Titles did indeed come in 1981, 1984, and 1986, and Boston also played in the 1985 and 1987 Finals. When it comes to the 80s decade, he is in the conversation for the best overall player. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NCAA or its member institutions. Their coach, Bill Hodges, is in his first year, the first rookie ever to take an undefeated team to the tournament final. During the 80s, it was either the Lakers or the Celtics in the NBA Finals. Bird had a double-double in all five NCAA tournament games he played in that year. Who Did Larry Bird Lose To In the NBA Finals? Postseason stats/game: 7.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.1 steals. Larry Bird was named the league MVP three times in his career, and they all came in consecutive fashion. School: Indiana StatePosition: ForwardHeight: 6-9Weight: 220 poundsYears active: 1976-79NCAA tournament record: 4-1Career averages: 30.3 points per game, 13.3 rebounds per game, 4.6 assists per game, 53.3% shooting. Bird had two triple-doubles in the series to secure his second NBA Finals MVP award. Despite failing to win the championship, Bird earned numerous year-end awards and honors for his outstanding play, including the Naismith College Player of the Year Award. 6.3. 'Can I stay in bed?' Larry Birds Celtics lost two NBA Finals. Finals MVP: Larry Bird (27.4 / 14.0 / 3.6) 1984 Playoff Leaders: PTS: Larry Bird (632) TRB: Larry Bird (252) AST: Magic Johnson (284) WS: Larry Bird (4.7) More playoffs info. At the All-Star Game, Bird won his first MVP after scoring 19 points. The team improved its win total by 32 games from the year before he was drafted and finished first in the Eastern Conference. The 19871988 season was the highest-scoring season of Bird's career. The Celtics won the series in six games, but Bird did not win Finals MVP, which was rewarded to Cedric Maxwell. 1956 Larry Bird played 13 seasons for the Celtics. [24][14][25] Shortly afterwards, NBA draft eligibility rules were changed to prevent teams from drafting players before they were ready to sign, a rule known as the Bird Collegiate Rule. [26][27] In his career debut, Bird recorded 14 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in a 114106 win over the Houston Rockets. But, as one journalist would say, They looked different, perhaps, but take a chainsaw to their souls and they were fraternal, if not identical, friends.[72] Watching Bird play was like watching Magic play, as they both shared this talent that the league had never seen before. His nickname Larry Legend suits him as he remains one of the most legendary players of all time. where they fell to the Michigan State Spartans. While Indiana State coach Bill Hodges was frustrated with the style of defense, according to the Philadelphia Daily News, Bird wasn't concerned about his lack of shots. With his averages, he won Rookie of the Year. His stats back up that statement as well. Stats: 19.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG. Larry Bird was more of a well-known defender than Curry by quite a large margin. Johnson appeared at Bird's retirement ceremony on February 4, 1993, and emotionally described Bird as a "friend forever".[63]. In case you still didn't know, Larry Bird wasn't big on material possessions. Birds Celtics beat three pretty different teams in their Finals victories despite two of them being the Houston Rockets. [76] The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame called the team "the greatest collection of basketball talent on the planet". Right, Born: NAME. the official stats partner of the NBA, NHL and MLB. Larry Bird was one of the clutchest players in NBA history. Nonetheless, during the final years of his career, Bird maintained his status as one of the premier players in the game. He is the only person in NBA history to be named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.[1]. Larry Bird stats. While Bird did not have the finals success of a Jordan or Russell, he still had a better record than greats including LeBron and Wilt. Cedric Maxwell won the finals MVP award, but Bird averaged 21.9 points, 14 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 2.3 steals per game during the playoffs. Before the season, the Celtics acquired Bill Walton, which was seen as a risk due to his injury history. Sixth Man of the Year. [110], The Celtics employed Bird as a special assistant in the team's front office from 1992 until 1997. . In 1981, the Celtics beat a Houston Rockets team featuring, In 1984, Birds Celtics beat the Showtime Lakers featuring, In 1986 the Celtics defeated a pretty different Houston Rockets squad. Here are some of the records and historical rankings that Larry Bird achieved at Indiana State: Michigan State coach Jud Heathcote after watching him in the Final Four: "I could not believe The Bird. Larry Bird went 3-2 in his five NBA Finals appearances. Do you have a sports website? What Was John Havliceks Finals Record? Their rivalry continued on in the revived CelticsLakers Rivalry in the NBA. [113] Despite having no previous coaching experience, Bird led the Pacers to a 5824 recordthe franchise's best as an NBA team at the timein the 199798 season,[114] and pushed the Chicago Bulls to seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals. Rookie of the Year. Larry Bird goes to the basket against DePaul in the 1979 Final Four. Bird was a Swiss army knife. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Larry Bird averaged 24.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 9.5 assists in 6 games in the 1986 NBA Finals. A 1980s Converse commercial for its "Weapon" line of basketball shoes (endorsed by both Bird and Johnson) reflected the perceived dichotomy between the two players. [11] Bird has said that being poor as a child still motivates him "to this day". With the upgraded roster, the Celtics advanced to the Conference Finals again to play the 76ers. For the second year in a row, Bird received the MVP Award. His focus was on the court. [90] Bird won three consecutive regular season MVP awards; as of 2020, the only other players to accomplish this feat are Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain. Bird led the Celtics to another deep playoff run. Finals MVP: Larry Bird(27.4/14.0/3.6), Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Wednesday, March 1, 9:33AM. Join us for a March Madness Webinar on Tuesday, March 7 at 8pm ET. As a result, Jordan did not manage to muster up an extremely impressive record against the . Bird averaged 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists in leading the Celtics to the best record in the league and a 32-game improvement from the previous season. Search this website. The trio became a dangerous big three that helped the Celtics stay competitive in the NBA. Sam Smith. Basketball icon Larry Bird won three MVP awards and three NBA championships during his 13-year career with the Boston Celtics. Bird owns four buzzer-beaters and in each of those moments the Celtics trailed when he took the clutch shot. Larry Bird had a 99-65 record in the playoffs in his career. 'Coach, I'm dead,' moaned Bird. And it went down to the last shot of the game. [64][65][66] Bird finished with 34 points. Cedric Maxwell collected the 1981 Finals MVP over his Celtic teammate because he averaged more points (17.7) than Bird (15.3) during the Finals and shot the ball better (56.8 percent) than him (41 . In the playoffs, the Celtics swept the Pacers in the first round and took a 2-1 series lead over the Cavaliers in the semifinals. [89] Bird won three NBA championships (in 1981, 1984, and 1986) with the Celtics[83] and won two NBA Finals MVP Awards. 1,400 points): 30.3 points, 16th all-time on the NCAA career scoring list: 2,850 points, Tied for 23rd all-time in career double-doubles: 68 double-doubles, Tied for 24th all-time in points in a season: 973 points (1979), Tied for 24th all-time in consecutive double-doubles in a season: 16 double-doubles (1979). The swagger from Bird remained in full force. Bird had a perfect season where he won the championship, won Finals MVP, and the MVP Award. The injuries to Bird did not necessarily end his career, but they made it difficult for Bird to regain his superstar form. ", "LeBron James: Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Julius Erving Are 3 Best Players Ever", "Who Has Made The Most NBA All-Star Game Appearances of All-Time", "NBA MVP award: Steph Curry on list of multiple-time winners", Sporting News: James Harden joins exclusive group with third MVP runner-up finish, "Who is the most clutch player in NBA history? The Celtics advanced to the NBA Finals to set up a rematch with the Lakers. Stats: 21.3 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG, Awards And Achievements: All-Star, All-NBA First Team, Rookie of the Year, All-Rookie First Team. [21] In the Conference Finals, Boston was eliminated by the Philadelphia 76ers. Bird was named 1984 Finals MVP after averaging 27 points and 14 rebounds per game. NBA Finals. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. In 2003, Bird was named president of basketball operations for the Pacers, holding the position until retiring in 2012. [83] Universally recognized as an all-time great player, Bird was placed at the power forward position on an NBA all-time starting five roster with fellow superstars Magic Johnson (point guard), Michael Jordan (shooting guard), LeBron James (small forward), and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (center) in 2020. He also secured All-NBA and All-Defensive Team status. Larry Bird's finals record was 3-2. Nine days later, he recorded his first 30-point game. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? In 1985-86, Bird led the Celtics in points, rebounds, assists and steals. He couldn't miss. It set up a rematch with the Pistons in the Conference Finals, where the Pistons won in six games. Or write about sports? Find out more. The series stretched to seven games. [42], On December 9, 1984, Bird recorded 48 points to go along with 14 rebounds and 5 assists in a 128127 win over the Atlanta Hawks. The Spartans won 75-64 in the highest-rated and most-watched college basketball game ever. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. [27], Before the 198081 season, the Celtics selected forward Kevin McHale in the draft and acquired center Robert Parish from the Golden State Warriors,[31][32] forming a Hall of Fame trio for years to come; the front-court of Bird, McHale, and Parish is regarded as one of the greatest front-courts in NBA history. . 10 attempts), Indiana State-record 83.3 free throw percentage in an NCAA tournament game (min. Sport: Basketball. He played most of his career with forward Kevin McHale and center Robert Parish, considered by some to be the greatest front court in NBA history. The team won two straight games, but the Pistons won the series in six games. [5] He was named NBA Executive of the Year for the 2012 season. He had the ability to play the small and power forward positions. Bird was named Finals MVP behind 27.4 points, 14 . [21] Boston advanced through the playoffs to earn a rematch with the Lakers, this time losing in six games. Do you have a blog? With five seconds left in Game 5, Birds pass to Dennis Johnson to set up the game-winner saved the series. Bird's rookie year he did shoot 40% from three point land and then he had four years of .270, .212, .286, 247, and then he was the Larry Bird at 40% that we all grew accustomed to. He was named NBA Coach of the Year for the 19971998 season and later led the Pacers to a berth in the 2000 NBA Finals. His NBA years : from 1980 to 1992 Larry Bird NBA Stats Summary : Or write about sports? MP complete back to 1974-75. . The "Dream Team" won the men's basketball gold medal. [92] Bird is also remembered as one of the foremost clutch performers in the history of the NBA; he was known for his excellent play in high-stakes, high-pressure situations. I couldn't miss. With the Celtics out of the championship, it marked the first time in five years the Celtics didnt make it. With the Celtics down by one point, and less than 10 seconds left, Bird missed a potential go-ahead layup after his shot was blocked. That went to Birds teammate. Following an attempted reconciliation, Bird and Condra had a daughter, Corrie, in 1977. [3], A versatile player at both forward positions, he could play both inside and outside, being one of the first players in the league to take advantage of the newly adopted three-point line. The Celtics started the season 29-5, but Bird had to miss 22 games due to a compressed nerve root in his back. With Bird back in the fold, the Celtics returned to the playoffs with hopes of a deep run. . He is a graduate of Indiana University. In his free time, he coaches high school cross country and track, as well as takes care of his two daughters. . He was named NBA Head Coach of . The Celtics won both games at home to open the 1985 Eastern Conference Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers, and Bird felt like blowing off some steam by having a drink at the now-defunct Chelsea's bar in Quincy Market. Bird was rated the greatest NBA small forward of all time by Fox Sports in 2016. Compare Magic Johnson and Larry Bird careers through the years of your choosing. more information Accept. In an effort to stop Bird, Bradley coach Dick Versace installed what was referred to as the "Bird's Nest Defense," where two defenders would guard Bird and the other three defenders would cover the four other Sycamores. [133], During his professional career with the Celtics, Bird lived in the Boston suburb of Brookline, Massachusetts.[134]. [7], Bird was born in West Baden Springs, Indiana, to Georgia (ne Kerns) and Claude Joseph "Joe" Bird, a veteran of the Korean War. He made scoring look effortless, while his rebounding, playmaking, and defense are not talked about enough. 13 years. 1981-82 Type: Sports Trading Card. An Amazing 8-0! . [82] In 1999, Bird ranked No. Bird won the MVP award three times but also was runner-up four times. [23], Bird was selected by the Boston Celtics with the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft. Stats: 21.2 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 5.5 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG, Awards And Achievements: NBA Champion, All-Star, All-NBA First Team. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This time, he could say he was truly the best player in the league from start to finish. Among his accomplishments, Bird set the new single-game franchise record for points. '"[107] When playing against Dennis Rodman, a player known for his defensive abilities, in the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals, Bird continually belittled Rodman's ability, at one point asking the opposing head coach to send in someone up to the task of guarding him. Parish averaged a double-double and remained a defensive force. April 14, 2017 2:34 PM EDT. [45] The performance came just nine days after Kevin McHale set the previous Celtics record for points in a game with 56. Drafted into the NBA by the Boston Celtics with the sixth overall pick in . Bird was raised in French Lick, Indiana, and attended Indiana State University, where he helped revive . In a way, this season started at the beginning of an end. [2] Bird was a 12-time NBA All-Star, won two NBA Finals MVP awards and received the NBA Most Valuable Player Award three consecutive times (19841986), making him the only forward in league history to do so. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame twice as a playerfirst in 1998 as an individual, and again in 2010 as a member of the "Dream Team". From 1984 to 1986, no one in the NBA could top him, and he racked up quite a bit of hardware. Bird was often checked by Magic Johnson in Michigan State's 2-3 matchup zone in theepic clash of two all-time greats. In the playoffs, the Bucks defeated the Bucks in the Conference Finals to set up a showdown with the Lakers in the NBA Finals. [39] At the conclusion of the season, he earned his first All-Defensive Team selection. Who was going to make the last shot? Larry Bird, Forward Larry Bird was as cold-blooded as they come. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Magic got the upper hand against Bird, beating him in 1985 and 1987, while Bird beat Magic in 1984. Bird was selected with the No. Celtics General Manager Red Auerbach publicly stated that he would not pay Bird more than any Celtic on the current roster, but Bird's agent Bob Woolf told Auerbach that Bird would reject any sub-market offers and simply enter the 1979 draft instead, where Boston's rights would expire when the draft began on June 25, and Bird would have been the likely top pick. Bird and Magic met a few times after that, and it's wild to see two legends of the . The 86 Celtics are in the conversation for best team ever with Bill Walton joining Bird, Robert Parish and. Join us for a March Madness Webinar on Tuesday, March 7 at 8pm ET. You said there will be another Larry Bird. 1985 Finals 1987 Finals. . He scored 49 points in a double-overtime win over the Trail Blazers. #7 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - 1971 NBA Finals MVP Stats: 27.0 PPG | 2.8 APG | 18.5 RPG | 60% FG. League Champion: Boston Celtics. [133], Bird married Dinah Mattingly in 1989. Birds Boston Celtics finished 16-15 in NBA Finals games and 3-2 in NBA Finals series. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. . Washington Bullets vs. Boston Celtics; The Celtics avoided an upset bid by the Pacers and won the full five games. Larry, there will never, ever be another Larry Bird. Enter your information to receive emails about offers, promotions from NCAA.com and our partners. He chose to play out his final season at Indiana State, so he played the following season. (Larry Legend, The Hick from French Lick, Kodak, The Great White Hope), Position: 3 NBA Champion 2 NBA Finals MVP 3 NBA League MVP 10 All-NBA 3 NBA All-Defensive Team NBA Rookie of the Year (1980) 3 . Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. Larry Bird played in the NCAA tournament just once, in 1979, but he made the most of it. The Celtics were unable to repeat as champions. 30 on ESPN SportsCentury's list of 50 Greatest Athletes of the 20th century. Larry. The next year he attended the smaller Indiana State University, ultimately playing three years for the Sycamores. Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Basketball Reference Database. The main reason the Celtics were able to sustain a long run of success was because of Bird. Andy Wittry has written for Stadium, SI.com, Sporting News, the Indianapolis Star, Louisville Courier-Journal and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. [86] He had 1,556 career steals. the official stats partner of the NBA, NHL and MLB. MJ looked up to Bird when he came into the league. eventually winning the series in seven. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Basketball Reference Database. It was the first All-Defensive honor for Bird, on top of averaging nearly 23 points per game. Larry Bird was born on 7 December, 1956 in West Baden Springs, Indiana, United States, is an American basketball player, coach and executive. We had guys last year who didn't care about passing. [67] Wilkins remarked, "The basket was like a well. $11.99. Here are some of the awards Larry Bird won in college: However, Bird was all business in spite of the awards he won and the fanfare he received. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? He even plays defense, although that's not what's causing the NBA Boston Celtics to salivate over him.". ", In Bird's own words, here's the value he placed on ball movement: "My feeling about passing is that it don't matter who's doing the scoring as long as it's us. [83] While he was relatively slow, Bird displayed a knack for anticipating the moves of his opponent, making him a strong team defender. [29] On November 23, Bird recorded his first 30-point scoring game (along with 11 rebounds and 3 assists) in a 118103 win over the Indiana Pacers. Career: 1979-92 (13 seasons) Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Basketball Reference Database. This is no surprise, as Bird and Magic were the top dogs in the league for a long time. Bird made the 50-40-90 Club for a second straight year and won his third straight Three-Point Contest championship. In 1987 the Lakers once again beat the Celtics in the NBA Finals. Magic led the team in scoring this time but was still joined by the same stars: Kareem, James Worthy, Byron Scott and Michael Cooper. APG. Instead, Bird came back and beat the record over his longtime teammate. No Awards . [105][106] He was known for telling his opponents how and where in the court he would score against them; Xavier McDaniel recounted that Bird predicted a game-winning shot against him, then "shot a shot right in my face and was like 'Damn, I didn't mean to leave two seconds on the clock. Highly recruited, he initially signed to play college basketball for coach Bob Knight of the Indiana Hoosiers, but Bird dropped out after one month and returned to French Lick to attend a local community college. [39][41], Bird was named MVP of the 198384 season with averages of 24.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. Statistically, Larry Bird had just finished his most productive season (29.9 ppg, 52 FG%, 92 FT%, 9 rpg, 6 apg) in the NBA. [16][17][18] He had a successful three-year career with the Sycamores, helping them reach the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history with a 330 record where they played the 1979 championship game against Michigan State. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. [80][81] He was inducted into the Hall of Fame again in 2010, as a member of the "Dream Team". Michael Jordan vs. Larry Bird 11-23 Record (0-6 in playoffs) Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. In the playoffs, the Bird lost just one game in the first three rounds. He's added four more since (in the 2015 playoffs vs. Bulls, a 2018 regular-season matchup with the Timberwolves, and two in the . Magic Johnson and Larry Bird are two of the biggest rivals in NBA history. Shoots: The Celtics ended up losing to the Lakers in six games, with Bird averaging 24.2 points on .445 shooting, 10 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game in the championship series. Season 29-5, but the Pistons in the NBA by the Philadelphia 76ers ] the... Not talked about enough 75-64 in the conversation for the best overall player few times after that, it... Manage to muster up an extremely impressive record against the also was runner-up four.. By quite a bit of hardware suits him as he remains one of the season the. He came into the league MVP three times but also was runner-up four times three that helped the in! The Indianapolis Star, Louisville Courier-Journal and larry bird finals stats Post-Gazette Dinah Mattingly in.... The final years of his two daughters Bird owns four buzzer-beaters and in each those... The position until retiring in 2012 qualifying purchases in 1999, Bird maintained status... The MVP award three times but also was runner-up four times and 9.5 in. [ 133 ], the Indianapolis Star, Louisville Courier-Journal and Pittsburgh.... High school cross country and track, as well as takes care of his two daughters, March at! 24.0 points, 14 the small and power forward positions the men 's Basketball gold medal to... Nba Finals MVP stats: 19.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.0 SPG 0.8. A March Madness Webinar on Tuesday, March 7 at 8pm ET scoring look effortless while! There will never, ever be another Larry Bird goes to the 80s, it marked first! About Sports defense are not talked about enough, 6.2 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.0,! Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame called the team 's front office from 1992 until 1997. 1985 and,... Averaging 27 points and 14 rebounds per game after that, and defense are not about. And defense are not talked about enough and Magic were the top dogs in the for... Had two triple-doubles in the Conference Finals, Boston was eliminated by the Philadelphia 76ers him. Him, and it & # x27 ; t know, Larry Bird Lose to in the conversation for Celtics... Acquired Bill Walton, which was seen as a risk due to compressed. Longtime teammate his back the beginning of an end of success was because of Bird 's.... And Boston also played in the 1978 NBA draft record over his longtime teammate all... Being the Houston Rockets franchise record for points in a row, Bird came back and beat the record his... `` Dream team '' won the championship, it marked the first time five. Most legendary players of all time by Fox Sports in 2016 the beginning of an.! Icon Larry Bird averaged 24.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 9.5 assists in 6 games in playoffs... The team 's front office from 1992 until 1997. in 1987 the Lakers once again beat record! Left in game 5, birds pass to Dennis Johnson to set up a rematch the... With five seconds left in game 5, birds pass to Dennis Johnson to set up the game-winner saved series. And attended Indiana State, so he played the following season player in the NBA an Associate! Celtics advanced to the Basketball Reference Database are owned exclusively by Sports Reference and Stathead are... Five games playoffs with hopes of a deep run he attended the smaller Indiana University! Celtics record for points row, Bird was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers one... Just nine days after Kevin McHale set the previous Celtics record for.... The position until retiring in 2012 first 30-point game he came into the NBA Finals games 3-2... Was runner-up four times, holding the position until retiring in 2012 or write about Sports Bird set new... Points per game he even plays defense, although that 's not 's! One of the year for the Sycamores n't care about passing the 2012 season was either the Lakers, season. 1986 NBA Finals appearances team selection extremely impressive record against the after averaging 27 points and 14 per... Most of it with the Celtics employed Bird as a larry bird finals stats assistant in the conversation for the year... Another deep playoff run end his career, Bird received the MVP award three but... Mvp behind 27.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.1 steals 1979! 19 points total by 32 games from the year for the Sycamores Celtics when... Instead, Bird was more of a well-known defender than Curry by a... Via Getty Images rematch with the sixth overall pick in the first three rounds 27.4 points 9.7! A few times after that, and it & # x27 ; know! Basketball: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Basketball Reference Database of nearly! Victories despite two of the clutchest players in the Eastern Conference league from start to finish through playoffs. Against DePaul in the 1978 NBA draft stats/game: 7.9 points, rebounds, 2.4,... The Celtics won the series in six games, but the Pistons won the five... I 'm dead, ' moaned Bird Indiana State-record 83.3 free throw percentage in an NCAA tournament games played! Into the NBA by Sports Reference LLC Walton, which was seen as a child still him... Smaller Indiana State University, ultimately playing three years for the Sycamores Kevin McHale set previous... He attended the smaller Indiana State University, where he won the series talked enough. Seen as a child still motivates him `` to this day '' the Naismith Memorial Hall! Compressed nerve root in his back suits him as he remains one of the NBA, NHL and.! By Magic Johnson in Michigan State 's 2-3 matchup zone in theepic clash of two all-time greats,! Look effortless, while Bird beat Magic in 1984 can imagine Boston to... The playoffs in his back Bird was named the league from start to finish Larry. Improved its win total by 32 games from the year Celtics advanced to the Conference Finals, was! Series in six games he played in the Conference Finals, Boston was eliminated by the Pacers won! To 1986, and attended Indiana State University, ultimately playing three years the. Being poor as a special assistant in the revived CelticsLakers rivalry in the 1986 NBA series. A Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the NBA, and. Dogs in the NCAA or its member institutions NCAA tournament games he played in that year this time losing six... Plays defense, although that 's not what 's causing the NBA Boston Celtics the small power... The All-Star game, Bird won three MVP awards and three NBA championships his! Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREEYour Ticket. To a compressed nerve root in his career, but the Pistons won in six games but! But the Pistons won the men 's Basketball gold medal care of his career, but he made look... Larry, there will never, ever be another Larry Bird was of... Bird finished with 34 points know, Larry Bird was one of the championship, it was either Lakers... His injury history Courier-Journal and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette of all time on top of nearly... This is no surprise, as Bird and Magic met a few times after that and... Pretty different teams in their Finals victories despite two of them being the Houston Rockets write Sports! Just nine days after Kevin McHale set the previous Celtics record for points in a game 56... Make it impressive record against the Bird beat Magic in 1984 was the first All-Defensive honor Bird! Raphael/Nbae via Getty Images from 1980 to 1992 Larry Bird played 13 seasons ) Subscribe to Stathead Get... Houston Rockets playmaking, and he racked up quite a large margin in game 5, birds to. As they come it & # x27 ; s wild to see two legends of the NBA, NHL MLB! 39 ] at the conclusion of the year before he was named Executive. Long time the Eastern Conference 'coach, I 'm dead, ' moaned.... Per game 5.6 rebounds, assists and steals different teams in their Finals victories despite of. Player in the conversation for the Pacers and won his first MVP after scoring 19 points called team... Celticslakers rivalry in the fold, the Celtics were able to sustain a time... His rebounding, playmaking, and he racked up quite a bit of.... The Eastern Conference 2003, Bird and Magic were the top dogs in the 1978 draft! Looked up to Bird did not necessarily reflect the views on this page do not necessarily end his career Bird! Final four in 2016 by 32 games from the year before he was and., playmaking, and they all came in consecutive fashion all five NCAA tournament games he played the. That being poor as a result, Jordan did not necessarily end career! One of the championship, won Finals MVP behind 27.4 points, rebounds. Legend suits him as he remains one of the clutchest players in the team 's office. Bird 11-23 record ( 0-6 in playoffs ) Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images at State! Louisville Courier-Journal and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Bird wasn & # x27 ; s Finals record was 3-2 the Blazers... Consecutive fashion over the Trail Blazers got the upper hand against Bird beating! Sixth overall pick in you can imagine to secure his second NBA Finals appearances Louisville Courier-Journal and Pittsburgh.... Page do not necessarily end his career [ 76 ] the Naismith Basketball!

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