1985 NBA Finals, Gm 4: Larry Bird Dominates The 4th Quarter

Facing a possible 3-1 hole, Bird takes over the final period of game 4. He would lead Boston to a close win by scoring 12 of his 26 points in the 4th quarter, making clutch defensive plays and even assisting on DJ's game winning shot.

[@cflo1386]

DJ without a doubt has always been an overlooked legend, what a great player.

[@chyoli6220]

DJ was a great player and Larry said that DJ was the best player he ever played with.

[@chyoli6220]

@Scott Davidson I never said DJ was underrated. I simply commented on him being a great player.

[@yambo59]

AGREED-!!!

[@michaelharold1334]

Not by me. Without DJ none of this Bird being great even happens. DJ was great. Bird, incredibly talented and head strong, moves in and makes an incredible career with DJ as the anchor. McHale and Parish and Ainge... team game folks and DJ was player number one

[@GrowthruGod]

What a shot by DJ

[@mikelynch7271]

What a Clutch shot by DJ ... as for Bird ? What can ya say - the Man was everywhere Bird from deep , Bird with the midrange, Bird on the put-back , Bird with the RB , Bird wit the Offensive RB , Bird wit the steal , Bird draws the double kicks to DJ... GAME

[@kyletorres202]

Mike Lynch the lakers just focused on Legend Larry,thinking he'll take that winning shot and lo.... it was DJ's clutch hand that did it !!!!

[@vincecozzi1112]

Awesome

[@imagine1st381]

BURRRRRRRRRD

[@k.bowers8372]

Bird took a couple dribbles towards the basket before he passed out of the double to dj to get him a little more room for the shot. Little things like that Bird would do all game long that makes your whole team better.

[@PeterCacioppi]

Just rewatched it a few times. It was one dribble, and then a little move like he was going to put up a baby hook, and then a pass out of that. But your point is spot on, Larry worked hard to sell it and give DJ a better shot.

[@butterflyfieldtrips]

As a diehard Lakers' fan of the 1980's, I was heartbroken to hear of Dennis' death way too soon in his life. DJ was a class act. He was a hero in Seattle during the Sonics' championship run of 1978-79.

[@pbasswil]

That superlative Celtics team would NOT have been what it was without DJ, even if he didn't get quite the recognition that The Big Three got.

[@boston312]

also played high school ball locally in the LA area for the Dominiguez High Dons in Compton

[@MORE1500]

Larry was at his peak in the mid-80s. Some of the best basketball ever played.

[@lloydkline3265]

Larry bird declined 1987 and afterwards, I tell people on KZbin, bird vs magic, magic beat beat bird in 1987 and 1988 ,

[@Mike1122.]

If bird was at his peak, how come his teams only won 3 titles? Magic’s teams won 5 titles in the same decade as birds dominate Celtics. Please explain that!

[@zt1053]

@@Mike1122. Because the east was a more competive conference. The West was extremely weak so the Lakers benefited from the teams in the East having to fight to the death just to get to the finals. In 87 the best the Lakers played in the Western playoffs only had 42 wins. It just also be noted Magic's last two championships came against a completely decimate Boston team in 87 and a Detroit team with an injured Isiah Thomas in game 7. FYI in 88 Larry Bird came in second for the MVP not Magic. Bird averaged almost 30 that season as opposed to 19 for Magic. Bird was a little off in 87 because the Celtics lost Scott Wedman who was a key reserve that let Bird rest.

[@Mike1122.]

zt1053 but if that’s the case, then the Celtics should have been even more battle tested for the LA Lakers? The Celtics barely won in 1984 because Worthy threw an errant pass in which Henderson stole and laid it in I believe that was game 2? Don’t get me wrong Bird was a great player but he had a lot of luck to beat the Lakers at all.

[@zt1053]

Big Mike There’s a difference between being battle tested and being handicapped

[@rogeranderson6980]

I was involved with basketball for 69 years playing coaching referring. There was never a better player than LARRY BIRD . AND EVEN NOW HE IS THE GREATEST player EVER PLAYED the GAME

[@GrowthruGod]

I agree

[@lotuslife3239]

69? Nice

[@jacobwatson3781]

Hakeem and both ends of the floor was dominant. Jordan at both ends of the floor was dominant. Kareem at both ends of the floor was dominant. To say Bird was clearly better at both ends of the floor more than those 3, don't see it. But Bird is in the best of the best class for sure.

[@Shatamx]

@@jacobwatson3781 While not disagreeing with you. This 4th Bird dominated both sides of the court.

[@jorgemontefusco650]

@Roger Anderson Could not agree with you more! Larry J Bird is the GOAT. My regret is that I never saw these games live.

[@celestialscripture]

The golden age of professional basketball.

[@vincecozzi1112]

Without question! The nba is an absolute joke! It’s a recreation league up n down shoot 50 3 pointers a game play zero defense and zero presence of low post basketball!! It’s an embarrassment

[@kobedagoat6395]

Golden age my ass look how slow paced it is throw a damian lillard in this era dude would the best. No disrespect to legends of that era either just the truth

[@2robjenkins]

@@kobedagoat6395 lillard would average 40 in this era, they would think he was an alien.

[@mattsell2361]

@@kobedagoat6395the league in the 80s was not slow paced at all they scored over 120 all the time. Which makes me wonder how they scored if that era’s defense was so good 🤔

[@cookiemonster4634]

@@2robjenkins You'd swallow thousands of Lilliards loads in your lifetime at your leisure.

[@erinshort1307]

When BIRD Takes over you can't stop him love Larry the legend

[@michaelnorris6168]

This was Bird and Magic at their best. This was basketball at its highest level of play, competition, and skill. This is real basketball by legends.

[@rustycockering9925]

I still enjoy watching these Celtics vs. Lakers games from the 80's. But you can't pay me to watch the NBA today.

[@thyslop1737]

I thought I was the only one. Have not watched a full NBA game in 10 years. Just dribs and drabs. Boring. Players walking and traveling all over the place. Never called. Few times I tuned in watching LeBron and the black greek player could not believe the amount of walking.

[@lloydkline3265]

I like the broadcasting , pregame show, NBA, NFL I miss this week in baseball mel Allen, today players jump from team to team in nba etc etc

[@lloydkline3265]

@don wilson it like the old days they had the jump ball after halftime again, three point contest is great, complain about maybe new uniforms teams wear, new nba building, the palace of Auburn hills shut down because Detroit red wing build a new building so they join new Little Cesar area , players making too much money, the owners should get more money expense with owning a company , new uniforms are too commercial like in other foreign countries sports teams

[@thyslop1737]

@Greg Pettis Have not looked at it from a race angle. Maybe it is the three point game. Dunno. Just find the game boring. Maybe there needs to be more rivalrys or maybe they are getting paid so much today won or lose does it matter? Too many commentators. Too many sports shows. The saturation has diminished the meaning. Does the ego get bruised that bad at losing when you are pulling down 10 million or more a year?

[@rberka555]

Thug Life

[@didoman2645]

DJ was absolute money in the clutch. RIP Brother!

[@robertdunn7364]

LOVE DJ RIP

[@The_McD]

Underrated player. Love DJ

[@adamelam6385]

One of the greats

[@audieconrad8995]

Bird stated DJ was the best he ever played with.

[@GrislyAtoms12]

Yup. Dick Stockton said "It's good" on the last second winner. But it wasn't just "good". It was nothin' but net!!! NOTHING BUT NET! That's not just "good". It... Is.... Clutch!

[@jonnylawrence3818]

There's just so much talent on both sides, these two teams from 1984-1987 are the greatest ever. Three of the top five all time players on the court plus the depth of both benches. We were spoiled in the 80's

[@papas12341]

1980 to 1988

[@steveperkins637]

Exactly why I cannot watch todays game.

[@Colstonewall]

I remember these games like yesterday. The whole country was talking about this series. Everyone was talking about "Bird vs Magic, Magic vs Bird, Celtics vs LA". . .Hell, I think even my grand-mother was talking about. .You simply can't imagine how big these games were, how great the NBA was at this moment.

[@fernmann7]

you're a wise man. I was in my 20s and this was the Shit.

[@watchmenallen6309]

We were listening to this game in grade school when we were supposed to be listening to the Rabbi. Maybe that’s why I’m a Christian now. :)

[@paullemay2409]

I️ was not quite 10 yet and I️ was biting my pillow praying to Jesus please let the Celtics win. Just like yesterday.

[@Colstonewall]

@@watchmenallen6309LOL

[@Colstonewall]

@@paullemay2409I'm sure I was saying my prayers for the Celts too! Back then, I HATED LA. . .I grew to respect Magic and the Lakers, and even root for them a little (after it was clear Bird's career was coming to a close). But, there's no doubt Bird was a superior player compared to Magic.

[@gbeachy2010]

Bird looked just as excited as if he'd hit that last shot.

[@jameslagrand1226]

Maybe more. Bird loved and respected DJ.

[@rickstalentedtongue910]

They won the finals, so yeah, of course!

[@fernmann7]

Not on that shot

[@SuperBruins12]

Bird was amazing...He was my idol growing up in the 80’s.

[@vgr112261]

Basketball in the 80’s was SO much more interesting than today. Passing. Cutting. Mid range shooting. Post play. Not even close.

[@GrowthruGod]

Raylan Givens fundamentals and no traveling

[@JakeStine]

The days when a pull-up jumper was needed because you couldn't just scoop palm the ball for a "crossover" and then pick up your dribble and take three full long strides through the paint, directly into a well-positioned defender, and then have the defender whistled for a foul for not getting out of your way fast enough. (or worse, you do pull up for a jumper, but the defender flops like a baby and then draws an inconceivable charging call -- it's no wonder modern NBA players don't want to settle for the mid-range pull up anymore). Yeah the 80's ball was so much better. 95% less complaining about fouls after every shot too.

[@chrisp4496]

Basketball feels like a glorified 3 point shooting contest today. I don't know what the exact answer is, but I'd love there to be some kind of rule changes to encourage fewer 3-point shots.

[@JakeStine]

Extend the 3pt line out further. Get rid of corner-3s entirely (since we can't make the court wider). That's the only answer I've been able to come up with after watching the insane deep-3 barrages of modern NBA, which involve a litany of basically unguardable screen & fade & misdirections. (unguardable because you can't hope to defend those and also be in any position to defend the easy-2 in the post or a drive for an and-1). The only thing that amazes me about today's NBA is how it isn't even more of a 3pt contest than it is already. The math is pretty clear: player should be driving for layups or taking deep 3's. You get more points per possession that way as long as your shooters can hit better than 35% from deep.

[@ethanhunt9915]

Becauae you compare 2 of the top teams of all time to regular season basketball in 2020

[@sandyacombs]

The two greatest teams of all-time battling it out.

[@martinbarford4071]

nothing about larry bird ever surprised me-=-- he was great every year he played for the celtics-- my favourite all-time player

[@cgraf69]

You're right. That cannot be understated. Bird never had an off year.

[@irar4665]

...and is also the G.O.A.T ( unless you think MJ was better)

[@dibber43]

Larry Bird...Greatest forward in NBA history...BAR NONE!!!

[@gocatgo74123]

Can't believe D.J. is gone! I remember that Larry said that he was the best that he'd ever played with. R.I.P.

[@rufusbarnabus4490]

Man this brings back the memories. This was must watch TV for the entire country.

[@jeffmurray1681]

DJ was an underrated clutch player. Winner through and through.

[@Aldon3]

RIP DJ. One of the toughest and most consistent ever to do it.

[@clifflawrence7479]

4 steals and a block in the 4th quarter. Not to bad for someone that everyone says today couldn't play defense. I get so sick of hearing that

[@davidmoran5431]

never heard that, and the rebounds are just as good

[@davidmoran5431]

@imarino13 not a chance of either of those, but he would do just fine, no question

[@sgrew]

so true, if he was slow why couldn't a guy quick as worthy or cooper stop him. Legend. I have kareem as greatest

[@gogetter5137]

@@davidmoran5431 And you say this because? The rules/or lack thereof of today's NBA favor Bird's many talents a HELL of a lot more than the 80's era did. An era THAT HE DOMINATED. Bird would be even MORE unstoppable now that he was then. MVPS, 30+ pt triple doubles...easily. He'd also LAUGH at the thought of "load management" and play 110% in every single game. His trash talking alone would make his opponents in today's game cry like little mentally weak babies. I'm sure you have the ignorant opinion that Bird being slow and not being able to jump are the two reasons he would't be able to dominate today's league. Ever heard of Nikola Jokic? Much slower and less athletic than Bird ever was. 1st team ALL NBA last year. Should have been the MVP. Jokic DOMINATES in today's league. Unmatched fundamentals, skill, BB IQ, selflessness and mental toughness? These rare attributes transcend eras. They will always trump speed and athleticism. ALWAYS.

[@davidmoran5431]

@@gogetter5137 Ignorant. You don''t know the first thing about my high opinions (as a Midwestern bball player older than LB, no less) about LB and his skillset. Typical of kneejerk fanboys. Someone else posted that he would "dominate even more today," and would be a perennial MVP. You chime in with "MORE unstoppable." And further bunk, even sillier, triple-doubles, weeping opponents. Please, back to your shrine and candles. None of those is even remotely likely. AS WORDED. That's all. Period, the end. This automatic sentiment stuff is silly. Bird was great, and would be great today, and would do just fine, and often more than fine. Dominate, and win MVP repeatedly, and not be stopped? Good grief. This just shows fanboyness, not savvy observation of the game then or now. Come on. Go buy a TV and put it in your shrine.

[@Jondsmusic]

Thank God for my boy Larry Legend! I hate LA and especially the Lakers but I love the friendship between him and magic. I’ll never forget our hometown chant: Beat LA Beat LA Beat LA, I loved it!

[@xjnw66b68]

When I think of mid-80s basketball, particularly Laker games, I think of Dick Stockton. One of the best play-by-play guys of all time.

[@iwantmyutube9040]

I remember watching these series back in the good old days and I couldn't take my eyes off the TV screen. Pack of nerves the whole game rooting for my Celtics. That was basketball at its very best. Sad to say that I don't watch the NBA anymore. Dull, three point shooting all game, every game.

[@kevinwatson4541]

Bird did everything in this game but sell hot dogs at halftime. Nothing better than Celtics Lakers rivalry!

[@leomabry5231]

1984, 11 yrs old, just starting to watch pros with my pops, Lakers vs Celtics finals, Larry Joe Bird became my favorite player. Legendary 💯

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Last second dagger in the hearts of the Lakers and their fans. Never fails to satisfy

[@jr6200]

Hahahahahahaha

[@jc940]

Lol!! Dennis Johnson is my favorite player of all time! I followed his career from Seattle ,Phoenix to Boston this is my all time favorite moment of his career RIP D.J.

[@stevenconroy5586]

Red Auerbach had a sharp eye, He knew Bird was worth the risk of drafting him early. Thanks Red.

[@mjharon]

What a game. It's like Larry and DJ were back on the playground, drawing up a simple play and it worked to perfection. Grateful to have been alive back then watching real basketball...

[@Colstonewall]

I'd say Ainge hit some pretty BIG shots too. Not to mention D.J.

[@tomwolak3362]

Danny ainge was a shooting machine when he got hot.Just as good as bird or anyone but so in birds shadow he never got his due.

[@mikes3827]

@@tomwolak3362 I'm a huge Larry Bird fan, and Ainge could shoot lights out at times, but DJ was my favorite Celtic. Rarely ever did something stupid on the court. VERY heady player, and he and Bird had incredible chemistryl together. DJ's career FG would say he was just an average shooter, but when it came to needing a big shot, DJ would knock em down again and again.

[@kneegrow8173]

Tom Wolak just as good as bird as a shooter? Hell no... but you’re right he was a very good shooter

[@ackmino]

Ainge and DJ were both pedal to the metal in crunch time.

[@davidmoran5431]

@@ackmino One thing that was especially fine about Ainge was that he was by some measure the most athletic on the team, which is not saying a lot, but just speed and ups and break sense, all real fine and fun to watch. Sesame Street even did a skit about it, guessing who was the Celtic with the most this or that. I talked w Sichting about how much fun it was to dominate and break and clock the other team again and again and again when the 'subs' were in, esp Walton.

[@kenhernandez8128]

Bird was all over the court.

[@josecarranza7555]

@Major Styles You're a fucking idiot.

[@paulrogers5559]

@@josecarranza7555 Hey , now , - some of my best friends are idiots.

[@ralphsarcello3085]

BIRD WAS THE BEST AND EVERY FAN & PLAYER KNOWS IT, THEY WILL NEVER ADMIT IT. 3 MVP AWARDS IN A ROW. THE BEST

[@10scoach33]

Bird was literally everywhere in that game, he setup DJ and Ainge and got some key Off boards and steals, and of course scored when he needed too, man Boston should of won that series

[@rightfromleft6071]

DJ and Bird were my favorite duo of all time. Scrappy and determined beats fancy and selfish all day long.

[@rodneysmith247]

Dedicated teammates to the end.

[@mikeforte7585]

This is a great up load....boy do I miss those days....it seemed like yesterday....Larry had a heart of gold!!!...

[@christophermclean3921]

Man, I loved watching those games. The fast high flying Lakers were so talented. Yet Boston found ways to beat them. Got to tip your hat to both squads.

[@tteo8457]

Larry Bird basketball IQ is simply amazing in the 80 era when Boston and Lakers dominated the early 80 era

[@kristalmacleod3215]

MY team was HURT playing the lakers (ankle's) the pain on both their face's was YIKES' Robert and McHALE cost me Big bucks back then little over a G-NOTE' BAD MEMORY'

[@MeIn321]

The NBA of my teen years was fantastic!

[@paulrobert3284]

I could feel the intensity of the game. Great stuff, gave me goosebumps

[@georgedoughly6344]

Larry Bird 🐦 is a Basketball 🏀 Genius! 1 of the Best ever, if not truly the Best!

[@johnpacheco2501]

The BEST

[@keithlauderjr1691]

Guys on Boston bench thinking, seen this show before. Bird is the Word. Best fundamentals and court awareness ever. To me he is the best to ever lace them up. And TOUGHER THAN WOODPECKER LIPS! 😂

[@samt4956]

7:27 DJ: Larry, they're gonna double you. I'll be waiting. Larry: Say no more...

[@toscodav]

nice catch

[@tomwolak3362]

Yup.That celtic team had such chemistry any one of those guys could beat you at any time.Having the best ever on your side just made it all that much sweeter.CELTICS BEST TEAM EVER.

[@indiablackwell]

dead on!!!

[@dwingga3219]

Great catch!

[@johnthomasvinagreraiii3256]

LJB, my favorite player of the 80's era! I still enjoy watching him play. Excellent all around player and most probably the smartest!

[@targetservicer2221]

Only Russell is as gifted a basketball mind,EVER. That's why he has 11 rings.

[@irishgrl]

@@targetservicer2221 I disagree. He has 11 rings because there wasn’t the increased competition like what Larry’s era had to deal with. Even Red Auerbach takes LARRY over Bill Russell.

[@chrisparedes9567]

I remember these games and series in the 80's...the 2 teams were so well matched, stars everywhere...Larry Bird was a beast!

[@stretchwith]

Bird's performance is almost comical!...steals, rebounds, blocks, points!!

[@bobbywall172]

Most people who don’t know basketball or just prejudice say that Bird can’t block or rebound, what a crock of BS☝️☝️

[@MrGMillet]

I grew up in this era and YES he was comical to watch , he left you laughing at times when he played . There was no such thing as a DVR so you literally couldn’t leave the room when he was in the game or you might miss something…. MAN I miss those days, even though Celts lost this series I can always go back to this game and love every minute of it especially the end!

[@Psiros]

When the anime comes true.

[@majorkade]

I watched this game when I was a youngster. Loved the Lakers. This one was heartbreaking.

[@toddubow2599]

If my life depended on it I'd start the 1985 Celtic starting 5

[@nujrz4lyfe]

I counted 14pts,3stls,4rbs,3asts for Larry in that quarter..That's what u call BIGTIME

[@garrison6863]

Bird was one of the best outside shooters ever.

[@johnlothrop5568]

I love the Celtics..bur how great were both these teams? They would demolish this crap N.B.A. now. You can feel the intensity in these games 30 yrs later. Kareem and Larry...two greatest ever.

[@cubswin3838]

Only 23 teams then. Both teams had HEAVY HOF players, though. Tough to accumulate that kind of talent on one team now.

[@garyeinsidler3781]

Best part of Larry’s game is he knows where on the court the ball needs to be inbounded.

[@alasker4118]

Amazing game by Bird. Greatest forward of all time.

[@kevinmccaffrey2214]

DJ one of the all time great unsong heroes

[@thetruth7783]

Larry Bird was so CLUTCH. DJ was a great guard. Tragic Johnson had 2 points in the 4th

[@mrguystarr]

Recall watching the numerous finals between the Lakers & Celtics of the 80's... still my favorite Finals series match ups. Bird wasn't flashy and he couldn't jump to the sky but his shot was money from almost anywhere.

[@danalawton2986]

On the last winning shot by DJ..... great shot of course but Larry got the ball and dribbled it towards the basket pulling the double team with him and opening up just enough room for DJ to get the shot off clean. Smart.

[@davazz9586]

everything bird does is smart

[@Italianoboy1gmail]

Of course it was smart it's Larry Da GOAT baby!!!!!....these were the great days in sports in times in general bein a lifelong C!!! Havin been ta the Real!!!! Boston Gaaaden numerous times bein from Brooklyn born n Raised when their was one!!!! It was a beautiful thing bein there!!! Everything was such a different world, I remember gettin seats obstructed viewing haha didn't bother me at all it was an amazin feelin to walk into that building!!!! But let me stop cause then I'll get started on my other teams where I feel the same!!! Original Yankee stadium, Oakland Coliseum, be good!!!🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🐘🐼🐬🐕🐳🐻🐅🐖🐄

[@k.bowers8372]

I just read your comment after i posted mine,great minds think alike.

[@jhanks2012]

when Michael Jordan had the ball, Michael Jordan was a threat to score. When Bird had the ball, five players were a threat to score. (I think I heard someone say that about Stockton lol which is true but it applies just as much to Bird) He was a selfless and smart player

[@jaylenbrownfan2112]

Reminds me of Lebron and Ray Allen. Lebron forced a shot up...Chris Bosh gets the rebound and Lebron wants the ball. Bosh makes the right call and passes to Allen for the game winner. I wonder how mad Lebron was that he couldn't be the hero. Larry Bird just wanted to win.

[@RTOneZer0]

Bird abused Bob McAdoo. The NBA in the 80's was incredible.

[@rafikz77]

Dan Chapowski he’s right

[@rafikz77]

MANCHESTER UNITED F.C exactly

[@irishgrl]

Jim Shorts He’s a troll. He says it on every Bird vid I’ve seen. I bet he does it on all American sports vids

[@ap6160]

He abused KAJ

[@lloydkline1518]

Very Old Bob macadoo :: jabber would put Larry bird 🐦 in his stomach

[@davidmandell9909]

I am just so thankful to have been alive to see these two legendary teams go at it. Today's NBA is a sad affair......

[@maxturner8073]

Like so many others have already said... This is when the NBA was awesome! No better rivalry than the 80s Celtics-Lakers. So many great players. And Bird was the best!

[@wrsawy]

This is great basketball, I still like watching it to this day.

[@lloydkline3265]

Kevin McHale, jabbar, magic, etc etc I love KZbin pre game show NFL, nba,,

[@lloydkline1518]

❤1980s NBA basketball on CBS

[@suefoss3396]

​@@lloydkline3265 and definitely LARRY BIRD!

[@davidkidd2644]

Bird, Magic, McHale, DJ, Byron Scott, The Chief, Kareem, Pat and KC! And all the rest of the guys, COOL. I'll take either of them against any team today. And "LET THEM PLAY!" Put your big boy shorts on and get with it. Almost forgot, THE GREAT WESTERN FORUM and BOSTON GARDEN, COOL.

[@Colstonewall]

LOL! I'm not sure Chuck ever made it in a game, but he was a hell of a cheerleader.

[@swalker9482]

Worthy?

[@chrisguevara]

Don't you mean the Fabulous Forum?

[@bconni2]

and what about Worthy and Cooper..? don't forget those guys, pal

[@Gaderelli]

BIRD will NEVER be touched ! as the greatest player ever !!!! Jordan may have something to say about that !?? Both are tied for the GOAT for me !!!!!!!

[@keeosama]

Well your wrong

[@monticella]

This entire Celtic team was great! All of them.

[@humblebeginnings8328]

Bird led this squad but he trusted his teammates. Dj was great folks.

[@fernmann7]

Bird called DJ the greatest teammate he ever played with. Dennis Johnson was so tough, physically and mentally, and so clutch it was off the charts. What a player. May he RIP

[@trysometenderness7466]

I hate knowing that DJ is no longer around while I watch this. The great Dennis Johnson!

[@Amick44]

And that he had to wait til' after his passing to get into the Hall. Never made any sense.

[@montelinus]

Larry Bird: steals, blocks, assists, rebounds, scores, defense, takes the ball out. A generational player.

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

Bird could read the floor like no other player in the history of pro basketball.

[@Amick44]

Did you notice, just before Dennis inbounded the ball on the last possession, that Bird came over and they discussed something? Great plan!

[@mrho4speed]

Mick A = yes , you are correct! Probably something like DJ saying "I will be open" and Bird saying "ok, be ready"

[@humblebeginnings8328]

Yes sir. They were mentally connected. Bird will tell you. Awesome 😎

[@mark.8949]

My guess is, that Bird would have taken the shot if he wasn't double teamed. If the double happened then Bird would kick it to DJ for the shot. Just my 2 cents

[@gato7908]

I love watching bird move without the ball. He always seems to be in the right place.

[@73Trident]

The difference between the Celtics and the Lakers in the 80's was who was the healthiest in the series. The Lakers went through the easy West. The Celtics had to battle through the tough East. Health decided the victor, and some really bad calls against Boston. Although LA fans would not see those calls as I seen them. It's in the past now, but what a great time in NBA history. I miss those times.

[@dylanchangedeverythingfore1312]

Yep and you could say the exactly same thing each time the Boston lucky Boston Celtics got handed important games and championships. Speaking of injuries remember the year the Lakers were undefeated in the playoffs going into the finals for the 3peat and lost their starting backcourt Magic and Byron Scott to popped hamstrings???

[@zt1053]

@@dylanchangedeverythingfore1312 that was karma for 87 and 88

[@oiramsq73]

Man! Bird and DJ...unbelievable!

[@randallgregerson4761]

DJ would drill that shot every time.

[@halbiggiam3320]

Competition at it's highest and purest level. Bird was two plays ahead of everyone else. Celtics team basketball at it's finest. Ainge at this point had the talent and confidence a to take and hit big shots. What can you say about the late DJ? He was definitely underrated, but not by Bird. Bird said he was the best he ever played with, high and well deserved praise indeed. 80's NBA was pro ball at it's apex, today's NBA no where as good or interesting. This excellent slice of film is a fitting look, a microcosm and verification of why Bird is called '' Larry Legend.''

[@michaelgallarza6869]

To be honest, Larry Bird was underrated. He was greater than people think…and he’s a consensus all time great.

[@monkeywrench8819]

“Larry Bird: he can’t out-jump you but he can out-think you.”

[@clydecavalieri8490]

Bird, Ainge and DJ, a group of clutch shooters.

[@jamesdesch3201]

This video clearly showcases Bird's defensive prowess -- he played this way every game, not just this game. Bottom line:Bird was a defensive force! Especially a team defender. He completely understood the team defensive concept and dynamics and executed flawlessly. For some reason he's grossly underrated. If you want a lockdown team defender you can't go wrong with Bird.

[@betitall33]

DJ, clutch as always.

[@ruminator3570]

I'm sad that I only got to watch Larry Bird in 88 his last healthy season. But tell me. How good was the man that he got treated like a WWE jobber and still affected the opposition by being on the court? In mean c'mon, you know c'mon. He was slow couldn't jump was injured coming into the league and still scored game winners over everyone. Yes even Pippen and Jordan. Need I say more? This Bird can not be stopped or killed by conventional means. Argument over. GOAT.

[@davidholcomb9393]

It's easy to see why those Celtics teams were so tough with guys around Bird like DJ and Ainge as well the other great players already on the club.

[@williamvaughn4148]

Man, oh man, oh man! I'd forgotten how intensely that 80's rivalry burned, and how much I loved it! Thanks for posting, and I hope you and yours are safe.

[@DanStrayer]

The Hick is an absolute demon on defense in this stretch. Phenomenal.

[@michaelknapp8961]

Holy crap those guys played incredible ball back then!! Lakers too!! It’s not the same today.

[@wrsawy]

I could watch this video everyday, simply great basketball, when LA fans are going crazy, you know it's special.

[@ImLouPalomaBM]

This is basketball...Bird and DJ are my favorite duo in NBA history..The killed you with there IQ,..Incredible

[@robertswift6101]

i watched these games and grew up in that era,,truly remarkable what larry bird could do against arguably one the best hall of fame teams of all time with the lakers and bird could do it all,,,truly amazing to watch what larry could do on the basketball floor

[@twolak1972]

How many times have Bird and company drove the nails in the coffin with seconds left. Great to see THE LEGEND have the confidence in DJ to give him the final shot. BRILLIANT.

[@GG-si7fw]

Thanks for the video. This is as clutch performance in a 4th quarter I have seen. He did it on both ends of the court.

[@davidfaxon1753]

Reggie 8 points 8.9 seconds. That's the best 4th Quarter performance I've ever seen. Bird is Larry Legend for a reason though.

[@toscodav]

Magic didn't want Bird to win the game so he left DJ alone. Bird took advantage of it as always. Now that is smart basketball.

[@Amick44]

Well, Larry said when the game is on the line, he wants the ball in his hands. If not , it better be in Dennis Johnson's. Birds' own quote.

[@rumarspencer7302]

He said afterwards, that when DJ took the shot, thought it was gone be a brick.

[@chuckweicha1]

One of the best games Legend ever played...in the 4th quarter under the highest pressure he about played perfect ball...shame we couldn't pull this series out

[@fendergibs]

This match up had so many layers that can never be repeated, even the casual fan watched in earnest back then: Larry vs Magic....College NCAA Championship game, the highest rated, most watched basketball event..... ever black vs white East coast Vs West Coast Glam showtime vs Blue collar basketball Laker vs Celtics.....already a long history, even back then 4 year wait to the 1984 match up. The hype about this was national, and through the roof, everyone was talking about this True animosity back then, hard fouls, they did not hangout outside of the game. They did not demand trades & join forces to create contrived super teams.

[@damontweedy7230]

Showtime vs. The Celtics awesomessuce NBA of the 80s. Both of these teams would run The Warriors and Cavaliers if the court

[@icemanphoenix2622]

If larry bird was a physicist, he'll be albert einstein

[@havrisen6620]

I’m white and certainly no disrespect to Larry Bird but it must be said that Mr. Dennis Johnson was always and I mean always clutch as well. This is coming from a Philadelphia 76’rs fan who loved nothing more than watching Bobby and Caldwell Jones, Maurice Cheeks, Andrew Toney, DR.J, Moses Malone, Charles Barkley, etc. play the game. I hated the Celtics! But, Bird and DJ were two of the greatest clutch players I’ve ever seen play the game. So how fitting to end this game with Bird drawing the double team for DJ to hit the clutch game winning shot. Even more fitting was the game a couple years later in the eastern finals against the bad boys of Detroit on the brink of a dynasty run, when Bird stole the inbounds pass from Isiah and and hit a streaking toward the bucket DJ with a pass as he was falling out of bounds and DJ hit the winning layup with heat all over him. People forget how deep the east was back then. The Bucks, The Pistons, The Hawks, The Knicks, The 76’rs were ALL very deeply talented teams. The Celtics were the supreme team. Better than them all. In the West you had the mighty Lakers who had no real peer in the West and nobody to challenge them except for occasionally the Rockets. If you came out of the East you were bloodied, bruises, and battered by the time you made it to the World Championship. Great era of competitive basketball at the highest level.

[@Amick44]

You, like myself, realize how great and to some degree, underrated Dennis was. NO WAY he should have had to wait to get into the Hall.

[@scottross727]

DJ was great.

[@MoveInSilence23]

Now the East has been basically the JV team for about 20 years. I miss this basketball 😭

[@JD-zd8tm]

D.J. was MVP of the '78 Seattle Supersonics Championship team . That was the magic of Red Auerbach to get basically an All-Star team on one roster ....and to think the Celticswere '86 Champions then get a lottery pick that tragically turned out to be Len Bias

[@chadcloer6]

The only team in this age I have seen move the ball as well or close to as good as the Lakers and Celtics of the 80's, was the Spurs against the Magic in the 2014 Finals. The NBA is watered down now, and soft. The Lakers and Celtics had such quality cutting,passing,positioning,defense, shooting, and clutch shots from these teams. This was basketball played at it's zenith.

[@rumarspencer7302]

You mean Spurs vs Heat.

[@walterlv01]

This was the first year of the 2-3-2 Finals format and it really helped the Lakers in this series because they had Game 5 at home instead of having to fly across the country and go back to Boston after a demoralizing loss like this. That happened the year before (demoralizing G4 loss at home) and the Lakers had to go to Boston and got killed in G5.

[@Mrd9960]

Very true, I always felt it was a disadvantage for the Celtics, they should have kept it, the way it was.

[@rumarspencer7302]

Well game 5, they were effected by the Heat.

[@acornsucks2111]

DJ and Ainge clutch in the last minute.

[@ToddieBender]

Birds shot at 2:52 after moving without out the ball is just craftsmanship 👌

[@peters6119]

All-time great sports rivalry. This segment demonstrated how much Bird impacted the game. He did everything out there. But L.A. had a great team. They won the next two games to win the title with Kareem scoring 36 and 29 and Magic dishing out 31 assists in the two games. These were great finals in the 80's.

[@zt1053]

Not having a key third guard is what really did it in for the Celtics in 85. Now in 87 the entire team being decimated by injuries is a whole different story