The Shot That Almost Made Larry Bird The Undisputed GOAT | At Small Forward, Would You Rather Have LeBron James Or Larry Bird In Your All-Time Starting 5 Lineup?
You can’t seriously think bird would have made 9 out of 10 of that shot 😂😂😂😂 Pretty much saying he would make the next nine in a row. Hilarious And seems like the video clips you chose are a decade old
Michael (the guy in the studio arguing for Larry Bird vs. LeBron James) worked in the Boston market, and as I too am from Boston, both Michael and I know just HOW nasty good Larry Bird was in his prime years. LeBron is a fantastic player, no doubt, but in his absolute prime and with the game on the line, I'm taking Bird all day, every day.
Yup. As I mentioned too. No D No men anymore. If there is, it's marshmellow soft. Bunch of prima donnas whining and crying for a foul. Just like football. LeBron needs a Bill Lambeer or Rich Mahorn in his face. Then he'll think twice about coming down the lane.
Unfortunately, fans of "today's game" believe otherwise. They believe that the better athletes are playing today...and they might be right. What today's fans can't fathom is that even though the athletes MAY be better, the game is so different today that that advantage is a moot point. The sheer physicality of yesteryear wipes it out. Fans today actually believe that LeBron would power through the physical defense from back then. To try to convince them otherwise is fruitless. Best to let their ignorance remain intact...
@@jatablue the nba was much rougher and tougher i cannot argue that at all… a guy like steph curry wouldnt be the player he is today but lebron is 6 foot 9 270 of muscle i think he would be fine lol
I might pick Bill Russell first and pray the other guy picked anybody but Bird. If he did I'd not only pick Bird second I'd let the other guy choose the rest of my team.
@@Robertedwinhouse38 in a weak league that doesn't use physicality and play defense anything like they used to. The game is completely different today. Jordan struggled against those guys alone for a reason. LeBron will NEVER be as clutch as Larry Legend.
Just look up Larry Bird's left handed game... Name one other player in the NBA who not only had the guts to say he would do something like that, but also backed it up with a 45 point triple double.
i cryed more than twice on sundays everytime bird and celtics on tv sunday afternoon game on cbs network...still remember the intro to the games sent chills through me...the best couple of hours was watching a bird and his celtics..the most wonderful bird god ever created.............larry jo bird................
I'm with you. I was a huge Lakers fan back in the 80's. Hated Larry with a passion and any time he was taking the last shot my stomach sank, because you just had to think he was going to make it. His ability to be clutch seemed unreal at times.
I am 60 and watched the Celtics and many NBA games in the 80s. And without a doubt Larry Bird is the Goat, I have yet to see anyone close to him. Ace Scorer outside and inside, ace passer, great rebounder, ace free thrower, clutch shooter, a master basketball tactician, ace leadership, and he can carry a whole team on his back in his rookie season. And all his success was during the golden years of the NBA, where there were full of legendary players, he had it all, the most complete player ever.
I’m 54 and love basketball. I’ve still not seen anybody as great and heart stoppingly exciting as Larry Bird. It is so refreshing to be able to say that.
@@luisgallegos2877 Fact- lebone never would have excelled back in the day in the old school game like he has in the new school game... The new school game is boring...
LeBron has even said Bird was his favorite player of all time and who inspired him. Magic has said time and time again Bird was the best there ever was and he was just trying to keep up. Jordan even though he wont say it publicly has mentioned Bird was a major problem for him. Countless other top defenders that played against him have also said it was near impossible to stop Bird. I more trust what his fellow opposition says over the media or even pen on paper stats. He is the GOAT.
Larry Bird was one with the ball. You can't compare the basketball from the 80's through the 90's with today's game. I watched it all, the best memories of basketball.
The enitre nba today is built on bird. I am for real. Do players play more like Magic, Jordan or Larry? Where Magic and Jordan taking dagger threes? Step back shots? No. MJ no one can match his athleticism. Its not from lack of trying people don't play like MJ. Larry made the league with nothing but his height for physical attributes.
Larry played hurt. Really hurt. Broken eye socket hurt. He played left handed just for fun. Plus, he hit two buzzer beaters at the end of the same game. Legend.
From day 1 game 1... Larry Bird wanted the ball, wanted to take the last shot to win the game, never hesitated to dive on the floor for a loose ball, played 110% on offense & defense! Biggest difference, Larry let his game talk for him, Lebron has to tell people he is the "King" ...
I respect a man that doesn’t bow down say nobody else is better stand on yours no one criticize a rapper saying he’s the best why people so sensitive bout sports
Yep. I'm a Jordan fan from the word go, even lived in Chicago during the Threepeat, but Bird is all 8 pistons. That was what made him so dangerous, he could do anything he wanted and you never knew what he was going to do, not that you could stop him anyway.
True. Kids don’t understand… mj > lbj, prime bird>lbj Lbj got longevity in a soft league. Just like comparing nfl from montana days isn’t same sport as brady nfl
@@neenarmanthat's right but bird dominates more in todays modified rules.That dude is a way better luka and impact the game in so many ways even without scoring. Take birds 12 seasons against bron's best successive 12 seasons. Bird takes it no doubt
@@dbrcooker3101 Anyone who thinks Kevin Love is better than Bird needs to be committed. You don’t need to downplay a legend to defend a Mt.Rushmore player...
Bird was the type of player who was already in your head before the game even started,, which already gave him an advantage , then he would use that advantage and even exploit you more , once on the court,, He would be in your head before, during and after the game. He was a Mental Mind Master
LeBron don't have killer instinct? That's why he had most playoff buzzerbeaters ever? Or maybe that's why he had most points ever? Or maybe that's why he had most 4th quater points in whole NBA on his 21 season? 🤔
As a Laker fan with a Celtics fan for a father I watched him play a lot of games. As a Miami Heat fan I've watched a lot of LeBron. Bird better not even close. There's never been anyone like him and I watched his back go out. Was tragic
I have watched the NBA for over 50 years. I am a diehard Lakers fan. The best basketball I have ever witnessed is the Lakers and Celtics in the 80’s. Larry Bird is a legend hands down coming from a Lakers fan. If Jordan or LeBron played in this era they would have been an afterthought
Jordan did play in that era, and Larry sent him home every year. Granted, Jordan didn’t have pippen yet, but it wouldn’t have made a difference that early in their careers.
Im sorry, but saying Michael Jordan would have been an afterthought in any era is the single worst take I have ever seen about basketball. Jordan was playing in the 80s, as you should remember, since you know so much about basketball, and as you might also remember he wasn't an afterthought, he was an MVP and DPOY and probably played the single best individual season of all time. Either you forgot that MJ did play in the 80s (which means you know absolutely nothing about that time period) or you forgot that he was already the undisputed best player in the game in the late 80s (which also means you know nothing about that era)
Great video! I grew up in the 80s and have watched a lot of NBA games over the years since. The only people who would pick LeBron over Bird are people who never saw Bird play....
Yo you just don't know how great Larry bird was if he played today in this soft era he would do 35 prs 12 rebounds or more and double digit assists he would tell LeBron you can't guard me an LeBron can't
we had the same hurt in 88 vs the lakers on the Non Call foul against Isaiah Thomas,, they call that and we wouldve won game 6 and the 88 championship too
Fantastic video. As an 80s kid, I knew what happened in all of these games, and you still managed to recreate the excitement of watching these games for the first time. Really well done.
Prime Larry Legend is, WITHOUT A DOUBT, in my all-time starting five! He had the passing abilities of Magic, was (and still is) one of the best long range and free throw shooters in the league, had great defensive skills, had the ability to elevate his team, had the respect (and fear) from countless Hall of Famers, and, without a doubt, (IMO) was the most clutch player in the NBA's history. I'm with Pat Riley saying if my LIFE was on the line, I would want Bird to take the shot to save it. I've seen Larry play, and I've seen LeBron play. LeBron is a GREAT player, but he does not have that KILLER mentality, nor the IQ, that Bird had, and there is no comparison in the clutch. LeBron does everything, stats-wise, to make people believe he is the GOAT. Going so far as proclaiming HIMSELF the GOAT! Larry could give a shit about stats, and never has elevated himself verbally above other greats. All Larry cared about was winning...PERIOD! The perfect example of that was seeing him come back into the game vs the 1991 Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. He hit the floor with his face going after a loose ball and received a concussion and a fractured cheek bone. That was one of the few times I saw him leave the floor due to an incredible injury. But, I will never forget the deafening roar of the Boston crowd, nor the "killer" look on his face when he snuck away from his team doctor, and came back to try to help win the game! (which he did) Never seen LeBron do anything like that. Sorry! I pick Bird everyday, all day.
If you have any realistic view of basketball you agree with this. LeBron is one dimensional pass or shoot. 1v1 llhe would need a crying towel by halftime against larry.
For sure agree 100 percent Larry Legend had that "It" factor. He made the "Team" better. MJ had two tried to beat Bird in two series at MJs PRIME and get blown off the court. MJ admits it he never beat Larry Legend.
And bird could effectively play any of the 5 positions on both sides of the ball! Anyone who don’t put bird in the top Five doesn’t understand the game of basketball! He could do everything while mentally effecting opposing competition to the level that they wasn’t able to bring their a game. And without the level of athletic ability that 95% of the rest of nba players possess!who else you see have highlights where the opp bench is going crazy watching him destroy their team.
His situational awareness was the X factor that even Lebron and Jordan had to respect. Even if he wasn't scoring buckets in your face, shooting leftie, or calling his shot before he did it.. he didn't have to score a bucket to make or break the opponents stride. Passing, assists, rebounds, he did it ALL and he did it time and time again.
I never really watched the Celtics much growing up, so I didn’t know how good Bird really was. Until I caught his game against Portland in 03/92. He got his 34th point on a one footed 3 while getting mugged by Cliff Robinson (no call) to tie the game. Boston won in OT and a banged up over the hill Bird had this stat line: 49 pts 14 reb 12 ast 4 stl 1 blk One of the greatest performances I have ever watched live. Just insane….
I will always remember where I was that day: at my best friends house while he was battling cancer. Just him and I. Bird was on fire. When he hit that 3, we started jumping around the living room like we were 5 years old. One of the best memories of my life.
@@williammalloy5314 I hope your friend made it. It was WILD. I was 15, and I wasn’t a Bird fan, but after that day I was a convert. Even bought a copy of Drive and everything.
I’d like to preface this by saying that I played basketball in NYC in an all black high school and got my nick name from the brothers playing at The Cage and at Rucker Park. We were all trying to emulate what Larry bird was doing on the playground and it was impossible for us. However, I remember hearing what Pat Riley said, “If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game, I’d choose Michael Jordan, but if I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life, I’d take Larry Bird."
Larry Bird's record against Michael Jordan was 17-11 regular season and a perfect 6-0 in the post. Jordan was averaging 35+ points per game during that time.
Yep, 86 Bird (and 86 Celtics) is pretty much up there with any player/team in NBA history. They also had arguably the best team dynamics & chemistry of any team in history, including 6th man Bill Walton. This may not make sense given how much more athletic today's stars are, but the basketball IQ of 86 Bird/Celtics is about as good as it ever got. Regarding the 87 championship, it's wasn't so much Bird's missed final shot in Game 4 that cost the Celtics the series, it was that McHale & Walton (two Hall of Fame big men) were both injured. Also that 87 Lakers team is among the greatest of all time IMO. And I think Magic would be in more GOAT conversations today had his career not been cut short by his shocking health diagnosis. The Bird/Magic era doesn't get the credit it deserves.
Your very right malik.. Huge celtics fan..over 50 years..that 87 lakers team..was by far their best..in my humble opinion..butt! That shot..((( the baby hook shot))) he took to win the game..shouldn't ever happened..tge missed foul shot by kareem. Was hit out of bounds by a laker player..in instandvreplay..it clearly showed a laker player..tip the ball out of bounds..that game had 2..history shots..not because I'm a big bird fan malik.. I've seen 90 percent of players 76..through 2004.. Not one of them. Far as all around play??? Feroicness...hand yo eye coordination..clutch shooting rebounder.. foul shooter..assists...ect..the good lord. Never made another player as great as bird.
And this was AFTER Larry dislocated his spine the summer before shoveling gravel at his mom's house. If Larry had hired that out, b-ball history would be different! 😭
I was fortunate enough to have season tickets behind the basket during the bad boys vs Celtics in late 80s early 90s. I was at the game where the Pistons fans were ripping up a Celtics jersey in the seating area, I think it was Birds no 33. It was replayed on sports highlights for many years afterwards. Brent Musburger was one of the best commentators as well. Was so heartbroken when Bird stole the ball from Isiah's inbound pass and passed it to Dennis Johnson(another fantastic player) who scored the winning basket. Pistons fans hated Bird and company in those days but I love watching these highlights of the Celtics and Bird. Those were the days.
Larry Bird had the fastest reflexes, spacial awareness and quickest mind on the planet. He could not only score at will, but knew when someone else was in a better scoring position. His no look passes were legendary!
Bird was the best hustle player in the history of the game.... never gave up on plays ever. Sacrificed his body for clutch rebounds and to keep the ball in play. As a kid that was my favorite thing about him -- saving the ball going out of bounds that would result in a turnover going to other team.
It's not even close. Bird by a mile. Just look at all the clutch shots Bird made. Just look at other NBA greats talked about Bird. Then their is the ultimate compliment by Pat Riley - "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." Think about that - if his life was on the line he chooses Bird. Sorry, Lebron just doesn't have that "killer" mentality that Bird has
One thing rarely mentioned about Bird over Lebron is that Bird was focused on making the team win no matter who was playing with him. Lebron has left so many teams behind to go to better teams so that he can ride other players coattails to win. Choosing Bird in a draft is choosing a player with some loyalty to the team he is on. Lebron is only loyal to his "brand" - Hands down Bird is better as a player, Lebron has the longevity of career and that is the only thing where he is better than Bird. BTW - did anyone notice how much holding Worthy did with no foul? That is old school defense!
Who’s coattails exactly did lebron ride on? Because he’s never been a part of a team where he wasn’t clearly the best player there. Loyalty doesn’t mean shit in sports.
WTF are you talking about. He took Boobie Gibson to the NBA finals at the age of 21...and when he needed one other player they gave him Mo Williams? He took the Heat to 4 straight finals and increased the valuation of the team by billions, then when he asked them to keep veterans they refused to "cut costs", and then went back to the Cavs and took them to four straight finals before increasing the valuation of the team and city by billions. There has been no player in no era that did more for more cities than Lebron.
@@DJ-nn6vg Players shot 30-40% more free throws in Birds era...easy points, time to rest. Go watch a non-finals game...they were awful...terrible skills, fouls every other possession, tons of free throws and guys were coked up and roided up all over the place.
@bob Not at the free throw line. We are talking 40% more free throws and time to rest and getting in sync from getting a shit ton of free throws. And physicality myth is just that...guys were called for 40% more fouls so they couldn't be physical without fouling out. Maybe some fouls were harder but the recrnt penalty for hard fouls only came in the last decade...the 2000s and 2010s were very physical and fewer fouls were called which is why scored was much lower in the decades after Jordan than during Jordan. Lebron actually played through a very low scoring decade with great defense and had to burn through great Piston's, Celtics, and Spurs teams that were defense first, the Heat team that won in 2012 was the best defensive team in the league, with Lebron being the best defender. The move to pace, spread, and three came from this era of dominant defense which Lebron being the catalyst for the point forward with 4 shooters, and Steph become the deep master that forced teams to defend 30 feet from the hoop, something that was unheard of in Jordan's day. The reason the game is less physical is because there is so much more space and teams can actually shoot...80s and 90s teams were devoid of 3 point shooters and had multiple guys who could rebound and enforce.
Couple of Larry points. He took a 29 win Celtics team his rookie year to 61 wins. Larry was THE BEST at elevating his team's game...besides being an MVP himself 3 times with runner up 4 more times. And he did all this without having a significant amount of touches unlike a LeBron - the offense didn't get stifled through him. And lastly, if Len Bias hadn't tragically died, the late eighties into 90's would have been all Celtics...not just because of Bias' almost MJ level talents, but the core Bird, McHale, DJ, Parish and even Walton a bit could have reduced just enough PT to last and dominate. C's may have closed out the '80's in titles. As the video said, Lebron over 20 years is just staggering what he consistently produced. But for my fantasy all time draft, I'm going Larry Bird #1 and I know my team will elevate over any other.
@@bob88667 McHale and Walton both got themselves hurt in ‘87 because of no Bias…that finished Walton and made McHale ineffective in finals. If Bias lived, everyone would have gotten rest. i could see C’s winning in ‘87 and ‘88 over Lakers. after that it’s hard to look to far down the road but Bias was almost MJ level talent. just a huge what would have been?
Larry is colder than Jordan as far as trash talk. When you have a player telling to you what he’s going to do to you in detail and says there’s nothing you can do about it and he does it every time is scary. It’s pretty much like the grim reaper telling you you’re going to die and take your soul while watching it unfold 😂
I didn't get to see him play in the 80's. Couldn't watch TV in HS (80'-84'), then I was in the Army from 84'-88'. But just from watching the highlight reels/videos on TH-cam, he was unreal! The complete package! Shooting, assists, passing, court presence, never mind the trash talking he backed up! And flat out respect by those he played with and against! Almost NO ONE that played against him denies how good he was! Even Jordan & Magic.
You didn't watch the NBA while you were in high school? Were the same age and were in the Army the same years, why didn't you watch the games on the weekends after school or during off time in the Army ? I'm just curious.
My mount Rushmore will never be without Michael Jordan and Larry Joe Bird and I am a brutha 50 years old!! I watched too many times those two ended people's hopes and dreams!!!
I'm a generation younger and it's my favorite "shit test" if you claim to know bball and don't know how good Bird was. Than you don't know bball. I swear black people appreciate Larry more than whites.
Both master assassins. With one moving with lighting quickness slicing up the lanes however he wanted then taking air like he was owed money by gravity and living there. The other showed an uncanny ability to read any player or play and on sheer technical ability punish them while telling them what he would do and still unable to stop him. While every player had in some for or another a gap a weakness he had none. The true definition of a jack of all trades master of none but usually better than a master of one. They shared a killer instinct that can't be denied. Both of their on-court presences are something mystical. You just know insanity will insue when they lace up and you could guarantee both had a dagger waiting for the opponents heart in the clutch.
5:15 there’s nothing a hole about being aware that you are good and you know how to psych out your opponents. Bird was brilliant. What many people don’t understand is how unselfish he was as a player. He could take the ball and score all day long but he was working with his team. That’s leadership. And integrity. No one can ever match this guy. Ever.
"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
cf Steph and Klay. Steph was/is an artist. prime Klay was like a goddamn machine. if i needed someone to take an impossible shot from 65 feet, with a football team guarding him, while underwater and holding a cat in one hand, it's Steph. if i needed someone to take a catch-and-shoot 25-footer from the foul line extended, it's prob Klay.
Larry would have looked right into steph of Clay's eyes, told them exactly how he would beat them, and then larry would embarrass them as he beat them after telling them how. Facts
@chad it’s because most of this generation has never touched a basketball. Kids from the 60s to the 90s all hooped. You have to play basketball to appreciate real basketball. None of this generation grew up playing in front of their house or at parks. This generation of players grew up playing AAU ball since age 6 and the current generation of basketball fans have never even touched a basketball. That’s why there is such a disconnect with older generation. Everyone played a little hoops back in the day even the nerdiest kid on the block
@@michaelb7864 So true. I think u even see less home courts these days. Growing up, it seemed like every house had a rim. When the sun went down having to get someone who had a car, shine headlights on the court to see. Those were some great days.
As a Pistons fan, I hated Larry Bird with frustrated respect. That is meant as a total compliment. Had the same feelings about Jordan. Now that I don’t have to watch the Pistons get beat up by those guys, I can offer them the full respect they deserve. Wish the NBA still played like that and had the same rivalries that had me seeing red. Celtics, Lakers, Pistons, Bulls, 76ers… man those were intense basketball games!
Can Bron be proud of being a quitter? A stat padder? Superteam stacker? Standing on defense for OVER half his career? Scared of the clutch? For passing blame?
@@stormteam3004 Good questions. I have not studied Labron's play. I only commented on knowledge gathered from players of the age. I don't know of any quitting instances, padding. A stacker? I might go along with that. Isn't that the norm for this era?
@@stormteam3004 he's quit games with an ingrown toenail 3 times. Bird finished out a game after breaking his orbital socket with a bad back. You can name 20 more reliable players in the game today. Not even a comparison.
They are both at the top; each has different strengths and very few weaknesses. Main difference to me is Bird had a fierce killer instinct, much like Jordan. He would enjoy berating his opponents as he crushed them, and never, ever, took a play off.
I can say this. Bird would never demean himself by flopping and would never have a temper tantrum like James recently did. He played against much tougher defenders in a rougher league, and it he had played in an era where 3pt shots were more emphasized like they are now....he would have still flourished. Athleticism, it is James for sure. BBall IQ and a winner's attitude, it is Bird all the way.
Bro there’s a difference between good defense and close lining someone while they’re driving to the rim. The defense in the 80s was actually pretty bad, the 90s was the defensive era.
If flopping means getting your opponent in foul trouble and can't play the game then your way of playing basketball is narrow 😂. More fouls means more room for your entire team to play aggressive. Selling a foul to the ref is hard. Blame the refs if they'll call it.
@@robertdeane5052 who's disagreeing? If he wants to play that way then be it. LeBron ball's better too. He showed it in his younger and older days in Cleveland. He can ball and sell a flop it's called playing smart basketball.
@@renasance7468Larry was clutch period ! LaBron will never be what Bird was , hell LaBron misses clutch free throws to this day alot and always has and Bird never ! Plus Bird was just a far better shooter and all around scorer . No comparison , it's Bird !
LeBron Jame closing in on Kareem Abdul jabber scoring record ,, Larry bird laying on his floor on his back as he aged,, I hope Larry bird watches LeBron Jame break Kareem Abdul jabber career scoring record laying on his back.laying on the floor,, Larry 🐦 bird super great basketball player, but couldn't stay on the court , magic johnson5 NBA championship rings, LeBron championship 4 rings Larry bird 3 NBA championship ring 3
@@lloydkline --The same Bird who was better than Lebron in EVERY aspect of the game. Better passer, better rebounder and FAR better shooter. Bird had a killer instinct on the court and a much tougher mental game something Lebron has never had. Overrated primadonas today would sit out if they had 1/2 the pain Bird dealt with. Even Lebron said Bird would dominate today. It's not even close. Bird was better..
@@robertwheatley9153 Larry bird was super brilliant and great shooter & passer, ok, Larry bird isn't mose Malone, Denis rodman, bill Russell, etc etc on rebounding,, etc etc ex teammate called pistol Pete Miramichi call Larry bird poor dribble, it on TH-cam video ,, Larry bird got a video saying Boston Celtics should've won 1987 NBA championship saying aging & injuries of boston celtic basketball players prevented that it on TH-cam video & 1988 championship was open to steal ,, too, machiel Jordan made his teammates alot better they hated machiel Jordan,, Larry bird was a 🚚 truck driver lost a year etc etc,, hope Larry bird watches the basketball game when LeBron Jame break Kareem Abdul jabber scoring record,,, small forward/ point guard,, laugh, laugh.
@@lloydkline --Except Bird who played in a much tougher NBA 35+ years ago cooked ALL of them. He did it all. Most complete player ever. NBA MVP 3 STRAIGHT seasons 1984-85-86. Michael Jordan was 0-6 against Bird in the postseason. Let that sink in. Most people today really have no clue how great Bird was. It's only when he retired that the Jordan Bulls dynasty began... When the game's on the line Lebron passes it off to someone else because he's not a $$$ or a clutch player. In the last 10 seconds of a game Bird wanted the ball and delivered. He is forever on All-time starting 5.
Either one of these guys in their prime would be dominant regardless of what era they played in.people who did not get the chance to see Larry Bird in real time just cannot appreciate the will to win Larry Bird had to win
I'm old enough that I remember watching that game in the summer of 87.I was 9 years old and I was a diehard Jordan fan but I would however watch the Lakers vs Celtics and watch Magic and Bird go at it. So I already knew the outcome of this game and this is a very good video and you earned a like and subscribe from me.
I'm a longtime Lakers fan and I saw that game on live tv from the opening tip to the final buzzer. I was so sure that ball was going in, I was thinking this would be the hardest loss for the Lakers to bounce back from. Bird was right, they were lucky, because he didn't miss very many game winning shots. If Bird had LeBron's longevity, he would have left behind a mountain of unreachable NBA records.
I remember that game like it was yesterday. I am a long time Lakers fan!! I go all the way back to Wilt Chamberlain and Gail Goodrich days!!! I was watching it on TV at the mall. I would have bet a hundred bucks that Larry Bird was going to make that shot!!! As an opposing fan, that man scared the hell out of you!!! But, he missed and the rest is history!!
I saw those games during that period, I was only interested in Basketball to see what that slow blonde guy would do. Otherwise I was just patently bored.
"If I could have any one play for twenty years...." FUCKING exactly! You nailed this shit. One on one comparisons are fraudulent. Era to era, you can't compare players. It's futile. But I think you succinctly sum up the comparisons--BronBron is amazing, and his longevity is astounding. Larry played a different game in a different era, a much more physical and exacting era, and he played it with a self-destructive frenzy that is not seen today. Kudos for your keen judgement! I also would take Bron over Bird if I wanted to win over a twenty year period. I also would take Bird over Bron if I wanted to win THIS year, or THIS decade. It's all relative, and great fun.
Larry Bird's passing skill is why I fell in love with basketball. I loved watching the Lakers and Celtics play but even if Bird hits that shot ( and Boston did win game 5) I believe LA would have won that series. I say that because Boston was beat up at that time. Parish was playing on a severe sprain on his ankle, McHale was playing with a broken foot, Walton tried to play but his feet were a mess and even Scott Wedman was not available. Boston did not have the depth needed to beat LA and game 6 and 7 were in LA. IF Len Bias did not die of cocaine intoxication right after the draft in the summer of 86 I do believe Boston would have won the Finals in 87. With Bias getting a full 82 game season of experience = he could have given valuable minutes of rest to Bird, McHale and Parish and Walton. Both Parish and Walton could rest and McHale could easily play center. Or you can rest McHale and use Bird and Bias at the forward position. Bias was 6-8 could hit the jump shot or explode to the rim with a 40 inch vertical. He was quick and could provide good defense on a James Worthy type player. A healthy Celtics squad with Bias would be scary good. It was a tragedy he passed away so young.
Agree 100%. Can't go back and do what if's off missed shots. So many games through the years have what if moments. Champs are champs because they take care of what's in front of them.
Xavier McDaniel told a similar story like Worthy told. He told Xman in Seattle game on the line coming out of a time out “I am going to get the ball at the elbow and hit it in your face”. He got the ball right where he said he would and hit it at the buzzer in Xman’s face. He walked by their bench and said “You should’ve had more than one person guarding me 🤷♂️” Larry was a cold assassin. 😅
My dad used to tell me that Larry Bird was one of the best players of all time… Next to Jordan 😂 We saw the first Dream Team play in Portland before they went to the Olympics (against Croatia or Lithuania… can’t recall) and Bird was there. Glad I got to see so many legends at once before they were gone.
Larry Bird only is considered a small forward because he was forced into that position playing for Boston. He didn't play small forward ever till McHale and Chief got there. He's actually a power forward who shoots like a 2/3 and passes like a 1. He's the entire team just like Magic was
I got to grow up watching and seeing the birdman play..I remember playing in a baseball championship game and the umps stopping play to catch score of celtics lol.he was and is best ever
Can't take anything away from James. Incredible scoring machine. Sees the court very well. Good bball I.Q etc. Having said that, imagine if you're starting an NBA team and all the greats are standing in front of you and you get first pick. Wow, who do I choose?? Well, you're not choosing James cuz you are looking over at Bird thinking, "I'm gonna regret it if I don't choose him".
Right, betting against bird is a losing bet. Probably clutchest player of alltime and goat i.q. and 3s.....lefthanded or right while calling his shots before plays.
Lebron James took 5 different coaches to the finals...so If I was a coach I would choose the guy most likely to cover my deficiencies and those of the roster. 11 Finals in 14 years with 5 Different coaches. His finals losses are to three warriors teams that are some of the best ever, two spurs teams that were favorites and some of the best ever, and the embarrassing Mavs loss. But Jordan, Kobe had terrible series which their teammates won and they are forgotten.
Bird was just amazing. There has never been, and may never be another player like him. Aside from his skills on the court, his IQ for the game and his competitive spirit were unmatched!
The people who are so quick to dismiss Larry, Bird, are people who don’t have any clue of how this man dominated the NBA. He was the best all-around player ever. Personally, he is my GOAT, and I was blessed to have seen him play live a few times. Every time he stepped on the court, you knew something special was going to happen, and it did. He had a natural ability, and an overwhelming drive to win. And unlike LeBron, he involved his teammates.
Larry is a legend in every sense of the word, he just did t have the defense prowess, not to say he was trash on D he wasnt..he just wasn't elite like a Pippen or MJ, but honestly I don't think LeBron is and ever was elite on D either.
Right. Never forget when he cracked his face and came back from locker room with a look in his eye that I am fairly certain the Pacers were like 'OH SHIT'!!
Larry was like regular season mvp for 3 consequtive years(84, 85 and 86).how would u possibly take lebron over bird? And that was in the league where dr.j, kareem, magic, mj, isiah and alot more legends were playing
Larry was top 2 MVP all his career apart from rookie season (top 4), up to the point of the big surgery when he lost all season except for 6 games. All the career except for top 4 of rookie season he was top1 or top2. Every year of career till the big surgery , let that sink in. Larry had this thing that maybe now they could improve the function of his skeleton structure better not sure, but back then they didnt fix it.
“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. Lakers fan here, had the privelage to see that great Bird/Johnson rivalry during the 80s/90s and it was real. I hated Larry Bird as an opponent, but have to conceed - he was damn good, everything that's said about him is true. All of it.
I’ll tell the main difference between LeBron and Bird. Bird went to a dead last Celtics and never once complained about any teammates instead he improved the team by 32 games making many of his teammates HOF. LeBron goes to a new team and says ok I can’t win with these guys. I need this guy and that one and this one over here and maybe we can do something. GO Bird
Great video, my guy! My favorite thing about Larry Bird was that he would get inside people's heads not only through his trash talk, but that trash talk would materialize before their eyes. I couldn't imagine the fear that came over them when they realized he was only speaking the truth! Great video, liked it a lot!
Bro I die laughing when I hear different players explain Larry bird story’s of him saying I’m gonna go to the corner and bust in your fuckin face 😂☠️ Gary Payton’s story of him is funny
I'll take it a step further. ... If doing that figurative thing where you can start a franchise with every player ever and had the first pick - I'd take Bird ALL DAY. ... Although Jordan is my number one upon the all-time list he also took a while to become a complete player that made the others around him better. Bird had that instinctually from the start. Not to mention that in my mind doing such a figurative franchise thing equals to starting fresh with given talents & take injuries out of the equation.
3:31 Scary part. Birds single most clutch play was probably DEFENSIVE - when he stole the inbounds pass from Isiah Thomas intended for Laimbeer, and hit Dennis Johnson for the easy layup - winning a playoff game that the Celtics overall won as well. But it's hard to pick, he had QUITE A FEW clutch performances - just not as many chances as the Celtics tended to not get INTO clutch situations as often as many lesser teams.
Lebron was asked once who he pick to take the last shot and he said Ray Allen. If Larry was asked the same question I truly doubt the would have picked any other player than himself. That is the essence of confidence.
Jordan in his dreams still sees the perfect play "clocks at 3 seconds I've got the ball driving, defense collapses, dime pass to Larry in the corner..."
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somebody who actually is not a sheeple when it comes to mainstream American sports narrative; thankyou for displaying solid arguments
Great video 👍🏻
Great video. I agree 💯
You can’t seriously think bird would have made 9 out of 10 of that shot 😂😂😂😂
Pretty much saying he would make the next nine in a row. Hilarious
And seems like the video clips you chose are a decade old
Michael (the guy in the studio arguing for Larry Bird vs. LeBron James) worked in the Boston market, and as I too am from Boston, both Michael and I know just HOW nasty good Larry Bird was in his prime years. LeBron is a fantastic player, no doubt, but in his absolute prime and with the game on the line, I'm taking Bird all day, every day.
Here's something else: Larry didn't have longevity largely b/c they played rugby on the court instead of no hands cupcake basketball of today.
Yup. As I mentioned too. No D No men anymore. If there is, it's marshmellow soft. Bunch of prima donnas whining and crying for a foul. Just like football. LeBron needs a Bill Lambeer or Rich Mahorn in his face. Then he'll think twice about coming down the lane.
Imagine if Larry was so sensitive that any heckler he would stop playing just to point them out? lmao
Unfortunately, fans of "today's game" believe otherwise. They believe that the better athletes are playing today...and they might be right. What today's fans can't fathom is that even though the athletes MAY be better, the game is so different today that that advantage is a moot point. The sheer physicality of yesteryear wipes it out. Fans today actually believe that LeBron would power through the physical defense from back then. To try to convince them otherwise is fruitless. Best to let their ignorance remain intact...
Actually it's because he blacktopped his huge ass driveway by himself, like a dummy Instead of paying someone to
@@jatablue the nba was much rougher and tougher i cannot argue that at all… a guy like steph curry wouldnt be the player he is today but lebron is 6 foot 9 270 of muscle i think he would be fine lol
The problem with not picking Larry Bird first is, that means you’ll have to beat him.
That is a fact. And that slow white boy will have them crying and scratching their heads after they take that L! 🤣
That is a fact. No one who passed over a chance to pick Larry Bird will ever beat Larry Bird. No one.
I might pick Bill Russell first and pray the other guy picked anybody but Bird. If he did I'd not only pick Bird second I'd let the other guy choose the rest of my team.
Let me put it into perspective. Lebron is basically magic Johnson but a better scorer and an elite defender. Larry bird wasn’t even better than magic
@@Robertedwinhouse38 in a weak league that doesn't use physicality and play defense anything like they used to. The game is completely different today. Jordan struggled against those guys alone for a reason. LeBron will NEVER be as clutch as Larry Legend.
Just look up Larry Bird's left handed game... Name one other player in the NBA who not only had the guts to say he would do something like that, but also backed it up with a 45 point triple double.
Nobody not one he is in the top 5 . Also He is the only one MJ could not beat in the playoffs
I've watched them both play. Seen just about all their games. No Contest ,Larry " Legend " Bird ❤ Every time , all day long ,twice on Sunday .
i cryed more than twice on sundays everytime bird and celtics on tv sunday afternoon game on cbs network...still remember the intro to the games sent chills through me...the best couple of hours was watching a bird and his celtics..the most wonderful bird god ever created.............larry jo bird................
“ Jordan made you look slow, …Larry made you look stupid!”
- James Worthy
Nice one!!!
Damn!!!!
That's poetry there. Happens to be true, actually...
This is how jokic plays the game. Jokic is the modern-day Larry Bird
I love this haha James was my fave laker! Thank you ❤
I'm 100 percent with you.... Bird in his prime was the coldest baddest dude on the planet in his prime. People forget or just don't know shit
I'm with you. I was a huge Lakers fan back in the 80's. Hated Larry with a passion and any time he was taking the last shot my stomach sank, because you just had to think he was going to make it. His ability to be clutch seemed unreal at times.
You just can't explain to these guys just how intense and entertaining these games were.
I’d like this post but it is at 33 likes and that’s perfect considering Larry Bird is #33
I best Larry bird once
@@999is666upsidedown at what? Sure wouldn't be basketball
I am 60 and watched the Celtics and many NBA games in the 80s. And without a doubt Larry Bird is the Goat, I have yet to see anyone close to him. Ace Scorer outside and inside, ace passer, great rebounder, ace free thrower, clutch shooter, a master basketball tactician, ace leadership, and he can carry a whole team on his back in his rookie season. And all his success was during the golden years of the NBA, where there were full of legendary players, he had it all, the most complete player ever.
Yes, and nobody even mentions Pistol Pete anymore.
Don't forget that he literally broke his face on the court and came back into the game
If you were just slightly older, you'd realize that Wilt was the goat.
@@crungefactorywinning matters
Larry Bird wrote the scenario, directed the play and played the part in every one of his games.
😅 a genius, the number one 👆
I’m 54 and love basketball. I’ve still not seen anybody as great and heart stoppingly exciting as Larry Bird. It is so refreshing to be able to say that.
I'm 57, I feal ya brother!! Bird was the one and only...
I'm with y'all!!! Bird was amazing to watch, he made it look easy!!
🤔I've got 3 extra years to back that up~!
I agree. These young cats dont know how good Bird was. LeBron is not better than Bird.
@@luisgallegos2877 Fact- lebone never would have excelled back in the day in the old school game like he has in the new school game... The new school game is boring...
When it comes to Michael Jordan respecting the legacy of Larry Bird, I believe that says it all.
LeBron has even said Bird was his favorite player of all time and who inspired him. Magic has said time and time again Bird was the best there ever was and he was just trying to keep up. Jordan even though he wont say it publicly has mentioned Bird was a major problem for him. Countless other top defenders that played against him have also said it was near impossible to stop Bird. I more trust what his fellow opposition says over the media or even pen on paper stats. He is the GOAT.
Yes that's why Lebron wears number 33. Oh wait...
Agreed!!!
🙄
@@jeffreyphillips7312😂he wears 33-10
Such BS to write this
Larry Bird was one with the ball. You can't compare the basketball from the 80's through the 90's with today's game. I watched it all, the best memories of basketball.
Bird will dominate todays NBA ! The 80s are vicious!
The enitre nba today is built on bird. I am for real. Do players play more like Magic, Jordan or Larry? Where Magic and Jordan taking dagger threes? Step back shots? No. MJ no one can match his athleticism. Its not from lack of trying people don't play like MJ. Larry made the league with nothing but his height for physical attributes.
I agree and I also think LJ would not be great in the 80’s. Just imagine what those piston teams would do to him
Today it is a joke. There is no defence or team.
NBA was great till mid to late nineties.
He will not be a top 20
This vid didn't even mention that Kevin Mchale was playing with a broken foot that series.
Larry played hurt. Really hurt. Broken eye socket hurt. He played left handed just for fun. Plus, he hit two buzzer beaters at the end of the same game. Legend.
He made everyone better on his team
From day 1 game 1... Larry Bird wanted the ball, wanted to take the last shot to win the game, never hesitated to dive on the floor for a loose ball, played 110% on offense & defense! Biggest difference, Larry let his game talk for him, Lebron has to tell people he is the "King" ...
LeBron just wishes he was the King! He may be one of a few in today's easy league....but he never would've beat Bird!
I respect a man that doesn’t bow down say nobody else is better stand on yours no one criticize a rapper saying he’s the best why people so sensitive bout sports
The most complete player of all time !NUFF SAID!
Yep. I'm a Jordan fan from the word go, even lived in Chicago during the Threepeat, but Bird is all 8 pistons. That was what made him so dangerous, he could do anything he wanted and you never knew what he was going to do, not that you could stop him anyway.
True. Kids don’t understand… mj > lbj, prime bird>lbj
Lbj got longevity in a soft league. Just like comparing nfl from montana days isn’t same sport as brady nfl
Yep! ❤
@@wakeuptotheonepartyoverlor8797 rought ≠ defense, lebron has done more in a more talented league
@@neenarmanthat's right but bird dominates more in todays modified rules.That dude is a way better luka and impact the game in so many ways even without scoring. Take birds 12 seasons against bron's best successive 12 seasons. Bird takes it no doubt
It is a team game. Larry Bird made EVERYONE on the court better. Average players scored more because of Larry.
Lebron does the same thing goofy
And prime Larry is worst than prime Kevin love 😂 statistically💀
@@dbrcooker3101 Anyone who thinks Kevin Love is better than Bird needs to be committed. You don’t need to downplay a legend to defend a Mt.Rushmore player...
@@LamechPalmer not down play bro go look.for yourself Timberwolves Kevin Love is better than Bird statistically
@@dbrcooker3101 The burden is on YOU to supply the evidence that backs up your statement. We'll be waiting...
Bird was the type of player who was already in your head before the game even started,, which already gave him an advantage , then he would use that advantage and even exploit you more , once on the court,, He would be in your head before, during and after the game. He was a Mental Mind Master
Kendrick Perkinks said once that before playoff game vs LeBron he pray for his injury, that's how he was scared od him. He's not only
If I get first pick,I pick Larry,you want someone who never gives up and has killer instinct on your team.
LeBron don't have killer instinct? That's why he had most playoff buzzerbeaters ever? Or maybe that's why he had most points ever? Or maybe that's why he had most 4th quater points in whole NBA on his 21 season? 🤔
As a Laker fan with a Celtics fan for a father I watched him play a lot of games. As a Miami Heat fan I've watched a lot of LeBron. Bird better not even close. There's never been anyone like him and I watched his back go out. Was tragic
I have watched the NBA for over 50 years. I am a diehard Lakers fan. The best basketball I have ever witnessed is the Lakers and Celtics in the 80’s. Larry Bird is a legend hands down coming from a Lakers fan. If Jordan or LeBron played in this era they would have been an afterthought
Jordan did play in that era, and Larry sent him home every year. Granted, Jordan didn’t have pippen yet, but it wouldn’t have made a difference that early in their careers.
Im sorry, but saying Michael Jordan would have been an afterthought in any era is the single worst take I have ever seen about basketball. Jordan was playing in the 80s, as you should remember, since you know so much about basketball, and as you might also remember he wasn't an afterthought, he was an MVP and DPOY and probably played the single best individual season of all time. Either you forgot that MJ did play in the 80s (which means you know absolutely nothing about that time period) or you forgot that he was already the undisputed best player in the game in the late 80s (which also means you know nothing about that era)
Great video! I grew up in the 80s and have watched a lot of NBA games over the years since. The only people who would pick LeBron over Bird are people who never saw Bird play....
I'm 45 - watched basketball religiously all my life. Larry is by far the best player I ever witness play.
LMAO … You must have been drunk watching those games. He said, backboard brick Bird is the best player ever. LMAO 🤣
Yo you just don't know how great Larry bird was if he played today in this soft era he would do 35 prs 12 rebounds or more and double digit assists he would tell LeBron you can't guard me an LeBron can't
@@yo3rdtier128 clown lmfao tell me you know nothing about the sport with out telling me 😂😂😂
Props to that young man for spitting FACTS to that harpy.
LARRY LEGEND IS A UNICORN & THE TRUE GOAT 🐐 ☘️
and if he never hurt his back, he’d have LASTED & I’d DEFINITELY take him over LeBron.
This is really well put together! Thankyou!! I'm a Bird/Celtics fan from the 80's and lived for those LA games. The '87 finals still hurt....
we had the same hurt in 88 vs the lakers on the Non Call foul against Isaiah Thomas,, they call that and we wouldve won game 6 and the 88 championship too
IS THAT THE YEAR WE HAD ANKLE PROBLEMS MC HALE AND Parrish wE Win if the teams healty ?
Fantastic video. As an 80s kid, I knew what happened in all of these games, and you still managed to recreate the excitement of watching these games for the first time. Really well done.
Prime Larry Legend is, WITHOUT A DOUBT, in my all-time starting five!
He had the passing abilities of Magic, was (and still is) one of the best long range and free throw shooters in the league, had great defensive skills, had the ability to elevate his team, had the respect (and fear) from countless Hall of Famers, and, without a doubt, (IMO) was the most clutch player in the NBA's history.
I'm with Pat Riley saying if my LIFE was on the line, I would want Bird to take the shot to save it.
I've seen Larry play, and I've seen LeBron play.
LeBron is a GREAT player, but he does not have that KILLER mentality, nor the IQ, that Bird had, and there is no comparison in the clutch.
LeBron does everything, stats-wise, to make people believe he is the GOAT. Going so far as proclaiming HIMSELF the GOAT!
Larry could give a shit about stats, and never has elevated himself verbally above other greats.
All Larry cared about was winning...PERIOD!
The perfect example of that was seeing him come back into the game vs the 1991 Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
He hit the floor with his face going after a loose ball and received a concussion and a fractured cheek bone.
That was one of the few times I saw him leave the floor due to an incredible injury.
But, I will never forget the deafening roar of the Boston crowd, nor the "killer" look on his face when he snuck away from his team doctor, and came back to try to help win the game! (which he did)
Never seen LeBron do anything like that. Sorry!
I pick Bird everyday, all day.
If you have any realistic view of basketball you agree with this. LeBron is one dimensional pass or shoot. 1v1 llhe would need a crying towel by halftime against larry.
No he IS 6th man. It's crunch time and you see Larry drop the shooting jacket and come off the bench 🙃
For sure agree 100 percent Larry Legend had that "It" factor. He made the "Team" better. MJ had two tried to beat Bird in two series at MJs PRIME and get blown off the court. MJ admits it he never beat Larry Legend.
Totally agree with Winning. Thats why I think Larry or MJ better bec. winning is all they care.
And bird could effectively play any of the 5 positions on both sides of the ball! Anyone who don’t put bird in the top Five doesn’t understand the game of basketball! He could do everything while mentally effecting opposing competition to the level that they wasn’t able to bring their a game. And without the level of athletic ability that 95% of the rest of nba players possess!who else you see have highlights where the opp bench is going crazy watching him destroy their team.
Dude, the truth hurts this current era of NBA fans, but the truth lies with you and this excellent, highly factual video. Well done, brother.
His situational awareness was the X factor that even Lebron and Jordan had to respect. Even if he wasn't scoring buckets in your face, shooting leftie, or calling his shot before he did it.. he didn't have to score a bucket to make or break the opponents stride. Passing, assists, rebounds, he did it ALL and he did it time and time again.
He wasn't Larry Legend for nothing. I wasn't a Celtics fan, but my God, the passes Bird would make were insane!he was just incredible to watch.
I never really watched the Celtics much growing up, so I didn’t know how good Bird really was. Until I caught his game against Portland in 03/92. He got his 34th point on a one footed 3 while getting mugged by Cliff Robinson (no call) to tie the game. Boston won in OT and a banged up over the hill Bird had this stat line: 49 pts 14 reb 12 ast 4 stl 1 blk
One of the greatest performances I have ever watched live. Just insane….
I will always remember where I was that day: at my best friends house while he was battling cancer. Just him and I. Bird was on fire. When he hit that 3, we started jumping around the living room like we were 5 years old. One of the best memories of my life.
@@williammalloy5314 I hope your friend made it. It was WILD. I was 15, and I wasn’t a Bird fan, but after that day I was a convert. Even bought a copy of Drive and everything.
I remember that game.
Then you didn't see his game 7 playoff game against Dominique. Lol. To many great moments by the greatest ever to pick just 1.
Luka just went 60 10 10 10 so, unfortunately Luka might have surpassed the expectations.
I've been to Bird's house twice! Never got to meet him, was still honored.
I’d like to preface this by saying that I played basketball in NYC in an all black high school and got my nick name from the brothers playing at The Cage and at Rucker Park. We were all trying to emulate what Larry bird was doing on the playground and it was impossible for us. However, I remember hearing what Pat Riley said, “If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game, I’d choose Michael Jordan, but if I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life, I’d take Larry Bird."
Larry Bird's record against Michael Jordan was 17-11 regular season and a perfect 6-0 in the post. Jordan was averaging 35+ points per game during that time.
Larry beat Jordan in the playoffs also
Oh now I see you said post lmao
Yep, 86 Bird (and 86 Celtics) is pretty much up there with any player/team in NBA history. They also had arguably the best team dynamics & chemistry of any team in history, including 6th man Bill Walton. This may not make sense given how much more athletic today's stars are, but the basketball IQ of 86 Bird/Celtics is about as good as it ever got. Regarding the 87 championship, it's wasn't so much Bird's missed final shot in Game 4 that cost the Celtics the series, it was that McHale & Walton (two Hall of Fame big men) were both injured. Also that 87 Lakers team is among the greatest of all time IMO. And I think Magic would be in more GOAT conversations today had his career not been cut short by his shocking health diagnosis. The Bird/Magic era doesn't get the credit it deserves.
Your very right malik..
Huge celtics fan..over 50 years..that 87 lakers team..was by far their best..in my humble opinion..butt! That shot..((( the baby hook shot))) he took to win the game..shouldn't ever happened..tge missed foul shot by kareem. Was hit out of bounds by a laker player..in instandvreplay..it clearly showed a laker player..tip the ball out of bounds..that game had 2..history shots..not because I'm a big bird fan malik.. I've seen 90 percent of players 76..through 2004..
Not one of them. Far as all around play??? Feroicness...hand yo eye coordination..clutch shooting rebounder.. foul shooter..assists...ect..the good lord. Never made another player as great as bird.
Both reams would dominate the warriors and any team LeBron was on
And this was AFTER Larry dislocated his spine the summer before shoveling gravel at his mom's house.
If Larry had hired that out, b-ball history would be different! 😭
@@newerafrican
Agreed 💯
@@markhammond933 really so how many times did lebron win championships against Steph Curry?
That age 30 stat line for Bird is crazy..
I was fortunate enough to have season tickets behind the basket during the bad boys vs Celtics in late 80s early 90s. I was at the game where the Pistons fans were ripping up a Celtics jersey in the seating area, I think it was Birds no 33. It was replayed on sports highlights for many years afterwards. Brent Musburger was one of the best commentators as well. Was so heartbroken when Bird stole the ball from Isiah's inbound pass and passed it to Dennis Johnson(another fantastic player) who scored the winning basket. Pistons fans hated Bird and company in those days but I love watching these highlights of the Celtics and Bird. Those were the days.
😎 I’m glad I scrolled down to find your comment. Thank you for sharing your story.
I remember watching Bird as a kid. He was an absolute machine.
Larry Bird had the fastest reflexes, spacial awareness and quickest mind on the planet. He could not only score at will, but knew when someone else was in a better scoring position. His no look passes were legendary!
Bird was the best hustle player in the history of the game.... never gave up on plays ever. Sacrificed his body for clutch rebounds and to keep the ball in play. As a kid that was my favorite thing about him -- saving the ball going out of bounds that would result in a turnover going to other team.
Larry Bird stayed with one team and helped make them great.
Larry never let up. Neither did Magic or Jordan. I don't think Lebron is in the same class as those guys. They all had an endless supply of HEART.
It's not even close. Bird by a mile.
Just look at all the clutch shots Bird made.
Just look at other NBA greats talked about Bird.
Then their is the ultimate compliment by Pat Riley -
"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."
Think about that - if his life was on the line he chooses Bird.
Sorry, Lebron just doesn't have that "killer" mentality that Bird has
One thing rarely mentioned about Bird over Lebron is that Bird was focused on making the team win no matter who was playing with him. Lebron has left so many teams behind to go to better teams so that he can ride other players coattails to win. Choosing Bird in a draft is choosing a player with some loyalty to the team he is on. Lebron is only loyal to his "brand" - Hands down Bird is better as a player, Lebron has the longevity of career and that is the only thing where he is better than Bird. BTW - did anyone notice how much holding Worthy did with no foul? That is old school defense!
Who’s coattails exactly did lebron ride on? Because he’s never been a part of a team where he wasn’t clearly the best player there. Loyalty doesn’t mean shit in sports.
WTF are you talking about. He took Boobie Gibson to the NBA finals at the age of 21...and when he needed one other player they gave him Mo Williams? He took the Heat to 4 straight finals and increased the valuation of the team by billions, then when he asked them to keep veterans they refused to "cut costs", and then went back to the Cavs and took them to four straight finals before increasing the valuation of the team and city by billions. There has been no player in no era that did more for more cities than Lebron.
You can’t even touch a player now in the NBA. Those Lakers Celtics finals were legendary. Can you image the Dream Team from just those 2 teams!
@@DJ-nn6vg Players shot 30-40% more free throws in Birds era...easy points, time to rest. Go watch a non-finals game...they were awful...terrible skills, fouls every other possession, tons of free throws and guys were coked up and roided up all over the place.
@bob Not at the free throw line. We are talking 40% more free throws and time to rest and getting in sync from getting a shit ton of free throws. And physicality myth is just that...guys were called for 40% more fouls so they couldn't be physical without fouling out. Maybe some fouls were harder but the recrnt penalty for hard fouls only came in the last decade...the 2000s and 2010s were very physical and fewer fouls were called which is why scored was much lower in the decades after Jordan than during Jordan. Lebron actually played through a very low scoring decade with great defense and had to burn through great Piston's, Celtics, and Spurs teams that were defense first, the Heat team that won in 2012 was the best defensive team in the league, with Lebron being the best defender. The move to pace, spread, and three came from this era of dominant defense which Lebron being the catalyst for the point forward with 4 shooters, and Steph become the deep master that forced teams to defend 30 feet from the hoop, something that was unheard of in Jordan's day. The reason the game is less physical is because there is so much more space and teams can actually shoot...80s and 90s teams were devoid of 3 point shooters and had multiple guys who could rebound and enforce.
Love hearing from Joe Dumars. He's another one of the great players from that era. Guys like him also helped grow the sport.
I love the way he almost waives by-by to the ball when he shoots the 3 pointers
Couple of Larry points. He took a 29 win Celtics team his rookie year to 61 wins. Larry was THE BEST at elevating his team's game...besides being an MVP himself 3 times with runner up 4 more times. And he did all this without having a significant amount of touches unlike a LeBron - the offense didn't get stifled through him. And lastly, if Len Bias hadn't tragically died, the late eighties into 90's would have been all Celtics...not just because of Bias' almost MJ level talents, but the core Bird, McHale, DJ, Parish and even Walton a bit could have reduced just enough PT to last and dominate. C's may have closed out the '80's in titles. As the video said, Lebron over 20 years is just staggering what he consistently produced. But for my fantasy all time draft, I'm going Larry Bird #1 and I know my team will elevate over any other.
Let's not forget Lewis dying as well. That Celtics squad would have been beastly with the big 3 transitioning to Bias/Lewis.
@@brian4180 100%….Lewis was very solid…Bias wouldn’t been the game changer…Bird’s Celtics may have won 4 more chips.
Larry Bird didn't make Jr. Smith an NBA champion...nobody in NBA history could have done such a thing outside of Lebron James.
Good point if Bias doesn't tragically die the Cs are hunting #22 not #18.
@@bob88667 McHale and Walton both got themselves hurt in ‘87 because of no Bias…that finished Walton and made McHale ineffective in finals. If Bias lived, everyone would have gotten rest. i could see C’s winning in ‘87 and ‘88 over Lakers. after that it’s hard to look to far down the road but Bias was almost MJ level talent. just a huge what would have been?
Larry is colder than Jordan as far as trash talk. When you have a player telling to you what he’s going to do to you in detail and says there’s nothing you can do about it and he does it every time is scary. It’s pretty much like the grim reaper telling you you’re going to die and take your soul while watching it unfold 😂
It ain’t trash talk, it’s prophecy.
@@skunkdoctor Prophecizing someone's downfall is the highest form of trash talk lol
@@williamdavis9562 love it! 👌
Larry backed up his trash talk. That's speaks volumes.
Subzero has Larry Bird running through his veins.
I'm going Bird all day, every day. He's in my top 3. Cannot measure mental fortitude and toughness.
The GOAT never has to say that he is.
I didn't get to see him play in the 80's. Couldn't watch TV in HS (80'-84'), then I was in the Army from 84'-88'. But just from watching the highlight reels/videos on TH-cam, he was unreal! The complete package! Shooting, assists, passing, court presence, never mind the trash talking he backed up! And flat out respect by those he played with and against! Almost NO ONE that played against him denies how good he was! Even Jordan & Magic.
Poor Baby 👶 lol
You didn't watch the NBA while you were in high school? Were the same age and were in the Army the same years, why didn't you watch the games on the weekends after school or during off time in the Army ? I'm just curious.
My mount Rushmore will never be without Michael Jordan and Larry Joe Bird and I am a brutha 50 years old!! I watched too many times those two ended people's hopes and dreams!!!
I'm a generation younger and it's my favorite "shit test" if you claim to know bball and don't know how good Bird was. Than you don't know bball. I swear black people appreciate Larry more than whites.
Both master assassins. With one moving with lighting quickness slicing up the lanes however he wanted then taking air like he was owed money by gravity and living there. The other showed an uncanny ability to read any player or play and on sheer technical ability punish them while telling them what he would do and still unable to stop him. While every player had in some for or another a gap a weakness he had none. The true definition of a jack of all trades master of none but usually better than a master of one. They shared a killer instinct that can't be denied. Both of their on-court presences are something mystical. You just know insanity will insue when they lace up and you could guarantee both had a dagger waiting for the opponents heart in the clutch.
Larry legend is one of the greatest to ever grace the court his passion, iq and heart where unmatched
5:15 there’s nothing a hole about being aware that you are good and you know how to psych out your opponents. Bird was brilliant. What many people don’t understand is how unselfish he was as a player. He could take the ball and score all day long but he was working with his team. That’s leadership. And integrity. No one can ever match this guy. Ever.
"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
cf Steph and Klay. Steph was/is an artist. prime Klay was like a goddamn machine. if i needed someone to take an impossible shot from 65 feet, with a football team guarding him, while underwater and holding a cat in one hand, it's Steph. if i needed someone to take a catch-and-shoot 25-footer from the foul line extended, it's prob Klay.
Larry would have looked right into steph of Clay's eyes, told them exactly how he would beat them, and then larry would embarrass them as he beat them after telling them how. Facts
@@evilotis01 Difference is Larry could do it with someone grabbing his neck or hanging off his jersey
I often find that its the younger generation who is so dismissive of Bird. They’ve only seen TH-cam clips. I grew up in total awe of him.
@chad it’s because most of this generation has never touched a basketball. Kids from the 60s to the 90s all hooped. You have to play basketball to appreciate real basketball. None of this generation grew up playing in front of their house or at parks. This generation of players grew up playing AAU ball since age 6 and the current generation of basketball fans have never even touched a basketball. That’s why there is such a disconnect with older generation. Everyone played a little hoops back in the day even the nerdiest kid on the block
@@michaelb7864 So true. I think u even see less home courts these days. Growing up, it seemed like every house had a rim. When the sun went down having to get someone who had a car, shine headlights on the court to see. Those were some great days.
@@chad6900 you said it and described it perfectly. Man those were some great days and times. So thankful I grew up like that
They play video games, don't break a sweat, and think they are cool
As a Pistons fan, I hated Larry Bird with frustrated respect. That is meant as a total compliment. Had the same feelings about Jordan. Now that I don’t have to watch the Pistons get beat up by those guys, I can offer them the full respect they deserve.
Wish the NBA still played like that and had the same rivalries that had me seeing red. Celtics, Lakers, Pistons, Bulls, 76ers… man those were intense basketball games!
FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT DON'T BELIEVE PEOPLE THAT DEFENSE WAS DIFFERENT BACK IN THE DAY.... just look at how Worthy is HOLDING Birds jersey 😂
I want to see more fundamental basketball then 3-point shooting. Nikola jokic has brought back fundamental basketball to the NBA
I swear there's an interview where Lebron himself says he'd take Larry over anyone! I think he's said Bird is one of his favorite players ever.
Yes. Larry, Dr J, Jordan. In that order too I believe…
You're correct, I've seen that interview.
Pretty sure he also said "Jordan's my favorite player growing up but not who I modeled my game after..."
Labron is exceptional to be in the same conversation as Bird.
Labron has everything to be proud of. Larry's still *GOAT*
Exactly.
Can Bron be proud of being a quitter? A stat padder? Superteam stacker? Standing on defense for OVER half his career? Scared of the clutch? For passing blame?
@@stormteam3004 Good questions. I have not studied Labron's play. I only commented on knowledge gathered from players of the age. I don't know of any quitting instances, padding. A stacker? I might go along with that. Isn't that the norm for this era?
@@stormteam3004 Typical braindead nonsense
@@stormteam3004 he's quit games with an ingrown toenail 3 times. Bird finished out a game after breaking his orbital socket with a bad back. You can name 20 more reliable players in the game today. Not even a comparison.
I still stand by Bird & MJ as my first two picks on my all time greatest team.
They are both at the top; each has different strengths and very few weaknesses. Main difference to me is Bird had a fierce killer instinct, much like Jordan. He would enjoy berating his opponents as he crushed them, and never, ever, took a play off.
I can say this. Bird would never demean himself by flopping and would never have a temper tantrum like James recently did. He played against much tougher defenders in a rougher league, and it he had played in an era where 3pt shots were more emphasized like they are now....he would have still flourished. Athleticism, it is James for sure. BBall IQ and a winner's attitude, it is Bird all the way.
Bro there’s a difference between good defense and close lining someone while they’re driving to the rim. The defense in the 80s was actually pretty bad, the 90s was the defensive era.
If flopping means getting your opponent in foul trouble and can't play the game then your way of playing basketball is narrow 😂. More fouls means more room for your entire team to play aggressive. Selling a foul to the ref is hard. Blame the refs if they'll call it.
If Larry bird wanted to flop and create “foul trouble” he would’ve.. but he just wanted to ball. I don’t know how you can’t agree with that ha
@@robertdeane5052 who's disagreeing? If he wants to play that way then be it. LeBron ball's better too. He showed it in his younger and older days in Cleveland. He can ball and sell a flop it's called playing smart basketball.
@@renasance7468Larry was clutch period !
LaBron will never be what Bird was , hell LaBron misses clutch free throws to this day alot and always has and Bird never !
Plus Bird was just a far better shooter and all around scorer . No comparison , it's Bird !
Larry Bird is on the All-Time starting 5 forever. Zero doubt on that.
LeBron Jame closing in on Kareem Abdul jabber scoring record ,, Larry bird laying on his floor on his back as he aged,, I hope Larry bird watches LeBron Jame break Kareem Abdul jabber career scoring record laying on his back.laying on the floor,, Larry 🐦 bird super great basketball player, but couldn't stay on the court , magic johnson5 NBA championship rings, LeBron championship 4 rings Larry bird 3 NBA championship ring 3
@@lloydkline --The same Bird who was better than Lebron in EVERY aspect of the game. Better passer, better rebounder and FAR better shooter. Bird had a killer instinct on the court and a much tougher mental game something Lebron has never had. Overrated primadonas today would sit out if they had 1/2 the pain Bird dealt with. Even Lebron said Bird would dominate today. It's not even close. Bird was better..
@@robertwheatley9153 Larry bird was super brilliant and great shooter & passer, ok, Larry bird isn't mose Malone, Denis rodman, bill Russell, etc etc on rebounding,, etc etc ex teammate called pistol Pete Miramichi call Larry bird poor dribble, it on TH-cam video ,, Larry bird got a video saying Boston Celtics should've won 1987 NBA championship saying aging & injuries of boston celtic basketball players prevented that it on TH-cam video & 1988 championship was open to steal ,, too, machiel Jordan made his teammates alot better they hated machiel Jordan,, Larry bird was a 🚚 truck driver lost a year etc etc,, hope Larry bird watches the basketball game when LeBron Jame break Kareem Abdul jabber scoring record,,, small forward/ point guard,, laugh, laugh.
@@lloydkline --Except Bird who played in a much tougher NBA 35+ years ago cooked ALL of them. He did it all. Most complete player ever. NBA MVP 3 STRAIGHT seasons 1984-85-86. Michael Jordan was 0-6 against Bird in the postseason. Let that sink in. Most people today really have no clue how great Bird was. It's only when he retired that the Jordan Bulls dynasty began... When the game's on the line Lebron passes it off to someone else because he's not a $$$ or a clutch player. In the last 10 seconds of a game Bird wanted the ball and delivered. He is forever on All-time starting 5.
Either one of these guys in their prime would be dominant regardless of what era they played in.people who did not get the chance to see Larry Bird in real time just cannot appreciate the will to win Larry Bird had to win
I'm old enough that I remember watching that game in the summer of 87.I was 9 years old and I was a diehard Jordan fan but I would however watch the Lakers vs Celtics and watch Magic and Bird go at it. So I already knew the outcome of this game and this is a very good video and you earned a like and subscribe from me.
What a great tribute to Larry legend!
Larry Bird is the mold that NBA forwards could only dream of a couple memorable moments. Bird wrote the manual.
I'm a longtime Lakers fan and I saw that game on live tv from the opening tip to the final buzzer. I was so sure that ball was going in, I was thinking this would be the hardest loss for the Lakers to bounce back from. Bird was right, they were lucky, because he didn't miss very many game winning shots. If Bird had LeBron's longevity, he would have left behind a mountain of unreachable NBA records.
I remember that game like it was yesterday. I am a long time Lakers fan!! I go all the way back to Wilt Chamberlain and Gail Goodrich days!!! I was watching it on TV at the mall. I would have bet a hundred bucks that Larry Bird was going to make that shot!!! As an opposing fan, that man scared the hell out of you!!! But, he missed and the rest is history!!
I saw those games during that period, I was only interested in Basketball to see what that slow blonde guy would do. Otherwise I was just patently bored.
The best Larry Bird video I have ever watched, great job.
"If I could have any one play for twenty years...." FUCKING exactly! You nailed this shit. One on one comparisons are fraudulent. Era to era, you can't compare players. It's futile. But I think you succinctly sum up the comparisons--BronBron is amazing, and his longevity is astounding. Larry played a different game in a different era, a much more physical and exacting era, and he played it with a self-destructive frenzy that is not seen today. Kudos for your keen judgement!
I also would take Bron over Bird if I wanted to win over a twenty year period.
I also would take Bird over Bron if I wanted to win THIS year, or THIS decade.
It's all relative, and great fun.
LeBron would leave you after 5 years anyway
Larry Bird's passing skill is why I fell in love with basketball. I loved watching the Lakers and Celtics play but even if Bird hits that shot ( and Boston did win game 5) I believe LA would have won that series. I say that because Boston was beat up at that time. Parish was playing on a severe sprain on his ankle, McHale was playing with a broken foot, Walton tried to play but his feet were a mess and even Scott Wedman was not available. Boston did not have the depth needed to beat LA and game 6 and 7 were in LA. IF Len Bias did not die of cocaine intoxication right after the draft in the summer of 86 I do believe Boston would have won the Finals in 87. With Bias getting a full 82 game season of experience = he could have given valuable minutes of rest to Bird, McHale and Parish and Walton. Both Parish and Walton could rest and McHale could easily play center. Or you can rest McHale and use Bird and Bias at the forward position. Bias was 6-8 could hit the jump shot or explode to the rim with a 40 inch vertical. He was quick and could provide good defense on a James Worthy type player. A healthy Celtics squad with Bias would be scary good. It was a tragedy he passed away so young.
Agree 100%. Can't go back and do what if's off missed shots. So many games through the years have what if moments. Champs are champs because they take care of what's in front of them.
Never thought of the impact Bias would have made. Excellent points, and just adds to the tragedy of his death.
Best passer ever.
His touch passes are what blow me away though. You can see how far ahead of the game he is. They are incredible
so true. i think Bird was just as good as if not a better passer than even Magic. Magic was flashier, but Bird was just as accurate and effective
I love watching that old grainy footage, pure nostalgia. Man what a time to be alive :)Thanks for the videos.
Today's player's are too busy trying to be hot shots .
I actually love your commentary your voice is perfect for this.
Top-notch editing and narration. Thanks for putting this together.
Xavier McDaniel told a similar story like Worthy told. He told Xman in Seattle game on the line coming out of a time out “I am going to get the ball at the elbow and hit it in your face”. He got the ball right where he said he would and hit it at the buzzer in Xman’s face. He walked by their bench and said “You should’ve had more than one person guarding me 🤷♂️” Larry was a cold assassin. 😅
My dad used to tell me that Larry Bird was one of the best players of all time… Next to Jordan 😂 We saw the first Dream Team play in Portland before they went to the Olympics (against Croatia or Lithuania… can’t recall) and Bird was there. Glad I got to see so many legends at once before they were gone.
Larry Bird only is considered a small forward because he was forced into that position playing for Boston. He didn't play small forward ever till McHale and Chief got there. He's actually a power forward who shoots like a 2/3 and passes like a 1.
He's the entire team just like Magic was
Beautifully put.
I got to grow up watching and seeing the birdman play..I remember playing in a baseball championship game and the umps stopping play to catch score of celtics lol.he was and is best ever
Can't take anything away from James. Incredible scoring machine. Sees the court very well. Good bball I.Q etc. Having said that, imagine if you're starting an NBA team and all the greats are standing in front of you and you get first pick. Wow, who do I choose?? Well, you're not choosing James cuz you are looking over at Bird thinking, "I'm gonna regret it if I don't choose him".
Right, betting against bird is a losing bet. Probably clutchest player of alltime and goat i.q. and 3s.....lefthanded or right while calling his shots before plays.
Lebron James took 5 different coaches to the finals...so If I was a coach I would choose the guy most likely to cover my deficiencies and those of the roster. 11 Finals in 14 years with 5 Different coaches. His finals losses are to three warriors teams that are some of the best ever, two spurs teams that were favorites and some of the best ever, and the embarrassing Mavs loss. But Jordan, Kobe had terrible series which their teammates won and they are forgotten.
I said the same thing 😂 and God help you if I snag jordan and bird
Dunno which of them I would rank higher individually. But I'm 100% sure that for my starting 5 of all time, I take Larry Bird.
Good work man! Keep it up! People have no idea how great of a player Larry Legend really was!
Yes we do-but we get written off by the younger ones because we have a few crow's feet
Listen to your elders. 😊
Bird was just amazing. There has never been, and may never be another player like him. Aside from his skills on the court, his IQ for the game and his competitive spirit were unmatched!
The people who are so quick to dismiss Larry, Bird, are people who don’t have any clue of how this man dominated the NBA. He was the best all-around player ever. Personally, he is my GOAT, and I was blessed to have seen him play live a few times. Every time he stepped on the court, you knew something special was going to happen, and it did. He had a natural ability, and an overwhelming drive to win. And unlike LeBron, he involved his teammates.
I'm not even a basketball fan . I've watched countless NBA games to watch Larry . I haven't watched one game with Labitch .
Larry is a legend in every sense of the word, he just did t have the defense prowess, not to say he was trash on D he wasnt..he just wasn't elite like a Pippen or MJ, but honestly I don't think LeBron is and ever was elite on D either.
Right. Never forget when he cracked his face and came back from locker room with a look in his eye that I am fairly certain the Pacers were like 'OH SHIT'!!
Larry was like regular season mvp for 3 consequtive years(84, 85 and 86).how would u possibly take lebron over bird? And that was in the league where dr.j, kareem, magic, mj, isiah and alot more legends were playing
Larry was top 2 MVP all his career apart from rookie season (top 4), up to the point of the big surgery when he lost all season except for 6 games.
All the career except for top 4 of rookie season he was top1 or top2. Every year of career till the big surgery , let that sink in.
Larry had this thing that maybe now they could improve the function of his skeleton structure better not sure, but back then they didnt fix it.
“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. Lakers fan here, had the privelage to see that great Bird/Johnson rivalry during the 80s/90s and it was real. I hated Larry Bird as an opponent, but have to conceed - he was damn good, everything that's said about him is true. All of it.
This is one of if not the best comparisons i come across. Excellent video.
I’ll tell the main difference between LeBron and Bird. Bird went to a dead last Celtics and never once complained about any teammates instead he improved the team by 32 games making many of his teammates HOF. LeBron goes to a new team and says ok I can’t win with these guys. I need this guy and that one and this one over here and maybe we can do something. GO Bird
But LeBron wears a headband.
@@berndtherrenvolk1951 lol
To be fair, LeBron had his fair share of teams he had to carry.
Word!
Ain’t that the TRUTH!!!
Great video, my guy! My favorite thing about Larry Bird was that he would get inside people's heads not only through his trash talk, but that trash talk would materialize before their eyes. I couldn't imagine the fear that came over them when they realized he was only speaking the truth! Great video, liked it a lot!
Really glad I found this channel. Love it! Ty
Larry was very fun to watch. Absolutely the best!
McHale was playing on a broken foot. Walton was out. Think Wedman was hurt & Parrish kept spraining his ankle. Bird could only carry em so far.
Talking about 1987& afterwards & len bias draft pick
Today’s NBA is a joke! Larry is KING
Bro I die laughing when I hear different players explain Larry bird story’s of him saying I’m gonna go to the corner and bust in your fuckin face 😂☠️ Gary Payton’s story of him is funny
I'll take it a step further. ... If doing that figurative thing where you can start a franchise with every player ever and had the first pick - I'd take Bird ALL DAY. ...
Although Jordan is my number one upon the all-time list he also took a while to become a complete player that made the others around him better. Bird had that instinctually from the start.
Not to mention that in my mind doing such a figurative franchise thing equals to starting fresh with given talents & take injuries out of the equation.
3:31
Scary part.
Birds single most clutch play was probably DEFENSIVE - when he stole the inbounds pass from Isiah Thomas intended for Laimbeer, and hit Dennis Johnson for the easy layup - winning a playoff game that the Celtics overall won as well.
But it's hard to pick, he had QUITE A FEW clutch performances - just not as many chances as the Celtics tended to not get INTO clutch situations as often as many lesser teams.
Being a North Carolina boy, I love listening to Worthy talk about back home. As a young kid I remember Worthy’s college years. Absolute legend!
In '87, Kevin McHale was playing with a fractured bone in his foot.
If every team had a player who could creatively pass like Bird did I'd watch basketball.
Lebron was asked once who he pick to take the last shot and he said Ray Allen.
If Larry was asked the same question I truly doubt the would have picked any other player than himself.
That is the essence of confidence.
Jordan in his dreams still sees the perfect play "clocks at 3 seconds I've got the ball driving, defense collapses, dime pass to Larry in the corner..."