@@NickSmithNBA , This is the single best produced basketball video I've ever seen. It was engrossing from start to finish, and in particular the interviews with the Hawks players. They recognized a great performance was being thrust upon them, and they were literally powerless to stop it, and they knew it. Kudos on a job well done. Very well done.
@@NickSmithNBA I don't know if you realize this or not, but this is just as good not if better than ESPN & their 30 for 30 series. Very well done. Now when's the next one coming??
@@Weshopwizard As one of the Atlanta guys said after getting fined $3000 for celebrating the show that Larry put on "That;s the best $3000 seat I've ever had!".
I would’ve been with those guys. Best seats in the house, getting to play and watch from there! Can’t stand the Celtics, but Bird is definitely my favorite player ever. I loved watching Dominique fly through the air, too. Closest I’ve seen to flying like an actual bird! Not only is he a legend, but he’s a class act, as well.
@@BD-uw1kq Nobody ever dunked the ball with more force than Nique. Nobody. Shaq hung his fat ass on the rim and broke backboards, but Rosie O'Donnell could have done the same from a ladder - assuming she could actually climb one. Nique was pure Drago like force.
No argument here. Dominique could bring it, and sping it, with his jumping ability. That was the Golden era in Profesional basketball, and Dominique was certainly a big part of it.
Watching the guys on the other side cheer their opponent on is one of the most honest and sweetest things I've ever seen in major league sports.. You don't even see that kind of love for the game at the high school level nowadays.
Forgot who said it. But was said in a question. If you have a game you have to win, who takes a shot? Person: Jordan If you have to save your life who takes a shot? Person: Bird
That highlight I have seen more than any championship game highlight. And Bird is not why people want to see it. It's because it shows humanity at its best. Those guys were truly amazed and happy for the sport of basketball winners or losers for what they were witnessing .You can't bring that back it's priceless .
I loved it that the other team was entertained by Bird and his shooting prowess. It shows they had a lot of heart and appreciation for Birds accomplishment. Good guys. Tough guys too.
Think about it Caitlin Clark should be hearing the same respect she may not be calling her shots but as young as she is she should be getting the same respect those women are trying to kill the golden goose
These guys saved the league. It was fun to watch. Players played both end of the floor and they played just about every game. Now it’s a dunk or a three. Ask them to post someone up or hit medium range shot, they can’t do it.
So many current players should learn from that whole Era of 80s ball. Today's ish just isn't the same. I would watch sooooo much ball back then with my brother's because of how remarkable it was at the time. I might watch 5 games a year of today's ball games, not including collegiate ball. I'm a big fan of the big 10 & enjoy that much more than pro ball of today's game.
@Jeramy Chunn well said. Now the rules and personalities of the current players make it crap compared to the tough ball they played then. Not to mention the Legends that played in the eighties made the game way more interesting than todays do. Today it seems like theyre a bunch of overpaid actors. Also for me the biggest thing is the fix OBVIOUSLY being in from vegas, That ruins every sport. Maybe it was back then too but at least they found a way to hide it better .
@@jeramychunn9108 I was so disappointed to see the Boilermakers drop out in the first round this year and they had such a fantastic season… Extremely unexpected but when I found out the team they were playing was with a bunch of short guys that had a tremendous amount of fire in their bellies I thought oh no this won’t be good for the Boilermakers they turn over too many balls with aggressive players(I think I watched all of their games this year so I speak from my own eyes’ experience and many years loving basketball too) hopefully they’ll turn the corner next year. This little video on birds 60 point game was fantastic. Gotta love that guy.
I'm 70 years old and I remember watching the game against the Hawks. In my mind it was the greatest basketball performance ever. I was watching the Hawk's bench and seeing them celebrate with me. Man it was awesome. Thanks!
Just seeing the Atlanta bench cheering & loving what’s happening before their eyes is the coolest thing. I’d gladly take a fine to be front row to that performance!
This video shows the true heart of sportsmanship. Even the guys on the opposite team watched in awe. I love this. For guys that spend their whole lives to perfect this game, winning means everything, for them to just be enjoying the opposite teams succes is unheard.
These guys are pure class.. what comes through the ribbing, the laughter, the magic of the moment, is the great respect they have for this amazing legend... you guys are the best!
Indeed there is no color, it shouldn’t be, wether is sports or whatever it shouldn’t be for all that matters is the color of our blood which I guarantee is as red as anybody else’s. Thanks to all the great players and to the maker of videos like this
@@kathleenrobertpogue6818 not at all. I was raised to not judge by color, but by character. In today's world, that's not always the case unfortunately.
My favorite player! Some of my favorite memories growing was getting home in time to shower after ball practice and eat dinner and sit down with my dad to watch Larry vs Magic in their many finals matchups!! Also a very underrated defensive player. He never took a play off to use football terms!
larry could have games like this whenever he wanted and would have even more amazing stats but he he always wanted his teamates involved in the game until the time came where he would just take over completely...one of the best basketball players ever and the ultimate competitor,,,,a true legend
I remember Bird would go the first quarter of games taking only 1 or 2 shots but having 6 assists and 6 boards. Next thing you know you're down double digits. The only other superstar I've seen do this is LeBron tbh.
LARRY IS AN ABSOLUTE LEGEND .Magic was right there will never ever be another Larry Bird ,no man can talk that much smack and back it up over and over and over.THE LEGEND
i think this footage is from 84 or 85, at 5:53 Antoine's moving down the court like he's a Malone or Barkley MVP candidate, with a skip-step on that second play! Power forward Antoine Carr is one of my 2nd-level favorite guys (non-all-stars or celebrated players, journeymen etc), he had a couple of good seasons, including 1990-91 where he scored 20 per game
Larry used trash talk to mentally unsettle his opponents because he knew how to. He was just as much a badass in the mental games as he was on court. He wasn't vulgar and mostly was not loud enough for anyone but the person he was talking to, to hear it. He didn't need to shout to make it work.
Laker fan since the early 80's here. I absolutely loved Larry Bird. Second to no one as far as being a fierce compettitor. For not being "athletic" he sure was great at everything else in his game. It was never smack talking because he would back it up. He would be great today too. I don't care what anyone says. What a player. Much respect to you Mr. Bird.
In the game 9 days earlier against Detroit, when McHale scored 56 pts, he also had 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks. In that same game, Bird had 30 pts, 15 reb, 10 assists, and 1 steal.
I know everyone talks about MJ and LeBron as being the greatest but in my opinion Larry Bird was and is the greatest player ever. His basketball IQ was off the charts. If he hadn’t have played so hard and gotten hurt it’s hard to say what he would have finished his career with in points let alone rebounds, assists, and everything else. He was a player who not only played hard but he made everyone else want to play harder. He made everyone he ever played with a better player too. Bird will forever be my NBA GOAT.
I watched Bird from Indiana State to Boston and the battles with Doc and the 76'ers and Magic and the Lakers.... I liked him for all the reasons you stated but he's top 5, MJ is the 🐐
Well, Lebron is the greatest SF of all time even against the one almost impossible to surpass, the legend. That's how good Lebron is and that's a testament to Larry Legend.
All these guy's talking about Larry are very good player's themselves. There were a really big group of good player's then. Many don't get the recognition they deserve. Larry was a smart player, who could read the court better than anybody.
One of the best ball games I have ever seen. Two team titans battling it out till the last seconds. Love listening to to all these elite pros give their take on what went down. Another observation after watching this video is not only is Larry Bird one of the best to ever play the game but Dominique Wilkins is one of the most humble and classy players from that era. Dominique made Bird earn every shot and gave as good as he got. What a show by both teams. Unbelievable!!
This is my favorite basketball story ever told- The time the Atlanta bench were fined for celebrating and hi giving each other in disbelief as Larry Bird kept getting one incredible shot after another effectively smoking their asses. It's just too good, I love them for that ❤
He was so good he had basketball muscle memory. That last part where he says sometimes he wasn't even mentally in the game yet still was able to make shots almost automatically. Thats phenomenal.
I don't watch basketball, but I watched this. I couldn't shut it off! As much as the skill of Bird, it was the mutual respect of all the players. A guy can lose and can still respect the opponent and even praise him. This should be shown to all high school players.
I am so great full that I was a young man back then and truly was blessed to grow up watching my Celtics, they inspired me to play and loved the game, because of Larry and the GREATEST TEAM EVER ! Thank you ALL for those GREAT DAYS !
Nick Smith, I enjoy watching players talking about their memories of playing against legendary players. But, Nick, this video is the best I have watched and about Larry Bird. It says something when the Atlanta players are, in the middle of the game, are laughing, falling off the bench and high firing one another for their competitor. It tells us that they love the game. They are celebrating the passion and gifts of Larry Bird. These men know how difficult it is to make the NBA and here you have a player that exceeds and becomes a legend. I particularly liked the fact that Larry would “trash talk” but as noted in the story, it is not “trash talk” because Larry would tell them what he was going to do and then did it ! The scene of Larry making that incredible shot and falling into the opposing teams Trainer’s lap and then the Atlanta players celebrating his talent, just for sake of the game. Truly a classic story. Thank you. So Fun.
Listening to all those who played against him and his on teammates praise him as the most phenomenal player they ever went up against is amazing. It was obvious each man interviewed enjoyed relating their Bird moments. I've never heard so many opponents of any other player spoken so fondly and respectly of including Jordan, Bryant, Kareem, Johnson, etc, etc....A GREAT JOY TO WATCH...THANKS!!!
I wish I'd paid more attention back in the 1980's to Larry Bird and MJ when they were in their prime. Like some, I didn't always watch their games nor appreciate their greatness at the time. Now much older, I do appreciate elite athletes playing today like a Tom Brady. Amazing how fast time goes by! This is reinforced seeing these 80's basketball stars now in the 60's.
..we rarely missed a televised Celtic game in the 80s. Too bad youngsters today don’t realize how extraordinary Larry Bird was. Some say greatest small forward to have played the game..nonsense…the GOAT period regardless of position IMHO!
I grew up in Massachusetts and was in high school at the time. I watched all the games back then and remember watching this one from start to finish. What a treat! Nice work on this video!
I had the pleasure of watching many of the Celtics games during the 80’s, but it’s fun again hearing about the trash talking. I never had any idea he was talking crap during games. 😂
I followed Larry Bird all through college. When I lived in Denver my Dad and I never missed a Celtic game. I remember hollering through games “give it to Larry”. Never disappointed. I had every Sports Illustrated that Larry was on cover. Jersey and Celtic jacket. Lost all in a fire. Thanks for memories LB.
Back when THE GAME, THE TALENT and the LOVE was genuine. The players played hard and RESPECTED each other and each other's accomplishments. Iron sharpened iron and each player/legend brought out the best in one another. Times have changed and things aren't the same anymore. Smh. These were truly golden/treasurable times.
What a honor to watch these players play from McHale to Bird. Dominique was great too one of the most underrated players to ever play. Glad I grew up a Celtics fan a lot of great memories.
18:03 hahahah! When I was learning to weld an old timer told me you will know when your good because you’ll be under the hood thinking about what you are going to eat for dinner when you get back to your hotel room! So true!😎
Being from the Boston area, naturally we were Celtics fans. Sadly though, I never had the pleasure of watching Bird. In our day it was Cousy, Havlicek, Heinsohn and Muskatov. Much later after our family had left Massachusetts, Bird and McHale came on the scene. Thanks so much for this video. Without it, I would never have had the pleasure of seeing people like McHale and Bird.
IN my 80 years I have never seen anyone put on a show like Larry Bird. There will never be another Bird or an Air J. Both guys are irreplaceable. 50 years from now when some hot basketball players look at these films they will be awestruck.
Okay, here's the deal. I'm a 60 year old lady that doesn't even LIKE basketball, but I suddenly find myself enthralled with the sport. From the charm and talent of Bird and McHale, to the joy that the Hawks on the bench are exhibiting, I find myself a changed woman. I will definitely watch the rest of your videos, thanks for your hard work putting this series together ❤️❤❤
I will never tire of watching the Atlanta players on the bench while Bird is scoring 60. They had the guts and the sense of humor to appreciate what their opponent was doing. To me that is great sportsmanship.
This is the basketball I grew up watching. I had always kept an eye on all Boston sports, cause that was where I was from. I wasn't huge basketball fan, but when Bird started playing and the way the game was played, that really got me into the sport. Couldn't play worth a damn, but sure did love to watch these guys. I was at the Kevin McHale game, first game I ever went to, 3-4 rows off the floor off to the side of one end. Best game, ever. I remember towards the end, before he left the game, the place was rocking, everyone was having a great time, except Detroit, McHale missed a shot here and there and the crowd started booing (good natured), it was funny as hell. But as we are seeing, a little later on, Bird Followed up and the rest is history. Great basketball back then, not to take away from the talent today, but in my opinion, the game is not as good today.
The Real Classy Guy’s are the ones that can lift another person up! I’m not a big fan of basketball But I’d Love to hang out with those guys a while! They are Really The Greats
Bird played so far beyond his body's limits it was almost supernatural. He could hit buckets at any angle anywhere on court with either hand off either foot, even off balance. Made layups even while almost losing the ball in his hands. With that said he was more dangerous away from the ball.
What Larry said there at the end, I think that is the most important part of it somehow. It's like you are so in tuned that you are getting help from an unseen force, I've felt that a handful of times in my life and there is no greater of a feeling. It's like all is right in the world and you don't really even have anything to do with it as it's happening. It's something deeper than can be explained.
It's not an "unseen force." It's the result of A LOT of training and experience. Have you ever been driving and then realize you don't remember driving the last several miles? Same thing. That's when you're driving at your best. Your body and mind are so accustomed to the task at hand it becomes subconscious, which frees up your mind to pursue other avenues of thought. Being able to do that in a basketball game, though, is pretty incredible.
Thinking slows you, he practiced more than any NBA player in history. There are stories of practice ending, and the team shows up the next day for practice… and Larry still had not left. He kept shooting so late, he decided it was easier to grab a nap on some mats rather than drive home and back. He’d thought it out, a billion times, every situation… and practiced for every scenario. When the game began is when he stopped thinking. That’s why his nerves vanished. He wasn’t thinking anymore. He let the muscle memory and instincts he’d established thru excessive practice take over… his mind gave way to consciousness. The mind winks, the consciousness is what blinks… the reaction times of those two things says exactly way it seemed why he was playing/reacting almost faster than the game was unfolding… it looked like he was 1 play ahead of people.
@@IraProctor I don't know that he practiced more than anyone else... Kobe, for instance, didn't sleep at the gym because he would train and work out INSTEAD of sleeping. Point taken, though... Bird worked hard to be that good.
More recently in the movie Top gun Maverick, Tom Cruise used the line "don't think, do" Train your instincts because instincts are faster than thoughts
The thing about Bird is that he has this narrative from his critics that he couldn't play defense. He made multiple all-nba 2nd team defense and even LED THE LEAGUE IN DEFENSIVE WIN-SHARES 1 season. He made the steal and assist to beat Detroit in the ECF that everyone knows, but that was just the tip of the iceburg. He, and his team played tremendous team defense. He made big plays in big moments like no other--whatever was needed. Points, block, rebound, steal, assist, and sacrificing his body. He did it all--best teammate, hardest worker, and toughest I have ever seen.
That’s not the only time an opposing player celebrated a Bird shot. Watch the opposing bench on the famous shot where Bird sinks it from behind the backboard. One of them jumps up in disbelief.
He's my favorite player of all time. I grew up in the Hood. My friends was all about Dr.J, Magic, Kareem, Dominique, etc. I Was Bird all the way! He was amazing 😂
You young guys have no idea just how much fun it was watching the games back then, and then you get someone like Larry who would in every game would do things that just spun your head.
I can't believe that even the bench of the Hawks was celebrating and rooting for Bird!!!! I don't believe that any team has ever done that for any other player!!!
Scott Hastings, back in the 90’s was an afternoon radio jockey on 850 KOA here in Denver, and he used to talk about this game. It was some of the most entertaining radio to listen to Scott describe this game. He said Bird would get the ball, turn, look at the basket, and start saying “ ‘Nique…’Nique…to late”…and swish…. He had never seen anything like it.
Thanks for reminding me of how much I loved watching Larry Bird. What a great surprise to see how much he was respected by the opposite team. Hi this is Xavienne
My favorite parts.of these videos is listening to the other players talk about how great Bird was rather than saying they were better. To me, that's a true athlete to admit when someone is better than they are or were
I'm from NOLA and was fortunate enough to be at this game. When the game was over, an announcer auctioned the shoes LB was wearing during the game. I remember the bidding was @ 1k when we left
I always thought "the left hand game" was the best trash talk story!!! thanks for the entertainment, Nick!
Thanks Paul - this one is hilarious!
@@NickSmithNBA , This is the single best produced basketball video I've ever seen. It was engrossing from start to finish, and in particular the interviews with the Hawks players. They recognized a great performance was being thrust upon them, and they were literally powerless to stop it, and they knew it.
Kudos on a job well done. Very well done.
@@davidgraham2673 that’s very kind, really appreciate that!
@@NickSmithNBA I don't know if you realize this or not, but this is just as good not if better than ESPN & their 30 for 30 series. Very well done. Now when's the next one coming??
I'll agree definitely
Watching the Atlanta Hawks bench laugh, fall over each other while Larry Bird made impossible shots was entertaining in & of itself! 🤣
Sometimes you gotta enjoy the ride lol. Great sportsmanship.
That was hilarious 😂
Sometimes you just have to enjoy the show. Even if it’s at your expense.
@@Weshopwizard As one of the Atlanta guys said after getting fined $3000 for celebrating the show that Larry put on "That;s the best $3000 seat I've ever had!".
I would’ve been with those guys. Best seats in the house, getting to play and watch from there! Can’t stand the Celtics, but Bird is definitely my favorite player ever. I loved watching Dominique fly through the air, too. Closest I’ve seen to flying like an actual bird! Not only is he a legend, but he’s a class act, as well.
Dominique is a class act ! Awesome player who doesn’t get mentioned enough.
Love ‘Nique! He was called “ The Human Highlight Reel” at the time!
I agree
@@BD-uw1kq Nobody ever dunked the ball with more force than Nique. Nobody. Shaq hung his fat ass on the rim and broke backboards, but Rosie O'Donnell could have done the same from a ladder - assuming she could actually climb one. Nique was pure Drago like force.
No argument here. Dominique could bring it, and sping it, with his jumping ability. That was the Golden era in Profesional basketball, and Dominique was certainly a big part of it.
@@davidgraham2673 dam straight!
Nothing better than to listen to those old school players. They show respect to each other. What a time in basketball history!
And I stupidly took it for granted.
The players were not just great players, they were intelligent and well-spoken, unlike today.
@@tomperkins5657a lot of us did😣
Not only that some of them really hate each other still and some give the upmost respect to their enemy.🎉🎉🎉
Watching the guys on the other side cheer their opponent on is one of the most honest and sweetest things I've ever seen in major league sports..
You don't even see that kind of love for the game at the high school level nowadays.
Someone once said Jordan makes you look slow but Bird makes you look stupid!!!
that was James Worthy, who played on the Lakers with Kareem and Magic
That's absolutely true!😂
James Worthy, I think.
Correct me if Im wrong.
Forgot who said it. But was said in a question.
If you have a game you have to win, who takes a shot?
Person: Jordan
If you have to save your life who takes a shot?
Person: Bird
@@wolfcarr3507 That was Pat Riley I think.
Man I can listen to Larry Bird stories all day!!
Me 3
One of the best of all time.
I modeled my entire game on Larry "Legend" Bird. I respected him so much.
I have...grew up loathing him, now he is my favorite player of all...
DITTO....and I'm not a basketball man
That highlight I have seen more than any championship game highlight. And Bird is not why people want to see it. It's because it shows humanity at its best. Those guys were truly amazed and happy for the sport of basketball winners or losers for what they were witnessing .You can't bring that back it's priceless .
I loved it that the other team was entertained by Bird and his shooting prowess. It shows they had a lot of heart and appreciation for Birds accomplishment. Good guys. Tough guys too.
You'll never see a team do that with any other player. That's why they call him "LEGEND"
Think about it Caitlin Clark should be hearing the same respect she may not be calling her shots but as young as she is she should be getting the same respect those women are trying to kill the golden goose
Man I wish the NBA was still this fun to watch.
No shit. It will never be what it was.
These guys saved the league. It was fun to watch. Players played both end of the floor and they played just about every game. Now it’s a dunk or a three. Ask them to post someone up or hit medium range shot, they can’t do it.
The 80's to early 90's was the best ever in Sports.
@@brandaonb4249 You'll never be what your mother was!
Same here 😢
And yet so humble so many current players should learn from this man
So many current players should learn from that whole Era of 80s ball. Today's ish just isn't the same. I would watch sooooo much ball back then with my brother's because of how remarkable it was at the time. I might watch 5 games a year of today's ball games, not including collegiate ball. I'm a big fan of the big 10 & enjoy that much more than pro ball of today's game.
@Jeramy Chunn well said. Now the rules and personalities of the current players make it crap compared to the tough ball they played then. Not to mention the Legends that played in the eighties made the game way more interesting than todays do. Today it seems like theyre a bunch of overpaid actors. Also for me the biggest thing is the fix OBVIOUSLY being in from vegas, That ruins every sport. Maybe it was back then too but at least they found a way to hide it better .
@@jeramychunn9108 I was so disappointed to see the Boilermakers drop out in the first round this year and they had such a fantastic season… Extremely unexpected but when I found out the team they were playing was with a bunch of short guys that had a tremendous amount of fire in their bellies I thought oh no this won’t be good for the Boilermakers they turn over too many balls with aggressive players(I think I watched all of their games this year so I speak from my own eyes’ experience and many years loving basketball too) hopefully they’ll turn the corner next year. This little video on birds 60 point game was fantastic. Gotta love that guy.
@@jeramychunn9108
They were gentleman but not now.
I'm 70 years old and I remember watching the game against the Hawks. In my mind it was the greatest basketball performance ever. I was watching the Hawk's bench and seeing them celebrate with me. Man it was awesome. Thanks!
Just seeing the Atlanta bench cheering & loving what’s happening before their eyes is the coolest thing. I’d gladly take a fine to be front row to that performance!
Dominique is a total class act! Total respect for him. And Bird has one of the sweetest shots in all the history of basketball.
This video shows the true heart of sportsmanship. Even the guys on the opposite team watched in awe. I love this. For guys that spend their whole lives to perfect this game, winning means everything, for them to just be enjoying the opposite teams succes is unheard.
These guys are pure class.. what comes through the ribbing, the laughter, the magic of the moment, is the great respect they have for this amazing legend... you guys are the best!
I appreciate the respect these players had for him, there was no color. ❤
Funny thing is whenever these guys tell the stories about Bird making them look stupid, they always seem to be smiling;).
@@silverjohn6037, it's amazing what age and maturity do for the memory.🤷♀️
Indeed there is no color, it shouldn’t be, wether is sports or whatever it shouldn’t be for all that matters is the color of our blood which I guarantee is as red as anybody else’s. Thanks to all the great players and to the maker of videos like this
God damn, why does everything have to be tured into a race issue. Are you racist or something. The only people I know who care about race are racist.
@@kathleenrobertpogue6818 not at all. I was raised to not judge by color, but by character. In today's world, that's not always the case unfortunately.
My favorite player! Some of my favorite memories growing was getting home in time to shower after ball practice and eat dinner and sit down with my dad to watch Larry vs Magic in their many finals matchups!! Also a very underrated defensive player. He never took a play off to use football terms!
With Larry's size, skill, and competitiveness he would dominate even today's game. DUDE IS A LEGEND!!!!
He was the best in the world then he would be the best in the world now. I think he would even be better now
When your peers talk about you like that as a player and not as a white player but a basketball player u had to be putting in work
Stop it he’s not a legend
Legend = AI ,MJ ,blake griffin ,KOBE ,Lebron James
These are legend
@@badsolja1 Do you always prove your ignorance publicly?
@richardpare3538
How he can’t run dunk or shoot
larry could have games like this whenever he wanted and would have even more amazing stats but he he always wanted his teamates involved in the game until the time came where he would just take over completely...one of the best basketball players ever and the ultimate competitor,,,,a true legend
Not like MJ who is selfish
@Mount Zion or kobe who was even more selfish 😂
I remember Bird would go the first quarter of games taking only 1 or 2 shots but having 6 assists and 6 boards. Next thing you know you're down double digits. The only other superstar I've seen do this is LeBron tbh.
inspirational
@diabolikmitchell2960 to bad LeBron lacks mental toughness. He's probably the most physically gifted player I've seen on the other hand.
LARRY IS AN ABSOLUTE LEGEND .Magic was right there will never ever be another Larry Bird ,no man can talk that much smack and back it up over and over and over.THE LEGEND
No way there will ever be, and this is coming from Magic.
Larry Legend.
Never heard Antoine Carr talk about this game. It was cool to hear him break it down.
Im still laughing at him saying bird's" I'm 🎉finna light up this team!" 🤣
i think this footage is from 84 or 85, at 5:53 Antoine's moving down the court like he's a Malone or Barkley MVP candidate, with a skip-step on that second play! Power forward Antoine Carr is one of my 2nd-level favorite guys (non-all-stars or celebrated players, journeymen etc), he had a couple of good seasons, including 1990-91 where he scored 20 per game
Nothing better than listening to guys recalling their experience……..better than anything. These are good men. ❤❤❤❤
Larry used trash talk to mentally unsettle his opponents because he knew how to. He was just as much a badass in the mental games as he was on court. He wasn't vulgar and mostly was not loud enough for anyone but the person he was talking to, to hear it. He didn't need to shout to make it work.
Laker fan since the early 80's here.
I absolutely loved Larry Bird. Second to no one as far as being a fierce compettitor. For not being "athletic" he sure was great at everything else in his game. It was never smack talking because he would back it up.
He would be great today too. I don't care what anyone says. What a player. Much respect to you Mr. Bird.
Larry Legend.
It doesn't get better than a pair like Larry and Magic.
In the game 9 days earlier against Detroit, when McHale scored 56 pts, he also had 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks.
In that same game, Bird had 30 pts, 15 reb, 10 assists, and 1 steal.
I know everyone talks about MJ and LeBron as being the greatest but in my opinion Larry Bird was and is the greatest player ever. His basketball IQ was off the charts. If he hadn’t have played so hard and gotten hurt it’s hard to say what he would have finished his career with in points let alone rebounds, assists, and everything else. He was a player who not only played hard but he made everyone else want to play harder. He made everyone he ever played with a better player too. Bird will forever be my NBA GOAT.
Nobody worth listening to talks about Lebron being the greatest.
@Chris Wells LeBron is the greatest. Just ask him, and he will tell ya.
I watched Bird from Indiana State to Boston and the battles with Doc and the 76'ers and Magic and the Lakers.... I liked him for all the reasons you stated but he's top 5, MJ is the 🐐
Well, Lebron is the greatest SF of all time even against the one almost impossible to surpass, the legend.
That's how good Lebron is and that's a testament to Larry Legend.
Bron ain't ready for Prime bird
All these guy's talking about Larry are very good player's themselves. There were a really big group of good player's then. Many don't get the recognition they deserve. Larry was a smart player, who could read the court better than anybody.
One of the best ball games I have ever seen. Two team titans battling it out till the last seconds. Love listening to to all these elite pros give their take on what went down. Another observation after watching this video is not only is Larry Bird one of the best to ever play the game but Dominique Wilkins is one of the most humble and classy players from that era. Dominique made Bird earn every shot and gave as good as he got. What a show by both teams. Unbelievable!!
They loved to play. They loved to win, but you can tell that they loved each other. That made them great.
The respect the players have for him is evident. No hard feelings just respect. Perhaps the greatest small forward that ever played.
This is my favorite basketball story ever told- The time the Atlanta bench were fined for celebrating and hi giving each other in disbelief as Larry Bird kept getting one incredible shot after another effectively smoking their asses. It's just too good, I love them for that ❤
He was so good he had basketball muscle memory. That last part where he says sometimes he wasn't even mentally in the game yet still was able to make shots almost automatically. Thats phenomenal.
Man Antoine Carr had some handles! That Hawks bench falling over laughing at Bird's circus shots is one of the funniest things ever in sports
I don't watch basketball, but I watched this. I couldn't shut it off! As much as the skill of Bird, it was the mutual respect of all the players. A guy can lose and can still respect the opponent and even praise him. This should be shown to all high school players.
One of the times when even the team that lost gets to enjoy the game because it was so much a big show.
That was pure sport displayed by Bird on the basketball court
Grew up watching all these guys. Them telling stories about Bird put the biggest smile on my face! Thank you!
I am so great full that I was a young man back then and truly was blessed to grow up watching my Celtics, they inspired me to play and loved the game, because of Larry and the GREATEST TEAM EVER ! Thank you ALL for those GREAT DAYS !
The Hawks bench was so in awe of Bird that game, their reactions were of respect for their opponent.
The mutual respect and sportsmanship of all these guys is an example to us all…
Nick Smith, I enjoy watching players talking about their memories of playing against legendary players. But, Nick, this video is the best I have watched and about Larry Bird. It says something when the Atlanta players are, in the middle of the game, are laughing, falling off the bench and high firing one another for their competitor. It tells us that they love the game. They are celebrating the passion and gifts of Larry Bird. These men know how difficult it is to make the NBA and here you have a player that exceeds and becomes a legend. I particularly liked the fact that Larry would “trash talk” but as noted in the story, it is not “trash talk” because Larry would tell them what he was going to do and then did it ! The scene of Larry making that incredible shot and falling into the opposing teams Trainer’s lap and then the Atlanta players celebrating his talent, just for sake of the game. Truly a classic story. Thank you. So Fun.
Listening to all those who played against him and his on teammates praise him as the most phenomenal player they ever went up against is amazing. It was obvious each man interviewed enjoyed relating their Bird moments. I've never heard so many opponents of any other player spoken so fondly and respectly of including Jordan, Bryant, Kareem, Johnson, etc, etc....A GREAT JOY TO WATCH...THANKS!!!
I can't believe I would spend this much time watching nba games from over 30 years ago, but I cannot believe how good Larry Bird was. Never gets old.
I could watch this all day. Thanks for sharing these memories of the Great LB
Glad you enjoyed it
I wish I'd paid more attention back in the 1980's to Larry Bird and MJ when they were in their prime. Like some, I didn't always watch their games nor appreciate their greatness at the time. Now much older, I do appreciate elite athletes playing today like a Tom Brady. Amazing how fast time goes by! This is reinforced seeing these 80's basketball stars now in the 60's.
Hope you watch lebron Giannis and luka now than
..we rarely missed a televised Celtic game in the 80s. Too bad youngsters today don’t realize how extraordinary Larry Bird was. Some say greatest small forward to have played the game..nonsense…the GOAT period regardless of position IMHO!
@@gavinhadley7672 Every single Celtics game was a Bird highlight reel. It almost makes the concept of a highlight reel superfluous.
I love hearing people that played against Larry Bird talk about him with such respect that tells you everything you need to know😊😊😊😊
I grew up in Massachusetts and was in high school at the time. I watched all the games back then and remember watching this one from start to finish. What a treat! Nice work on this video!
I had the pleasure of watching many of the Celtics games during the 80’s, but it’s fun again hearing about the trash talking. I never had any idea he was talking crap during games. 😂
True sportsmanship, great men, superb athletes 😊
I followed Larry Bird all through college. When I lived in Denver my Dad and I never missed a Celtic game. I remember hollering through games “give it to Larry”. Never disappointed. I had every Sports Illustrated that Larry was on cover. Jersey and Celtic jacket. Lost all in a fire. Thanks for memories LB.
Great memories ☘️
Back when THE GAME, THE TALENT and the LOVE was genuine. The players played hard and RESPECTED each other and each other's accomplishments. Iron sharpened iron and each player/legend brought out the best in one another. Times have changed and things aren't the same anymore. Smh. These were truly golden/treasurable times.
What a honor to watch these players play from McHale to Bird. Dominique was great too one of the most underrated players to ever play. Glad I grew up a Celtics fan a lot of great memories.
These have better production than any of the "sports..channels" out there. Thanks for all Your time & effort‼️
Even our bench was celebrating. Classic old school sportsmanship.
18:03 hahahah! When I was learning to weld an old timer told me you will know when your good because you’ll be under the hood thinking about what you are going to eat for dinner when you get back to your hotel room! So true!😎
Being from the Boston area, naturally we were Celtics fans. Sadly though, I never had the pleasure of watching Bird. In our day it was Cousy, Havlicek, Heinsohn and Muskatov. Much later after our family had left Massachusetts, Bird and McHale came on the scene. Thanks so much for this video. Without it, I would never have had the pleasure of seeing people like McHale and Bird.
I watched this game several times. I agree with the commentators. This was the greatest shooting exhibition in NBA history.
IN my 80 years I have never seen anyone put on a show like Larry Bird. There will never be another Bird or an Air J. Both guys are irreplaceable. 50 years from now when some hot basketball players look at these films they will be awestruck.
I absolutely adore everything about the legendary Larry Bird and I'm not even a basketball fan on more a personality fan and he has both in spades😊😊😊😊
Long time Larry Bird fan. Saw this game. Thanks for posting this great history.
The glory days in the NBA. The game was so much more fun back then.
That bench action was absolutely classic!!!
Okay, here's the deal. I'm a 60 year old lady that doesn't even LIKE basketball, but I suddenly find myself enthralled with the sport. From the charm and talent of Bird and McHale, to the joy that the Hawks on the bench are exhibiting, I find myself a changed woman. I will definitely watch the rest of your videos, thanks for your hard work putting this series together ❤️❤❤
Amen
I will never tire of watching the Atlanta players on the bench while Bird is scoring 60. They had the guts and the sense of humor to appreciate what their opponent was doing. To me that is great sportsmanship.
This collection of the Hawks night is one of the best and most enjoyable Larry Bird stories!
This is the basketball I grew up watching. I had always kept an eye on all Boston sports, cause that was where I was from. I wasn't huge basketball fan, but when Bird started playing and the way the game was played, that really got me into the sport. Couldn't play worth a damn, but sure did love to watch these guys. I was at the Kevin McHale game, first game I ever went to, 3-4 rows off the floor off to the side of one end. Best game, ever. I remember towards the end, before he left the game, the place was rocking, everyone was having a great time, except Detroit, McHale missed a shot here and there and the crowd started booing (good natured), it was funny as hell. But as we are seeing, a little later on, Bird Followed up and the rest is history. Great basketball back then, not to take away from the talent today, but in my opinion, the game is not as good today.
That’s why they call him
Larry Legend!!!
Great vid!!!
The Real Classy Guy’s are the ones that can lift another person up!
I’m not a big fan of basketball But I’d Love to hang out with those guys a while!
They are Really The Greats
Bird played so far beyond his body's limits it was almost supernatural. He could hit buckets at any angle anywhere on court with either hand off either foot, even off balance. Made layups even while almost losing the ball in his hands. With that said he was more dangerous away from the ball.
What Larry said there at the end, I think that is the most important part of it somehow. It's like you are so in tuned that you are getting help from an unseen force, I've felt that a handful of times in my life and there is no greater of a feeling. It's like all is right in the world and you don't really even have anything to do with it as it's happening. It's something deeper than can be explained.
Also what McHale said about the basket seeming bigger
It's not an "unseen force." It's the result of A LOT of training and experience.
Have you ever been driving and then realize you don't remember driving the last several miles? Same thing. That's when you're driving at your best. Your body and mind are so accustomed to the task at hand it becomes subconscious, which frees up your mind to pursue other avenues of thought. Being able to do that in a basketball game, though, is pretty incredible.
Thinking slows you, he practiced more than any NBA player in history. There are stories of practice ending, and the team shows up the next day for practice… and Larry still had not left. He kept shooting so late, he decided it was easier to grab a nap on some mats rather than drive home and back. He’d thought it out, a billion times, every situation… and practiced for every scenario. When the game began is when he stopped thinking. That’s why his nerves vanished. He wasn’t thinking anymore. He let the muscle memory and instincts he’d established thru excessive practice take over… his mind gave way to consciousness. The mind winks, the consciousness is what blinks… the reaction times of those two things says exactly way it seemed why he was playing/reacting almost faster than the game was unfolding… it looked like he was 1 play ahead of people.
@@IraProctor I don't know that he practiced more than anyone else... Kobe, for instance, didn't sleep at the gym because he would train and work out INSTEAD of sleeping. Point taken, though... Bird worked hard to be that good.
More recently in the movie Top gun Maverick, Tom Cruise used the line "don't think, do" Train your instincts because instincts are faster than thoughts
An absolute legend loved all over the world till this day!!
The thing about Bird is that he has this narrative from his critics that he couldn't play defense. He made multiple all-nba 2nd team defense and even LED THE LEAGUE IN DEFENSIVE WIN-SHARES 1 season. He made the steal and assist to beat Detroit in the ECF that everyone knows, but that was just the tip of the iceburg. He, and his team played tremendous team defense. He made big plays in big moments like no other--whatever was needed. Points, block, rebound, steal, assist, and sacrificing his body. He did it all--best teammate, hardest worker, and toughest I have ever seen.
Love watching these games. Bird was on fire and seeing the other teams bench warmed my heart.
Glad ya devoted a whole show to this night, I was dying at the absurdity of it all
That’s not the only time an opposing player celebrated a Bird shot. Watch the opposing bench on the famous shot where Bird sinks it from behind the backboard. One of them jumps up in disbelief.
I love that shot.
Man watching Larry Bird before his back injury was a treat . People who didn't watch him during his prime years don't know how great he was 💥
He's my favorite player of all time. I grew up in the Hood. My friends was all about Dr.J, Magic, Kareem, Dominique, etc. I Was Bird all the way! He was amazing 😂
The Atlanta bench reactions is top 10 all time NBA footage
I grew up a Bird fan growing up in Indiana but Dominique is the classiest pro athlete EVER!
the look on DJ's face at 4:34 when Bird is giving the locker room interview is awesome he knows exactly what's going to happen
You young guys have no idea just how much fun it was watching the games back then, and then you get someone like Larry who would in every game would do things that just spun your head.
The best part may have been DJ photo bombing Larry Legend at 4:33. Thanks for putting this together for us, Nick!
Yo that was it for me.
I know nothing about basketball. This is pure love of amazing skills..
Like how Bird never toots his own horn. Everyone else does it for him.
Class act.
I can't believe that even the bench of the Hawks was celebrating and rooting for Bird!!!!
I don't believe that any team has ever done that for any other player!!!
You did a FABULOUS JOB on this video of the great Larry "Larronius" Bird 🐐🍀💚
Thank you so much!
Such respect among these players! So great to see. The world needs that today!
Loved that game, esp being a 20 something born and raised in Mass. I Love BIRD, Havlicek, COwens, Sam Jones and Russell.
Scott Hastings, back in the 90’s was an afternoon radio jockey on 850 KOA here in Denver, and he used to talk about this game. It was some of the most entertaining radio to listen to Scott describe this game. He said Bird would get the ball, turn, look at the basket, and start saying “ ‘Nique…’Nique…to late”…and swish…. He had never seen anything like it.
Thanks for reminding me of how much I loved watching Larry Bird. What a great surprise to see how much he was respected by the opposite team. Hi this is Xavienne
My favorite parts.of these videos is listening to the other players talk about how great Bird was rather than saying they were better. To me, that's a true athlete to admit when someone is better than they are or were
Trancendent is the word. They love the game and couldn't help but celebrate that performance.
I love seeing the other team just excited for those shots. That’s just love for the game and sportsmanship you don’t really see today.
If these legends played today, they would mop the floor with these young guys!!
These guys played for the name on the front not the one on the back
Agree
I'm from NOLA and was fortunate enough to be at this game. When the game was over, an announcer auctioned the shoes LB was wearing during the game. I remember the bidding was @ 1k when we left
In college 82-87 Boston man we use to go to old garden cheap seats- it was goosebumps and no matter what you think today basketball does not compare
He was just amazing!!! 😮. ❤
Smooth. Bird. Dream player. Once in a lifetime guy!!!!
Loved Larry wrapping things up from his perspective, with Kevin McKale no less, at the end of the video. Nicely done, Nick!
Usually, opponents don't speak about a great player until his funeral. Larry got his eulogy as he lived.