My favorite quote about Bird is when Pat Riley said “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.”
@@timokuosmanen2746 I think he meant that Jordan's competitiveness would make him make the game winning shot but Bird was so cold he'll make the shot no matter the situation is
A reporter asked Larry,,,why do you play when your hurt,,,Larry says,,l owe it to the celtics and my teammates to play if at all possible,,and just as important are the fans,,,some family saves all year to come watch me play,,l can't disappoint them,,,Larry legend
What was great about Bird is he made everybody score. He could have had more points but he was selfless - he really cared about the team and each contributor. You have to remember they were in last place and got Bird and won the championship in 2 years - an incredible turn around. Man he was fun to watch!
That's why his fakes worked so well. The first thing he did was look for the open guy who had a cleaner shot, especially when two guys went to cover him.
True...I watched Bird throughout the 80/90s. AMAZING Player. Sad his back injury took him out 3 years early. Starting Five Team of All Time (To Win Championships): 1. M Jordan (GOAT) 2. Larry Bird (No flaw in his game, one of the Greatest shooter of all time, FT 90%+) 3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Sky Hook) 4. Stephen Curry (So I would NOT have to guard him) 5. LeBron James (Has to be on the list)
@@bobswanson8464 that's a fine list. Larry Bird has to be on there. He just made everybody better and you need that type of leadership. As I have said before - the Celtics were in last place and then got Bird. How long did it take for them to win a Championship and turn things around? Definitely to 5 for sure brother!!!
Byron Scott. Great defender. Lakers. Imagine a guy telling you what he is about to do to you and you can't do anything about it. Savage. Larry bird is top 5 dead or alive.
Kareem said Larry was his toughest opponent. He basically said, Larry would beat you between your ears, he had the best basketball mind he ever played against.
Bird's "Show" stat line for Magic M 47 P 36 R 21 A 6 S 5 B 3 16-25 He destroyed the Lakers. No wonder Kareem, Magic and Worthy all have said they lost sleep thinking about him.
Jordan and his Bulls didn't start winning championships until Bird and his Celtics were gone, few realize, Jordan's and Bird's careers had an 8 yr overlap
Larry grew up in a very hard way….his family was very poor and he was very determined to succeed and he went to the playground to get the best competition against and with the black kids…things really changed when his dad committed suicide…made him more determined to succeed…like a lot of great athletes he came up hard but still succeeded
My favorite Bird story is from Craig Ehlo. Bird had a rough first half and Ehlo was covering him. As they walked off the court at halftime Ehlo said to bird....."hey you're 1 for 10. That's defense." Bird looked at Ehlo and said...."there's two halves." In the second half Bird hit 10 in a row off Ehlo and then asked Ehlo if his Mother was watching!!! 🤣🤣 Bird is an assassin!!!
Just look at the faces of the pro's talking about Larry Bird they are all smiling and never say anything bad about him, they all gave him the respect he deserves
it's like when something really shitty happens to you and your friends, and something bad happens and it turns into a shitshow, but when you get back you have the best laughs about that rather than the times when you had the most fun at the time
He actually told the media before the game that he was going to play lefthanded.lol He had a 47 pt triple double that night. 27 with his left hand. Also, had the game winning buzzer beat. Crazy.
Another story about Bird trash talking. I can't remember who was guarding him but the dude was all over Bird and he calls for the ball, "Hurry up and give me the ball. Nobody's guarding me." 🤣🤣🤣
Best story they didn't show was when he showed up in the locker room of the All Star 3pt contest and said..."Which one of you coming in 2nd place" and then never even took his warm ups off during the contest and won LOL
I'm fortunate enough to be from Boston, and was a teenager during the Bird years. He was so dynamic and so entertaining that we almost never missed watching a game, ESPECIALLY against the Lakers! The sad part is that when he retired, it was like he took all the fun with him and suddenly we were just watching men run up and down a court. The magic was gone.
When Bird was in his prime and healthy, there was no stopping him. His career was cut all too short by a long list of injuries. But for a few years there, he was something really special... and all these guys knew it. Anyone who played with him, or even against him, can count themselves lucky to make that claim. In every generation, there's only ever two or three guys with that level of skill. Watching Larry play was like watching Pedro Martinez pitch.
That's why the Atlanta bench is so fun to watch. Bird got so hot that even the opposing team new there were witnessing something special that night. They may have gotten fined, but they are telling their grand kids about the night a white guy got so hot the only thing that stopped him was the end of the game. That is why when people look back, they are forced to recognize that while everyone else was watching from a distance, they had the best seat for the event, because they were right there in his face when he did it. Nobody and nothing can ever take that away.
Its cause you never truly realize greatness until years later. For instance back in high school my boy was a studio engineer and producer, my uncle was his bud man so I'd go and make a drop off for him on my way home and I'd stick around to watch him work and listen to recordings. One day he plays me a few new recordings (cant remember the titles but they were lit) and he says it's by some dude from Ohio and the dude is just different from everyone else who comes to the studio. I laughed it off a bit cause I'm thinking nobody really cared about Ohio hip hop, it's all about NYC, Cali and ATL at the time, he might get underground buzz and do well for himself like Pharaoh monch or Immortal Technique but the way my boy was talking he really believed this dude was going to be on the same level as Wayne and 50. A few weeks later dude dropped his mixtape: A Kid Named Cudi
Happens to all the greats. The thing many people don't know is Bobby Jones guarded Bird more than anyone else for the Sixers. Stories become bigger than they really are. Hindsight is perfect. Kobe put 55 on Jordan with 42 coming in first half. Jordan could do nothing. Smoke a Joint. Chill out. Its okay.
@@briandavidson1946 Dr. J was the opposing SF. So, it was SUPPOSED to be a Dr. J vs Bird match up. I seem to remember early on, Dr. J seemed to have the upper hand. But, by the time Bird was in his Prime, he ate the 76ers alive. That led to the famous fight...but Bird had 42 pts; Dr. J had 6 when they were kicked off the court. In some ways, Dominique took over Dr. J's spot as a super athletic dunking machine, adding a good outside shot to boot. Bird dropped 60 pts on that team....just because. But, unlike Dr. J, Dominique played BETTER when being trash talked, so Bird didn't talk much....he just was a bit MORE unstoppable than Dominique in most of their matchups. Im BIG Dr. J and Dominique fans...along with George Gervin...but Larry is my #1 pick even against that highest caliber SF.
@@rustydaboyrobot im 61. I saw prime Doc in ABA. First point forward. People don't know his entire game. I know all bout the game. And what happened. Nobody better than prime Julius. Good nite.
I think it was also Bird who started a game once and after his first shot went in he yelled out something like 48! Then his next bucket he would yell 46! And as the game went on he kept counting down until he got to zero in a win…so he was so cold blooded he told everybody at the start what he was gonna score for the game…just savage.
The man being interviewed at first is Byron Scott. Magic and Larry were fierce competitors on the court but became close friends off it. One of Magic's teammates said that they were friens because they were cut from the very same cloth. For all his tougness on the court, Bird was a very quiet, respectful and gentle person. But on the court ....
I feel bad for the younger people today who missed out watching Larry Bird in the 80's. Unbelievable player who is forever in the All-Time starting 5 on the court. That is carved in stone. Bird had the intangibles and a killer instinct on the court.
I agree. And funny thing is I am only 23. But all my life I have loved knowing the past of things I enjoy like the NBA and when I was younger WWE. I've always been saddened that I so rarely am able to get others of my generation to understand and see why the clips and players from the past are so fun to learn about and watch still to this day. I will always be very happy and relieved that even as a 23 year old I have taken the time and effort to learn about and fall in love with past players, styles, eras, rules, and just the past of the NBA as a whole.
I was a Lakers fan back when Bird & Magic were battling, and I can remember sitting on pins and needles during the NBA Championship games. Since then, I've grown to appreciate Bird's greatness. Those that have watched these videos know that Bird basically saved the NBA when he came in the league.
@@rA-uq1mu I wouldn't pay a penny to watch the fiasco that is Laker basketball these days. It was easy for me to walk away from this lame sport, and overpaid prima donnas.
@@LJA46 Then you were never a Laker fan and we don’t need you, I will say the NBA is a boring watch in its current state, iso ball and 35’foot pull ups, smh.. But as a diehard Laker fan since the 60’s I will never turn my back on the purple and gold, I don’t agree with how the powers that be are running the team atm.. But I’m sure I speak for the consensus when I say Purple and Gold for life!! No matter which state the league is in
@@rA-uq1mu I'm pretty sure I never asked you to turn your back on the franchise. I too go back to the 60's, and for you to say I was never a Lakers fan is just ludicrous. If I don't like the product, I don't have to like it. I do the same with restaurants, and all sorts of things. It's called freedom of choice. And for the record, Lebron was a bad decision, and it ruined the team.
Back in the 80s, Larry Bird could have walked into any neighborhood basket ball court in America and he'd have been treated like royalty. The other teams' fans may have hated him, but they respected him as the player he was. Good reaction. Keep them coming.
I watched him from high school to pros . We went to same school springs valley he was my 7th grade pe helper . He always had that something special about him . Plus great friends with his littler brothers saw Eddie play a lot in high school and college . Use to play pick up games on his court with the Celtic emblem painted on it great times
Great reaction of one of the naughtiest men to play the game. Every player who was the subject of Larry's trash talk remembers it...because Larry delivered.
The best Bird story is when he says after the game BEFORE he is about to play the Trailblazers that he is going to play LEFT-HANDED for at least 3 Quarters against the Blazers the next day... and then he does it... and still beats them.
Love the Bird reactions, yall should check out Magic and Bird A Courtship of Rivals. It's an amazing documentary. Get your guy Big Holla to react with ya, that would be a blast.
Agreed. Somebody spent a lot of time putting together the Larry Bird ultimate mixtape and I can’t believe how many people end it before the retirement ceremony, which to me is one of the best parts. On a sidenote kudos to whoever created that Larry Bird mixtape, it’s probably better than Jordans mix tape and somebody some time editing all that shit.
I LOVE “Magic and Bird A Courtship of Rivals” … it’s such an amazing documentary, about amazing men, who happened to be amazing basketball players & their amazing, transcendent friendship - imo, this doc should be required viewing for everyone in the country, basketball fans or not (among other things). We could all learn a lot about just being human from those 2 extraordinary gentlemen! ❤ (I also love that, to this day, Larry Bird will say that he hates Magic … but he’s a big fan of Earvin!)
@@LuisNunez-kg2pl If my life is depended on it.. I take LARRY BIRD.. - Pat Riley ENOUGH SAID, bruh.. Bird was the GOAT 🐐. Two things stopped Bird. 1- back injury 2- back injury
@@LuisNunez-kg2pl in is the goat to all you bee wetters but you can never give a reason why but Larry Legend Bird is the GOAT he saved the NBA he created the 50 40 90, became only the 3rd player to win 3 straight MVPs, took bottom feeding team and improved them 32 games AND took them to the ECF in his rookie year all by himself, also 6-0 in the playoffs against Jordan and that's just for starters why LARRY LEGEND BIRD is the GOAT
im a die hard celtics fan from the 80s and had the pleasure of witnessing the greats in real time and during the Bird era Boston had some great teams another overlooked player on that team was Kevin Mcale i would like to see you guys do a vid on him i think you will be pleasently suprised
I really enjoyed the video. Especially the stories from former great players who were often on the receiving end of the Bird treatment. They clearly laugh at it now but maybe not so pleasant at the time. Also the great rivalry and friendship between Magic and Larry comes over despite everything.
Bird was a beast. I was lucky enough to be a kid when he was playing and, despite not being much of a basketball fan, watched quite a few Celtic games on television. Good times!
His Game talk was like listening to a small town farm town kid show you up. No flash. Talked and played….no flash…didn’t look nor talk some fancy sports star…he earned the respect on the court, went home to family, and away cameras, drank some cheap beer….did again the next day too
The fly bird thing happened against the cavaliers and he pump faked dude then smacked him on the ass with the ball as he flew by and yelled fly bird and hit the shot. The Cleveland announcers still say he got him a bird when someone gets pump faked
I remember in the early to mid-90's Jordan and Bird started doing I think McDonald's commercials where they're playing "horse". Bird and Jordan would call their shots like you would in "horse". Just like Bird did when he was playing.
I don't understand how Bird isn't on people's top 5. I especially don't understand how Bird isn't on someone's top 5 but Magic Johnson is. Magic and Bird are the same person to me. When you talk Magic you talking about Bird. When you talk Bird you talking about Magic.
Except that Bird was a better rebounder, shooter, free throw shooter, and scorer - and about equal as a passer! Bird is top 5 for mental reasons alone that don't show up on a stat sheet.
Byron Scott, starting Lakers shooting guard during showtime and later coach. Doc Rivers, starting Hawks shooting guard and coach of....a ton of teams. All of these people being interviewed had 10+ year careers and ALL of them are all stars. Many are in the hall of famers. There is a reason his nickname is Larry Legend. In College he took Indian State university to the finals....and lost to Magic Johnson's Michigan State team..........has anyone ever head of Indian State before?
I’m 43 yrs old and grew up outside of LA, so yeah I know of Byron Scott. He was a great 3 pt shooter at one time. He was always good but I believe he got a 3 pt title one year in the 80s. Maybe 1985?
My neighbor here in South Carolina was Frank Selvey. Only D1 player to score 100 in a game. No 3 point line then. Estimated about 20 of his shots were beyond today's college 3 point line. Played on the Lakers with Jerry West. He said Bird was and is the GOAT.
LARRY LEGEND IS THE REAL GOAT! only injuries stopped Bird, truly legendary...in that game vs. the Lakers when he "put on a show" for injured Magic he had a massive triple double, like 45 pts 17 boards and a dozen assists lol guy was one of a kind..
Bird was unbelievable man. I lm glad i was young kid during this era. I was able to see this generation play, NBA was MYST SEE back then. Today, it depends on whos playing for me to watch.
the guy was a savage nightmare. imagine someone with the name ''Bird'' is trolling you while he mops the floor with your face and celebrating with YOUR teammates!!! and he looks like this 10:25 abyssal soul crushing!
I started watching NBA when the games were on reel tapes, Betamax, VCR and via satellite. I watched all the greats past and present, but i have not seen anyone like Bird. Every time he plays, you always think they are gonna win. He is the best by far that I have seen.
Larry had something critically important that many white American players lack, which is total confidence and mental toughness. This is what I see. European players don't seem to have this problem but white American players do. To be fair though, Larry was a once in a lifetime kind of player like Michael Jordan and a few others.
There is a great book written by Jackie McMullen… When the game was ours. It’s the history and story of bird versus Magic Johnson and those two careers and how they basically played their game very similar and we’re extremely competitive against each other. They followed each other’s game one playing for the Celtics won playing for the Lakers great book
Laker Legend Byron Scott describing Bird telling them where he was going to take a last second shot in the NBA finals. In 1991 Bird was practically playing in a wheelchair when Chuck Person started to make some noise. Nicknamed the Rifleman Person sated that the "Rifleman was going Bird hunting" ahead of a 12/26 primetime match up. Bird responded that he "had a present for him" and during the 20 point blowout Celtic win Bird drained a 3 pointer and went past the Pacer bench and said "Merry Fucking Christmas" Later that year in the first round of the Playoffs Person started running his moth again. Bird dove for a loose ball and broke his cheekbone and was concussed. He went to the locker room and was thought to be done for the day.... Then Bird sneaks out of the locker room and comes back out to finish the Pacers which is why Bird is so fired up in the highlights vs Indiana. After the Celtics knocked them out of the playoffs that day LaSalle Thompson was so impressed by Bird that he personally congratulated Bird while walking off the floor and was quoted saying “The way [Bird] played today is the stuff you tell your kids about.”
Remember when people would call basketball a no-contact sport. I was like if u ain't fouling out u ain't playing the game,my favorite was no blood no foul.
The player who spoke named Calvin Murphy played ball up at Niagara Colledge, and before the games or at half time he challedge anyone in the stands, they dribbled from the end of the court to the other they had one ball he dribbled two nobody beat him, Calvin is in the hall of Fame.
The greatest ever. More end of time, game winning shots than anyone. Dropped 47 on Portland left handed! When asked by reporters why he used only his left hand, he said, I'm saving my right hand for LA, we play them tomorrow night! Won 3 MVPs during the greatest era of players. 3 3 point contest in a row , one while wearing his warm up stuff! Played the last 6 years with a broken back and blown Achilles tendon! Let me say this again for the doubters....HE PLAYED HIS LAST 6 SEASONS WITH A BAD ACHILLES TENDON AND A BROKE BACK! He said in an interview, if Len Bias hadn't died, he would have retired in 86 or 87, because Bias would have been the best in the NBA, better than Michael! Because of his back, they took a stationary bike to all games. Larry had to ride it, 1-2 hours before each game, to loosen his back, up!! Was the first 50/40/90 guy. When playing the bulls in conference finals, swept them! As a rookie, on third day of camp, came out and told reporters, this league is nothing, I will dominate this league! Worthy said, he would rather guard Jordan than Bird! Made 2 shots on purpose from behind the backboard! Got the whole Atlanta bench in trouble, for his shooting display against them. When the rockets had the Twin Towers, they should have won 2 titles. Bird and the Celtics, stopped them! He's the goat. Maybe the only better player was pistol Pete, but he just burnt out too soon, plus born with a unusually small heart pump side. He once told an opposing player who has a good first half against him, " are ur parents here, cuz ur not gonna want them to see, what I'm about to do to you!" So Bird drops 27 on him in the second half, and also shut him down. He tells the guy after the game, " that was for ur mom!" Ice cold! He played during an era, when there was no hack a Shaq foul, no finger hand elbow or body check fouls. And when centers and power forwards would break ur bones and punish you, if you went inside! I think it was either Chuck Daily or Pat Riley who said, " u want a end of game shot, pick Jordan. U want a shot to save ur life, pick Bird!"
I know it sounds a bit hyperbolic the way it's said how Larry Bird would not only tell opposing players/coaches/teams what he was about to do, but also where he was gonna do it from, but it was all true. And not only did Bird talk trash on what he was about to do, but he did it routinely, AND he often did it against some of the greatest defenders (i.e. Rodman, Michael Cooper, Scottie Pippen, etc.) in NBA history. Larry was just a baaaaaaaad somebody, to be sure.
That first dude is the same guy who said he'd rather guard Jordan instead of Larry. The Laker great James Worthy. 5x Larry Bird Was Injured But Refused To Quit th-cam.com/video/QRHZToVAEFA/w-d-xo.html Larry Bird Greatest Passer re-edit th-cam.com/video/wwo4vtaZmsY/w-d-xo.html Larry Bird Fights Heated Moments th-cam.com/video/XYiBasFf5vc/w-d-xo.html Larry Bird 50 Greatest Assists th-cam.com/video/baBdnA7cui0/w-d-xo.html Larry Bird is Better Than Lebron James th-cam.com/video/qyxJ02hAZOU/w-d-xo.html
I grew up in the 80's/90's. If I had to pick one person to take the final shot it would be Jordan or Bird those guys were money when the game was on the line. BTW I was a Pistons fan Bad Boys for LIfe!!!!! 🤪
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My favorite quote about Bird is when Pat Riley said “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.”
I could be wrong but I don’t think Pat Riley ever coached Jordan. He coached the Lakers, the Knicks, and the Heat.
@@impasse0124 u right i don’t know why I wrote Jordan’s coach sorry I’ll correct it.
That's the quote that has me scratching my head, Tatt, because I would choose only one in both situations.
@@timokuosmanen2746 yes
@@timokuosmanen2746 I think he meant that Jordan's competitiveness would make him make the game winning shot but Bird was so cold he'll make the shot no matter the situation is
A reporter asked Larry,,,why do you play when your hurt,,,Larry says,,l owe it to the celtics and my teammates to play if at all possible,,and just as important are the fans,,,some family saves all year to come watch me play,,l can't disappoint them,,,Larry legend
There's always a Larry Legend quote I ain't heard that makes me tear up with his perspective.
You really ought to something about your subject...you want me to give you money for looking at your face 😂
Byron Scott
Larry was the only guy who treated MJ like MJ treated other players 😜
Nobody else can say that either!
Imagine if Larry girl had mj skills
@@dustinbaker4445
Larry didn’t need them. He dominated without them.
And LeBron
Easy to say that when Bird was in his prime with 5 HOF players and Jordan was 21 and the next best player on his team was Charles Oakley....
What was great about Bird is he made everybody score. He could have had more points but he was selfless - he really cared about the team and each contributor. You have to remember they were in last place and got Bird and won the championship in 2 years - an incredible turn around. Man he was fun to watch!
Definitely
me and my dad used to watch those games...
what an era
That's why his fakes worked so well. The first thing he did was look for the open guy who had a cleaner shot, especially when two guys went to cover him.
Totally agree
True...I watched Bird throughout the 80/90s. AMAZING Player. Sad his back injury took him out 3 years early.
Starting Five Team of All Time (To Win Championships):
1. M Jordan (GOAT)
2. Larry Bird (No flaw in his game, one of the Greatest shooter of all time, FT 90%+)
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Sky Hook)
4. Stephen Curry (So I would NOT have to guard him)
5. LeBron James (Has to be on the list)
@@bobswanson8464 that's a fine list. Larry Bird has to be on there. He just made everybody better and you need that type of leadership. As I have said before - the Celtics were in last place and then got Bird. How long did it take for them to win a Championship and turn things around? Definitely to 5 for sure brother!!!
Byron Scott. Great defender. Lakers. Imagine a guy telling you what he is about to do to you and you can't do anything about it. Savage. Larry bird is top 5 dead or alive.
Kareem said Larry was his toughest opponent. He basically said, Larry would beat you between your ears, he had the best basketball mind he ever played against.
When your fellow NBA greats call you Larry Legend.. that's all ya need to know
He was called Larry Legend while he was still playing. Let that sink in.
Bird's "Show" stat line for Magic M 47 P 36 R 21 A 6 S 5 B 3 16-25 He destroyed the Lakers. No wonder Kareem, Magic and Worthy all have said they lost sleep thinking about him.
Mind-blowing
that stat line is obscene
@@Thewhitekorean 5 steals plus 21 boards holy shit, talk about HUSTLE!!
Jordan and his Bulls didn't start winning championships until Bird and his Celtics were gone, few realize, Jordan's and Bird's careers had an 8 yr overlap
@@jfk64kennedy95 Not only that but Jordan and the Bulls never won a playoff game against Bird and the Celtics, not a single one.
Larry grew up in a very hard way….his family was very poor and he was very determined to succeed and he went to the playground to get the best competition against and with the black kids…things really changed when his dad committed suicide…made him more determined to succeed…like a lot of great athletes he came up hard but still succeeded
My favorite Bird story is from Craig Ehlo. Bird had a rough first half and Ehlo was covering him. As they walked off the court at halftime Ehlo said to bird....."hey you're 1 for 10. That's defense." Bird looked at Ehlo and said...."there's two halves." In the second half Bird hit 10 in a row off Ehlo and then asked Ehlo if his Mother was watching!!! 🤣🤣 Bird is an assassin!!!
Love that!😂😂💞
the hick from french lick, he’s Larry Legend for a reason! one of the all time greats
Just look at the faces of the pro's talking about Larry Bird they are all smiling and never say anything bad about him, they all gave him the respect he deserves
it's like when something really shitty happens to you and your friends, and something bad happens and it turns into a shitshow, but when you get back you have the best laughs about that rather than the times when you had the most fun at the time
It’s because Larry would call his shots and make them. Who else did that? Also consecutive 3 time mvp votes 2nd 5 other seasons
@@doboi8121 no, it's called respect
@@michaelsherman9109 Exactly. Respect. Some of those interviewed don't like Bird at all, but they respect and appreciate the game he played.
One night he played left handed and scored 27 then said after the game " I was saving my right hand for the Lakers lol
He actually told the media before the game that he was going to play lefthanded.lol He had a 47 pt triple double that night. 27 with his left hand. Also, had the game winning buzzer beat. Crazy.
Another story about Bird trash talking. I can't remember who was guarding him but the dude was all over Bird and he calls for the ball, "Hurry up and give me the ball. Nobody's guarding me." 🤣🤣🤣
Dennis Rodman!
Best story they didn't show was when he showed up in the locker room of the All Star 3pt contest and said..."Which one of you coming in 2nd place" and then never even took his warm ups off during the contest and won LOL
I'm fortunate enough to be from Boston, and was a teenager during the Bird years. He was so dynamic and so entertaining that we almost never missed watching a game, ESPECIALLY against the Lakers!
The sad part is that when he retired, it was like he took all the fun with him and suddenly we were just watching men run up and down a court. The magic was gone.
true til rodman started
I never watch the NBA anymore...I miss larry
@@alfredrule9186 Rodman guarded Bird as a Rookie so they overlapped by a few years.
The best part is how they all enjoy talking about him. Even if he made them mad at the time.
When Bird was in his prime and healthy, there was no stopping him. His career was cut all too short by a long list of injuries. But for a few years there, he was something really special... and all these guys knew it. Anyone who played with him, or even against him, can count themselves lucky to make that claim. In every generation, there's only ever two or three guys with that level of skill. Watching Larry play was like watching Pedro Martinez pitch.
@@Mr.Ekshin the injuries were result of his hard-nosed play he beat himself to hell playoff game no playoff game. and he was fun as hell to watch
Men love trash talking each other. It's fun.
Women would have took it personally.
That's why the Atlanta bench is so fun to watch. Bird got so hot that even the opposing team new there were witnessing something special that night. They may have gotten fined, but they are telling their grand kids about the night a white guy got so hot the only thing that stopped him was the end of the game. That is why when people look back, they are forced to recognize that while everyone else was watching from a distance, they had the best seat for the event, because they were right there in his face when he did it. Nobody and nothing can ever take that away.
Its cause you never truly realize greatness until years later. For instance back in high school my boy was a studio engineer and producer, my uncle was his bud man so I'd go and make a drop off for him on my way home and I'd stick around to watch him work and listen to recordings. One day he plays me a few new recordings (cant remember the titles but they were lit) and he says it's by some dude from Ohio and the dude is just different from everyone else who comes to the studio. I laughed it off a bit cause I'm thinking nobody really cared about Ohio hip hop, it's all about NYC, Cali and ATL at the time, he might get underground buzz and do well for himself like Pharaoh monch or Immortal Technique but the way my boy was talking he really believed this dude was going to be on the same level as Wayne and 50. A few weeks later dude dropped his mixtape: A Kid Named Cudi
Larry stories NEVER get old. His trash talking was subtle, but extremely damaging. Ask Dr. J . 😄
Happens to all the greats. The thing many people don't know is Bobby Jones guarded Bird more than anyone else for the Sixers. Stories become bigger than they really are. Hindsight is perfect. Kobe put 55 on Jordan with 42 coming in first half. Jordan could do nothing. Smoke a Joint. Chill out. Its okay.
@@briandavidson1946 Dr. J was the opposing SF. So, it was SUPPOSED to be a Dr. J vs Bird match up. I seem to remember early on, Dr. J seemed to have the upper hand. But, by the time Bird was in his Prime, he ate the 76ers alive. That led to the famous fight...but Bird had 42 pts; Dr. J had 6 when they were kicked off the court.
In some ways, Dominique took over Dr. J's spot as a super athletic dunking machine, adding a good outside shot to boot. Bird dropped 60 pts on that team....just because. But, unlike Dr. J, Dominique played BETTER when being trash talked, so Bird didn't talk much....he just was a bit MORE unstoppable than Dominique in most of their matchups. Im BIG Dr. J and Dominique fans...along with George Gervin...but Larry is my #1 pick even against that highest caliber SF.
@@rustydaboyrobot im 61. I saw prime Doc in ABA. First point forward. People don't know his entire game. I know all bout the game. And what happened. Nobody better than prime Julius. Good nite.
@@briandavidson1946 Dr. J is in my top 10. Well ahead of Lebron. But, Larry is still my #1; too complete of a player to ignore.
Bird was THE MOST skilled player I've ever seen. Non-athlete but 100% baller (and trash talker!).
The 80s and 90s were the NBA's Golden Years...I miss them.
Larry Bird … the real GOAT !
I recently switch to Jordan but I suspect I'll eventually switch back to BIRD....
@@alanduff1054 MJ is a bad dude but Bird vs MJ in 6 playoffs - Bird 6- Jordan Zero wins= Bird 🦅 da 🐐
@@donnas8408 FAX... and with THAT being said I'm back to BIRD....
@@alanduff1054 no one wanna talk about how AI broke jordans ankles multiple time and he was half a foot shorter lol
@@fernidadjames3188 he had no business trying to guard A. I.
I think it was also Bird who started a game once and after his first shot went in he yelled out something like 48!
Then his next bucket he would yell 46! And as the game went on he kept counting down until he got to zero in a win…so he was so cold blooded he told everybody at the start what he was gonna score for the game…just savage.
Bird's mind was always three steps ahead of everybody else on the court. Best clutch player ever.
The man being interviewed at first is Byron Scott. Magic and Larry were fierce competitors on the court but became close friends off it. One of Magic's teammates said that they were friens because they were cut from the very same cloth. For all his tougness on the court, Bird was a very quiet, respectful and gentle person. But on the court ....
I feel bad for the younger people today who missed out watching Larry Bird in the 80's. Unbelievable player who is forever in the All-Time starting 5 on the court. That is carved in stone. Bird had the intangibles and a killer instinct on the court.
Not just him. Missed out on all those teams players and battles
I agree. And funny thing is I am only 23. But all my life I have loved knowing the past of things I enjoy like the NBA and when I was younger WWE. I've always been saddened that I so rarely am able to get others of my generation to understand and see why the clips and players from the past are so fun to learn about and watch still to this day. I will always be very happy and relieved that even as a 23 year old I have taken the time and effort to learn about and fall in love with past players, styles, eras, rules, and just the past of the NBA as a whole.
I was a Lakers fan back when Bird & Magic were battling, and I can remember sitting on pins and needles during the NBA Championship games. Since then, I've grown to appreciate Bird's greatness. Those that have watched these videos know that Bird basically saved the NBA when he came in the league.
Was a LAKER fan? Lemme guess , you were a LOB CITY fan too, Now you're DUBS fan, Smh
@@rA-uq1mu I wouldn't pay a penny to watch the fiasco that is Laker basketball these days. It was easy for me to walk away from this lame sport, and overpaid prima donnas.
@@LJA46 Then you were never a Laker fan and we don’t need you, I will say the NBA is a boring watch in its current state, iso ball and 35’foot pull ups, smh.. But as a diehard Laker fan since the 60’s I will never turn my back on the purple and gold, I don’t agree with how the powers that be are running the team atm.. But I’m sure I speak for the consensus when I say Purple and Gold for life!! No matter which state the league is in
@@rA-uq1mu I'm pretty sure I never asked you to turn your back on the franchise. I too go back to the 60's, and for you to say I was never a Lakers fan is just ludicrous. If I don't like the product, I don't have to like it. I do the same with restaurants, and all sorts of things. It's called freedom of choice. And for the record, Lebron was a bad decision, and it ruined the team.
@@LJA46 let me repeat, you never were a Lakers fan.
Larry was frightningly good
That's why they called him Larry Legend
One of my favorite LB stories is when he played a whole game on 14 February 1986 left-handed and scored 47 points against the Portland Trailblazers.
Iirc he said he would play left handed except for free-throws and long jumpers, and 27 of the 47 was scored left-handed.
I know Byron Scott talking in the beginning. Barkley’s story was the funniest lol
You guys are being disrespectful to me!!!
Back in the 80s, Larry Bird could have walked into any neighborhood basket ball court in America and he'd have been treated like royalty. The other teams' fans may have hated him, but they respected him as the player he was. Good reaction. Keep them coming.
I'm not an NBA fan, but I did watch a little bit in the late 80's early 90's. For not being a big basketball fan, even I know who Byron Scott is.
I GAVE my Soul to the Game,
BUT MY body betrayed me;
DON'T YOU FORGET me. #LarryBird33
I watched him from high school to pros . We went to same school springs valley he was my 7th grade pe helper . He always had that something special about him . Plus great friends with his littler brothers saw Eddie play a lot in high school and college . Use to play pick up games on his court with the Celtic emblem painted on it great times
Bird was probably the first person to really understand how important the mental aspect of the game is.
Bill Russell had it first - then Larry.
Bird was a total all around player,he could do everything on the court,best ever
Great reaction of one of the naughtiest men to play the game. Every player who was the subject of Larry's trash talk remembers it...because Larry delivered.
More Bird, please! Fun reaction! 🌎✌️
Bird had "SWAG!!!" And he backed it up!!!
He did in the local establishments as well :) I was there :)
@@rg20322 yeah Bird didn't shy away from a good ole fista cuffs when necessary...from Wyoming USA 🇺🇲🤠
"I wasn't fast,I couldn'tjump;But,somehow the game came easy to me...I just kinda knew what to do." --Larry Bird
Doc talking about Fratello rewinding to show the guys on the bench is priceless...Bird helped create the Czar of the Telestrator 😂
The best Bird story is when he says after the game BEFORE he is about to play the Trailblazers that he is going to play LEFT-HANDED for at least 3 Quarters against the Blazers the next day... and then he does it... and still beats them.
The part that Daugherty never tells is that when he went by, Larry tapped him on the ass with the ball. You’ll see it in another video.
I've watched a million videos & never saw that part of the story 😂
It happened, you can find a video of Reggie Miller talking about it…
@@THEgutsymalone I'll Google Reggie Miller/Bird, hopefully it will pop up, thanks 😊
@@BeboRulz im pretty sure its in his ultimate mox tape here on youtube, the footage part of it at least, if not the story
Found the clip with the story!
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Byrd was very underrated.
I am a Bulls fan but you knew Larry Byrd was very good.
“You guys puttin a white guy one me”
😂😂 that’s one of the greatest things I’ve ever heard
Are you racist?
Love the Bird reactions, yall should check out Magic and Bird A Courtship of Rivals. It's an amazing documentary. Get your guy Big Holla to react with ya, that would be a blast.
This 1,000 times
One of the best sports docs ever
Agreed. Somebody spent a lot of time putting together the Larry Bird ultimate mixtape and I can’t believe how many people end it before the retirement ceremony, which to me is one of the best parts. On a sidenote kudos to whoever created that Larry Bird mixtape, it’s probably better than Jordans mix tape and somebody some time editing all that shit.
I LOVE “Magic and Bird A Courtship of Rivals” … it’s such an amazing documentary, about amazing men, who happened to be amazing basketball players & their amazing, transcendent friendship - imo, this doc should be required viewing for everyone in the country, basketball fans or not (among other things).
We could all learn a lot about just being human from those 2 extraordinary gentlemen! ❤
(I also love that, to this day, Larry Bird will say that he hates Magic … but he’s a big fan of Earvin!)
Byron Scott of the Lakers was the one talking at the beginning
Larry Legend Bird the GOAT the only player in nba history with 0 holes in his games
That's right! All the tangible no weakness in his game.even Jordan had a couple of weaknesses.
Don't forget BIRD shoot left handed in the live NBA games too..
@Mr judas65 bro u lost ur mind wat weakness did mj have? Go ahead I'm waiting MJ IS "THE GOAT" DAT MEANS ZERO WEAKNESSES SO STOP UR BS
@@LuisNunez-kg2pl
If my life is depended on it..
I take LARRY BIRD..
- Pat Riley
ENOUGH SAID, bruh..
Bird was the GOAT 🐐.
Two things stopped Bird.
1- back injury
2- back injury
@@LuisNunez-kg2pl in is the goat to all you bee wetters but you can never give a reason why but Larry Legend Bird is the GOAT he saved the NBA he created the 50 40 90, became only the 3rd player to win 3 straight MVPs, took bottom feeding team and improved them 32 games AND took them to the ECF in his rookie year all by himself, also 6-0 in the playoffs against Jordan and that's just for starters why LARRY LEGEND BIRD is the GOAT
Larry made everybody mad but he earned everyone’s respect…quickly. Best player on the court most nights.
You meant to say ALL nights
im a die hard celtics fan from the 80s and had the pleasure of witnessing the greats in real time and during the Bird era Boston had some great teams another overlooked player on that team was Kevin Mcale i would like to see you guys do a vid on him i think you will be pleasently suprised
Lonni I love that you like Larry legend thx guys I really enjoyed your reactions ty do some more videos ty☘️👍☘️👍👍
Bird was unstoppable and scored in the opponents face.
GOAT!!!
You know it’s become ridiculous when the other team is laughing and falling off the bench!
Bird 🦅 Is The Greatest that Nobody ever Wants To Admit 💯
I really enjoyed the video. Especially the stories from former great players who were often on the receiving end of the Bird treatment. They clearly laugh at it now but maybe not so pleasant at the time. Also the great rivalry and friendship between Magic and Larry comes over despite everything.
Bird was a beast. I was lucky enough to be a kid when he was playing and, despite not being much of a basketball fan, watched quite a few Celtic games on television. Good times!
His Game talk was like listening to a small town farm town kid show you up. No flash. Talked and played….no flash…didn’t look nor talk some fancy sports star…he earned the respect on the court, went home to family, and away cameras, drank some cheap beer….did again the next day too
Larry Legend 🏀
The fly bird thing happened against the cavaliers and he pump faked dude then smacked him on the ass with the ball as he flew by and yelled fly bird and hit the shot. The Cleveland announcers still say he got him a bird when someone gets pump faked
I remember in the early to mid-90's Jordan and Bird started doing I think McDonald's commercials where they're playing "horse". Bird and Jordan would call their shots like you would in "horse". Just like Bird did when he was playing.
Those were the BEST commercials! Art imitating life!
I don't think basketball would be like it is today without guys like Larry.
Larry was content with being an unsung Hero. If only the world was like that
I don't understand how Bird isn't on people's top 5. I especially don't understand how Bird isn't on someone's top 5 but Magic Johnson is. Magic and Bird are the same person to me. When you talk Magic you talking about Bird. When you talk Bird you talking about Magic.
It's simple. Larry is white.
Except that Bird was a better rebounder, shooter, free throw shooter, and scorer - and about equal as a passer! Bird is top 5 for mental reasons alone that don't show up on a stat sheet.
Byron Scott, starting Lakers shooting guard during showtime and later coach. Doc Rivers, starting Hawks shooting guard and coach of....a ton of teams. All of these people being interviewed had 10+ year careers and ALL of them are all stars. Many are in the hall of famers. There is a reason his nickname is Larry Legend. In College he took Indian State university to the finals....and lost to Magic Johnson's Michigan State team..........has anyone ever head of Indian State before?
I'm 44 yrs old of course I know who Byron Scott is I grew up watching all these guys play
I’m 43 yrs old and grew up outside of LA, so yeah I know of Byron Scott. He was a great 3 pt shooter at one time. He was always good but I believe he got a 3 pt title one year in the 80s. Maybe 1985?
@@erichramone7812 Bird won the three point shooting contest the first three years in a row that it was held.
LARRY LEGEND IS MY TRUE GOAT 🐐
My neighbor here in South Carolina was Frank Selvey. Only D1 player to score 100 in a game. No 3 point line then. Estimated about 20 of his shots were beyond today's college 3 point line. Played on the Lakers with Jerry West. He said Bird was and is the GOAT.
LARRY LEGEND IS THE REAL GOAT! only injuries stopped Bird, truly legendary...in that game vs. the Lakers when he "put on a show" for injured Magic he had a massive triple double, like 45 pts 17 boards and a dozen assists lol guy was one of a kind..
I grew up watching Bird and Magic. NBA at it's best!!!
He is definitely on the Mount Rushmore of players....
Bird was unbelievable man. I lm glad i was young kid during this era. I was able to see this generation play, NBA was MYST SEE back then. Today, it depends on whos playing for me to watch.
the guy was a savage nightmare.
imagine someone with the name ''Bird'' is trolling you while he mops the floor with your face and celebrating with YOUR teammates!!!
and he looks like this 10:25
abyssal soul crushing!
I started watching NBA when the games were on reel tapes, Betamax, VCR and via satellite. I watched all the greats past and present, but i have not seen anyone like Bird. Every time he plays, you always think they are gonna win. He is the best by far that I have seen.
Byron Scott & Doc Rivers bro. Legends of the 80's back in my day when the NBA was in its Hey day!
Larry had something critically important that many white American players lack, which is total confidence and mental toughness. This is what I see. European players don't seem to have this problem but white American players do. To be fair though, Larry was a once in a lifetime kind of player like Michael Jordan and a few others.
There is a great book written by Jackie McMullen… When the game was ours. It’s the history and story of bird versus Magic Johnson and those two careers and how they basically played their game very similar and we’re extremely competitive against each other. They followed each other’s game one playing for the Celtics won playing for the Lakers great book
When the opposing team on bench reacts the way they do when the Birdman puts in work says it all. 😂
Thanks for showing Dennis Johnson. R.I.P❤️🩹
Laker Legend Byron Scott describing Bird telling them where he was going to take a last second shot in the NBA finals. In 1991 Bird was practically playing in a wheelchair when Chuck Person started to make some noise. Nicknamed the Rifleman Person sated that the "Rifleman was going Bird hunting" ahead of a 12/26 primetime match up. Bird responded that he "had a present for him" and during the 20 point blowout Celtic win Bird drained a 3 pointer and went past the Pacer bench and said "Merry Fucking Christmas" Later that year in the first round of the Playoffs Person started running his moth again. Bird dove for a loose ball and broke his cheekbone and was concussed. He went to the locker room and was thought to be done for the day.... Then Bird sneaks out of the locker room and comes back out to finish the Pacers which is why Bird is so fired up in the highlights vs Indiana. After the Celtics knocked them out of the playoffs that day LaSalle Thompson was so impressed by Bird that he personally congratulated Bird while walking off the floor and was quoted saying “The way [Bird] played today is the stuff you tell your kids about.”
He wasn’t fast but he could move ,shoot and tell you all about it,lol.He was like the Muhammad Ali of Basketball,lol.
Great reaction. Enjoyed every minute of it! 💯
Remember when people would call basketball a no-contact sport.
I was like if u ain't fouling out u ain't playing the game,my favorite was no blood no foul.
Larry Bird is loved in this great city.
Back when men actually played in the NBA and you could actually foul someone now if you so much as lay a pinky finger on someone it's a foul.
"Doc Rivers" who played with 'Nique and Atlanta when Bird scored 60
The player who spoke named Calvin Murphy played ball up at Niagara Colledge, and before the games or at half time he challedge anyone in the stands, they dribbled from the end of the court to the other they had one ball he dribbled two nobody beat him, Calvin is in the hall of Fame.
my grandma was his neighbor when he was growing up…. i can confirm the “1000 jumpshots a day” rumor… it’s true…
The greatest ever. More end of time, game winning shots than anyone. Dropped 47 on Portland left handed! When asked by reporters why he used only his left hand, he said, I'm saving my right hand for LA, we play them tomorrow night! Won 3 MVPs during the greatest era of players. 3 3 point contest in a row , one while wearing his warm up stuff! Played the last 6 years with a broken back and blown Achilles tendon! Let me say this again for the doubters....HE PLAYED HIS LAST 6 SEASONS WITH A BAD ACHILLES TENDON AND A BROKE BACK! He said in an interview, if Len Bias hadn't died, he would have retired in 86 or 87, because Bias would have been the best in the NBA, better than Michael! Because of his back, they took a stationary bike to all games. Larry had to ride it, 1-2 hours before each game, to loosen his back, up!! Was the first 50/40/90 guy. When playing the bulls in conference finals, swept them! As a rookie, on third day of camp, came out and told reporters, this league is nothing, I will dominate this league! Worthy said, he would rather guard Jordan than Bird! Made 2 shots on purpose from behind the backboard! Got the whole Atlanta bench in trouble, for his shooting display against them. When the rockets had the Twin Towers, they should have won 2 titles. Bird and the Celtics, stopped them! He's the goat. Maybe the only better player was pistol Pete, but he just burnt out too soon, plus born with a unusually small heart pump side. He once told an opposing player who has a good first half against him, " are ur parents here, cuz ur not gonna want them to see, what I'm about to do to you!" So Bird drops 27 on him in the second half, and also shut him down. He tells the guy after the game, " that was for ur mom!" Ice cold! He played during an era, when there was no hack a Shaq foul, no finger hand elbow or body check fouls. And when centers and power forwards would break ur bones and punish you, if you went inside! I think it was either Chuck Daily or Pat Riley who said, " u want a end of game shot, pick Jordan. U want a shot to save ur life, pick Bird!"
Slight correction, in your favour. Two blown tendons...he did both Achilles and, he did 50/40/90 4 seasons back to back.
Doc Rivers… He also coached the Celtics and play for the Hawks out of Marquette
Bird hit 2 game winners in one game. 1st shot didnt count because coach called a time out. Dude was a savage.
Great reaction with your girl friend.
@Ken D Thank you so much !!!
Glad you enjoyed it ☺️
You know it's real when Charles Barkley says "I had no comeback."
What can you say after a line like that?!? 🤣🤣🤣
I know it sounds a bit hyperbolic the way it's said how Larry Bird would not only tell opposing players/coaches/teams what he was about to do, but also where he was gonna do it from, but it was all true. And not only did Bird talk trash on what he was about to do, but he did it routinely, AND he often did it against some of the greatest defenders (i.e. Rodman, Michael Cooper, Scottie Pippen, etc.) in NBA history. Larry was just a baaaaaaaad somebody, to be sure.
Sir Byron Scott!
Larry Bird!!!!!!!
Great vid! I’m so happy the torch has been passed to the NEXT GENERATION of NBA!
That first dude is the same guy who said he'd rather guard Jordan instead of Larry. The Laker great James Worthy.
5x Larry Bird Was Injured But Refused To Quit
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Larry Bird Greatest Passer re-edit
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Larry Bird Fights Heated Moments
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Larry Bird 50 Greatest Assists
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Larry Bird is Better Than Lebron James
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That was Byron Scott.
@@victorsixtythree I stand corrected. You are correct. That was Byron. I don't know why I thought it was Worthy. 😁
Of course a shooting guard would rather guard another shooting guard than face a forward down in the post.
I grew up in the 80's/90's. If I had to pick one person to take the final shot it would be Jordan or Bird those guys were money when the game was on the line. BTW I was a Pistons fan Bad Boys for LIfe!!!!! 🤪
If Larry Bird was that good telling you the plays . . Just imagine how good he would be if he didn't tell the other players what he was going to do .
Larry Bird the Goat, The Legend.
Dude smashed all the brothers in his time
Larry "legend" was just pure bad--ass!!!!
Bird is the only player Jordan never beat in the NBA, he was 0-6 against Bird. All playoff games!!!