Larry Bird turns 54 today and I can’t think of a better way to spend my evening than searching vigorously for classic footage of the Boston Celtics legend for all to watch and admire. Even after all these years I am still in awe of that sweet jumper, those ridiculous no-look passes, and unbelievable collection of clutch, championship moments.
Larry Bird needs no introduction, of course. For the younger generations who never actually watched him play I only hope you watch the clips I have included below and pay your respects to the one and only “Larry Legend”.
What made Bird one of the greatest players of all-time? It wasn’t just the stats, although career averages of 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.8 assists certainly are impressive. It wasn’t just the accolades either, although three MVP awards, three titles, twelve all-star selections, and nine all-NBA first team selections look great on paper, don’t they? If you must be made aware of his statistical awesomeness please click HERE to be directed to his page at Basketball-reference.com.
No… it was a lot more than that. It was the way Bird squeezed every last bit of talent out of his frame, truly made the players around him better, and delivered clutch, championship winning plays in spectacular fashion all the way up to his final game in a playoff loss to the Cavaliers in 1992. It was that competitive fire that only select few greats exhibited and the personality that generated one of the brashest trash-talkers the sporting world has ever known.
More often than not Mr. Bird backed that trash up.
So today, in celebration of Larry Bird’s birthday, I give the gift of a plethora of fantastic moments in Bird’s career that are worth watching and cherishing for all-time.
You’re still the man, Larry.
On to the clips:
(NOTE: Simply click on the bold headlines to view the clip)
THE APPETIZER:
1987 Playoff duel between Bird and Wilkins
The classic playoff war between Larry Bird and Dominique Wilkins set to “War” from the Rocky IV soundtrack - does it get any better?!
THE MAIN COURSE:
******1. 1979 NCAA Finals - Larry Bird and Magic Johnson begin their rivalry This was the staging point for every great battle these two fought during their illustrious NBA careers. Magic would prevail in this one over Larry 75-64 but they would meet again in 1984.
2. 1981 NBA Finals - Game One highlights
Bird and the Celtics would defeat the Rockets in six games to win their first championship since 1976.
3. A huge jam on Caldwell Jones in 1982
Think Larry couldn’t dunk? Check out this ridiculous jam on Caldwell Jones in 1982.
4. A highlight reel of Bird during the 1984 season.
Larry reeled in the first of three consecutive MVP Awards during the 83-84 season, averaging 24.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists as the Celtics defeated Magic and the Lakers in the Finals for their second title of the decade.
5. 1984 NBA Finals Bird highlight clip
Larry was simply sensational in delivering Boston their fifteenth title - the look on Magic’s face in this clip is priceless.
6. 1986 NBA Finals - Bird records triple-double
Larry went bananas on the Rockets, posting 29 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds in an absolutely sensational all-around performance. The 1986 Celtics are still regarded as one of the greatest teams of all time.
7. February 1, 1987 - Classic Bird vs. Jordan
Bird went off for 37 points while Jordan scored 34 of his own in this awesome matchup. Bird took advantage of Jordan in the post quite a few times in this one.
8. 1987 Eastern Conference Finals - Bird steals the ball from Isiah
This was one of the greatest clutch plays in playoff history and is always worth another look.
9. Ten amazing Larry Bird buzzer beaters
Ten ridiculous buzzer beaters from the master of clutch himself.
10. Bird still has it in 1992 vs. Blazers
Even near the end of his career Bird was capable of performances that most only dream about, including this classic 49 point, 14 rebound, 12 assist outing in the twilight of his career.
DESSERT:
The Michael Jordan/Larry Bird McDonalds commercial
I still get the chills when I watch this….
The infamous Larry Bird and Julius Erving fight
First, we see the old-school Dr. J and Bird Converse commercial, followed by the legendary fight.
Happy Birthday, Larry - Rest assured that your legend will never die.