). Fingers crossed! But just thought I would share that he is a kind and empathic man off the court! Great job on the videos I thoroughly enjoyed them! I'm sure Larry does as well as he never gets this type of coverage!
I'm not sure if Larry is aware of your channel but I'm gonna get word to him because I know he would be so humbled and grateful!😀 Keep up the great work love the videos!!!🤗🤗🤗
Hope all turns out well for you as I am a 55 year old ex jock with my old injuries and surgeries starting to take their toll.....God bless you my friend
Back in the day, when basketball was really basketball, played by those who absolutely loved the game itself, and not necessarily the money associated with it. Thank you for this video.
As someone that saw Bird play, it was almost like it was unfair. You could see his basketball IQ was off the charts. It would of been truly been great to see Len Bias take some of the pressure off Bird. So tragic as it is one of the greatest what ifs in the game still to this day.
Magic Johnson has a 22-15 winning record over Larry Bird, is that your GOAT?( I am kidding) but let´s be honest those Boston Celtic and Lakers were by today´s standards super teams, it is obvious why they were dominating in the 80´s, thus both teams are the most successful franchises in NBA history.
Growing up a Laker fan as a kid thinking Magic was the best Bird and his crew make me go to bed crying growing up till dad came in with a pep talk. Good times. Looking back such great memories ( especially when the Lakers beat them). haha Great video.👍
14:34 : that Bird offensive rebound to dribble to spin into a effortless seeming reverse hook shot with other bodies clogging the paint around him is beautiful
Possibly one of Bird's best shots, besides the falling out of bounds game winner and shot over the backboard. Who does that today in such a startling consistent way? No one.
Jokic so much reminds me of Bird playing. He's unselfish, gets the team involved, and has a genuine love of the game. It's not often that a family oriented man comes along to share the same values with his team mates.
Thanks for his video. Huge Bird fan here--lived in Boston during his career there. I have watched a lot of videos of Bird, Jordan, Magic, etc...the greats. Seldom does anyone mention Bird's surgeries and the pain he endured during his career -- one that was cut short because he sacrificed his body repeatedly to pick up loose balls, to keep balls in play, etc. In his final years he couldn't even sit comfortably on the bench, opting to lie on the floor, because his back had been broken. He had surgery on both achilles tendons. It is said he never took pain medication, and his attitude was that he was being paid to play, and that was his job. He was a great player, and a unique man. But what I really appreciated is that he was an unselfish player. His passing is legendary. He elevated everyone on his team.
My sentiment exactly, the game has changed first of all it's rigged the refs get told who wins the series and to stretch it out to as many games as you can. That's where the owners make the most per game so each game is worth 10's of million of dollars. Back in Bird's era it was a team sport as you said Bird made everyone around him good, Jordan was a barb. Today it's just feed the star player, look at Labron and I don't think he's even that good. Technically I much prefer Steph Curry much better skill level expert. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!! CHEERS!!!!
A so he he had surgeries and wasnt that durable that already makes him inferior let alonehis numbers at his peak which cant touch jordans. He played alongside two hall of fame big men when giants dominated. Great player but extremely overated.
Nobody in the history of BB played thru more pain than Larry Bird.When you know about all the different injuries Bird played with it was to me unbelievable.Thats it no shit.
This video made me feel goosebumps all over.... I maybe born in the early 2000's but I'm a very big fan of the NBA era from 80's to 90's because my Dad had a CD collection of those classic games and documentaries... This really makes you miss those golden days...
I knew there was a rivalry but the way the narrator explains makes it seem like they were primary rivals. Great video and the best to both MJ and LB. The main rivalry was between Magic and Bird. Which Magic won overall including college but all respect to Magic for to this day stating that Bird is the best player while Bird says the same about Magic Johnson being the best. But they both agree that Jordan is the GOAT. This coming from a Hoosier who loves the Pacers.
That Larry Bird had a lion mind and heart. I never saw a man so smart, confident and assertive that him in the game. That clutch shoots of him was crazy…
It’s a huge myth that Bird didn’t have physical gifts. He was very quick. You don’t have to be a fast runner or jump high to be good at basketball, and Bird proved it. You just need to be quick, level headed, competitive, and hard working.
That "myth" is something Larry himself helped pass on in the media, often. Larry liked when people ( especially fans ) underestimated him, hated when other coaches tried throwing lesser or bench players at him to slow him down.
I once saw Julius Irving Grabout a rebound and go up for the dunk. Larry Bird stuffed him. Can't jump? Another myth, Possibly created because he was white. He averaged 10 rebounds for his career, An outstanding number for a forward, Especially one who wasn't particularly muscular.
As a fan of Magic, Bird, and Jordan I can say that all three were amazing individual athletes and all three needed others to be their greatest. Bird was truly incredible and unbelievable. But Bird had better squad all around. A deeper bench and a better coaching staff who built those teams and Bird being more experienced. Bird was a more versatile scorer and playmaker, so was Magic. He was truly great, but MJ was a better individual scorer. Bird was just older and was beaten up more. His body gave out on him. Time beats everybody. I think they were two sides of the same coin. Bird and Magic both agreed that MJ was the best they ever faced. But basketball is a team sport. One on one...who knows. They're all thee in a class unto themselves.
Yeah at the end of the day bird was on Boston which has historically always been stacked when it comes to coaching, players and everything, Jordan was on one of the worst teams in the league full of drug addicts and the reason the 90s bulls are so much better is cause they finally built a team around Jordan one player can only do so much I mean look at Jordan he is dominating Larry every game but I mean he is only one guy. Charles Barkley had this problem his entire career amazing player but never had a team built around him.
Go look at the Boston Celtics the year before Larry Bird arrived then look at that next year when Larry Bird arrived the difference in their record and then they're the same guys the same team explain that. Larry made the whole team great around him that was the difference of him and Magic Johnson where his Jordan was just more of an individual guy
Actually bird and Magic both said that The Other was the best player that they had ever played against bird said Magic magic said bird you're very incorrect there these were old Men Still beating Jordan in his prime. And for the record yes the Lakers already had a stack team but like I said do your research and check the Boston Celtics record and the team the year before burder arrived then watch what happened within about 2 or 3 seasons bird makes a team better around him the team wasn't built around him but he made the team better than being around him
The nicest thing after the Croatian War of Independence was sitting by the TV late into the night and watching the Bulls and sipping beer. "Our" Toni Kukoć was a member of the team that we loved as much as if he were Croatian, and today someone compares today's NBA with that of those days. Shit, then the gods ran on the parquet floor and died on it. Best NBA years for sure. Even during the war, we watched Jordan and the team in some basement. not a single bullet would be fired that night. And the enemy enjoyed the NBA spells of "their" Vlada Divac (L.A. Lakers). It was the year of the Olympics and a match like Croatia vs NBA wizards.❤
I always got shut down when I would voice that Larry was the best all around player to ever step on the court! wow some great memories and I was in my teen years back then.
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I really dont like how your talking as if Bird didnt literally have 4-5 Allstars on his team at the same time.. Celtics and Lakers were super teams in the late 80's.. Larry is prob top 3 SF in history, but you tripping..
This Games which Europe Football or Basketball or any other you don't have Ranking FU stupids Watch cricket they have Ranking and there's no debate who is best and whose not stupid bullshit you guys talk
@@Peace-zh2bt LOL.. "watch cricket" 🤣🤣🤣.. Idk if you can just scream that out like you did.. Its like yelling "Watch Water Polo" to people that live in the desert.
@@ragingoracle6239 it's a concept bro people r just fighting and constant fight like Who is the goat and all
you guys miss key issue here. That is nothing to do with MJ or Pippen. The reason bulls lost because they had bad coach in doug collins. His job is let mj do what ever. This is only reason Bulls did not beat Pistons or Boston celtics,
No one understand this. You need many pieces for championship team or even winning against good team.
Doug collins was bland
In 1987 I met him by accident. My friends and I went to a game in the garden. We showed up 3 hours early out of excitement for the Celtics. There was a shoot around warmup. Someone from the garden staff said"Hey guys go down and have fun." Well halfway through our 6th game of horse my friends looked at me like I had wasp near my head. What's going on? I turned around it was Larry Bird. "Hey kid good arc release but you aim with your two big fingers like a slingshot." Then from half court he hits a no rim shot. He played with us for an hour and a half. Signed 6 basketballs and pointed to us when he was near us during the game. I still have that basketball to this day. I met my hero and he was everything I thought he was.I had to give it. He was everything your hero meets. Thank you Larry Bird.
My Dad was stationed at Ft Devens, in Ayer, my little brother was born in Shirley. That was when Shirley was not much more than a large size family. LOL The only thing I was good at and put much effort into was Basketball. I made white people look ethnic because I was so light-skinned. My family was Scottish-Irish and we were pretty hard-headed, this wasn't helped by the fact that every 8 months or a year, we moved to a new State, a new school, new friends.... etc, etc, etc. God, that got so old, so quickly. All me and my older brother knew was that we had to fight a new group of kids, that seemed to hate us. It was tough! I played sports and I played them with no thought of anything else. Didn't care...I had nothing else. Then we moved to Tucson, my Dad was doing military security for Ft Huachuca, Az, which was Air Force not Army. That's when I realized I didn't know my Dad as well as I thought I did. My freshman and sophomore years was when I finally realized, I'm playing basketball and others were playing a different game. I had a 42 inch vertical and would tip in every rebound or loose ball. My JV basketball Coach found me playing volleyball and said, would I like to play basketball. I had no idea that I really never understood the game of basketball...until Coach Curtis. Tucson, was the first time I found myself and I had 3 incredible friends and for the first time I understood that no matter how good or even great your talent is, you are not going to make it without, friends. The greatest lesson I've ever learned. Boy, I miss my Dad. I can't ACE your Larry Bird cos he's my favorite athlete of 3, but I went to Pete Maravich's Atlanta Hawks training camp when I was a teenager and I'm not sure that it gets any better. Enjoyed your comment and what a great memory, that will only become more important as time goes by. Take care.
That is such a great story!! That must have been an amazing experience.
That is fucking eipicly Awesome! 👌
Don't know if epicly is even a word but it fit! Lol
Wow!
@@pistolp01 Thank you for sharing your very heartfelt message. You're a good man and I know your Dad was (and is) proud of you. That had to have been cool to hang with the Pistol. He was amazing. God Bless you and take care.
I love that "Jordan made you look slow"
"Bird made you look stupid" 🤣🤣
That was a fantastic comment, and True.
Alot of the footage shows.. As a teammate, you had to be ready at all times because at a drop of a hat he could make behind his head pass. Lol
Because Bird would tell you exactly what shot he would take and the exact spot he would take it from and there was nothing you could do to stop it.
That is so bad ass
He was not better than Jordan, quit it, they always seem to find clips of black players giving Bird compliments but never show the hundreds of black players who said that Jordan was the greatest player of all time and Bird couldn't touch him. Bird is ranked 36thin scoring 45th in scoring and a embarrassing 62th in rebounding so quit it!
Almost makes me sad to watch because we will likely never watch such a magical era of NBA basketball ever again.
i stopped watching when jordan retired. both times
Yes, this was before Steinbrenner ruined all professional sports by buying teams instead of building them. Now, as with everything nobody has a reason to care enough to play let alone teams of them.
I think the League is still Magical, but the level of competition is soooo much better!!! They’re are too many killers in the league & they play much better defense now because they can’t hand check anymore. I’ve never seen a league with soooooo many elite players. Even football is the same way now. Stacked with incredibly evolved players!
@@WAR4Prez But, you see, that's the problem. There's an old saying: Too many cooks spoil the broth. In the era of choices, we have too many good ones. The resulting product has nothing special about it. Imagine competing stores that all have the same products. Being special is the result of disparity...NOT equality. The same thing happened to basketball that happened to television: those special, better programs we loved when there were three broadcast stations got watered down by an opened faucet of programming and eventual online streaming. Sports as entertainment has become a beach full of golden sand. Sounds pretty good...until you live there long enough.
You are absolutely right.🤷
It was amazing how Bird performed so well against Jordan with all those injuries. A true LEGEND!
sounds crazy
Larry is the GOAT
Against JORDAN? I'm not saying Bird is the goat, but the 80s had Kareem, Magic, DJ, Drexler, the Twin Towers, Bad Boys, etc.
@@dr.juerdotitsgo5119And we all know why you can’t say Larry is the goat?.NO.🏀🏀🏀s
Bird played mj before injuries too 85 86 87 bird wasnt injured yet
In 1974 Larry Bird was my P.E assistant when I was in the 8th grade and
he was a senior at Springs Valley High School. At the beginning of each
P.E. class we always ran 10 warmup laps around the gym. One day, a
trampoline was set up on the basketball court and there was Larry Bird
bouncing on it. As the whistle blew and we reluctantly lined up to run
our laps, our teacher (who was also Larry's basketball coach) blew his
whistle, and said "Larry is going to take 10 shots while jumping on the
trampoline. If Larry makes any shots, each one made will delete a lap
that you must run." Coach threw the ball to Larry and right there in
front of me and the entire boys Jr. High P.E. class, Larry proceeded to
hit 7 out of 10 shots while bouncing up and down on the trampoline, 35
feet away from the goal. Larry set an incredible example for me as a
young boy in French Lick, Indiana that helped me through my entire adult
career. If you are willing to work very hard and never give up, your
dreams can and will come true. Thank you Larry.
Man, I love this story so much. Thank you for sharing!
@@JurassicGecko Thank you!
Solid story man, must of been a story you told many times in your life.
@@caseyguidry5012 Thank you. Yes, a few times! I was interviewed earlier this year by a Dr/Professor/Author who is writing a book about Larry Bird's 4 years of high school basketball at Springs Valley. I think Bird fans are going to really enjoy this book. It's not just about Larry but what made Larry become so unique. Interviews with teammates, coaches, even former players that played against Larry, who had some unique encounters with Larry. The author is Randy Mills and the title as of now is "As If By Magic". My first impression to the title was Magic Johnson, but it comes from Larrys high school days and the moment Larry went from being a decent player and then, "As If By Magic" it was like a magic wand was waved over Larry. He grew 6 inches between his Jr. and Sr. year, his scoring average doubled, his passing, rebounding, passing, Everything dramatically changed. I can not tell you how many times I watched Larry grab a defensive rebound while guard "Beezer" Carnes would already be on his way to the offensive goal, Larry would throw the ball as if it were a baseball, it would hit "Beezer" in the numbers and many times he wouldn't have to take a single dribble, he would catch and lay it in. Amazing. The book is scheduled for release sometime in 2024.
@@caseyguidry5012I know I would.
As a young man I HATED Boston, specifically Bird and McHale. I could not figure out how 2 slow dudes always beat my team. Now that I am much older, I see how they did it, teamwork and fundamentally sound basketball. Now Bird (clutch shooting) and McHale (inside play) are 2 of my all time favorites.
It's about time!🤣& welcome to the club
I hear ya...I was a long time Laker fan and was so excited when the "showtime" Lakers arrived. But the Celtics held them in check much of the time and I have to say it was because of Bird...how he was able to affect the whole game and even all his teammates. When you compare the showtime Lakers vs Birds Celtics one on one, I mean Parrish and Mchale vs Worthy and Jabbar it looks like the Lakers should have run away with the decade, but they didn't. And Boston could have never done it, matched them up, with anyone else but Larry.
Mc Hale was unstoppable but Larry ist the best am a sixers fan
@@Marta_Lledo_Video_Channel - Amen. If memory serves me right I think Birds arrival marked one of the greatest team turnarounds (Lottery vs. Champion). I love what Riley said, to paraphrase - I'd would have Jordan take the game winning shot. I would have Bird take the shot that saves my life.
@@artofsoul I am 70 years old and loved basketball very early on. I remember watching Wilt in Philly vs Bill. I remember Jerry West joining Elgin as a rookie in LA. & Kareem (Lew Alcindor then) joining Oscar...so I have seen a whole lot of it. Wilt was by far the best individual player the NBA has ever seen. The record book looks like his mom wrote it! For individual accomplishments, nobody else comes close. Of the 43 times 63 points has been scored in an NBA game by one person, Elgin and Michael have done it 3 times...Wilt 23 times! But the proverbial G.O.A.T., that has to go to Bird. Nobody ever lifted his players abilities up like Larry. Nobody ever sealed the game with the last shot as often and as predictable as Larry. Not very many at all had that complete game as Bird did, not just scoring but rebounds, assists and some of the best passing basketball has ever seen. As a Laker fan, I remember Jerry West given the title Mr. Clutch, but I believe that title belongs to Larry now. Even Jerry West called Bird the closest player he had ever seen to complete perfection!
Back when basketball was played with passion and courage. Im lucky I was able to witness that. MJ,Bird,Magic,Kareem.
Golden years of basketball 🏀
Uh, oh, an ancient armchair warrior rambling on about the old days while doing 12 ounce curls.
🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦♂️🤦🏻♂️
@@sludge8506and who’s he gonna talk about?😂
@@Vilatkahang 👍👍👍👍🤪
This is when basketball was exciting
@@Vilatkahang Maybe you can’t read, champ. He clearly stated who he wants to talk about.
Michael Cooper is one of the all time great defensive players and he stated it perfectly. You not only had to worry about Bird scoring from the low, mid and high post when he had the ball but also him setting picks, passing and he was one of the best offensive rebounders.
One of my all time favorite memories of Michael Cooper is when Larry got the ball to take it out, Cooper was behind Bird trying to get in bounds to Gard him, Larry slightly bent over and "Butt checked" Cooper. When the Camera came back on Cooper, his feet were up in the air as he lay on the floor from being "checked"from Bird causing him to trip over the photographers lined up on the floor. Cooper was an awesome defender.
Larry Bird faced the toughest era of basketball against arguably the best talent in the nba against legendary teams and dominated....no doubt Larry Bird is one if not the greatest players ever....mad respect
Way more Physical, if went to the paint, you paid for it!!
Jordan is the best of all time!
@@markboyd1080 maybe once pippen and rodman got there,,,before that he was swept twice by boston in the first round,and if you go by titles then i will say bill russell then,but no dout jordan is up there for sure but he didnt make a huge impact on the league like magic and bid did in his first year in the nba
@@robertswift6101 are you forgetting bird had 4 hall of farmers on his team
@@megsjacobsen he had none of those his first year in the league and 1st title,not to mention his college career
I love the fact Bird is finally getting the recognition he deserves from everyone. Truly an underrated person in the GOAT conversation
I agree with you. Bird is simply amazing.
Finally getting the recognition? What are you talking about? Larry Bird is universally considered top 10 by everyone. He is in the Hall of Fame.
Getting operated for bone spurs is the stupidest thing you can do. Well you should have done was gone for ultrasonic shock therapy on his feet with laser therapy.
@@porterwake3898 lol not recently, people rate players like kobe and KD over him when discussing rankings, the disrespect
@@porterwake3898 Exactly what Nope said, He is a top 3, if not top 2 player for GOAT in NBA history
Keep in mind Bird played his entire career with disjointed index finger on his shooting hand. He was the smartest, most talented, trash talking stud on the floor. There will never be another. He was magical.
Ok but keep in mind that all his assist is because of his teammates being able to knock down the shots he gave them. If Jordan ever passes the ball other then to Pippen then they wouldn’t score so yea Jordan is the most talented not bird
@@jermyskith6471What kind of excuse can you manage to overcome the difference in rebounds? Yeah, there's probably ten thousand guys that could dunk better than Larry. None of them would out hustle or out think him though.
He was the bull of the woods. People that know, own it.
@@jermyskith6471 Absolutely BIRD played pretty much his whole career without a real center, chicago would not have even faced the celtics without MJ , bird had a serious supporting cast, Perish , Mchale danny , dennis that was a super team just like Magic who had help would beat the celtics, so it was MJ against Birds celtics
@@jermyskith6471Bird would trash talk about his own shooting against guys guarding him. He would tell them exactly what he was going to do and he did it. Don't try to take away Bird's talents because you can't.
I'm an old school street baller from way back. Love those Celtic teams. Also a huge Jordan fan. Larry's work ethic was beyond approach. As well as his Humor, Ability, and Comradery with his teammates.
Sounds like this describes Michael as well.
MJ wasn't liked by anyone. He was admired for sure, liked? Not even by his own teammates.
@bryancook3233 oh yeah right! 😅 do you know them personally? 😏
I've never had the pleasure of meeting them. I have had conversations with people that did know Larry. His dedication to the Game was tremendous.
@@BaileywanderingJordan was infamous for bullying his teammates as well is rival players.
Jordan punched Steve Kerr. You won’t more mild mannered respectful guy than Kerr.
Jordan threatened Bull Cartwright, Longley, and Bill Wennington among others with violence.
Every Bull that has ever played with Jordan has a story about Jordan’s verbal abuse, hucking balls at their head, his tirades, and/or all the personal ridicule they had to endure.
There is a book written about largely this with players’ testaments to Jordan’s physical and verbal abuse littering the entire book.
It’s hardly a secret.
Even Jordan himself doesn’t deny it.
This isn’t a debate bc no one is arguing against this reality, save you.
Anyone w a modicum of knowledge of Jordan knows this to be true.
This isn’t the hill you want to die on.
And this notion that you need to personally know someone to form an opinion of them means we’ll have to throw out quite a lot.
History for starters.
Because no historian ever knew Napoleon, Caesar, Genghis Kahn, Nero, Alexander the Great or anyone else throughout history.
So how do we know their peculiarities and personalities? Because historians read about them.
The entire profession of journalism is largely dedicated to writing of people they’ve never met or asked a single question of.
So put to rest this idea that valid opinions of someone can’t exist without personal knowledge.
Biographies even are very often written by people who’ve never met the figure they’re writing of.
People truly have no idea how good Larry B was. Such a special talent
The real goat
I Totally Agree!! As a Hoosier and also as a Rabid Fan of Naismith-Ball!!
Not people that matter. Kareem and MJ both have said he was the best player they ever faced. Magic's opinion and respect for him is well known. It's not for nothing that Bird was also, after a brutal loss, openly stating that Magic was the best basketball player he's ever seen, and then the first to set the record straight on Jordan. Real ones see the real ones and the rest is noise.
Well, no one under the age of 45 knows how great Larry Bird was. Those of us that saw him (in his prime) in real time know.
Lol, people know. What are you on about. How many names get mentioned more often.what a silly comment
"He could affect the game without the ball in his hands"
That's a hell of a compliment.
Gtfoh, larry bird is not the greatest of all time. Wtf?!?
LOL, Bird can play without the ball because who was his teammates again?
@@WingCoe what's your point; you don't think that's a hell of a compliment?
@@john9718 I love Bird but let's be fair. I don't know which year you refer to without Bird in the playoffs. In such case, both Mchale and Parish are not young anymore.
how many steals did mike have? so he didnt affect the game w out the ball too? ok d riders. mj is way better than larry 1v1 larry had a better team thats why they won. years later the bulls built a solid team for jordan to use as well and they were unstoppable
LB is a true legend. MJ recognizes the LB 's greatness, with the Celtics' win on that playoffs, when MJ dropped 63 pts, it's proof enough that even the most talented player can't beat a well assembled team, and don't forget it wasn't that MJ didn't beat LB, it was that MJ didn't beat the Celtics, because MJ was almost alone against an already Champion Team.
You are a very good narrator. When there is nothing worth watching on TV, it's nice to find a great story that someone has put together for his viewers. Thank you.
I totally agree: you're a very good narrator, and this is a great video.
I'm a Lakers fan and I'm saying this right now. Bird is one of the top 5 players of all time and is HIGHLY under rated. And while playing during the best NBA Era. Don't you forget that Bird use too tell players WHAT he was going to do. And would still scored on you.
I would hope that Pistol Pete Maravich is on that list of 5, considering he was the most TALENTED basketball player we've ever seen. Unfortunately tho, he did not have the benefit of a 3 point line until the last year of his career. But he was sinking the long balls long before that line came into play, and no one then or now, could play with the flash that Pete played with.
Why did you say it right now?
Bird was far from underrated. Anybody who knows anything about 20th century NBA knows Bird is top 5.
😂😂😂😢 y'all really delusional his ending was the beginning of the best era ... After we got the slow , white boys out the league ... I mean .. nah bro lol you had trash out there tell Showtime came never a whole team but the all-star white boys 😅 let's be real Larry trash .. McHale trash ... dangie .. trash ... None of them starting where I take anyone else but Larry no thanks
Bird isn’t top 5🤣
I was at Larry's first college game. In the first half he stole the ball and dribbled down the court like a guard. The other team's 7 foot center had stayed back and was ready for Bird as he drove to the basket. He went up like he was going to try to dunk and instead "no look" flipped the ball over his shoulder to Harry Morgan, the other forward. Harry slammed it home, and I turned to my roommate and said the Hick from French Lick is the real deal!! Never missed a home game after that. He was the best player I've ever seen
@@ryanmoose4948😂
He's the 2nd greatest ever .
Some people live the life, others just read about it. I truly lived it my man.@@ryanmoose4948
@@Michael-dd6hl that's the beauty of sports.
@@ryanmoose4948 Some people are just born douche-bags and will remain that way for the rest of their meager existence. It shouldn't bother you in the least because you're always walking on familiar ground.
I saw that game originally aired and Larry Bird put on an incredible performance i was like damn he's a shooting assassin bullseye every single time in clutch situations absolutely incredible basketball by a man well past his prime and played against prime Jordan like he was still in his prime!
#LegendaryAllAroundBaller
Thanks for that. Awesome documentary. It takes me back.
MJ's "a lot of sad memories to me" is probably the biggest acknowledgement a true competitor can give
FACTS!
My thoughts exactly. You want to see someone admit a true rival, MJ just showed us what that looks like. When you're forced to say he stopped you from victory; that's the peak of admission to a competitor.
@@Juncboks Exactly. One of greats admitting that Bird had his number..
That's the best props your gonna get from MJ. Bird is truly a legend.
Don't forget the "I'll be glad to not see his face anymore" part🤣 Jordan was speaking no lies right there
I was a Lakers fan growing up, hated the Celtics. But now that I’m older, I can’t help, but admire and respect how Larry Bird played the game. They don’t make players like him anymore! I miss those days!
Jokic plays the game the same way
I grew up hating the Celtics and bird as well but now I think like you as well…love and admire Bird’s game. Jokic is similar but he’s not Bird.
@@NillySigger-yd7ho please don’t compare Jokic to Bird. It’s not even close.
Bird played on one of the most loaded teams in NBA history give jokic three or four other hall-of-famers and see what he would do
@@kevinp7300 he will catch bird in every single statistical category by the time his career is done
This is one of the best narratives discussing bird vs jordan. I really loved it and saved it to watch again. Thank you so much 😻
Great job man, you did really well with this one!
Larry Bird's ability to see the entire court was amazing
Yes!! And reflexes were incredible!!
Something many good players lack
@@mH8675309..Many reasons to elevate Bird, but I agree 100% that his ability to see the whole court knowing where everyone was was his biggest asset.. That ability proves in every great player to be the biggest advantage..
and Jerry West said Bird was the closest thing to a perfect basketball player.
More court vision and more dangerous without the ball is a pretty accurate description of the Bird
"If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game I'd choose Michael Jordan; If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life... I'd take Larry Bird."
-Pat Riley
this quote is worth subscribing!
mid 80's- early 90's was truly NBA's golden age.
That says ALOT
Personally i feel it's a stupid quote. If Larry is good enough to save my life he's certainly good enough to save a game. So, I'd pick Larry in both cases.
In any case, both legendary players in their own right and a discussion who's best is almost always a matter of personal preference (and kinda silly) when athletes are this good.
@@chrisrootnick4438 ...Actually it's not, because those are 2 totally different situations.
In a game, Jordan was better at isolation, could get to the basket at will and finish over anyone,so saving a game without needing a play run for him, Jordan was way better.
In a situation where you're taking a shot to save someone's life...we're talking just shooting the basketball,not necessarily an in-game situation.
Bird could out shoot Mike with his eyes closed. That's what Riley meant.
Damn
Really well researched and non biased video man, thanks for posting. I was blessed to grow up in the late 80s early nineties and see both of them in thier prime
This was an amazing video. Thanks and well done!!
Larry was unreal. I'll never forget that epic game at the end of his career where he made an incredible 3 pointer while being fouled to send it to OT against the Blazers. I think Magic is overlooked today as well. Magic was unreal. He was out of the league for 4 years, then comes back and was still great.
I wouldnt call '96 Magic great.
Ya both Magic and Bird were incredible
So much talent in the NBA today but the Magic/Bird era followed by the bad boy Pistons and the beauty of Michael Jordan are the best times for me.
@@ZDiddy7777 WTF?
It was gainst the Blazers but he wasn't fouled; great shot by Bird
I love Larry, but the game 2 playoff game of Bulls & Celtics also shows how much Jordan carried the early Bulls team. Bird had amazing teammates; reliable and experienced that allowed Bird to perform as good as he did. Still, Bird is undoubtedly one of the greatest.
My brother this is by far the best vid on Bird I have seen. I commend you good sir. Bird is still the best I have seen play Basketball. He played the whole game with his whole heart every damn game
Pat Riley’s quote sums up Larry’s career, at least for me. "If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game, I'd choose Michael Jordan," Pat said. "If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life, I'd take Larry Bird." Watching basketball in the late 70’s and 80’s was must see TV. Love him or hate him, Bird’s game has to applauded and recognized as true Greatness. His Basketball acumen, tenacity, and sound fundamentals made him such a well rounded technician of the game. Bird, Magic and “Air” Jordan were my favorite basketball players! I miss those battles and the rivalries. Thanks for the video!
I'd watch the game but turn the sound off. I would then get the play by play on the radio from Johnny Most.
@@timothy4557 Love the misplaced nostalgic response but there are, and never will be, no words that could replicate actually watching the game......ever.
@@billsikes4007 Bill, read my comment slower. Lol
That's a great quote
I gotta add Dr J in there for must see 70s and 80s too...and maybe a little Ice Man
Prime Larry Bird has a genuine argument for being the GOAT. It's such a shame his Prime got cut short, however the fact he still put in a few seasons with a broken back and still was a massive problem shows how much of a legend the guy is.
You value consistency over talent when at their best? This vid doesn't make you question the level of play Jordan is not undoubtedly best. Repeat the video and listen to the argument
@@madra000 When it came down to pure athletic talent Jordan was better, Larry was smarter than everyone and knew how to use whole team to win.
That first sentence makes no sense dude.... "Prime Larry Bird has a genuine argument for being the GOAT." You stupid? With that logic any player with a high peak for a few years can be included in GOAT discussions...
84-86 Bird may be the peak GOAT.
@@mattcorcoran7082 what the fuck does `peak GOAT` mean... thats any oxymoron
Great video man! Thanks and keep up the good work
The Bulls vs the Celtics playoff series where MJ dropped 63 points, Bird played with 3 other Hall of Fame players (Walton, McCale and Parish) giving the Celtics 4 HOF players. The Bulls had MJ and that's it, a young MJ at that. MJ played on a Bulls team full of paper boys and grocery baggers. People can't even name someone on that Bulls roster without looking it up.
That is why Michael scored 63, no one else got to shoot the ball. Bird in his prime could do it all. Bur neither is close to the best. Chamberlain average 50 P 25 R for an entire season. End of story right there.
That was a truly stellar group of extraordinary players - what an era!
Agreed the talent in the league was extraordinary between 1985 and 1995.
.... and then the NBA became a national thug sport. I haven't watched since the period after the Bird/Johnson era.
And playing basketball. Not each person separate
@@78tag That's about the time I stopped watching, too. The true meaning of "team" disappeared about the time Jordan came on the scene.
Larry was simply awesome and probably one of the greatest legends to ever set foot on a basketaball court. Hats off to you, Mr. Bird.
You wear no hat.
He was the best when he was healthy. It's a shame his body didn't hold up cuz he would've won a couple more titles
Probably?
Thank you, that was a wonderful look at a great players career. I knew he was great, but you showed him in an even more impressive light with giants of the game.
I like both of these men. Those were some great days for basketball. I didn't even like basketball, being a football player but I got into it because of these great players.
I’m a Philly fan that grew up with the Celtics and 76ers rivalry that I miss so dearly but Larry Legend was the smartest player I’ve ever seen. We all know he wasn’t the most athletic guy we’ve seen but mentally, clutchness, play making, and shooting he’s the best ever. Nothing but respect.
Bird vs Jordan all-time: 23-11. When Bird retired, Michael Jordan said, "Good riddance Larry, I'm glad to see you go. You've ruined some of my best games."
Yo, ...:) SW philly native.
@@miraclepie1720
Bird also said michael jordan was god disguise as basketball player. You never heard that from a player with a superior team that had a winning record against an opponent. Same talent on both teams, jordan wins.
@@rollwash4432 well if were doin imaginary situations if larry never injured his back and ankles he beats jordan, not too mention even if the teams were equal jordan needed YEARS to become an actual leader/general on the court and be more than a 1 man wrecking ball, bird walked into the nba with all those intangibles, larry brought the celtics out of ruin with himself being the only new addition to the team his rookie year, remember dj, mchale and parrish did not join the celtics until 82-83 and 83-84 seasons, larry himself made that whole team better well before the big 3 and dj.
@@roryjohnston6567
Bird called that 86 team the best team ever. How is Jordan suppose to beat that team when he don't have nobody. The Lakers and the pistons also had superior teams. What happen when the USA olympic team spank NBA allstars. He had a team then and he dominated. So don't give me this bull crapt that he wasn't ready.
Top-notch video. Early on in Jordan’s career, he was playing a Celtics team that had so much experience playing together already successfully. Jordan eventually beat out all his peers, but it’s really interesting that Jordan never “beat” Bird. Thanks for this content!
I Agee with this post. What happen when jordan had talent on the USA team playing against NBA allstars. MJ dominated. When you look at Magic, Bird, and Thomas beating michael jordan they had better teams. You give michael the same amount of talent and it's a different story. Case closed.
@@rollwash4432 🎯EXACTLY . THANK YOU ,. MAN . PUT ALL. OF THE NUTS. AND BOLTS TO. WHY MIKE. DIDN ' T BEAT. LARRY IN A SERIES .. LARRY , MAGIC AND ISIAH HAD SUPER TEAMS AND A LOT OF HELP . PEOPLE RARELY TALK ABOUT THAT , WHEN THEY TALK ABOUT WINNING . THIS GUY AND OTHER LARRY BIRD G O.A.T. CHASERS DON ' T MENTION THAT .>🎤 🏀🗑️
Never beat Bird, "yet". But had Bird stayed, he would have eventually fell as did all the other greats.
The entire video uses fallacies: The "Celtics" or the "Pistons" beating the "Bulls" does not mean Bird beat Jordan, or Thomas beat Jordan, those are entirely different units of measurement
@Extinguish Idiot's IF JORDAN HAD NO HELP THAT MEANS DREXLER IS BETTER THAN MJ , BECAUSE CLYDE PLAYED ALONE VS PIPPEN AND JORDAN. EITHER WAY JORDAN IS NOBODY.
I think this could be summed up like this.
Jordan is the GOAT player.
Bird is the GOAT team player.
Two different schools,two geniuses.
Great video, brought back a lot of great memories
I never knew anything about Bird until this video. Honestly, this is one of the best NBA nostalgia videos I've ever seen
For real
I never had him in my top 10 until I did a deep dive into all of the top all time greats over the summer and he was by far the biggest surprise of all of them. I now have him at 2 behind Jordan. The only thing he lacks is athleticism but he always made up for it with discipline, quick hands and quick thinking
@@zDuKeMaNz you right
Dam what are you like 12 years old ??? Lmfao
Really he is a Goat too. The Bulls and the Celtics in the 80s early 90s is the best rivalry in Basketball history. This was the best time in basketball history.
Parish is another underrated player.
I agree. While he played in an era of dominant big men and he himself wasn't dominant, he didn't need to be. 3rd option, but a very good player. He had such soft hands and a VERY soft shooting touch inside about 10-12 feet, and those short rainbow jumpers rarely drew any iron. He had a pretty shot, period, and is overlooked due to the talented frontcourt overall.
Wilt Chamberlain said Parish was so underated.
Exactly! CHEEEEEEEIF!!
Tremendously underrated.
About a week before it happened, I said to myself, "Why doesn't somebody just hit Laimbeer?" Thanks goes to The Chief!
Was 6 years old when Larry Bird started for the Celtics. Grew up watching him in my formative years. His greatest strength and weapon was 'his mind'. Along with his natural 'ambidexterity' (Batted lefty, threw righty). His teammates loved him because he expected them to put in the time and work he did - his opponents feared and respected him because they knew he was working on his game when they were not. He was assassin with or without a B-Ball in his hand on the court.
I watched a game in the old garden back in the mid-80's with my mother (who sadly passed 10 years ago. We watched many Bird games together). They were playing the Cavaliers. For the entire first quarter, almost every offensive set - they got Bird the ball on the right side of the foul line above the 3pt line. Parish was in the post on some poor wannabe center for Cleveland. Bird made almost every interior pass by either 'spinning' the basketball with a bounce pass into the post to Parish and just 2 or 3 passes to the outside of Parish's left hand up high out of reach of the guard and the center. Bird did this to get Parish involved offensively. It was basically practice while the other 8 players just watched! LOL Cleveland couldn't stop it, took them almost into the halfway point of the 2nd quarter to make adjustments. Later in the second half when things were getting tight and the Celts fans got the 'oh sh*t' look on their faces. He took over and they won by over 20 pts. He used the first half 'for practice' for his teammates to get them reps. It was incredible to witness.
Bob Ryan (famous sports reporter for the Boston Globe) said he was the 'Leonardo da Vinci' of basketball and he would take 5 Larry Birds in 1986 over any 5 Michael Jordan's in any year you chose. Red Auerbach said if he had to start a team he'd take 'Larry Bird' OVER 'Bill Russell', Russell being the greatest center and greatest winner in the history of basketball. Magic said on 'Larry Bird Night'....'Larry...there will never ever, ever, ever...ever be another Larry Bird. THEY ALL WERE RIGHT (mic drop). Not much more can be said about him on the court. He didn't play just to win, he LIVED to win and thoroughly enjoyed embarrassing his opponents while doing it. He's my GOAT no matter what the numbers or records show to any basketball fan. End of story.
Long live Larry legend the goat of the court ❤
I've never seen anyone take it to Horace Grant like that 4x in a row, same exact spot on the court, same exact shot, same exact result every time! Incredible! Larry Legend is my 🐐
Such a phenominal breakdown of how great both these dudes were! Its hard to find this kind of dedicated footage and analysis from anything early-90s prior so much appreciated!
MJ was 22 when Bird was 29, who already won 2 championships before MJ got in the league. MJ had a weak team throughout the 80's, but being the youngest, still managed to get those sorry jokers to the Playoff's every time, and averaged 43.7 points - 6.3 rebounds - 5.7 assists - 2.3 steals - 1.3 blocks in 1986, while Bird averaged 28.3 points - 8 rebounds - 8 assists - 1.7 steals - 1.3 blocks. However, the Celtics dynasty meant that they were stacked since 1957 (Bird only got 3 rings for them at the end 81, 84, and 86). The Bulls began their dynasty WITH MJ (the ONLY one to do it so far 91, 92, 93, 96, 97, 98). Players do not win championships, TEAMS do, but the stats show MJ affected the game vastly better than ALL of his opponents. Stats don't lie.
Who did MJ beat in the 90s? Who was Bird playing in the 80s. Nuff said...
You could talk about stats all day. This was a great informative TH-cam video.
Like everything in life, the old ones go, then the new ones come through. It’s not about stats don’t lie, or about facts don’t lie but what is the truth and the truth is Michael Jordan needed Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Isaiah Thomas, To make their way out of the league for him to start his dynasty with Phil Jackson and the bulls.
What are you talking about? When Bird joined the Celtics they were one of the worst teams in the league. His first year their record improved by 32 games. They went from 10th n the East to First.
This is a great video, really good narration.
I grew up in the 70s and 80s in Chicago, but I was a Celtics fan before Jordan signed with the Bulls. I became a Bulls fan after Bird retired. I had the privilege to watch the greatest era in basketball...it was awesome...amazing.
Let me guess your a cowboys and yankees fan also
@@timratcliff6590 I don't watch pro football. I am a Chicago White Sox fan.
First of all, when Jordan got there look who Jordan had, compared to who bird had, bird had 5 HOF on that team an as far as guarding each other, bird 6/10 Jordan 6/5, an stop asking Thomas he still hasn't gotten over not being on the Olympic team so yea he gonna say bird, but ask him this did he even think about guarding Jordan, bird was great but bird is a taller Seth curry, the goat is Jordan, pippen, grant, Oakley,Paxton, tony kucko rodmen came late, y'all stop hating air is the goat, I guess flo Jo isn't the goat, nobody broke her record in the 100 meters or the 200 meters, they said Marion Jones took steroids it did not help break flo Jo record, air is the goat.
@@timratcliff6590 your point is ?
@@alltimeraiderfanwinbaby826 stop
Oh you Orlando Woolridge, Ice man gervin and Charles Oakley ( top rebounder in league ) ? Secondly Chicago got to the 85 playoffs WITHOUT MJ . So your HOF argument is weak asf . Most of those players wouldn’t even be HOF if it wasn’t for Larry. Lastly Walton wasn’t a starter and barely played due to 2 bad knees . Get real making more excuses for the so called goat .
Work ethic, team work, basketball IQ, heart and desire...Larry Bird was the man.
What a great video it truly brought back so many great memories
very very well done. A different perspective to a never ending saga.
A great player on a great team.
It's funny how people always say Bird wasn't as physically gifted... he had every tool except insane vertical and blazing speed. He was physically gifted in every other way and had the brains to overcome those two.
People always say Larry was slow and couldn’t jump, yet you can find video after video of Larry leading a break or making a move on a defender to drive to the basket. And for a guy who couldn’t jump, he was a rebounding machine.
Larry wasn’t as physically gifted as a lot of the other players but he was so fundamentally sound that he made up for it. Lots of players weren’t very athletic or fast but were great shooters - Larry will admit he wasn’t as athletic as Wilkins, Jordon, Irving and others.
There’s nothing wrong with admitting he wasn’t as athletic, it didn’t hinder him. Why can’t you just admit it. You don’t know more than the teams he played against and the greatest athletes have flaws. 🙄
@@kuroneko7022 Who are you replying to in such a condescending way?
I mean by the time he retired injuries had caught up with him, I was born in '84 and I didn't start watching basketball really until the Dream Team, I never watched Prime Bird live and for years I thought he was overrated, then I got to see more tape of him. His physical skills were overlooked because his basketball IQ was off the charts.
“He didn’t need the basketball to affect the game” !!! Perfectly stated👍
Simply one of the best NBA documentaries on TH-cam
BTW, I have Larry Bird at #3 on my all-time G.O.A.T. list behind M.J. and Kareem. I think he was an extraordinary talent who could have dominated in any era and was the best small forward ever but I also think you can praise a great player without demeaning another great payer.
“I don’t put myself above them. I think that we’re all on parallel ground here. You know, they educated me about a lot of things about the game, from a team standpoint. So I can’t put myself above. I mean, people try to, but we played in different eras. I had an opportunity to go against them, in the peak of their careers, while I was still young. And I went against them, when I was at the peak of mine, when they was on the other end. So it was a passing of trends there, and we never had the opportunity to play against each other in peak years. You know, so it’s hard to say that I’m above them, by no means. I like to consider myself parallel to them.”
Michael Jordan
he was always respectful to others.. but many big names never acknowledged his contribution and even tried to disgrace him and were disrespectful !
Translation: even Jordan knows that Bird and others in their primes were better than Jordan in his.
LeBron enters the chat.
@@akadecoy yeah, and HE promptly declares HIMSELF the Goat😄
@marktarmannpiano No - it means he thinks in his mind he is better but most people do not feel that he is better. So, without sounding conceded even though he thinks he is, he says that they are all parallel or equal. It burns his ass that he was not better than Bird in particular.
ohhh that quote from Parish at 5:04 I never heard before...it is PRICELESS!! LOL!!! THANK you for putting it together.
yeah, its from an excellent podcast between chief and cedric cornbread maxwell
It is pretty recent.
Took 4 HOF to barely take down a young MJ. Way to brag about a team beating up a 1 man team.
@@backhandchop 0-6 isn't barely. Love Jordan and yes his team had problems. However MJ fans need to admit that he wasn't a team player. His method was to scream at people. Until Scottie came along most people couldn't play with him. And we all know what Scottie thinks about it now.
As I get older, I really do appreciate the few games we could afford to see Larry Bird. The Celtics back than, unreal. Watching today pure joy.
That was a nice piece. Well done! ❤
Fantastic video bro...nive work...bravo
This video alone tells you that Larry Legend is without a doubt one of the best of all time!
The GOAT.
@@brianlane9534 let's not get crazy lol
One of the best? Absolutely. The G.O.A.T? No.
@@SkammLykelee GWDOAT maybe (greatest white dude of all time)
Watching Bird in the 80's was like watching Brady at New England. Nobody in the arena/stadium thought either was going to physically overmatch the other team, but everyone knew that at some point they would make the right plays at the right time to either win or put their team in a winning situation. And there was really nothing the other team could do about it.
Great Analogy, never looked at it like that but Spot on.
I agree. I've witness both greats. Bird and Brady. When a privilege to have experienced theirs journeys from beginning to end.
The Celtics were the best franchise from 59-86.
Russell and Cousy to Havlicek to Cowens to Bird 🐦 they had a dominant franchise and tradition and culture.
Bird was also like Favre and Aaron Rodgers. And slowly began giving away the Celtics ☘️ mystique and charm.
He was the first Celtic leader to lose to Los Angeles in a Finals. He lost Game 7's to Julius Erving where Russell had the Celtics like some ridiculous level of wins to zero losses in such games. And Havlicek and Cowens and Don Nelson helped keep that lure alive and then Bird started routinely losing to Erving in Game 7's.
Bird was there to continue the wave 🌊 of Celtics ☘️ dominance but was also part of the wave that started falling on itself until it died almost completely.
Hell they may have been cursed since Larry cuz what happened to his back, Len Bias and Reggie Lewis. You could say Bird was the beginning of the end for the Celtics ☘️ dominance.
Watching Bird play was amazing, Bird was able to do crazy stuff that no one before could do. Brady was never like that, Brady doesn't do anything special besides his team winning.
Larry Bird was a huge part why I love the Celtics over the L.A. Lakers during their era.
And same goes with Michael Jordan to the Chicago Bulls as to every team of their era.
Both legends of their time.
Excellent video bro 👌
My dad was a Lakers fan from Texas who loved Magic Johnson, but as a very young kid, my first formative basketball memories were watching Larry torch everyone. I loved him.
I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for Legend.
People say Bird didn't have physical gifts. However, he had an incredible basketball brain -- who could scan the court in microseconds and use his impeccable vision to make quality decisions. His ability to do so was second to none.
Something Westbrook or Harden can't do :D
Coach Bob Knight was captured on camera saying that Bird had probably the greatest hand-eye coordination talent in the history of basketball.
You can't do what he did without being extremely athletic. You can have all the IQ in the world, but that doesn't mean you have the athletic ability to make the shots, passes, and other types of amazing plays that Larry did.
Being 7 feet tall and be able to run, is physically gifted
Isaiah Thomas is still jelly
Both Larry and MJ are absolute legends! Larry is often underrated and has a strong case for top 5 all time. Could've seriously contended for top 3 all time imo if his career was longer.
Still, I can't rank him over MJ. Yes, Bird generally beat him in their head to head matchups but he also had significantly more help. McHale, Parish, DJ, and Ainge were all better than MJ's best teammate during those years (Charles Oakley). Pippen joined NBA in 88 and didn't become a star until the 90s, same with Horace Grant.
In 86, MJ's starting teammates were Orlando Woolridge (good scorer but bad at everything else, never fit with MJ), Charles Oakley, Dave Corzine, and Kyle Macy & 87 was even worse (Paxson, Banks, Oakley, Corzine). MJ was also in his 2nd and 3rd seasons at this point, while Bird was in his prime.
Pistons were arguably even more stacked, with possibly the deepest lineup of all time. They had 5 legitimate all-star calibre players in Thomas, Dumars, Rodman, Laimbeer, and Aguirre that all fit perfectly. Great mix of elite defense, elite rebounding, elite scoring, and elite playmaking. On top of that, they had guys like Vinnie Johnson (best 6th man in the league), Rick Mahorn (elite defender/enforcer), James Edwards (good post scorer off the bench), and John Salley (ideal backup big man). Those Pistons teams were a nightmare to play against and beat the shit outta MJ.
Also, I'd ignore any comments made by IT in this video. IT and MJ despise each other, so all of his comments on this topic should be completely disregarded. He's insanely biased against MJ and refuses to give him any credit ever.
I dunno bro it kinda seems like Larry bird was a little better great as MJ definitely was..
You clearly didn’t watch this video! But let’s use your same arguments! MJ had the superior teams during the 90’s, so if you can’t give Bird credit then MJ can’t get credit either. I never put MJ in my starting 5 I always had Bird instead of him. I’m a diehard Laker fan and even I know Bird was nasty on that court!
Not flashy, but he had the results!
Larry Bird is the 🐐. MJ is definitely 2nd though. Nobody can touch Bird
Jordan is my GOAT, but I was heartbroken when Bird retired. I still try to tell young people how awesome he was.
THANK YOU!
I never realized how amazing Bird was until I saw him live. Larry Legend was affecting play when he didn't have the ball. Jordan was amazing every minute he had the ball but Bird was amazing every minute he was on the court.
I love that last line. So true! Unselfish play is the big difference in these two players. #larrylegend
@@mrspaulb3889 Also the big difference between those teams. The Celtics played like a true, unselfish team, like a well-oiled machine. That's why they were so spectacular and practically unbeatable. As great a player as Jordan was, it was the beginning of the end of the "team" mentality. Red Auerbach knew exactly what worked and what didn't, and so did Pat Riley.
People put too much stock in stats without looking at other factors, there are many more ways to affect a game other than the stat sheet.
I SAW those games LIVE....as a KID. I was still in HIGH school. My father had season tickets for clients....but I always managed to talk him into letting me and my grandmother go see Larry play. Back then, they played in the old Boston Garden....and there were RATS always running underneath everyone's feet in the stands. I will NEVER forget being able to see Larry Bird...! He was a brutal...BRUTAL....competitor..! Some of those games in particular still stand out in my memory, when Larry would make a final shot from no time left on the clock and sink it from down court winning the game...! And NOW I have had Tom Brady for these past 22 years...! I lost interest in basketball after Bird retired, just as sure I will [in all likelihood] loose interest in NFL once Brady is gone. But LARRY was like a human light bulb....he somehow brought the ENTIRE team to life.....just like Brady does.
@Ide Iben:I'ma die-hard Pistons gan and I was actually scared FOR them whenever they faced Bird in the playoffs!! He was just UNconscious from 25 feet out!! I even patterned my own frighteningly =ACCURATE"Rainbow Shot"after his high-arcing jumpers!! Jordans shooting percentage is shamrful,when subtract all the baskets he made while in CONTACT with the rim!! :O
@@SuperDetroit9 I likely saw a good portion of those Piston match-ups..! Great, great memories...! Back when the world was still sane...! Sportsmen still had class back then, now the greater portion of them are egomaniacal asshats who think they have the mental means to give opinions where they do not belong. I totally lost interest in NBA after Larry retired. I tried to stay interested but the Joy just faded away. Larry had eyes in the back of his Head...! Amazing player..!
Sounds like you're not a very good fan then. Strange coming from Boston since people say they have some of the best fans. You just said you follow the teams when they're great or have great players.
@@ideiben3190 sports have become political and the players are pansies. Any of these guys from the 70s-80s-90s would tear through all the modern teams like toilet paper. Basketball isn’t a contact sport anymore 😂
The celtics would play at the Hartford civic center I had my son & nephew and got the see Larry Legend,Parrish,McHale,DJ Cornbread great games still haveT shirt 40 years old
I couldn’t imagine having bones spurs in both feet and a broken back yet still play in the NBA! Birds probably the only player I’ve seen that had to lay on his stomach instead of sit on the bench because he couldn’t physically sit.
Great job bro great video.
Outstanding video breaking down in detail how it all happened, emphasizing what Bird was able to do back in the day. Well done. Also remember that last year he faced Magic in the Finals, 4 of the 5 Celtic starters were playing injured. Even playing with 4 injured starters, the Lakers still needed 6 games to put them away! And that was the Magic baby sky-hook over McHale who was playing with a broken bone in his foot. In an interview, Magic said "I saw that I had McHale guarding me, I knew I HAD to take the shot!!"
I didn't know that. Great 👍
Showed my dad this video he was a big bird fan. Unfortunately he's about to lose his battle with cancer :( it's crazy how age gets the best of us
🙏
🙏
🙏🏾
Praying for your Father, his Family and Friends.
🙏
Larry Bird didn't sweep MJ, the CELTICS did. It was all that talent on the Celtics vs one man, MJ. Let's just be honest.
As a Celtics fan, this was an excellent video 😄
I love Larry bird I actually was fortunate enough to meet him on several occasions after he retired... Bill Walton is a close family friend and I had something horrible and life changing happen to me and through the kindness of Larry I have now been in the care of the Celtics team Drs and have had 4 successful lumbar and cervical surgeries. Larry actually went out of his way To get me in touch with the best doctors that who could ever ask for. Bill did much more for me and Tommy hinson What is instrumental in Getting me the best neurosurgeon I could ever ask for. I am actually going in for my next surgery on Thursday for my cervical spine following that I will have a lumbar spine surgery in June once I am healed (as much as I can hope for) I might be able to return to the life I had). Fingers crossed! But just thought I would share that he is a kind and empathic man off the court! Great job on the videos I thoroughly enjoyed them! I'm sure Larry does as well as he never gets this type of coverage!
I'm not sure if Larry is aware of your channel but I'm gonna get word to him because I know he would be so humbled and grateful!😀 Keep up the great work love the videos!!!🤗🤗🤗
I am praying for a wonderful recovery for you. You are very gracious and nice.
Hope all turns out well for you as I am a 55 year old ex jock with my old injuries and surgeries starting to take their toll.....God bless you my friend
Wish you the best. Good luck.
best of luck with your health Issues.
I had assumed that about Bird, he just REFUSED to show weakness I believe...but a genuine person off the court.
Back in the day, when basketball was really basketball, played by those who absolutely loved the game itself, and not necessarily the money associated with it. Thank you for this video.
As someone that saw Bird play, it was almost like it was unfair. You could see his basketball IQ was off the charts. It would of been truly been great to see Len Bias take some of the pressure off Bird. So tragic as it is one of the greatest what ifs in the game still to this day.
Magic Johnson has a 22-15 winning record over Larry Bird, is that your GOAT?( I am kidding) but let´s be honest those Boston Celtic and Lakers were by today´s standards super teams, it is obvious why they were dominating in the 80´s, thus both teams are the most successful franchises in NBA history.
Growing up a Laker fan as a kid thinking Magic was the best Bird and his crew make me go to bed crying growing up till dad came in with a pep talk. Good times. Looking back such great memories ( especially when the Lakers beat them). haha Great video.👍
14:34 : that Bird offensive rebound to dribble to spin into a effortless seeming reverse hook shot with other bodies clogging the paint around him is beautiful
Indeed
Possibly one of Bird's best shots, besides the falling out of bounds game winner and shot over the backboard. Who does that today in such a startling consistent way? No one.
And off the board! Beautiful indeed haha
Jokic so much reminds me of Bird playing. He's unselfish, gets the team involved, and has a genuine love of the game. It's not often that a family oriented man comes along to share the same values with his team mates.
Great Video! i Loved it❤
Thanks for his video. Huge Bird fan here--lived in Boston during his career there. I have watched a lot of videos of Bird, Jordan, Magic, etc...the greats. Seldom does anyone mention Bird's surgeries and the pain he endured during his career -- one that was cut short because he sacrificed his body repeatedly to pick up loose balls, to keep balls in play, etc. In his final years he couldn't even sit comfortably on the bench, opting to lie on the floor, because his back had been broken. He had surgery on both achilles tendons. It is said he never took pain medication, and his attitude was that he was being paid to play, and that was his job. He was a great player, and a unique man. But what I really appreciated is that he was an unselfish player. His passing is legendary. He elevated everyone on his team.
My sentiment exactly, the game has changed first of all it's rigged the refs get told who wins the series and to stretch it out to as many games as you can. That's where the owners make the most per game so each game is worth 10's of million of dollars. Back in Bird's era it was a team sport as you said Bird made everyone around him good, Jordan was a barb. Today it's just feed the star player, look at Labron and I don't think he's even that good. Technically I much prefer Steph Curry much better skill level expert. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!! CHEERS!!!!
A so he he had surgeries and wasnt that durable that already makes him inferior let alonehis numbers at his peak which cant touch jordans. He played alongside two hall of fame big men when giants dominated. Great player but extremely overated.
@@lostone9700 lol.....trollretardo
Nobody in the history of BB played
thru more pain than Larry Bird.When you know about all the different
injuries Bird played with it was to me
unbelievable.Thats it no shit.
@@lostone9700 😂😂😂🤦🏽♂️
This video made me feel goosebumps all over.... I maybe born in the early 2000's but I'm a very big fan of the NBA era from 80's to 90's because my Dad had a CD collection of those classic games and documentaries... This really makes you miss those golden days...
I knew there was a rivalry but the way the narrator explains makes it seem like they were primary rivals. Great video and the best to both MJ and LB. The main rivalry was between Magic and Bird. Which Magic won overall including college but all respect to Magic for to this day stating that Bird is the best player while Bird says the same about Magic Johnson being the best. But they both agree that Jordan is the GOAT. This coming from a Hoosier who loves the Pacers.
That Larry Bird had a lion mind and heart. I never saw a man so smart, confident and assertive that him in the game. That clutch shoots of him was crazy…
It’s a huge myth that Bird didn’t have physical gifts. He was very quick. You don’t have to be a fast runner or jump high to be good at basketball, and Bird proved it. You just need to be quick, level headed, competitive, and hard working.
That "myth" is something Larry himself helped pass on in the media, often. Larry liked when people ( especially fans ) underestimated him, hated when other coaches tried throwing lesser or bench players at him to slow him down.
I once saw Julius Irving get a rebound and go up for a dunk. Larry Bird stuffed him.
I once saw Julius Irving Grabout a rebound and go up for the dunk. Larry Bird stuffed him. Can't jump? Another myth, Possibly created because he was white. He averaged 10 rebounds for his career, An outstanding number for a forward, Especially one who wasn't particularly muscular.
As a fan of Magic, Bird, and Jordan I can say that all three were amazing individual athletes and all three needed others to be their greatest. Bird was truly incredible and unbelievable. But Bird had better squad all around. A deeper bench and a better coaching staff who built those teams and Bird being more experienced. Bird was a more versatile scorer and playmaker, so was Magic. He was truly great, but MJ was a better individual scorer. Bird was just older and was beaten up more. His body gave out on him. Time beats everybody. I think they were two sides of the same coin. Bird and Magic both agreed that MJ was the best they ever faced. But basketball is a team sport. One on one...who knows. They're all thee in a class unto themselves.
Yeah at the end of the day bird was on Boston which has historically always been stacked when it comes to coaching, players and everything, Jordan was on one of the worst teams in the league full of drug addicts and the reason the 90s bulls are so much better is cause they finally built a team around Jordan one player can only do so much I mean look at Jordan he is dominating Larry every game but I mean he is only one guy. Charles Barkley had this problem his entire career amazing player but never had a team built around him.
Go look at the Boston Celtics the year before Larry Bird arrived then look at that next year when Larry Bird arrived the difference in their record and then they're the same guys the same team explain that. Larry made the whole team great around him that was the difference of him and Magic Johnson where his Jordan was just more of an individual guy
Actually bird and Magic both said that The Other was the best player that they had ever played against bird said Magic magic said bird you're very incorrect there these were old Men Still beating Jordan in his prime. And for the record yes the Lakers already had a stack team but like I said do your research and check the Boston Celtics record and the team the year before burder arrived then watch what happened within about 2 or 3 seasons bird makes a team better around him the team wasn't built around him but he made the team better than being around him
I agree with everything you say..but a lot of MJ fan think that Jordan did it all alone.
Magic is the winner, LA is always the winner historically
The nicest thing after the Croatian War of Independence was sitting by the TV late into the night and watching the Bulls and sipping beer. "Our" Toni Kukoć was a member of the team that we loved as much as if he were Croatian, and today someone compares today's NBA with that of those days. Shit, then the gods ran on the parquet floor and died on it. Best NBA years for sure. Even during the war, we watched Jordan and the team in some basement. not a single bullet would be fired that night. And the enemy enjoyed the NBA spells of "their" Vlada Divac (L.A. Lakers). It was the year of the Olympics and a match like Croatia vs NBA wizards.❤
Okay, I don't even watch basketball and this video was so fascinating to me, well done
Bird understands the game better than anyone else.. Jordan was better athlete but Bird was better basketball player
you really need to be very dumb to say that Bird was a better basketball player than MJ, and I bet my life that I´m a bigger Bird fan than you are
Agreed
Both are my idol. Bird has 3 hall of farmers compared to Jordan teammates at that time.
Exactly
@@czts4778 Although I wonder if they would be Hall of Famers if Bird wasn't on their team to pull them up with him.
It’s a shame Bird’s body couldn’t keep up in 30s. He wasn’t the most gifted genetically but he was the most skilled all around player of all time.
I always got shut down when I would voice that Larry was the best all around player to ever step on the court! wow some great memories and I was in my teen years back then.