Larry Bird - 36/8/7 vs. Hawks (1986 ECSF - Game 2)

Stats:
36 pts
8 rebounds
7 asts
2 stls
15/23 FG
6/7 FT

[@sardonicus76]

“He (Bird) isn’t super athletic but he doesn’t have to be, because he does what almost no one else does in the NBA, today. He plays the game, correctly.” -Wilt Chamberlain

[@mrho4speed]

Watching Bird play was always a treat. He could and did do it all to win games. I liked the comment at the end of this clip about how Bird was directly responsible for the last 10 straight points either by shooting or passing during crunch time. He was mr. clutch and played to win and made the game look so easy.

[@Jondsmusic]

The best damn player ever, period end of story, the GOAT!

[@irishgrl]

I agree completely!

[@Jondsmusic]

@@irishgrl smart girl!

[@tombstone1111]

Wow! I am utterly shocked this game got so close in the 4th quarter. I didn't think the 86 Celtics, aside from the Portland loss, ever had a close home game. The 86 Celtics were a monster. Unbelievable passing. Poetry in motion, my favorite all time team in any sport to watch play the game. Such beauty.

[@AntonioVazquez33]

The second game against the Bulls was a double OT...

[@73Trident]

@@AntonioVazquez33 Yeah but when they went to Chicago for the third game they didn't take over night bags.

[@surfdocer103]

@@73Trident such was their confidence

[@mikjord]

What a player! Untouchable. By that time there were some talking around the league about Bird`s place on the All-Time greats. Only very serious injuries later in his career would steal some of his thunder. An healthy Bird was a beauty to watch a master at its craft the best of the best. For him was just turn and shoot, every other part of the game was in the right place. along Magic the Master of fundamentals.

[@danielclark1247]

Watching the this 86’ Celtics team in particular is just poetry in motion. Every game seemed like a passing clinic and you have to credit Bird and Walton for that. Their unselfishness rubbed off on the rest of the team and before you knew it, even guys like McHale and Parish were looking to make the extra pass for a better shot. Watching Bird, DJ and Walton carve up defenses with such precise passing is really something you take for granted.

[@Jamthecoolerator]

Larry Bird was punking guys left and right, here.

[@TonyinMBSC8669]

Via satellite I watched Bird play every game for 3 seasons 84-86. All 3 years he won the league MVP. Was also in attendance on 3/12/85 when he set his career and the Celtic single game scoring record with 60 against the Hawks. IMO Bird was the best and impossible to guard. One thing he did better than anyone was using the ball fake. A basic fundamental that he used to perfection. Was also the best at using either hand to score inside. Most people think Larry is right handed but he is a lefty.

[@goodman5836]

I see Larry bird in Kevin durant

[@mikegilbert2500]

+Good Man lol where?

[@jasoncamp483]

That is absolutely awesome you were in New Orleans to see Bird get 60. His skills were beyond description.

[@TonyinMBSC8669]

Jason Camp I got lucky... a promoter was trying to get an NBA team back in New Orleans....he got a few Atlanta Hawk home games played at the Lakefront Arena. In a post game interview with KC Jones said that Bird had asked him for the night off cause he and Scott Wedman had run a 6k marathon the weekend before. Bird told him his legs hurt. But then Bird was dressed when KC came in the locker room. Larry knew that he would disappoint A LOT of people if he didn't play. What a night.....He was awesome. I bet Dominique Wilkins still has nightmares about that night. He and Bird had a great respect for each other.

[@jasoncamp483]

Edward Anthony Leone That is truly awesome. Never knew the details behind that game and it makes it even more special. That is the kind of player Bird was. I was lucky enough to get into a closed door practice in May 1987 at Hellenic College in Brookline,Mass. Sat on the wooden bleachers and watched Bird, Mchale, Parish...all of them for about 2 hrs.....This was a few weeks before his incredible steal against the pistons on May 26th. The players were really nice, down to earth... Bird took the time to talk to me for a bit, gave me his autograph. I cannot say enough about his work ethic on the court. Thanks for sharing your story. Love it.

[@jasoncamp483]

4:52 Classic Bird. Always aware of what is going on.

[@surfdocer103]

Bird is the GOAT

[@MerkinMuffly]

2:59: Never underestimate the quickness of Bird

[@capitanfuturo594]

Larry Bird was the best all-around player in NBA history.

[@TheSands83]

There are so many plays that Atlanta played perfect defense but it just didn’t matter

[@bigblock67camaro]

If there was a Stat for causing the other team to call timeout, Bird would have to be up there!!

[@ezsmith3765]

0:12 damn DJ 😳😳

[@mnesbitt100]

3:00--WOW.

[@Amick44]

No question mik. Larry and Elgin Baylor sadly suffered major injuries which sapped some of their greatness in mid to late career. It curtailed some of the career totals each would've have had. Still Elgin and later Larry, set the standard as the forward position.

[@beachbunny7256]

It's so tough to watch the finals now 😫 It's like watching the minor leagues 😄 with a few exceptions. I'm digging Anthony Edwards. Team player!
The 80s were loaded with talent and the 86 Celtics were definitely the best passing team and 1 of the best of all time.

[@Gregory-sm9pf]

Bird was a serial killer

[@RTOneZer0]

The Celtics killed the Hawks with pick-and-roll plays. Bird and DJ made the Hawks look like a high school team.

[@FavreianVengeance]

If Bird played for today's Lakers, he'd get 25 free throws a game.

[@tombstone1111]

When the Lakers are contenders, the refs make sure they go to the line double what the opponents do.

[@kenhasibar2450]

Bird? A Laker? Watch your mouth!
But you're correct; Bird would chew these whiners up.

[@localwear1]

Robert Parish (it seems ) missed a lot of chip layups, ie @.34-35
Even back then, I was always thinking why he didn’t dunk it more???

[@johnjenkins5854]

:26 not a miss. Set play.