Pat Riley, lakers coach had the best quote… “if you need a shot to win the game, you give the ball to Jordan. If you need a shot to save your life, you give it to bird”
A FRACTURE OF HIS "RIGHT CHEEK" LARRY BROKE HIS FACE, ALSO HAD A CONCUSSION. I WATCHED THAT WHOLE GAME, IT WAS A PLAYOFF GAME. THE PACERS KNEW HIS RIGHT CHEEK WAS BROKEN AND WHEN HE RETURNED THEY TRIED TO POKE HIS FACE WHEN EVER THEY COULD. HE WAS AMAZING!!!! JORDON NEVER BEAT LARRY BIRD. LARRY BIRD IS MY GOAT HANDS DOWN!
Scientists proved that the hardest thing to do in the entire sports world is hitting a baseball thrown by a major league pitcher. Some people can just "see faster" than others, being able to spot the individual stitches and spin direction. The reaction time required disqualifies the vast majority of humans, but I'm positive The Bird is one of those rare exceptions. Larry could see faster, think faster, tailor his game on the fly, and had court vision at genius levels. I've never seen an NBA player that did EVERTHING so well and also being a completely unselfish and generous team player and leader. The Bird is one of a kind, and the greatest all-around player of all time.
@@simplyskrypt3914 not really. Round ball, round bat, extremely small “sweet spot.” A goalie just has to get in the way. Hitting a fastball has a margin of error measured in millimeters.
@@gavinsheridan4680 i said catch not just be in the way Also a round object is easier to catch than a flat cylinder that can bounce in any number of irregular ways. Same way a basketball is easier to catch than a foot ball (nfl) Edit : oh and that's ignoring the whole part where you do that while skating on ice, at 25mph on blades 1/8 of an inch thick
My husband does the "see faster" thing as you call it. He is an umpire these days but still has the ability even at his age. We've discussed these things a LOT. At least some of the ability comes from knowing what pitch should be coming next. That expectation aids in reading the ball. He believes that the rest is because of training that he and his grandfather did when he was a child. I'm sure it's different for everyone.
Look for when Bird slammed his face hard on the floor. He fractured his right cheekbone. After a few minutes of treatment he comes back into the game and scores some crucial buckets and leads his team to a win. Guts!
From what I've heard, the doc didn't want him going back in, but he was listening to the game and heard the team doing badly. He especially couldn't stand to see Chuck Person heating up, so he waited until the doc was out of the room and just went back in on his own, with a concussion, and was on fire for the rest of the game.
My mount rushmore is Jordan Bird Wilt Kareem Kobe Not only because of how good they were but because of how raw they were. I like magic too dont get me wrong, but he was always more of a chill, mr-nice-guy, i didnt see him heat up and torch other people like my top 5 did.
@@simplyskrypt3914 MT. Rushmore can only have 4, who goes ? also remember , the MT. is more then just on the court, if you look at it that way, its hard not to put Magic up there. he and Bird saved the NBA, without them, its not what it has became.
Magic & Larry, resurrected the game of basketball...My dad loved basketball, but stopped watching, until the competition between Johnson & Bird was highlighted...What my Dad used to say, about Larry's game, is that it reminded him of someone, who wasn't only playing basketball, but also, volleyball, dodgeball, football, soccer, & strategic chess, all at the same time, & what made him so great 😊He certainly was one of the most unique & gifted players, I ever watched!
True-- though an understatement, imho. He not only was not a ball hog, but he made all the other players better by sacrificcing his own buckets to feed the ball to his teammates. I've even read (and seen) that he made an extra effort to bring guys into the game when they weren't equally participating or needed a boost.
Could you imagine a player today, breaking his right cheek, bone in his face, coming back into the same game and dominating ? They break a fingernail they don’t play for two weeks.
Larry turned the Celtics around in his rookie year. Going from 29-53 to 61-21, with Bird being the only significant change, other than ML Carr. Bird could effect the game even without taking a shot, because he’d lead in assists, rebounds, and steals. Then he’d shoot from anywhere on the court and score. Idk what you’ve seen so far, but listening to NBA rivals tell how incredible he was, is powerful., and I recommend watching the trash talking videos. As well as, Making the Case: Larry Bird. I can’t name one other player, that had the opposing team’s bench, cheering for them. That’s how amazing he was to watch. Watch the seventh game of the ‘87 championship, and you’ll understand why he’s top 3. Great reaction!
The video floating around of Larry's passing is even more impressive than this video. He might not be as athletic as some modern players but he had no holes in his game, he was good at everything.
Yeah, he was not as "athletic" as in, he wasn't as flashy dunking, but he was extremely versatile, could finish in the paint or shoot threes from outside (which was something since 3s didn't even exist before he became a pro), or pass to a teammate. That made him so hard to stop. If you put a great rim defender on him, he will stay outside and shoot. If you put a perimeter defender on him, he will close-in. If you don't double-team him, he will slaughter you with his shooting. But the moment you double-team him, he will pass to his now open teammate.
You should check out Clayton Crowley's video - Making the Case: Larry Bird. I think he did 8 videos making the case for players he thinks could all be considered the GOAT. Also, the reason he was so good at faking passes on people is because he was passed to other players all the time. His opponents could not assume he was going to keep the ball all the way to the basket like a lot of other players.
You will LOVE The Courtship of rivals - Magic and Bird. Best rivalry sports story ever put on film. My favorite documentary in any genre. I will be there if you choose to react to. I love your reactions....
I'm so happy that they ended up really good friends still to this day. and Michael was playing them, Larry and the Celts swept Michaels Bulls three times, and he embarrassed Pippen and Jordan when they double teamed him. lol
Yes! Thank you! I was just going to comment that Larry was beating Jordan when Pippen was already with the Bulls, and he was also beating Pippen one on one. Also, Larry could do everything Magic could do...and more. IMHO, if you don't have Bird as the GOAT, you need to watch more Bird...or maybe re-define your definition of "athlleticism" to include a whole lot more than spectacular running speed, jumping, and physical strength.
I was fortunate enough to be old enough to watch the Celtics vs. Lakers games on tv when they aired and they were some of the best games I have ever watched. But when Bird came back in vs. the Pacers he had a fractured right cheek from when he hit the floor face first. Just about every game Bird put on a demonstration of shooting and passing that not many could stop.
Larry Bird had 67% of all MVP voting for the entire 1980's decade. This was with other players in the league like Magic, Kareem, MJ, Drexler, Wilkins, Thomas, Barkley, Julious Erving, Moses Malone, and Olajuwon. Hes also the only player to ever be named Rookie of the year, MVP, finals MVP, Coach of the year, and Executive of the year. He was literally the best at every level of the game at one point in his career.
"Fracture of the right cheek" - His face bounced off the floor pretty hard. Also, not just his back...his hand. Dude wrecked his shooting hand I think it was just before he entered the league? I think, it was very close. It healed slightly off, so his touch was actually less in the NBA than his College days. How nuts is that?
His hand happened a few months before training camp began in his rookie year. It healed very off, even though he had surgery to fix it. He had three more surgeries on it, but his finger is still bent at a forty-five degree angle. He said he never had the same feel for the ball, afterwards. He also broke his thumb and played the rest of the game with it. He had achilles surgeries on both ankles too. And still beat Pippen and Jordan, in the playoffs.
Out of all the basketball players that have Ultimate Mix Tapes, Bird's is the most impressive. Bird is #3 on my all-time list. React to the video: Larry Bird Greatest Passer Re-Edit.
Im a bird fan too but jordans bulls mixtape beats this as impressive as this mixtape is. Im an old guy so seen all the greats from kareem upwards so know larry in his prime was unstoppable. People forget what made jordan so great and competitive and it was battling the likes of bird in his prime early in his career. But not just bird but also magic , kareem , worthy , dr j , malone , hakeem , sampson , moncrief , king , isiah , barkley , drexler , dominique , rodman , laimbeer , mchale , parish , denis johnson , sikma , chambers , english , gervin , dantley and many more. Jordan learnt his trade early in his career against the best era ever in my opinion hence why he was unstoppable when all these greats retired and he got some decent teamates in pippen and later rodman. As much as jordan tried bird was the only one he never really got the better of that alone tells you something.
@@lfcgero35MJ has said that Bird is better. Bird still beat him and Scotty, when he joined the Bulls. He beat them, even though Mike scored 43 points in that game. He is still number two of the all time most winning players. Behind Magic, by less than ten games. So both he and Bird, won more games than MJ. MJ was a phenomenal player, but he didn’t pass the ball, and was only dangerous when he had it. He said that the Celtics couldn’t be beat by one man, and that’s when he got even better. Bird passed, assisted, rebounded, and stole consistently. He was a threat on every front. This taught Jordan that he needed to be a team player, instead of doing it all himself. MJ watching him in his last 3-point contest, is hilarious. “He didn’t even take his top off. I’d hate to see him, when he takes his top off.” 🤣😂
Bird was faster than people give him credit for, but he played at his own speed. He was also strong af, and other players noted as much. They said he doesn't look it, but you couldn't move him, but he would move you with one hand and do it with ease.
“Jordan made you look slow, Larry made you look stupid” James Worthy. After Magic’s Aids diagnosis everyone shunned him, when Larry was informed he had people track Magic down and told him to answer his phone, Larry wanted to talk to him. Larry was devastated and didn’t hesitate to comfort and love his friend during his whole Aids situation.
You pointed out all the best things about Larry in this particular era of the Celtics which was near Perfection especially the 86 lineup and you should watch that video about them. When Larry came back out he had a fractured cheek there was no way he was going to lose that game. Larry said if you get paid to go to work, you go to work. And by the way there is a video about the relationship between Larry and Magic that will blow your mind because these Rivals became best of friends
Bird is top 5 all time & the greatest SF to ever play the game. Edit: The avg height of nba player during wilts era was 6’5” & the avg height today is 6’6”. Wilt only played against small guys is a fabricated talking point repeated over & over again but wasn’t true.
Wilt Chamberlain was not just a tall 7 foot player in a short man era. He was skilled enough to play for the Harlem Globetrotters after College and before the NBA. An important rule in Basketball was changed because of Wilt. The NCAA heard that a High School player was able to dunk almost 100% from behind that free throw line, so they changed the rule that both feet must stay behind the free throw line during an attempt. The NBA later adopted this rule and now it’s everywhere… those two things alone helped me understand that he isn’t just a tall guy in a small guy era but a tall, skilled, an crazy athletic player. Kareem said it best that there is no true GOAT but many GOATs because there are many different eras.
See that one he got in up over the backboard from BEHIND the basket?!! Unbelievable! That shot would be all over social media if that was done in today's game.
Fracture of the right cheek. He also had achilles surgeries on both feet, and had to have his spine put back in line before games and never took and pain meds. Nobody compares. NOBODY.
You hit the nail on the head with the load management nonsense today! Back in the day , guys were eating stale hotdogs in airports , flying coach, on their way to play the next game of a back to back in some distant city!
His shooting was beyond amazing, but I enjoy watching his passing even more! He was pure beauty in action. God made no mistakes with Larry, perfection.
Try these two videos : “Five Times Larry Bird Was Injured but Refused to Quit “ And “Four Crazy Stories that Prove Larry Bird is the Toughest Player in NBA History “
You sir I think have the most sincere reaction to Larry’s mixtape I’m 42 and lifelong Celtics fan and what you hit nail on head was those days the EAST WAS A FUCKING MONSTER TOP TO BOTTOM , ppl forget how physical the Knicks were with Charles Oakley, John starts, Ewing those New York teams were fucking animals, The Celtics never backed down $ those series against Magic & showtime was truly a milestone moment in NBA history!!! Biggest of rivals and best of friends, no missing games!!! Those Cats in those days was a league full of “Rasheed Wallace@ types that would exceed their technical limit by game 20 in todays game or foul out in 2nd quarter!!! But game has changed guys jump higher play flashier but at end of day just got put ball in hoop!!!!! Bird would average 40+ in today’s game !!! Nikola & Luka is the closest thing to Bird type players today with their respective skill sets not flashy or athletic but fundamentally sound & especially with Luka Bird talked more shit than anyone!!! I enjoy your content for a younger man you hit todays game and premadojna players perfectly!!!!! The Knivks vs Bulls playoff series in early 90’s might be meat and most violent playoff series I’ve ever witnessed!!!! They tried literally to mind fuck and harass Jordan & that series solidified for me a LIFELONG CELTICS AND BURD FAN THAT MIKE WAS A FUCKING ANIMAL YOU DIDNT POKE!!!
The Left-Hand Game, in Portland, McHale is on the bench (he was the 6th man at the time), yells out to Jerome Kersey (who was a VERY good defensive player and getting torched by Bird), "Hey, Jerome! Wait 'til he starts using his right hand!"
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson saved the NBA from almost-extinction. There were no big money TV contracts like today. They made the game exciting again and put people in the seats. It is one of the classic rivalries in the history of the sport. They were similar in many ways, yet different. Both were excellent passers, but magic was a bit more mobile than Bird. Both were extremely intelligent, but Bird was like a human computer, he was playing grandmaster chess when everyone else was learning checkers and knew where everyone was almost all of the time. Both of them made their teams better by getting everyone involved in the game. The idea that Bird wasn't physical is a joke, he moved so smoothly he didn't have to get physical and it usually happened when someone got overly physical with him and he let them know what's what. Bird was a legitimate 6'10" and you could see that when he's standing next to Magic, who was 6'7" at most, and though he was skinny when he came into the league, at his prime he was 240-245 but didn't look it. As far as shooting is concerned, Bird was a better outside shooter by a fair margin. Both could create very well off the dribble. They were a perfect matchup for each other. The real shame was all of the injuries he had to deal with. He lost an entire season when he had bone spurs removed from both feet at the same time. And after he hurt his back in 1985 while building a driveway for his mom he was in constant pain until the end of his career in 1992. That's 7 years of increasing pain and you never heard a peep out of him. Towards the end he couldn't sit in airline seats, he had to lay down in the aisle. He couldn't sit on the bench for too long because of his back and would lay down courtside. He had to have a doctor adjust his back before every game and have it done again after the game. After the Dream Team won gold at the 1992 Olympics, Bird went to the doctor when he got home and had to have surgery on his back to put it back together. Imagine if he had never been hurt and played 3 or 4 more years in his prime........there would be no question that he would have always been in contention to be the GOAT. And he never whined and complained, like we see with today's players. And the Celtics would have had another championship or two. Thinking of him playing in today's game at his prime is scary. he would use his brain as well as his body. And with so many immature young players today who think they are IT, Bird would embarrass them, it was like psychological warfare. He'd get them with the trash talk and they would do stupid things. Today's NBA is more like the WWE than anything else, it's more about entertainment than the actual sport itself. And now the American players hate the European player because they outplay the American players because they were taught the basics properly and played actual team ball. That's why Nuggets were so dominant last season and into this season. Smart players and following the principles of team play. There is truly no "I" in team. I like the way you think and your dad had a great influence on you when he told you about the past eras of basketball. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Great reaction !!!! One more thing, in today's game no one plays like Bird more than the Joker. the passing, the long-range shooting, making his team play better with no ego at all. He knows that the wins and championships counts first last and always.
If I could put together a team of player from other eras to play in their prime today, it would be Wilt Chamberlain and Nate Thurmond at center; Karl Malone, Maurice Lucas and Gus Johnson at power forward; Elgin Baylor, Julius Erving and George Gervin at small forward; and since most guards did double duty at guard back then, I would have Jerry West, Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe, Sam Jones and Oscar Robertson at guard. You really couldn't ask for a better squad than that. And I watched most of these men play both in the ABA and the NBA over the years. They would be a very tough team to beat.
Larry Bird was THE BEST all-round player the league has ever seen, PERIOD. He did things routinely that other players could only dream of or have nightmares about. He was dangerous from anywhere on the court including behind the back board. He played with injuries that would sideline today's player for a month. Like the time he fell and broke his right cheek. Magic and Larry saved the NBA, its rantings were worse that the View today. Larry and Madic were fierce competitors on the court and became fierce lifelong friends. Larry should absolutely be in the top three of all time. Why he's not is a conversation for another time. Larry embarrassed M.J his first two years in the league. That was Larry's son, Micheal Bird. Larry made me a Celtics fan and I live in Missouri.
There are far too many Hall of Famer’s the most of us know nothing about, so for people to sit here, including myself, and talk about who the goat is,none of us are qualified. I started watching basketball in 1965 and there was two leagues, the ABA and the NBA…… so from the point I started watching it Michael Jordan is the best player… And then I put Hall of Famers in tiers. But I have no idea about the players before 1965 or any other professional leagues before
Because of the length of his career, I can see why you’d put him in the Top 10-15 all-time. But if you look at Peak Larry, I’m not taking ANYBODY ahead of him. I literally mean ANYBODY. Peak Bird is 28/10/7 on 50/40/90 and is THE most clutch player ever. He could do anything, and before the injuries, he was a great defender. He led the league in DWS 4 times and was All D 2nd Team 3 times.
I hear that all the time, “he only played 13 seasons!” So what? Magic, Cousy, Russell, Greer, Chaimberlain, West, Wilkins, Bellamy, and many more. All played only 13 seasons. So what? Look at what they did during that time, right? I’d argue to take the best ten seasons, of each, and then see where things line up. I bet Larry would be top 5 or 3, even though he didn’t try to pad his stats, because it wasn’t important to him back then. All he cared about was the win. Else, he’d also have a quadruple double in his back pocket.
@@sharonsimmons6427 I don't use that as a dig, it's just that there are other HOF players that had longer careers. Plus, when Larry's injuries manifested, it dropped him a whole level of player. Granted, that meant he dropped from GOAT level to All Star level, but it was a drop. At his best, I don't think anyone was better, even MJ or LBJ.
@@juliothom2408 I only ever hear this argument about Bird though. I’ve never heard that said of Magic, Wilt, or Russell. I find that interesting, and was just making a point that many hall of fakers also only played 12-13 seasons, and no one questions their claim to fame.
I dont think the skills are better today. The only reason they are better is cant touch any one in today. You need to think a little harder. My friend. 😊😊
Larry vs Magic Brought the NBA Back.......Todays young kids will not understand....... But look at the Ratings.....That is what the NBA needs today.. As of now look at Angel Reece vs Catlin Clark .. Even though it is Women Basketball it is the same!!
Larry's INTERNAL mental discipline manifested itself in many ways; and I know smarter people than me have pointed out this obvious point. One of its manifestations was the energy and drive it fed him drained it out of his opponents. To paraphrase the great James Worthy: "Jordan made you look slow; Bird made you look stupid."
Okay I'm an old lady I'm not a basketball fan but I absolutely love the legendary Larry Bird❤❤❤❤ he was one of a kind and I'd love to see people that don't know that he is a legend see him actually play for the first time and they changed their mind very quickly😊😊😊😊😊 I am sure you will be no different cuz I'm at the beginning😂😂
@@OliverGrensemann-op9pg I recognize a legend when I see it and even the great Magic Johnson said he lied when he said there would be another Larry Bird because there will never be another Larry Bird blessings and good wishes from Toronto
I'm another old lady and no longer really a fan, but for a brief time in the late '80s and early '90s I shared a pair of season tickets with a group of people. I was so very fortunate to see the greats come thru town: MJ, Bird, Magic, Kemp, Shaq, Rodman, Pippen, Wilkins, Stockton, Malone, Barkley. It really was exciting to see a lot of the greats of the game.
When they were shooting a Converse commercial in French Lick, Indiana, in the 80s, Larry invited Magic to his mother's house, and she cooked for them. At some point, Larry asked her, 'Did you tell him?' Mama Bird says no, then turns to Magic and says, 'You're my favorite player.' Their friendship was bonded that day, and has endured these many years. When Magic announced that he'd contracted HIV, the usually stoic Bird sat alone in the locker room and cried. Magic's agent had already called and told him the news. Larry insisted on speaking to Magic, and they spoke briefly before the press announcement. A lot of players distanced themselves from Magic after the diagnosis, but Bird was always there for him. A rivalry forged in college, the rivalry that saved professional basketball, ended in a lasting friendship. And that's the most beautiful story in basketball history.
As for Wilt he played on some pretty bad teams , in fact some years he was the team and Bill Russell used to point out if Wilt was on a team like Russell's Celtics or Birds Celtics or MJs Bulls it would be entirely different conversation. And Bird was probably one of the smartest players with big skills and the only other player with his competitive intensity was MJ. That's what cut his career short so competitive he would throw himself at loose ball , took some nasty falls doing that
@18:30 MJ was in the league since '84... and there's Magic calling Larry the GOAT in '92. 8 years is a hell long time to "peak out". That's more like waiting in line to me.
Larry Legend is the goat .he is number 1 . bad boys Piston fan here . didn't like Larry . but as you can see he is number one. He's earned this title with hard work !
Dude, do your homework. The average height of a center in the 60s was 6’10” tall. The average height today is 6’11” tall. Wilt had a 45 inch vertical. He could benchpress nearly 600 pounds and run a 4.6 second 40 yard dash. I don’t know where you get that the athletes today are more athletic.
Dude great reaction I've got a couple comments.🔥 First off you left Jerry West out of your top five. He is basketball and he is the logo. He averaged 25 points a game and 14 rebounds. He still holds the record for the highest average in a playoff series with 46.5 per game. He went to the NBA finals nine times and won one Championship.🔥👑 He broke 12 records at West Virginia. You can't leave out the logo. My top five: 1. Larry Bird 2. Michael Jordan 3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 4. Dr J. Julius Erving 5. Wilt Chamberlain He broke his cheek bone. The team doctor took him out of the game and wouldn't let him go in because he had a fractured cheekbone and a concussion but when the doctor wasn't looking he went out to the court.
interesting comments. i saw west play, too. he was a great player. but, elgin baylor on the same team was just as prolific a scorer. the reason west ISN'T in my top ten is that he wasn't nearly as good at finding the open man as bird. west tended to keep the ball and shoot...A LOT! if he was hitting (which he did most of the time) it was good for the lakers. but, when he wasn't hitting...he didn't stop shooting and cost the lakers some games. he DEFINITELY cost the lakers game 7 against a willis reed led new york team because he was cold as ice and wouldn't stop shooting. interesting top 5. but, those depend on whatever skills you value as a fan. each top 5 will be different depending on who likes what. be well.
I know there have been a lot of great players. I think you should consider Oscar Robertson. Look at his stats and see if you can find video. He dominated the NBA back then
Mike was in the league and the Legend loves to remind him that he never beat him. He was one of a kind which is why he gets the respect from everyone in the past, present, and hopefully future.
I firmly believe that Bird, or really any of the "stars" from this era would dominate in the NBA today. The 80's and 90's was PHYSICAL ball. The league today protects its stars. A seven game series agains the 89-90 Pistons would reduce most teams today to tears.
The day after Magic’s “forced retirement” due to his medical diagnoses… Bird was in tears on the court his entire next game. It was like something of himself had died. Their friendship outside of the court is one of my favorite legends ❤
Loved watching you reacting to this video. If he hadn't broken his back and needed surgery on his feet, I wonder how much longer he would have gone on. So many outstanding basketball players over the decades and still going strong.
Everyone has their top five or six. I am an older guy so my fav six (not by position) are Michael, Wilt, Larry Legend, Bill Russell, Magic, and Kareem, probably in that order as far as the best of the best. The next four would be Kobe, LeBron, Tim, and Hakeem. My bench would have Dr. J, and Steph Curry (though I am not a Curry fan, he is such a great shooter he has to be mentioned). My most under appreciated player (yet many still do know how incredible he was) is Rick Barry. He was for a few years absolutely unstoppable.
• You wouldn't be watching the game you watch today without Bird and Magic reviving the league. • The Bird v. Magic rivalry will always be the best rivalry - without it, there would not be the basketball game you enjoy today. • What is great is how the two of them became friends - you need to watch that video. • Jordan's Bulls never beat Bird's Celtics. • LeBron is in NO WAY better than Bird. • You are right, he was not the biggest or fastest and he could not jump very high, but his basketball IQ was unparalleled. He was in a league in of his own. • Fracture of the right cheek - watch him hit the floor again and you'll understand. • Bird for the 3-point contest
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Pat Riley, lakers coach had the best quote… “if you need a shot to win the game, you give the ball to Jordan. If you need a shot to save your life, you give it to bird”
A FRACTURE OF HIS "RIGHT CHEEK" LARRY BROKE HIS FACE, ALSO HAD A CONCUSSION.
I WATCHED THAT WHOLE GAME, IT WAS A PLAYOFF GAME. THE PACERS KNEW HIS RIGHT CHEEK WAS BROKEN AND WHEN HE RETURNED THEY TRIED TO POKE HIS FACE WHEN EVER THEY COULD. HE WAS AMAZING!!!!
JORDON NEVER BEAT LARRY BIRD. LARRY BIRD IS MY GOAT HANDS DOWN!
Yeah Person elbowed Larry in the back too, the jerk!
@AmethystJonesOpinionsjust watching it was electric!! I can't imagine being there live!!
That was the third time Larry had his face broke on the court
@@pappajudas9267And LeChina James gets carried off with a leg cramp.. Players were just tough back in the day.
@@TheStickinator you spelled La Flop wrong 😜
Scientists proved that the hardest thing to do in the entire sports world is hitting a baseball thrown by a major league pitcher. Some people can just "see faster" than others, being able to spot the individual stitches and spin direction. The reaction time required disqualifies the vast majority of humans, but I'm positive The Bird is one of those rare exceptions. Larry could see faster, think faster, tailor his game on the fly, and had court vision at genius levels. I've never seen an NBA player that did EVERTHING so well and also being a completely unselfish and generous team player and leader. The Bird is one of a kind, and the greatest all-around player of all time.
Im pretty sure catching a 105mph NHL slapshot would be equally difficult.
@@simplyskrypt3914 not really. Round ball, round bat, extremely small “sweet spot.” A goalie just has to get in the way. Hitting a fastball has a margin of error measured in millimeters.
@@gavinsheridan4680 i said catch not just be in the way
Also a round object is easier to catch than a flat cylinder that can bounce in any number of irregular ways. Same way a basketball is easier to catch than a foot ball (nfl)
Edit : oh and that's ignoring the whole part where you do that while skating on ice, at 25mph on blades 1/8 of an inch thick
@@simplyskrypt3914 it may be but that doesnt happen as OFTEN as going up to bat in a baseball game..
My husband does the "see faster" thing as you call it. He is an umpire these days but still has the ability even at his age. We've discussed these things a LOT. At least some of the ability comes from knowing what pitch should be coming next. That expectation aids in reading the ball. He believes that the rest is because of training that he and his grandfather did when he was a child. I'm sure it's different for everyone.
Larry and magic both call each other the best ever. Their rivalry was amazing but their eventual friendship was even more inspiring.
Federer and Nadal are also a rivalry turned friendship. For me my two favorite sport rivals ever.
The documentary about them The Courtship: Magic and Bird is so good!!
(I may have the name wrong. :(...I TOTALLY cried at the last part. ❤❤)
Look for when Bird slammed his face hard on the floor. He fractured his right cheekbone. After a few minutes of treatment he comes back into the game and scores some crucial buckets and leads his team to a win. Guts!
And incredible pain tolerance!
He had a concussion from that incident as well. That was before science really looked at how detrimental the effects of concussions are.
From what I've heard, the doc didn't want him going back in, but he was listening to the game and heard the team doing badly. He especially couldn't stand to see Chuck Person heating up, so he waited until the doc was out of the room and just went back in on his own, with a concussion, and was on fire for the rest of the game.
Not only that, because of the concussion he went back with double vision. He had to pick one of two baskets to shoot at.
Bird is not only top 5, and the best small forward ever, he is on the Mount Rushmore along with Kareem, Magic and MJ
My mount rushmore is
Jordan
Bird
Wilt
Kareem
Kobe
Not only because of how good they were but because of how raw they were. I like magic too dont get me wrong, but he was always more of a chill, mr-nice-guy, i didnt see him heat up and torch other people like my top 5 did.
@@simplyskrypt3914 MT. Rushmore can only have 4, who goes ? also remember , the MT. is more then just on the court, if you look at it that way, its hard not to put Magic up there. he and Bird saved the NBA, without them, its not what it has became.
Magic & Larry, resurrected the game of basketball...My dad loved basketball, but stopped watching, until the competition between Johnson & Bird was highlighted...What my Dad used to say, about Larry's game, is that it reminded him of someone, who wasn't only playing basketball, but also, volleyball, dodgeball, football, soccer, & strategic chess, all at the same time, & what made him so great 😊He certainly was one of the most unique & gifted players, I ever watched!
Larry Bird had crazy awareness. He knew where everyone was at all times throughout a game, that's why he was so good. He was a real team player.
His passing skills were on another level and he was not a ball hog or an egomaniac like a lot of legendary players😊😊😊😊😊
True-- though an understatement, imho. He not only was not a ball hog, but he made all the other players better by sacrificcing his own buckets to feed the ball to his teammates. I've even read (and seen) that he made an extra effort to bring guys into the game when they weren't equally participating or needed a boost.
Larry Legend, nuff said @@Alice-xy3fi
He could be whatever the team needed, ball hog or playmaker.. And he did the work down low almost every night.. Special talent..
@@jacobjones5269 I totally agree
Could you imagine a player today, breaking his right cheek, bone in his face, coming back into the same game and dominating ? They break a fingernail they don’t play for two weeks.
IKR 😼 I can’t play! I have a hangnail. 😂 #ussies.
He had a concussion too.
MJ's rookie year was 84 and his playoff record vs Bird was 0-6 when Bird retired
MJ didnt win squat till Legend and Magic were done AND they changed the rules for him- he is the fake GOAT, the Legend is the real GOAT..
@@mikefuchs-sb8pv IDK maybe Kareem is the GOAT
@@mattphillips538 Kareem has said Bird was the best he ever played against, which is saying something- he broke in vs. Wilt.
Jordan didn't have as much help to be fair
@@grant1739 look at Bird's first season- by himself took a 29 win team to 61 wins- all those other guys came later..
Very, very special player. Never seen any human work angles and spin like Larry did. Superhuman observation.
Larry was a team player. And he always knew where all each player was at
Bird played with an infection on his foot, toes area. When he told the Dr, Doc. 3 inch cut to drain toes. He played that night.
You can't imagine the euphoria in New England during the Bird years unless you were there. Every day was like, I wonder what he's gonna do tonight.
Larry turned the Celtics around in his rookie year. Going from 29-53 to 61-21, with Bird being the only significant change, other than ML Carr. Bird could effect the game even without taking a shot, because he’d lead in assists, rebounds, and steals. Then he’d shoot from anywhere on the court and score. Idk what you’ve seen so far, but listening to NBA rivals tell how incredible he was, is powerful., and I recommend watching the trash talking videos. As well as, Making the Case: Larry Bird. I can’t name one other player, that had the opposing team’s bench, cheering for them. That’s how amazing he was to watch. Watch the seventh game of the ‘87 championship, and you’ll understand why he’s top 3. Great reaction!
The video floating around of Larry's passing is even more impressive than this video. He might not be as athletic as some modern players but he had no holes in his game, he was good at everything.
Yeah, he was not as "athletic" as in, he wasn't as flashy dunking, but he was extremely versatile, could finish in the paint or shoot threes from outside (which was something since 3s didn't even exist before he became a pro), or pass to a teammate. That made him so hard to stop. If you put a great rim defender on him, he will stay outside and shoot. If you put a perimeter defender on him, he will close-in. If you don't double-team him, he will slaughter you with his shooting. But the moment you double-team him, he will pass to his now open teammate.
You should check out Clayton Crowley's video - Making the Case: Larry Bird. I think he did 8 videos making the case for players he thinks could all be considered the GOAT.
Also, the reason he was so good at faking passes on people is because he was passed to other players all the time. His opponents could not assume he was going to keep the ball all the way to the basket like a lot of other players.
Fractured his right cheek when his face hit the boards
Larry Legend.
You will LOVE The Courtship of rivals - Magic and Bird. Best rivalry sports story ever put on film. My favorite documentary in any genre. I will be there if you choose to react to. I love your reactions....
Yes, please watch this!
My Father & I had season tickets the first 4 yrs Bird came to Boston, Larry was insane to watch live off the ball ....
I'm so happy that they ended up really good friends still to this day. and Michael was playing them, Larry and the Celts swept Michaels Bulls three times, and he embarrassed Pippen and Jordan when they double teamed him. lol
Yes! Thank you! I was just going to comment that Larry was beating Jordan when Pippen was already with the Bulls, and he was also beating Pippen one on one.
Also, Larry could do everything Magic could do...and more. IMHO, if you don't have Bird as the GOAT, you need to watch more Bird...or maybe re-define your definition of "athlleticism" to include a whole lot more than spectacular running speed, jumping, and physical strength.
preach!@@Alice-xy3fi
When he came back from the injury...it was a fracture of the the right cheek! He also played with double vision the rest of the game.
I was fortunate enough to be old enough to watch the Celtics vs. Lakers games on tv when they aired and they were some of the best games I have ever watched. But when Bird came back in vs. the Pacers he had a fractured right cheek from when he hit the floor face first. Just about every game Bird put on a demonstration of shooting and passing that not many could stop.
Larry Bird had 67% of all MVP voting for the entire 1980's decade. This was with other players in the league like Magic, Kareem, MJ, Drexler, Wilkins, Thomas, Barkley, Julious Erving, Moses Malone, and Olajuwon. Hes also the only player to ever be named Rookie of the year, MVP, finals MVP, Coach of the year, and Executive of the year. He was literally the best at every level of the game at one point in his career.
"Fracture of the right cheek" - His face bounced off the floor pretty hard. Also, not just his back...his hand. Dude wrecked his shooting hand I think it was just before he entered the league? I think, it was very close. It healed slightly off, so his touch was actually less in the NBA than his College days. How nuts is that?
Also broken leg . & Played the 2nd half of season
His hand happened a few months before training camp began in his rookie year. It healed very off, even though he had surgery to fix it. He had three more surgeries on it, but his finger is still bent at a forty-five degree angle. He said he never had the same feel for the ball, afterwards. He also broke his thumb and played the rest of the game with it. He had achilles surgeries on both ankles too. And still beat Pippen and Jordan, in the playoffs.
Bird is the best all around player EVER!!!
Larry is my number 1. I watched all those games and they were just electric. I wouldn't trade those days for anything.
Out of all the basketball players that have Ultimate Mix Tapes, Bird's is the most impressive. Bird is #3 on my all-time list. React to the video: Larry Bird Greatest Passer Re-Edit.
Im a bird fan too but jordans bulls mixtape beats this as impressive as this mixtape is.
Im an old guy so seen all the greats from kareem upwards so know larry in his prime was unstoppable.
People forget what made jordan so great and competitive and it was battling the likes of bird in his prime early in his career.
But not just bird but also magic , kareem , worthy , dr j , malone , hakeem , sampson , moncrief , king , isiah , barkley , drexler , dominique , rodman , laimbeer , mchale , parish , denis johnson , sikma , chambers , english , gervin , dantley and many more.
Jordan learnt his trade early in his career against the best era ever in my opinion hence why he was unstoppable when all these greats retired and he got some decent teamates in pippen and later rodman.
As much as jordan tried bird was the only one he never really got the better of that alone tells you something.
@@lfcgero35MJ has said that Bird is better. Bird still beat him and Scotty, when he joined the Bulls. He beat them, even though Mike scored 43 points in that game. He is still number two of the all time most winning players. Behind Magic, by less than ten games. So both he and Bird, won more games than MJ. MJ was a phenomenal player, but he didn’t pass the ball, and was only dangerous when he had it. He said that the Celtics couldn’t be beat by one man, and that’s when he got even better. Bird passed, assisted, rebounded, and stole consistently. He was a threat on every front. This taught Jordan that he needed to be a team player, instead of doing it all himself. MJ watching him in his last 3-point contest, is hilarious. “He didn’t even take his top off. I’d hate to see him, when he takes his top off.” 🤣😂
@@sharonsimmons6427 i know about everything you have said my friend. But i was just talking about their mixtapes.
The Bird Magic rivalry in the 80’s is what got me into basketball! These games were always legendary!
Bird was faster than people give him credit for, but he played at his own speed. He was also strong af, and other players noted as much. They said he doesn't look it, but you couldn't move him, but he would move you with one hand and do it with ease.
“Jordan made you look slow, Larry made you look stupid” James Worthy. After Magic’s Aids diagnosis everyone shunned him, when Larry was informed he had people track Magic down and told him to answer his phone, Larry wanted to talk to him. Larry was devastated and didn’t hesitate to comfort and love his friend during his whole Aids situation.
Bill Russell was also a legend and a Celtic player. He’s also one of eight players featured in Making the Case series.
You pointed out all the best things about Larry in this particular era of the Celtics which was near Perfection especially the 86 lineup and you should watch that video about them. When Larry came back out he had a fractured cheek there was no way he was going to lose that game. Larry said if you get paid to go to work, you go to work.
And by the way there is a video about the relationship between Larry and Magic that will blow your mind because these Rivals became best of friends
Bird is top 5 all time & the greatest SF to ever play the game.
Edit: The avg height of nba player during wilts era was 6’5” & the avg height today is 6’6”. Wilt only played against small guys is a fabricated talking point repeated over & over again but wasn’t true.
Wilt Chamberlain was not just a tall 7 foot player in a short man era. He was skilled enough to play for the Harlem Globetrotters after College and before the NBA. An important rule in Basketball was changed because of Wilt. The NCAA heard that a High School player was able to dunk almost 100% from behind that free throw line, so they changed the rule that both feet must stay behind the free throw line during an attempt. The NBA later adopted this rule and now it’s everywhere… those two things alone helped me understand that he isn’t just a tall guy in a small guy era but a tall, skilled, an crazy athletic player.
Kareem said it best that there is no true GOAT but many GOATs because there are many different eras.
You are my favorite and I hope you come to realize that Larry is the best all around player ever ❤❤❤❤❤
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson is one of the greatest rivalries of all-time.
See that one he got in up over the backboard from BEHIND the basket?!! Unbelievable! That shot would be all over social media if that was done in today's game.
"You can't compare players from different eras", your a man after my own heart. Why can't most people understand that? Great video...
Fracture of the right cheek. His face was fractured and HE STILL PLAYED AND WON THE GAME!!!!❤
Fracture of the right cheek. He also had achilles surgeries on both feet, and had to have his spine put back in line before games and never took and pain meds. Nobody compares. NOBODY.
You hit the nail on the head with the load management nonsense today! Back in the day , guys were eating stale hotdogs in airports , flying coach, on their way to play the next game of a back to back in some distant city!
His shooting was beyond amazing, but I enjoy watching his passing even more! He was pure beauty in action. God made no mistakes with Larry, perfection.
Try these two videos :
“Five Times Larry Bird Was Injured but Refused to Quit “
And
“Four Crazy Stories that Prove Larry Bird is the Toughest Player in NBA History “
Larry Bird would kick his butt
YES !
AND THAT'S !!! WHY "WE",,, CALL THEM , The GOOD OLD DAYS 🙏, PL&M...
One of the best reactions I've seen with Larry Bird!!!!
Larry Bird is The GOAT.!!!
Bird also had both Achilles tendons operated on, a shattered knuckle and his bad back and still could get 20 in a quarter if he got pissed.
You sir I think have the most sincere reaction to Larry’s mixtape I’m 42 and lifelong Celtics fan and what you hit nail on head was those days the EAST WAS A FUCKING MONSTER TOP TO BOTTOM , ppl forget how physical the Knicks were with Charles Oakley, John starts, Ewing those New York teams were fucking animals, The Celtics never backed down $ those series against Magic & showtime was truly a milestone moment in NBA history!!! Biggest of rivals and best of friends, no missing games!!! Those Cats in those days was a league full of “Rasheed Wallace@ types that would exceed their technical limit by game 20 in todays game or foul out in 2nd quarter!!! But game has changed guys jump higher play flashier but at end of day just got put ball in hoop!!!!! Bird would average 40+ in today’s game !!! Nikola & Luka is the closest thing to Bird type players today with their respective skill sets not flashy or athletic but fundamentally sound & especially with Luka Bird talked more shit than anyone!!! I enjoy your content for a younger man you hit todays game and premadojna players perfectly!!!!! The Knivks vs Bulls playoff series in early 90’s might be meat and most violent playoff series I’ve ever witnessed!!!! They tried literally to mind fuck and harass Jordan & that series solidified for me a LIFELONG CELTICS AND BURD FAN THAT MIKE WAS A FUCKING ANIMAL YOU DIDNT POKE!!!
The Left-Hand Game, in Portland, McHale is on the bench (he was the 6th man at the time), yells out to Jerome Kersey (who was a VERY good defensive player and getting torched by Bird), "Hey, Jerome! Wait 'til he starts using his right hand!"
MJ, Bird, Magic, Kobe, … they could all be at number 1.
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson saved the NBA from almost-extinction. There were no big money TV contracts like today. They made the game exciting again and put people in the seats. It is one of the classic rivalries in the history of the sport. They were similar in many ways, yet different. Both were excellent passers, but magic was a bit more mobile than Bird. Both were extremely intelligent, but Bird was like a human computer, he was playing grandmaster chess when everyone else was learning checkers and knew where everyone was almost all of the time. Both of them made their teams better by getting everyone involved in the game. The idea that Bird wasn't physical is a joke, he moved so smoothly he didn't have to get physical and it usually happened when someone got overly physical with him and he let them know what's what.
Bird was a legitimate 6'10" and you could see that when he's standing next to Magic, who was 6'7" at most, and though he was skinny when he came into the league, at his prime he was 240-245 but didn't look it. As far as shooting is concerned, Bird was a better outside shooter by a fair margin. Both could create very well off the dribble. They were a perfect matchup for each other.
The real shame was all of the injuries he had to deal with. He lost an entire season when he had bone spurs removed from both feet at the same time. And after he hurt his back in 1985 while building a driveway for his mom he was in constant pain until the end of his career in 1992. That's 7 years of increasing pain and you never heard a peep out of him. Towards the end he couldn't sit in airline seats, he had to lay down in the aisle. He couldn't sit on the bench for too long because of his back and would lay down courtside. He had to have a doctor adjust his back before every game and have it done again after the game. After the Dream Team won gold at the 1992 Olympics, Bird went to the doctor when he got home and had to have surgery on his back to put it back together. Imagine if he had never been hurt and played 3 or 4 more years in his prime........there would be no question that he would have always been in contention to be the GOAT. And he never whined and complained, like we see with today's players. And the Celtics would have had another championship or two. Thinking of him playing in today's game at his prime is scary. he would use his brain as well as his body. And with so many immature young players today who think they are IT, Bird would embarrass them, it was like psychological warfare. He'd get them with the trash talk and they would do stupid things.
Today's NBA is more like the WWE than anything else, it's more about entertainment than the actual sport itself. And now the American players hate the European player because they outplay the American players because they were taught the basics properly and played actual team ball. That's why Nuggets were so dominant last season and into this season. Smart players and following the principles of team play. There is truly no "I" in team. I like the way you think and your dad had a great influence on you when he told you about the past eras of basketball. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Great reaction !!!! One more thing, in today's game no one plays like Bird more than the Joker. the passing, the long-range shooting, making his team play better with no ego at all. He knows that the wins and championships counts first last and always.
If I could put together a team of player from other eras to play in their prime today, it would be Wilt Chamberlain and Nate Thurmond at center; Karl Malone, Maurice Lucas and Gus Johnson at power forward; Elgin Baylor, Julius Erving and George Gervin at small forward; and since most guards did double duty at guard back then, I would have Jerry West, Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe, Sam Jones and Oscar Robertson at guard. You really couldn't ask for a better squad than that. And I watched most of these men play both in the ABA and the NBA over the years. They would be a very tough team to beat.
Larry Bird was THE BEST all-round player the league has ever seen, PERIOD. He did things routinely that other players could only dream of or have nightmares about. He was dangerous from anywhere on the court including behind the back board. He played with injuries that would sideline today's player for a month. Like the time he fell and broke his right cheek. Magic and Larry saved the NBA, its rantings were worse that the View today. Larry and Madic were fierce competitors on the court and became fierce lifelong friends. Larry should absolutely be in the top three of all time. Why he's not is a conversation for another time. Larry embarrassed M.J his first two years in the league. That was Larry's son, Micheal Bird. Larry made me a Celtics fan and I live in Missouri.
There are far too many Hall of Famer’s the most of us know nothing about, so for people to sit here, including myself, and talk about who the goat is,none of us are qualified. I started watching basketball in 1965 and there was two leagues, the ABA and the NBA…… so from the point I started watching it Michael Jordan is the best player…
And then I put Hall of Famers in tiers. But I have no idea about the players before 1965 or any other professional leagues before
LEBRON JAMES would
be carrying LARRY BIRDs
luggage on road trips if
he played 80’s NBA !
Bird is a top five guy all-time
True GOAT
Because of the length of his career, I can see why you’d put him in the Top 10-15 all-time.
But if you look at Peak Larry, I’m not taking ANYBODY ahead of him. I literally mean ANYBODY.
Peak Bird is 28/10/7 on 50/40/90 and is THE most clutch player ever. He could do anything, and before the injuries, he was a great defender.
He led the league in DWS 4 times and was All D 2nd Team 3 times.
I hear that all the time, “he only played 13 seasons!” So what? Magic, Cousy, Russell, Greer, Chaimberlain, West, Wilkins, Bellamy, and many more. All played only 13 seasons. So what? Look at what they did during that time, right? I’d argue to take the best ten seasons, of each, and then see where things line up. I bet Larry would be top 5 or 3, even though he didn’t try to pad his stats, because it wasn’t important to him back then. All he cared about was the win. Else, he’d also have a quadruple double in his back pocket.
@@sharonsimmons6427 I don't use that as a dig, it's just that there are other HOF players that had longer careers.
Plus, when Larry's injuries manifested, it dropped him a whole level of player.
Granted, that meant he dropped from GOAT level to All Star level, but it was a drop.
At his best, I don't think anyone was better, even MJ or LBJ.
@@juliothom2408 I only ever hear this argument about Bird though. I’ve never heard that said of Magic, Wilt, or Russell. I find that interesting, and was just making a point that many hall of fakers also only played 12-13 seasons, and no one questions their claim to fame.
Yes......Larry Bird is the GOAT........
I dont think the skills are better today. The only reason they are better is cant touch any one in today.
You need to think a little harder. My friend. 😊😊
Larry vs Magic Brought the NBA Back.......Todays young kids will not understand....... But look at the Ratings.....That is what the NBA needs today.. As of now look at Angel Reece vs Catlin Clark .. Even though it is Women Basketball it is the same!!
Larry's INTERNAL mental discipline manifested itself in many ways; and I know smarter people than me have pointed out this obvious point.
One of its manifestations was the energy and drive it fed him drained it out of his opponents.
To paraphrase the great James Worthy: "Jordan made you look slow; Bird made you look stupid."
Okay I'm an old lady I'm not a basketball fan but I absolutely love the legendary Larry Bird❤❤❤❤ he was one of a kind and I'd love to see people that don't know that he is a legend see him actually play for the first time and they changed their mind very quickly😊😊😊😊😊 I am sure you will be no different cuz I'm at the beginning😂😂
You know everything about Basketball ,because your choice Larry Legend is the best by far.
@@OliverGrensemann-op9pg I recognize a legend when I see it and even the great Magic Johnson said he lied when he said there would be another Larry Bird because there will never be another Larry Bird blessings and good wishes from Toronto
I'm another old lady and no longer really a fan, but for a brief time in the late '80s and early '90s I shared a pair of season tickets with a group of people. I was so very fortunate to see the greats come thru town: MJ, Bird, Magic, Kemp, Shaq, Rodman, Pippen, Wilkins, Stockton, Malone, Barkley. It really was exciting to see a lot of the greats of the game.
@@patriciadavis1393 Mamy thanks ,and all the best for you also and blessing from Germany!
@@critterwatcher8009that must have been an amazing time and blessings from Toronto to a fellow Critter watcher
When they were shooting a Converse commercial in French Lick, Indiana, in the 80s, Larry invited Magic to his mother's house, and she cooked for them. At some point, Larry asked her, 'Did you tell him?' Mama Bird says no, then turns to Magic and says, 'You're my favorite player.' Their friendship was bonded that day, and has endured these many years. When Magic announced that he'd contracted HIV, the usually stoic Bird sat alone in the locker room and cried. Magic's agent had already called and told him the news. Larry insisted on speaking to Magic, and they spoke briefly before the press announcement. A lot of players distanced themselves from Magic after the diagnosis, but Bird was always there for him. A rivalry forged in college, the rivalry that saved professional basketball, ended in a lasting friendship. And that's the most beautiful story in basketball history.
As for Wilt he played on some pretty bad teams , in fact some years he was the team and Bill Russell used to point out if Wilt was on a team like Russell's Celtics or Birds Celtics or MJs Bulls it would be entirely different conversation. And Bird was probably one of the smartest players with big skills and the only other player with his competitive intensity was MJ. That's what cut his career short so competitive he would throw himself at loose ball , took some nasty falls doing that
@18:30 MJ was in the league since '84... and there's Magic calling Larry the GOAT in '92.
8 years is a hell long time to "peak out". That's more like waiting in line to me.
Larry Legend is the goat .he is number 1 . bad boys Piston fan here . didn't like Larry . but as you can see he is number one. He's earned this title with hard work !
Jordan came into the league in 1984.
Jordon played ‘84 - ‘03. When Bird retired he said he was glad! Jordon couldn’t beat him. Bulls were swept both times they met in the playoffs
Bird was Special.
Magic and Bird saved the NBA from obscurity.
Dude, do your homework. The average height of a center in the 60s was 6’10” tall. The average height today is 6’11” tall. Wilt had a 45 inch vertical. He could benchpress nearly 600 pounds and run a 4.6 second 40 yard dash. I don’t know where you get that the athletes today are more athletic.
I was at the behind the backboard shot game in Hartford, CT. It was amazing to watch and the crowd went wild lol
Dude great reaction I've got a couple comments.🔥
First off you left Jerry West out of your top five. He is basketball and he is the logo. He averaged 25 points a game and 14 rebounds.
He still holds the record for the highest average in a playoff series with 46.5 per game. He went to the NBA finals nine times and won one Championship.🔥👑
He broke 12 records at West Virginia. You can't leave out the logo.
My top five:
1. Larry Bird
2. Michael Jordan
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
4. Dr J. Julius Erving
5. Wilt Chamberlain
He broke his cheek bone. The team doctor took him out of the game and wouldn't let him go in because he had a fractured cheekbone and a concussion but when the doctor wasn't looking he went out to the court.
interesting comments. i saw west play, too. he was a great player. but, elgin baylor on the same team was just as prolific a scorer. the reason west ISN'T in my top ten is that he wasn't nearly as good at finding the open man as bird. west tended to keep the ball and shoot...A LOT!
if he was hitting (which he did most of the time) it was good for the lakers. but, when he wasn't hitting...he didn't stop shooting and cost the lakers some games. he DEFINITELY cost the lakers game 7 against a willis reed led new york team because he was cold as ice and wouldn't stop shooting.
interesting top 5. but, those depend on whatever skills you value as a fan. each top 5 will be different depending on who likes what.
be well.
I know there have been a lot of great players. I think you should consider Oscar Robertson. Look at his stats and see if you can find video. He dominated the NBA back then
Larry IS playing in today's game. He's called Luka Doncic.
Baby Bird
Mike was in the league and the Legend loves to remind him that he never beat him. He was one of a kind which is why he gets the respect from everyone in the past, present, and hopefully future.
I firmly believe that Bird, or really any of the "stars" from this era would dominate in the NBA today. The 80's and 90's was PHYSICAL ball. The league today protects its stars. A seven game series agains the 89-90 Pistons would reduce most teams today to tears.
I thought you had reacted to this before......... I was probably buzzed if ya did a different Bird reaction LOL. Let's go! The GOAT!
Larry Bird is the
“ real “ GOAT 🐐 !
Greatest all around
in NBA history …..
hands down !
The day after Magic’s “forced retirement” due to his medical diagnoses… Bird was in tears on the court his entire next game. It was like something of himself had died. Their friendship outside of the court is one of my favorite legends ❤
That's 'Nique going down at 5:47
They just showed Larry and Lebron stats at age 30 season and Bird was better in all the stats !
You have to see him play to understand his incredible genius at this game.
Loved watching you reacting to this video. If he hadn't broken his back and needed surgery on his feet, I wonder how much longer he would have gone on. So many outstanding basketball players over the decades and still going strong.
Greatest small forward of all time!
“baby bird” hahaha love it
As far as I'm concerned that rivalry was the best because it ended up as a great friendship
Everyone has their top five or six. I am an older guy so my fav six (not by position) are Michael, Wilt, Larry Legend, Bill Russell, Magic, and Kareem, probably in that order as far as the best of the best. The next four would be Kobe, LeBron, Tim, and Hakeem. My bench would have Dr. J, and Steph Curry (though I am not a Curry fan, he is such a great shooter he has to be mentioned). My most under appreciated player (yet many still do know how incredible he was) is Rick Barry. He was for a few years absolutely unstoppable.
Great reaction !
Fractured right cheek
1 Bird
2 Wilt
3 Jordan
4 kareem
5 Johnson
He told Barkley they were disrespecting him because they had a white guy covering him.
Shooting contest. Larry Joe Bird over EVERYONE.
I think that Bird at age 67 could beat most anyone at a three point contest.
• You wouldn't be watching the game you watch today without Bird and Magic reviving the league.
• The Bird v. Magic rivalry will always be the best rivalry - without it, there would not be the basketball game you enjoy today.
• What is great is how the two of them became friends - you need to watch that video.
• Jordan's Bulls never beat Bird's Celtics.
• LeBron is in NO WAY better than Bird.
• You are right, he was not the biggest or fastest and he could not jump very high, but his basketball IQ was unparalleled. He was in a league in of his own.
• Fracture of the right cheek - watch him hit the floor again and you'll understand.
• Bird for the 3-point contest