Larry Bird was one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He was a skilled scorer, rebounder, and passer, and he led the Boston Celtics to three NBA championships in the 1980s. Bird was also known for his clutch shooting and his ability to make big plays in big games.
Some of Bird’s most memorable plays include:
- His steal and pass to Dennis Johnson in the final seconds of Game 5 of the 1987 NBA Finals, which helped the Celtics win the championship.
- His three-pointer in the final seconds of Game 5 of the 1988 NBA Finals, which gave the Celtics a 3-2 lead in the series.
- His steal and dunk in the final seconds of Game 7 of the 1984 NBA Finals, which clinched the championship for the Celtics.
These are just a few of the many great plays that Larry Bird made during his career. He was a true basketball legend, and his plays will continue to be remembered for years to come.
1. Clutch shooting
Larry Bird was one of the best clutch shooters in NBA history. He was known for his ability to make big shots in big games, and he was often the player that the Celtics turned to when they needed a basket. Bird’s clutch shooting was a major factor in the Celtics’ success in the 1980s, and it helped them win three NBA championships.
There are many examples of Bird’s clutch shooting throughout his career. In Game 5 of the 1987 NBA Finals, Bird hit a game-winning shot with just seconds remaining to give the Celtics the victory. In Game 4 of the 1986 NBA Finals, Bird hit a three-pointer with just seconds remaining to tie the game and send it into overtime. And in Game 5 of the 1984 NBA Finals, Bird hit a jumper with just seconds remaining to give the Celtics the lead and eventually the victory.
Bird’s clutch shooting was a major reason why he was one of the best players in NBA history. He was a player who could always be counted on to make big shots in big games, and he was a major factor in the Celtics’ success in the 1980s.
2. Passing
Larry Bird’s passing was a major part of his success as a player. He was able to make pinpoint passes to his teammates, even in traffic, and he led the NBA in assists three times. This passing ability was a key component of the Celtics’ success in the 1980s, and it helped Bird to become one of the best players in NBA history.
- Vision: Bird had great court vision and was able to see the floor well. This allowed him to make passes to his teammates in open spaces, even when they were well-defended.
- Accuracy: Bird was also a very accurate passer. He was able to put the ball exactly where he wanted it, even on difficult passes.
- Timing: Bird had great timing and was able to make passes at the right moment. This allowed him to set up his teammates for easy baskets.
- Creativity: Bird was also a very creative passer. He was able to make passes that other players would not even think of. This creativity helped him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Bird’s passing ability was a major factor in his success as a player. He was able to make the players around him better, and he helped the Celtics to win three NBA championships in the 1980s.
3. Rebounding
Larry Bird was a strong rebounder for his size, averaging over 10 rebounds per game for his career. This rebounding ability was a key component of his success as a player, and it helped him to become one of the best players in NBA history.
There are several reasons why Bird’s rebounding was so important to his success. First, it allowed him to control the tempo of the game. By securing rebounds, Bird could prevent the other team from getting second chances and slow down the pace of the game. This was especially important in the playoffs, when every possession is crucial.
Second, Bird’s rebounding helped him to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. By grabbing rebounds, Bird could quickly start the fast break or set up his teammates for easy baskets. This was a major factor in the Celtics’ success in the 1980s, as they were one of the best fast-breaking teams in the league.
Finally, Bird’s rebounding helped him to defend his team’s basket. By securing rebounds, Bird could prevent the other team from getting easy second chances. This was especially important in the paint, where Bird was one of the best defenders in the league.
Overall, Bird’s rebounding was a major part of his success as a player. It allowed him to control the tempo of the game, create scoring opportunities, and defend his team’s basket. These skills were essential to the Celtics’ success in the 1980s, and they helped Bird to become one of the best players in NBA history.
4. Defense
Larry Bird was a good defender, and his defensive skills were a key component of his success as a player. He was strong and physical, and he could guard multiple positions. This defensive versatility was a major factor in the Celtics’ success in the 1980s, as it allowed them to match up with any team they played.
Bird’s defensive skills were particularly important in the playoffs, when every possession is crucial. He was able to use his strength and physicality to guard the other team’s best player, and he was also able to switch onto different players on the fly. This versatility made him a nightmare for opposing offenses, and it helped the Celtics to win three NBA championships in the 1980s.
Here are a few examples of Bird’s defensive prowess:
- In Game 5 of the 1987 NBA Finals, Bird was tasked with guarding Magic Johnson, one of the best point guards in NBA history. Bird held Johnson to just 18 points on 7-of-22 shooting, and the Celtics won the game to take a 3-2 lead in the series.
- In Game 7 of the 1984 NBA Finals, Bird was tasked with guarding Julius Erving, one of the best forwards in NBA history. Bird held Erving to just 17 points on 6-of-19 shooting, and the Celtics won the game to win the NBA championship.
Bird’s defensive skills were a major part of his success as a player. He was able to use his strength and physicality to guard multiple positions, and he was also able to switch onto different players on the fly. This versatility made him a nightmare for opposing offenses, and it helped the Celtics to win three NBA championships in the 1980s.
FAQs about Larry Bird’s Best Plays
Larry Bird was one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He was a skilled scorer, rebounder, and passer, and he led the Boston Celtics to three NBA championships in the 1980s. Bird was also known for his clutch shooting and his ability to make big plays in big games.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Larry Bird’s best plays:
Question 1: What was Larry Bird’s most famous play?
Larry Bird’s most famous play is probably his steal and pass to Dennis Johnson in the final seconds of Game 5 of the 1987 NBA Finals. This play helped the Celtics win the championship.
Question 2: What was Larry Bird’s best shot?
Larry Bird’s best shot was probably his three-pointer in the final seconds of Game 5 of the 1988 NBA Finals. This shot gave the Celtics a 3-2 lead in the series.
Question 3: What was Larry Bird’s most clutch play?
Larry Bird’s most clutch play was probably his steal and dunk in the final seconds of Game 7 of the 1984 NBA Finals. This play clinched the championship for the Celtics.
Question 4: How many points did Larry Bird score in his career?
Larry Bird scored 21,791 points in his career.
Question 5: How many rebounds did Larry Bird have in his career?
Larry Bird had 8,974 rebounds in his career.
Question 6: How many assists did Larry Bird have in his career?
Larry Bird had 5,695 assists in his career.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Larry Bird’s best plays. For more information, please visit the Larry Bird Museum in French Lick, Indiana.
Larry Bird was one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His best plays are still remembered by fans today.
Transition to the next article section:
Larry Bird’s legacy will continue to inspire basketball players for generations to come.
Tips for Watching “Best Larry Bird Plays”
Larry Bird was one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His best plays are still remembered by fans today. Here are a few tips for watching “best Larry Bird plays” videos:
Tip 1: Watch the videos in chronological order. This will help you to see Bird’s development as a player and appreciate his impact on the game of basketball.
Tip 2: Pay attention to Bird’s footwork. He was one of the most fundamentally sound players in NBA history, and his footwork was impeccable.
Tip 3: Watch Bird’s passing. He was one of the best passers in NBA history, and his ability to make pinpoint passes to his teammates was a major factor in the Celtics’ success.
Tip 4: Watch Bird’s defense. He was a strong and physical defender, and he could guard multiple positions.
Tip 5: Watch Bird’s leadership. He was a natural leader, and he was able to inspire his teammates to play at their best.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
By following these tips, you will be able to appreciate the greatness of Larry Bird and his impact on the game of basketball. Watching “best Larry Bird plays” videos is a great way to learn about the history of the NBA and to see one of the greatest players of all time in action.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
Larry Bird was a true basketball legend. His best plays are still enjoyed by fans today. By following these tips, you can maximize your enjoyment of “best Larry Bird plays” videos and learn more about one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Conclusion
Larry Bird was one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His best plays are a testament to his skill, athleticism, and leadership. By watching “best Larry Bird plays” videos, we can learn about the history of the NBA and appreciate the greatness of one of the game’s all-time legends.
In addition to his individual accomplishments, Bird was also a key member of the Boston Celtics team that won three NBA championships in the 1980s. Bird’s leadership and ability to make big plays in big games were major factors in the Celtics’ success. He was a true winner, and his legacy will continue to inspire basketball players for generations to come.
