Larry Bird's Legendary 1986-87-88 3 Point Contest Champion Highlights (All Final Rounds)

Larry Bird won all first 3 Long Distance Shootout Contests in history of game..
* Larry Bird, the inaugural winner of this contest, and Craig Hodges have each won three consecutive times..

[@ITILII]

"If I needed a shot to win the game, I'd gave the ball to Michael Jordan. If I needed a shot, to save my life - I'd gave the ball to Larry Bird" - Pat Riley

[@radar0412]

"And if I needed a shot to save all of humanity, I'd give the Ball to Ray Allen" - I said that.

[@coojalooja6956]

@@radar0412 and if Max kellerman wanted someone to save the universe he would say I WANT IGUADALA

[@NBUltra187]

@@radar0412 who the hell is Ray Allen

[@radar0412]

@@NBUltra187 Aren't you supposed to be commenting on Ice Dancing videos?

[@kennethsmith8968]

@@NBUltra187 one of the greatest 3 point shooters ever.

[@EvolvepilatesAu]

The finger up and walk off wearing his warn up jacket before the ball dropped is one of the most gangsta moments in NBA history... 🔥

[@shaynekirkpatrick8146]

That was cold

[@mscottlawrence2037]

He knew where the ball was going

[@garygood6804]

Larry bird was the truth

[@capitanfuturo594]

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

[@kenneths.perlman1112]

Well no. But waaaaay up there.

[@mervincombs6640]

100%

[@bodensick]

Larry Bird walks into the locker room before the 3 point contest and says..."Okay boys...whose finishing second?" True Story.

[@st4r444]

He would lose 3point in today's game. Curry 26 Klay 27 Booker 28 Buddy 27

[@j.brendenstookey3437]

St4r P He’d also score 40 a game in the modern NBA, he’s Larry Legend and those players you mentioned are straight up lights out shooters, but they’re nowhere near the all around player Larry Bird was, plus he was 6’9”. Still never lost a 3 point contest in his era, admirable for sure.

[@HG-sl2ur]

St4r P he would come close to win actually there’s no money rack that’s why the score is lower...pretty obvious mate

[@domkundro4443]

@@HG-sl2ur not to mention that Larry Bird said himself he didn’t practice 3 point shooting

[@matiasvillarroel2524]

Stone cold kick your ass

[@bear24D]

Bird is a legend, the best shooter,passer,rebounder combination in NBA history !!! Larry Legend ......most clutch Ive ever watched as well.

[@capitanfuturo594]

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

[@TheLAKERSareGodsTeam]

@@capitanfuturo594 Let me know when Bird leads 3 generations of Celtics to the NBA finals. Only one player has led 3 generations of his team to the NBA Finals, and his name is Magic Johnson. Who beat Larry Bird, THRICE.

[@MisterBill1975]

@@TheLAKERSareGodsTeam Based on your convoluted logic, Eli Manning was better than Tom Brady. After all, they went head-to-head in two Super Bowls and Eli won both. The only part of Magic's game that was even remotely close to Bird's was his passing.

[@TheLAKERSareGodsTeam]

@@MisterBill1975 Eli who is better than Brady who? What are you talking about? You make zero sense!

[@elroz1675]

@@TheLAKERSareGodsTeam It is not so straight forward. There some evidence to consider here. I'm sorry to post so much here. But ... Overall Yes, Magic had a better career, which is saying something! He did not wear out as fast as Bird. However, in their first 9 years in the league, 1980-1988 seasons, before Bird's double heel surgery in late 1988: 1. Larry won 3 MVPs to Magic's 1. (Would Magic win an MVP in 1989 anyhow even if Bird was healthy? I'd say yes). 2. Bird ranked higher in MVP voting than Magic in the 8 out of the 9 years. That is something to consider. Bird's lowest MVP rank was 4th, in his rookie year, and Magic did not even figure in the list of 9 players for MVP award. Kareem won it (Kareem was the MVP and Magic joined Kareem's team that also included Jamal Wilkes! In 1985 finals Kareem was the MVP. This wasn't quite like the "Batman" Shaq with "Robin" Kobe, but still Magic had an all-time great playing at a very high level during his first 4-5 years in the league). 1981 Bird was 2nd in MVP votes, Magic was 11th, finishing behind Kareem and Jamal Wilkes - his two teammates (so two other Lakers ranked higher in MVP votes that year than Magic. At the very least it tells you the talent they had). 1982 Bird was 2nd in MVP voting, Magic was 8th. 1983 Bird 2nd, Magic 3rd. 1984 Bird MVP, Magic 3rd, Kareem 4th. 1985 Bird MVP, Magic 2nd, Kareem 4th. 1986 Bird MVP, Magic 3rd, Kareem 5th. 1987 Magic MVP, Bird 3rd, McHale 4th. 1988 Jordan MVP, Bird 2nd, Magic 3rd. All NBA teams 1980-88: Bird 1st All NBA every year. Magic: didn't make any NBA team in 1980 or 1981. In 1982 he made the 2nd team. Then 1983-1988 he made 1st team. Early on it was Kareem that was the premier Laker: All NBA 1st and All Defensive 1st: 1980 and 81. Kareem was All NBA 1st as late as 1984 and 1986. All NBA Defensive 2nd in 1984. That's a great teammate. All Defensive Teams: Bird made 2nd All Defensive team 3 times. Magic never made any defensive teams in his career. (Which is surprising, I admit, because he DID lead the NBA in steals twice). Moreover, Magic played against smaller guards and didn't mix it up inside as much, he wasn't banging and boxing out under the basket as much as Bird. You can watch NBA games and see this. Bird endured more wear and tear, made more hustle plays. So Bird in the first 9 years (before the double heel surgery), ranked higher than Magic most of the time. 3. Bird's 1980 Celtics set a record for most improved in number of wins from previous season and this team didn't get any great players between 1979 and 1980 except one guy - Larry Bird. Meanwhile Magic joined the Lakers with the league MVP Kareem and also Jamal Wilkes. 4. After Bird returned from surgery (1989-90), and then his last two years with hurt back, Magic was better. Yes, if we look at the entire career, Magic had a better one. But in the 1980s Bird ranked higher most of the time (MVP votes, All NBA selections). Bird's career was cut short by double heel surgery and bad back, and beer drinking. Magic would have played another 5 years if not for HIV from sleeping around. 5. Bird was 6-0 vs Jordan in playoffs. Magic was 1-4. Is that a fair comparison? Obviously not, because we have to look at the supporting cast.

[@ofermashiach4519]

Bird will always be the GOAT for me.

[@None-dj8iy]

Best clutch shooter in NBA history!!!

[@ahh1180]

That finger in the air on the final shot.. damn that was cold...

[@patcantin9325]

The bank shot showboat was even worst I think

[@edmundtam4155]

I love that arrogance....

[@robbierupac9442]

AH H Cold!!

[@johnkoziol5756]

Yeah, it may have been cold but the dude had ice water in his veins so of course the finger was gonna be cold. Not only was it cold but it was beautiful to see, especially if you're a Boston Celtics fan, in particular a Boston Celtics fan who grew up watching Larry Bird. By the way, you get a "thumb's up" for your comment. I really like what you said and how you said it. That's why I'm giving you that "thumb's up.

[@TheDbgtfan23]

@@johnkoziol5756 cool

[@felixmadison5736]

Larry Bird IS the GOAT. Bird made plays most of us have never seen or even dreamed about before he came along.

[@JayIceColdD]

12:29 GOAT candidacy established.

[@irahenson157]

The Long Distance Shootout (3-point Contest) was 1st introduced in 1986. Bird won 1986-88 (three consecutive years). League MVP 1984-86 (also, three consecutive years)... LJB is not only awesome... He's truly 'legendary'.

[@azathoth0820]

LeJames Bron?

[@vinoedasmarinas2886]

Legendary LJB?stupid

[@darkmatter7668]

@Dave Wesley Larry Bird would tell you himself that LeBron is on another planet.

[@Bill101761]

Dark Matter You know why? Because Mr. Bird was a very humble person when it came to giving credit to others. Just look up when Magic Johnson was inducted in to the Hall of Fame. Bird did not always like talking about himself! Go back to the 80s and if LJ was playing, bird would school him just like he did with all the other player GREATER then LJ will ever be jus look what LB did to MJ.

[@jakedooley5300]

@Dave Wesley I agree, I think Larry bird was a little better than LeBron James, there both great tho, the goat would be Michael Jordan, I think Larry bird is the second best ever

[@waltblackadar4690]

The thing to remember about Bird is that he's also 6'9". That's unbelievable for a shooter like that. Before his back injury he was unworldly - about a 26/10/7 player - on a team where he he shared the ball a lot more. His USG% is 5 points lower than Lebron's career average. He also played in an era that did not stress the 3 point ball so he averaged only 1.8 3 pointers per game for his career. Now good shooters take 6 or more per game and there's little doubt that his ppg would be up another 1.5+ in today's world. The guy would be the ultimate stretch 4 in today's game and given the hands-off nature of the rules he'd be virtually unstoppable. We're talking 30+ ppg to go with 8 or 9 rebounds. Truly a remarkable player and along with Magic simply guys that have no comparisons in history, modern or otherwise.

[@thatstuff660]

Bird had his back injury his whole NBA career

[@waltblackadar4690]

Malachi, not exactly. Bird somewhat infamously injured his back shoveling rock for his mother's driveway back in 1985 after winning his 2nd MVP award. The latter half of his career was played in severe pain and he has said more than once that he sort of wishes he retired after the 1986 season.

[@at1212b]

@@waltblackadar4690 remember they rode commercial and sometimes coach. Flight delays, odd times, no leg room. That'll take its toll. Plus they didn't purposefully sit out games and there was way more physical contact.

[@TheWitchOvAgnesi]

Very well said.

[@gerekyok7998]

Thumps up who thought there is a hair on screen

[@MVuke84]

Larry Legend... Only NBA player ever with 3 straight MVPs, and 3 straight 3 point contests...lol

[@nvvam7597]

Larry Bird was the most confident player I have ever seen. He did not fear anyone, He had ice in his veins and other players did fear him. The only other player that rivals his confidence and intensity is Jordan. The two most iconic names in basketball history is Bird and Jordan.

[@SuperBeachbum74]

Bird and Magic, wouldn’t put Jordan in their class. Magic and Bird changed the league, the league adjusted for Jordan !

[@brianadkinson7012]

I been a Los Angeles Lakers fan since 1980. Even though he is an Arch rival. The man was amazing. A mirror image of magic Johnson of each coast. I miss those days of basketball. It different now.

[@greysonG10]

Magic couldn't do this.

[@brianadkinson7012]

Think please. Magic was a point guard not a three point shooter

[@greysonG10]

@@brianadkinson7012 My point is, they weren't mirror images.

[@brianadkinson7012]

In lots of ways yes they were think please

[@greysonG10]

@@brianadkinson7012 It's you that needs to think, lol. But whatever you say.

[@DJ-iv2xo]

He started wearing that Celtic's warmup jacket in competitions to handicap himself and give other competitors a chance.

[@sleazyfellow]

Ah, it's an exaggeration. That jacket leaves the elbows free. If it was a real jacket it'd be a big deal.

[@charlesfox7231]

D J

[@bernardirvin6732]

Costa del Artlepool aaa

[@clifflawrence7479]

@Costa del Artlepool lol

[@justinejanoras3934]

@@sleazyfellow Hahaha, long sleeve jackets aren't popular back then.

[@scottneilson3292]

Greatest shooter and clutch player in NBA history. With the game on the the line, nobody was better than Larry Bird.

[@SirMan48]

Curry is the greatest shooter

[@hhh1200]

Curry

[@David-em7cz]

@@hhh1200 and jonathan... just no...

[@spiffpilot2589]

I believe it was Pat Riley that said "I would pick MJ to take the shot to win a game but I'd take Bird to take the shot to save my life."

[@packman5906]

Over a career? He's played 9 seasons. Bird played 14? And Curry plays in the easy hands-off NBA. He'd get bitch-slapped and cry to his mommy back in the 80-90's! Guaranteed Jordan and Bird would make Curry wet his shorts right on the floor. NO BALLS in the NBA today. NONE.

[@anthonycarr719]

Larry Bird the best player ever

[@jdavfnln]

This guy was deadly ! just imagine if he would have actually chosen to take more threes throughout his career. The game was just so different back then but if larry bird played in this era with the high volume of three point attempts it would be interesting to see how many points he would average just off three point makes alone

[@jjs777fzr]

And if the three point rule was in effect for Pistol Pete his avg scoring would have been much higher. One game for ex they added the three point line using high tech and the his points were in the 70’s.

[@jakedooley5300]

@@jjs777fzr pistol Pete wasn't that good of a player, he isn't even a top 50 player of all time, modern players would destroy pistol Pete, especially the 80s and 90s era which were the strongest era's ever by far

[@jakedooley5300]

@@jjs777fzr pistol Pete didn't have any good competition, the players in his era sucked, that's why pistol Pete was able to do so well

[@zpacify]

@@jakedooley5300 That's faulty logic. If Pistol grew up today he would be moving like today's players and more. He was one of the game's innovators and his ballhandling was ahead of its time -- it's actually a precursor to how modern players dribble if you look at it. before him players dribbled a certain way. Of course if he was plucked out of the late 60s and 70s he wouldn't be as impressive but that's not logical. Without his vision and how he paved the way for modern players, moves and the dribbling style of today wouldn't be the same. He would be Steph-like today. Not saying he'll be Steph but the accuracy and ball-handling is similar. A scoring point guard with high accuracy and skill.

[@kylelaforest3486]

Larry said he never even practiced 3s. Then didn’t really value them in his era

[@jadentrez]

When the money was on the line, Bird just went to work.

[@mydogskips2]

Yeah, I wasn't sure he was going to do it, but those last two racks were clutch. How many did he make of his last ten shots, eight?

[@robertoamarillas]

Smartest and sharpest player to ever walk on a court

[@stuartperry8141]

Bill Russell was probably the smartest basketball player to ever play. That is why he was the coach of the Celtics his last two years.

[@v-town1980]

robertoamarillas yes, he had brains. Rare in the NBA.

[@TheSilverfox1234]

nah smartest is lebron sorry

[@jakedooley5300]

@@TheSilverfox1234 LeBron is not smart, he's an idiot when it comes to good play making, he's still a great player tho, he's definitely top 5

[@feliscorax]

@@TheSilverfox1234 Yeah, that’s right: he at least had the brains to be born at a time that allows him to play in what is probably the NBA’s weakest era. That’s some big brain action right there.

[@richardlaw2656]

Larry Bird the best basketball player I have ever seen in my life

[@jonathonbevers170]

Best clutch shooter of All-Time!!! Nobody I'd rather have the ball being down 2 or 3 with under 10 seconds to go than Larry Bird!!!

[@JD-zd8tm]

The theme from "Miami Vice" makes it all worthwhile

[@tommygalvin2733]

Classic Larry bird 😂 He put off the glass on purpose 😂😂

[@MrAitraining]

yeah lol and of course he does it with the 2 point ball.

[@Noles4life77]

Then he tries to rainbow in the last money ball 😂

[@DRTY3RD]

And did it all WITH THE SHOOTING JACKET ON...I mean come on now...(!)

[@ulipeterson6112]

a bank shot from that distance is really tough.

[@robinsinpost]

But, did he call it?

[@rickhoffman9536]

i quit watching nba when bird retired,best ever

[@staceyhorton228]

Rick Hoffman Me too!! Heart Soul & Class!!! Clutch player!!! Saw him so many times make people pay for not paying attention!! "Bird steals the ball" all-time favorite!!!

[@joabnyabuto6041]

Man u missing out a lot.

[@v-town1980]

joab nyabuto *you're...and no, they're not.

[@Wis_Dom]

A lot of white people did. LMAO!

[@TheSilverfox1234]

Conway Twitty hard to say that if you havent been watching hm?

[@patcantin9325]

He banked a shot in a 3 point contest... Just.. think about that for a second...

[@ratesforless]

Yeah, as a longtime Hawks fan, I know all too well about him hitting ridiculous left-handed shots in a playoff game; a Game 7 no less. I'm stopping right here to keep from banging my head against a desk...

[@JET1970]

If I'm building a franchise I'm starting with Larry Legend Bird

[@bradleylovej]

Every time. And then I'm following it up with Tim Duncan

[@JetEngine85]

My favorite small forward player of all time..

[@Skinnyd4]

Years ago, I was watching some talk show - I forget which one - and Reggie MIller was a guest. At this point in time, Larry Bird was the head coach of the Pacers and he was telling stories about what that was like. Well, as Reggie tells it, one day, they were at practice, and some of the youngsters challenged Larry to a shooting contest. Larry, I guess putting on his best yokel voice was all, "Okay, fellas. You go first." I guess the young guys did okay, and then the Coach goes up and proceeds to make them look absolutely silly. All this time, Reggie - himself one of the better long-range shooters - is sitting back and thinking to himself, "seriously, what did these fools think would happen?"

[@gosixers546]

I can picture Reggie saying that 😅 Sometimes youngsters need to get taught a lesson

[@spacepioneer4070]

He enjoys competition so, he handicapped himself with a warm up jacket to level the playing field. When you're a master at your craft, you tend to think of ideas that will entertain yourself. It's makes it fun when your lacking motivation, he always needs a challenge like, when he played an entire game scoring with his left hand. Why, because he could...

[@MozTheBoz]

Unfortunately with the amount of money that players are earning these days, you won' t see such quality of these kind nowadays.

[@dadillonful]

Oh stfu

[@spacepioneer4070]

@@dadillonful To whom?

[@iggypopisgod9]

it was more intimidating than a handicap

[@westies1962]

He palyed part of a game left handed against Portland back in 1986.

[@Boulderpits]

Miami Vice theme playing....God I miss the 80's

[@60NXNP09]

Boulderpits There will never be a decade like the 80's

[@depaola63]

I am coming up on 55 in May and yes indeed, THE 80'S were a WILD, SUPER TIME in all sports !!

[@dantesoriano8070]

Be thankful.. coz ur stil breath the air of millineals

[@vintagemxer9165]

Jan Hammer composer and pioneer of the minimoog synthesizer and one of the top fusion keyboard players from the 70s. Mahavishnu Orchestra one of the more notable groups he was affiliated with. Known for his sound as heard here too.

[@v-town1980]

Boulderpits me too. The last great decade, especially as a kid.

[@gsadventures678]

Bird... the best ever!

[@quasar4601]

Jordan is but Bird is in the top 5.

[@stevebrookshire7230]

@@quasar4601 one quote sums it all up "Jordon for the game bird for my life"

[@quasar4601]

@@stevebrookshire7230 , Neither one was a nice guy. Magic was the nicer human being

[@stevebrookshire7230]

@@quasar4601 what's being nice got to do it. I would take the word of one of the greatest coaches in history over a recliner chair fan any day

[@avasavage7444]

One thing is for sure: He was the best Trash Talker in NBA history

[@ugie8851]

haha that bank shot / off the glass shot is just adding salt to the wound

[@jace2802]

The broadcasting look of the 80s and 90s is relaxing to look at. Idk why modern broadcasting is very load and bright now. Something very calming about the old designs

[@7thSmurf]

BIRD swishin those 3s like a machine , MAN !!.. dayum..

[@srdargo1488]

What's so amazing is that in the last 2 he handicapped himself. Chose the opposite court from where he was on fire and added a warm up jacket. Then started banking in stuff. Epic legend. Hard to compare eras but his name is secure as an all time great.

[@brandonadams1783]

Larry Bird is better than Everybody in nba today.

[@josearalat]

Great comment!!!!

[@marcusmoss8393]

Brandan Adams How to tie-dye

[@wesleyhempoli5548]

Brandan Adams, It's true, but capitalizing "everybody" was totally unnecessary.

[@dner75-xh9le]

Without a doubt. Shit, Queen LeBron would have already tried to sue him for bullying.

[@JonSmith-hk1bq]

Bird was built for today's game.

[@DrewRandIsCool]

Deadliest shooter of the 80’s

[@jeffhartwig5283]

Lakers fan here.. (at least before labum) Larry Bird was a thorn in the Lakers side back in the day, sure miss him now though. Sure Miss 80’s basketball 🏀

[@richardcurro3669]

I'd give anything to have the NBA be like the 1980s

[@michaelivey1087]

Its really sad to see what has become of that league!!! Sad and pat

[@tacocruiser4238]

The NBA of the 80s was littered with plumbers and car salesmen. How do you think Jordan was able to physically dominate and put up such insane numbers so easily?

[@TheWitchOvAgnesi]

That can be (and is) said about any pro sport today - hockey, football, baseball...

[@jessebusby7685]

@@tacocruiser4238 yeah you couldve beat larry bird...wtf you even talkin about?

[@johnkoziol5756]

The eighties was a terrific era for NBA basketball, to be sure! By the way, I like your comment so I'm giving it a "thumb's up".

[@ultrustic]

The great story about this was Larry Bird would walked in to that 3rd contest in the locker room, looked around the room at everybody and then asked...."so who's going to finish second?". Classic Larry Bird!

[@supergerardo97]

You're amazing 4 this recopilation, i recognize The Hard work to find this

[@Joepo76]

The way he pointed in the air before the final shot went in was vintage Bird. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he missed a few on purpose just to give his opponent hope, then crush it.. LOL

[@BBQPitmaster626]

That’s exactly what he did

[@garymaccagnone3669]

Bird had the sweetest jump shot in history.

[@Mavericks411991]

That would be Dirk

[@NobleVagabond2552]

@@Mavericks411991 mavs profile pic so ur biased therefore L

[@imagine1st381]

the way he shoot 3s look so efforless

[@Magenta61364]

Thank you so much for putting all three years together!

[@coconutz870]

The Miami Vice theme song playing in the background as Hodges shoots! Love the 80’s💥

[@patrickslingo1811]

I love how he is good enough to shoot and count his score at the same time

[@rafaelromerogarcia7320]

The mf made a glass color three on purpose come on man this is ridiculous

[@drummer8491]

That was absurd. I really don't know who was more confident between him kobe and MJ

[@rafaelromerogarcia7320]

@@drummer8491 MJ and Kobe were relentless, but I'm going with Bird in terms of confidence when shooting.

[@richmondxavieriringan7491]

@@drummer8491 bird would literally tell his defenders where he would shoot his shots and sometimes even for game winning shots

[@thepunditspundit1776]

@@richmondxavieriringan7491 Hell, he did it in finals games NUMEROUS times

[@WiseOnion]

what do you mean glass color three?

[@jamesbartee6184]

Larry Bird has limitless range on HOF

[@hydrofreeze_2254]

Lmao 2:44 Suns out guns out

[@jaysharp789]

He needed to make the last 3 shots to win in 88', and sure enough he made all 3. That's Larry Bird. Even if he was having an off night, he'd always make the ones he needed in the end

[@jp3813]

12:20 Notice how quickly he threw up the first two shots of the last rack and then slowed down on the last three. It's as if he missed on purpose to make the ending more dramatic.

[@jonathan_resort4096]

jp3813 or maybe he had time left and he needed to take his time while he shot ur so dumb man no one would do that for the win if u have time left u take it slowly and steady to secure the win man ur dumb

[@vinrusso821]

How about the money ball off the glass, that was too chilly.

[@housesports000]

jp3813 he could have

[@claude8604]

because exiting win

[@edmundtam4155]

That’s always been the story .... that he missed some on purpose....I don’t believe that but jeez the guy in his prime was simply the best....

[@dvdgway]

I could watch this 1000 times, and I will still smile at 12:29 every damn time and laugh to myself about how cocky, arrogant and amazing Larry Bird truly was.

[@OnTheBusPodcast]

Larry Legend! Avg 30 ppg in 86! He would have destroyed the competition today. No space for a competitor and player like him in the league anymore.

[@sirmi9868]

Easily 40 on todays

[@gunman9131]

If the GOAT Larry Bird plays today, he would drop 45 pts every night.

[@WillWigg]

Larry would kill it in todays game

[@sylpascale7673]

Bird as good as anyone all time, moved really well for 6'9".

[@jeffreybraganaza2671]

"he knew it,when he let it go" CLUTCH Bigtime!

[@patricksimmons9853]

Bird was the most clutch player ever...ever.

[@chrismarciatetisindles5876]

Bird had ice water in his veins. Loved growing up watching him and Magic go at it.

[@JulioLeonFandinho]

I like the perfect form of Schrempf shooting, just beautiful

[@feliscorax]

Really? He looks like a newborn horse to me: clumsy AF.

[@msmith5121]

Evidently the commentator can't count very well...Larry made 11 in a row in the first competition. Just amazing!

[@powerboatguy2308]

People point out that there are better 3 point shooters with Curry, Thompson, etc. but the 3 point shot was just part of Bird's arsenal. He could post up, he could pass, he could play D, he could rebound and understood the chemistry of the game. If he were playing in this era he would light it up when you consider he is a quicker, taller and better version of Luka and he does not have to worry about being grabbed and hand checked.

[@Syn_RODA]

Спасибо вам за заливки. Смотрел Берда и Джордана в 90 и конечно же ровнялись на них в этой замечательной игре. Всем счастья и добра! Слава РОДУ!

[@sensei_junior]

22 point without one rack that full with money ball......damn....

[@gw2102]

Admar J. Junior Would have made it 26 in todays game

[@adrct]

I suppose he's thinking that 3-pointers are a much bigger part of today's game, so players practice these shots much more these days. If Bird played nowadays, he'd also practice more than he did at his time and, as a result, would be even better. It makes sense.

[@user-lq7ti7sv7m]

Admar J. Junior thdhkk

[@grammarpoleece4496]

grammar, use it.

[@lewisburton1852]

Admar J. Junior translation please, anyone?

[@jdefeo9841]

IN 88, Bird wins with his jacket on..the best..

[@ryusenkohon9596]

yes.its the birdie style

[@Calbenmike]

1987 too.

[@healthyone100]

yeah i noticed that!

[@luminoussun]

A true champion thrives under pressure

[@DonBJ21]

LARRY LEGEND 👏🏾

[@sanjindragoljic2990]

bird was sick from the 3 point line ..

[@LuisRdzG10]

Hodges was stepping the 3pt line everytime

[@gsadventures678]

BIRD = simply the best!

[@WPGinterceptor460Interceptor]

12:29 already has his finger up and knows he sunk the winning ball before it even sinks!

[@coreycochran1]

He did that on purpose for drama and suspense lol and you cannot convince me otherwise.

[@gkm072159]

Exactly. The same way Gene Sarazen used to hit the ball in the green side bunker just to show everyone how good he was at getting out to save par.

[@jjl9364]

the smoothest ever..seriously

[@rickc16]

gotta love the finger in the air before the ball went in! hell yeah!

[@JamesBond-uz2dm]

Larry bird was savage.

[@Soxruleyanksdrool]

I loved the NBA during the 80s. Looking back, the shorts were too short, but at least no one was bustin' a sag.

[@louieherera5]

I will take Larry Bird anytime, with the score tie in the last second, over Curry, Thompson, Miller, Kerr and Ray Allen

[@larrylindgren9484]

Bird really wasn't a great shooter. But he would got hot for a stretch which would bury you. The one thing he had shooting wise the he needed it, it always seemed to go in. He was money. 36% from 3? Not that good really. But when he made one it would quickly become 6 or 7 in a row. If I could take any rookie starting a team it would be him. His teams won out of the box. MJ spend 8 years figuring out there were 4 other guys on the court that were on his side. Bird knew that day 1. Bird made players better around him. They knew if they got open on their spot Bird would pass them the ball. MJ passed the ball if you had a hoop on your shirt. They were two different players.

[@swmita]

@@larrylindgren9484 I know it's a different sport but Bobby Orr had they same effect on his team mates making them better so to speak; really would Phil Esposito have score 76 goals without Orr? People forget that was the record Gretzky broke. In getting back to Larry Bird you wrote; "MJ spend 8 years figuring out there were 4 other guys on the court that were on his side. Bird knew that day 1. Bird made players better around him. They knew if they got open on their spot Bird would pass them the ball". In sum It exemplifies that Larry Bird was much more than a shooter he was a team player from the get go.

[@swmita]

@C man maybe Larry Lindgren's stats are off but he makes a good point about Bird being a team player; he had an awareness of everybody on that court. It seems he involved everybody on the team, one way or the other; from stealing the ball, passing the ball, and yes, playing defense too. If I am not mistaken MJ didn't worked on his defense as hard as he could have until after he had already been in the league for awhile. There are interviews out there where he talks about that. Was Larry Bird faster, stronger and the best shooter in the league? Even if the answer is no, you knew when he was on the court his teams would win, and in large part because Bird was in the game and had a great sense of awareness where everybody would be. There are athletes in different sports where they talk about that sense of awareness that makes them stand out. With Bird I am sure in his mind everything was in slow motion and could visualize where the players from both teams would position themselves as the game was in play in real time. Anyway just my opinion.

[@eprjct]

Bird is a great shooter in his era, but Curry is the guy that actually put 3-point line into shame!

[@alanshellykoshy112]

@@eprjct but he cant male any clutch shots...he almost always chokes..you know it before he even takes the shot...kyrie jordan bird kobe are the real ballers in that department

[@obiwon7650]

back then that was real shooting I'm in the three-point line was even further back

[@jpecci4832]

yes -- I could be mistaken, but didnt they move it in about 3" after the Bird/Johnson era or so.

[@Dueville7777]

"Steph Curry? never heard of her" -Larry Bird

[@timelesscoaching]

If I've said it once, I've said it a million times kids. They hardly practiced threes back then. If Larry spent half the time they do today, his scores would have been crazy.

[@DrJackJeckyl]

Bird and Shrimp... sounds like a nice lunch...

[@rafikz77]

DrJackJeckyl lol

[@kasimeralexander8069]

I can't believe that didn't cross my mind

[@andrewcorveau2724]

😂😂😂

[@stevenvaldez3520]

DrJackJeckyl I believe its Detlef Schrempf. It’s been a long time. Its been said many times over but Bird and Magic saved the NBA!

[@supercededman]

He was a proud Celtics player. Wanted more Irish green on show. It's obvious ;-)

[@smittyboy13]

One of a kind. They broke the mold

[@alexander_vetrov]

*_Greatest 3 point NBA... Larry._*

[@unclejuniorsoprano]

WHAT BIRD LACKED IN NATURAL TALENT HE MADE UP THROUGH HARD WORK & COMMITMENT. HE PRACTICED VERY, VERY HARD BETWEEN GAMES & EVEN DURING HIS LEISURE DURING THE OFF SEASONS.

[@bradleyhudgins1005]

That's just crazy... Seriously.... He averaged doggone near 30 pts a game in his prime.... And even after hurting his back, and Achilles tendons, he still put up 20 plus a game in the last year's of his career... I love magic Johnson... But he was guarding Larry in that key game 4 in LA... A fade away shot put Boston up with that shot for good in a HUGE road win in the 84 NBA Finals series... Ask Xavier Mc Daniel if he was guarding Larry on his game winner... Plus many, many other guys... Many.... Only Robert Horry is above LarryMJ in hitting huge late game shots.....

[@JunglistBass]

The most competitive and driven player bar mj

[@scottipippen6554]

I don`t get this "best ever"-talk either. Most players in the NBA are highly competitive. I guy like John Stockton played 20 years in the league, he wasn`t there by accident, he probably worked his ass off every single day in the gym. But he is just one of many, many others..

[@jp3813]

+jso19801980 Because MJ is the type to cheat against an old lady in a game of cards just to win. His competitiveness stretches beyond basketball. It's practically a sickness, hence the gambling issues.

[@justafanintexas7913]

jp3813 It got his father killed - the gambling.

[@simonetanzi5103]

justafanintexas wasn't it an armed robbery on the road gone wrong?

[@frankromeo3351]

They should have these again, and the slam-dunk competition too.

[@johnc9711]

Larry Bird was the ultimate team player and leader. He could've scored many more points in his career, but being a team player, winning games with his fellow teammates was much more important than just gaudy individual stats. Great passer, ball handler, rebounder, team player. His stats as a team player (rebounds, points, assists) are virtually unmatched. He really was a treat to watch, and he relied on his basketball skills rather than raw athleticism, much like Magic Johnson (another fantastic all around player). If you get a chance, watch the '86 Celts on youtube vids. Possibly the best team ball ever played, led by Bird. They actually had two fabulous distributors of the ball in '86 with Bird and the big red head, Bill Walton. Other Celtic greats on that team included DJ Johnson, Kevin McHale, Danny Ainge, and Robert Parish.

[@fatchance3897]

Marietta, Ga it was a summer league thing with Larry coaching the Pacers rookies. The team was gathered around him and an elderly black lady pushes her way in front of Bird and begins talking to him. All of his focus goes directly to her and they have a chat. He couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating to the lady despite the situation. smiling joking as if they were at a party. He didn't know her but treated her like a special person in his life. I admired him as a player, but I admired him more as the person he was

[@dabbydabby6484]

made it look simple

[@ChadtheHammer]

I like the All Star Weekend back in those days.

[@bay4783]

The true 'NATURAL'. Effortless!

[@jamiethomas5782]

And if it wasn't for bone spurs in both feet in "89", and a bad back in "90" that plagued him the last 3 years of his career, he'd have won the first 6 or 7, 3pt contest

[@CAVlogs121]

My dream all time starting 5: PG-magic SG-MJ SF-Bird PF-Karl Malone C-Wilt Chamberlain Scary that 4 of them were on the 1992 dream team.

[@sirmi9868]

Change karl for Barkley and im in

[@Freerydah73]

Olajuwon instead of Malone. Shaq instead of Wilt.

[@danielbass2895]

Agreed Olajuwon over Malone...but Russell (10 rings baby!) over Wilt. Russell blocks the shot, snatches it out of the air, feeds Magic on the break with Bird on the wing and MJ driving to the hoop as his options, Olajuwon coming up fast to rebound any misses...GAME OVER

[@nicolaszyx3120]

Chris And Amanda they are impossible to beat

[@danielbass2895]

And coming in off the bench? How about Stockton, McHale, Pippen, Dr J, Isiah, wow so many choices...

[@Aticus1986]

That Miami Vice theme

[@mwelle1]

The "Miami Vice" background music enhances this 3-point shootout...I wonder if it affected the players rhythm or accuracy.

[@pilgrimhere652]

Im a all time Larry Bird Fan, Is there a player Michael Jordan knew that can hurt his team, he was Larry Bird.I loved the 80's NBA.

[@classicsurvivor]

His game was all centered around shooting. His ability to be such a prolific shooter made defenders always have to keep an eye on him. It left payers open for the assist.

[@philipatoz]

Larry was greatly helped by his minimal foot movement - barely leaving the ground - and his smooth, fluid motion. Rapidly firing from a jumpshot is much more difficult and time-consuming - as it is harder to correctly set one's feet and to consistently stay in sync with the upper body coordination. Now, that jump shot is harder to block - but this contest is a different beast!

[@patricksimmons9853]

Loving the Miami Vice theme in background

[@davidholcomb7897]

Wins it in dramatic fashion and sticks the finger up in the air, number 1.