IS HE LEGEND? "30 Straight Minutes Of The SAVAGEST x FUNNIEST Larry Bird Stories" | REACTION

[@conradoperdiguerra7242]

Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are true legends. Both of them showed how the game should be played. They are both multidimensional players.

[@Blackredneck556]

They saved basketball both are legends down to the core

[@DuaneAllman-j1q]

Not to mention those 2 saved the NBA.

[@paul-u2y9y]

I love DR.J,S quote , "Larry was always in the right place at the right time doing the right thing "

[@gailshepard-cook6350]

I Did. Also Barkley Said Something Like; The Reason Bird Couldn't Jump Real High & Stuff, Was God's Way Of Keeping It Fair. ha ha ha

[@highviewbarbell]

Meanwhile there's plenty of shots of Larry going coast to coast, and doing stuff like launching from one post and laying up under the other side of the basket mid air, he clearly had hops

[@michaelmaas5544]

He was far more athletic than he ever got credited for

[@tattoodude8946]

People only remember post back injury Larry. I have to admit - I was one of them. It was part of the reason I never understood the hype around him. Then I started watching older games (I started watching b-ball because of this guy named Jordan...) - Then I found out - nobody had anything on pre '87 Bird - NOBODY!

[@profanepersonality]

Bird's vertical jump and leap are average for today's NBA. 28" vertical jump and 71" vertical leap. The exact same as "The Mailman" Karl Malone. Nobody says Karl couldn't jump. 28" vertical jump is above average for the average male, so how that equates to not having any hops, I will never understand. The only thing I think keeps it going is people remember Bird after his back injury more than before it. 🤷‍♂️

[@gailshepard-cook6350]

@@profanepersonality Yes I agree. Also Bird Wasn't Into Slam-Dunking; But He Didn't Need Too.

[@Prozak63]

I think the oldheads like myself hold Bird in such high regard because he, along with Magic, literally saved the NBA...

[@SingleTrackMined]

I'm 67, saw all Larry's games, saving the NBA was nice but he is held in high regard because of his greatness on the court. My all-time #1 pick if I'm starting a team ----> Larry Legend.

[@Prozak63]

@@SingleTrackMined I certainly can't argue that...

[@SingleTrackMined]

@@Prozak63 Wasn't he something? Bird was the greatest, imo. Now watch for my hometown hero, Cooper Flagg at Duke next year. Best high schooler in many a year.

[@PrinceAmac]

Yes they did

[@ApocalypseNowWithEli]

Interesting take. They definitely kept it from drowning keeping the NBAs head above water until Mike showed up and blew the lid off the league.

[@dedrahiggins1326]

People can have all the GOATs they want but there is only one Legend.

[@JET1970]

The LEGENDARY GOAT is Bird

[@TheStickinator]

​@@JET1970Fact Check ✅️ TRUE

[@sitarnut]

Well said! Truth!

[@stuartdamon3610]

No player had a better killer instinct, and the ability to carry it out. As a Lakers fan I hated him.

[@grouchyoleguy]

One of the greatest Lakers to ever play (Magic) admired Birds talent an admitted Bird was only player he was afraid of on the court ​@@stuartdamon3610

[@richardpare3538]

Larry was unlike any other player ever. Guys like Jordan would make you look slow, but Larry would make you look stupid.

[@Matt_BD]

This is coming from a huge bird fan. MJ made you look slow and stupid.

[@jameylebel]

I loved Larry Bird because of his love of the game. Larry is the purest form of a man who played from his heart. There was nothing else but bball. It wasn’t about the money, the fame, the contracts and shoes….just the game… Annnnd…he’s the GOAT

[@muzikizfun]

He was the "natural" of basketball!

[@aramhamparian9641]

I saw Bird play at Madison Square Garden and the old Boston Garden. And the one thing that sticks out in my mind (aside from his phenomenal shooting) was his passing. He would make a pass so incredible, that the entire arena would give out a collective, unified gasp of astonishment. Damn, I miss watching him play along with watching the entire 1980's of NBA basketball...

[@larrytoole1476]

I am 68 years old and have followed him since he was a college player and his name was called out more than any man on the basketball court, because of his abilities to do so much on the basketball court

[@michaelnicholas7746]

He got his ass whipped by Magic Johnson 3 times. Don’t forget that part.

[@suefoss3396]

​. Your point?

[@Matt_BD]

@@michaelnicholas7746Don’t forget about what Pat Riley said “ if I had to choose a player to save a game I’m choosing Michael Jordan if I had to choose a player to save my life I’m choosing Larry Bird.”

[@phillipgregory9671]

​@@michaelnicholas7746and Larry beat his ass

[@Matt_BD]

@@michaelnicholas7746 FYI, it wasn’t just Magic…don’t forget about Kareem. Robert Parish was a great center, but not even close to the level of Kareem. Don’t forget about Lenny Bias too!

[@terranceakerson3480]

Larry had more heart than any player ever. He left it on the court every night. That’s why Larry is the GOAT.

[@quinnlafleur6533]

I think if you take into account that everything MJ had to fight through and he did - you might think differently about “heart”. I have never seen a more intense player, more focus, and sheer drive to achieve than Mike.

[@sircliffordmalcolmjac5870]

​@quinnlafleur6533 you should probably find out how larry bird had it too before you start sayin stuff about HIS heart bud!! At least Jordan had some strong role models for a long time!! A LONG time!!

[@terrancemitchell3420]

That is the gold plated truth. Nobody before or since even comes close.

[@westtxmutt]

​@quinnlafleur6533 Bird was a team player as MJ tended to keep the ball more to himself. That's why Bird is the GOAT over MJ

[@xbot2k189]

Isaiah Thomas said, paraphrasing, if he, Magic, Bird or MJ were in a room with only one man making it out, it would be Bird. … It was a testament to his toughness and even his peers recognized that.

[@jeffsukut2148]

Larry, Magic and Michael saved the game of basketball. The 80's were the greatest round ball Era of all time.

[@Tmiscia]

People often forget abt that 84 draft not only was jordan there u had barkley olajuwan and john stockton

[@RIbigDave]

I think that Jordan is the best player ever but he didn't have anything to do with saving the NBA by the time he came along the NBA was a massive draw as opposed to right before Larry and magic when they were showing their playoff games on tape delay

[@summerblitz3635]

Magic and Bird changed the game by their own skills and the way they play. The Celtic Lakers Rivalry kinda helps a little. While Jordan was choosen by the NBA to be their sucessor to keep the fans hooked up, and the big sponsorship coming, money was pouring. What i was trying to say is, Magic Bird legendary status created by themself, while Jordan status was created by the NBA. Not saying jordan not great, but without NBA overhyping him, he’s just as great as Hakeem, Kareem, etc.

[@brentcoggin8580]

The main reason i loved watching bird, his team first play. First 3 quarters he was giving his teammates the opportunity to make buckets. Not long ago he explained why, he said the difference in pay between averaging 14 and 17 points a game was huge so if he could get his teammates more money they would play harder and practice harder. We all knew in the 4th quarter he was going to take over the game and carry his team. Sometimes his teammates would tell him it's time for you to take over.

[@CaliMishell]

I went to a bunch of games during that time period. Larry was a phenom. His shooting, shit talking and passing games were beyond reproach. He was definitely The Legend!

[@CTB727]

Growing up in the Atlanta area, Dominique Wilkins is the player that got me into watching basketball. Larry Bird constantly made us look ridiculous. Much respect.

[@stevenharmon12]

I feel you bro. I to am an Atlanta Hawks fan. Wasn’t a fan of the Celtics, but was a fan of Bird and several other Celtics players.

[@bracefrederick5525]

The human highlight reel was badass

[@davidholcomb70]

You are so right,Atlanta born & Raised !

[@malcolmt7883]

WIlkins looked like he was angry at the rim.

[@mikemitton6447]

Larry Legend was the full package: Offense, Defense, Passion for the Game, Etc.

[@MarionKerley]

In my humble opinion, Larry Bird is the smartest and most complete basketball player that has ever lived.

[@paulbrown8843]

It's not all that humble. You are just saying the truth. And one of the greatest to play the game agrees with you and his name is Jerry West.

[@dansgroi1472]

It's very hard to disprove. 😂

[@marylynnedix5991]

Ditto

[@johndardi1334]

Yes I have said that for years. Nobody understands the game of basketball and how to win basketball games more than Larry Bird….PERIOD

[@georgejackson4426]

I know first hand how savage Larry Bird can be. My grandparents had season tickets for The Houston Rockets at the old Summit. Larry Bird was smoking Hakeem the Dream and I dropped multiple four letter words and my grandfather called him a 3 letter word that starts with an F. Larry Bird looked us right in the eye drained a 3 then blew us kisses. I laughed but my grandfather got so pissed he turned bright red and had to take a nitro pill.

[@Sunny-jz3dy]

😂😂😂

[@cindyknudson2715]

😲🤣

[@johnwhan7288]

ROFL🤣

[@FinnSwede906]

This! Is my new favorite Bird 🗑️ talking story 😂 ☠️

[@mikefuchs-sb8pv]

awesome, Bird trashes opposing teams grandpa's in the stands! perfect Larry Legend story lmao!

[@Katmundu]

Anyone who thinks Bird is overrated, never saw him play.

[@robertovichm1129]

I did, many times...Bird lit up the old Boston Garden & was a. All time great !!

[@JerryDanley-jv8uh]

White boy could play.

[@jimsibley1651]

And never watched all the video compilations, both the videos and the first-hand stories of his teammates and opponents. When the hall of famers who played with and against a guy say he was incredible, anyone saying he was overrated is just in denial and making himself look foolish.

[@terrancemitchell3420]

Amen brother. Being a Lakers fan I hated Bird, but Larry is easily the "goat".

[@stevendeveau6155]

Exactly! I went to many games at the Garden in the 80s

[@Mark-r2r9k]

GOAT=Larry Bird!

[@RitaSueYoung-zx2me]

My dad was a Celtics fan so l watched Larry Bird alot. He was the only reason l watched basketball. I watch any Bird highlights. Love Larry Legend!!

[@gerryrice4848]

🙂🙂

[@alang8850]

Story: once Larry bird was Lighting up the jazz and he tells the coach don’t you have anyone that can guard me. And the coach looked down the bench and said no. One game when he was tired of a long road trip he shot left handed for at least 3 quarters There was. Video discussing all his broken bones, eye injuries back injustices and he never made an excuse. The last year he played he could have exercised a several million dollar option and refused to since his back would not let him play. Lastly when you hear him talking about today’s game he is full of respect and says how good the players are. This is a different kind of person. I wish he would do some tv work

[@stevevogel6762]

He was even better then they saying. He grew up playing with older black guys at a local business that had a court. And they loved him and made him tough. He tells the story about those guys. He was undefeated at Indiana State and took 32-0 team to final where they were beat by magic, worthy, Vincent, and other good player. But there is no one ever that could of taken that team to the brink.

[@sandyleewhite]

Grew up watching basketball with my Dad, and Larry Bird was our ultimate favorite player....What my Dad used to say used to say, about Larry's game, is that it reminded him of someone, who wasn't only playing basketball, but also, volleyball, dodgeball, football, baseball, soccer, & strategic chess, all at the same time, & what made him so great 😊He certainly was one of the most unique & gifted players, I ever watched! Thanks!

[@mikedimonte9745]

I’m from Boston I was born in the 60s I was 18 and 1981 when he won his first championship I was at game six 1986 championships when they won the title in Boston against Houston. I’ve seen Larry Bird live so many times he’s unlike any player you have ever seen all cream about Luka Dončić Larry Bird is 10 times better than Luca so if you think he’s great, Larry Bird is the greatest ever.

[@joemarshall4226]

Jokic is a lot like him.

[@Wassup_Guy]

Same here - family shared season tickets and i was at just about every home playoff game in the 80's. Bird was just different and controlled the game no matter the opponent. Those Celtics 3rd quarters led by Bird were just incredible. There will never be another Bird. Those days you could walk down to the court during warm ups and hand out watching. Game today is no where near as physical... players used to be built different for sure

[@SingleTrackMined]

@@Wassup_Guy I used to say to my buddy when the score was close at halftime "Anyone can stay with us for a half" and then that 3rd quarter...still get chills.

[@FinnSwede906]

Every time there's a breakout white player they immediately start the Bird comparisons. After Larry there is Dirk and that's really about it. Edit: Not to say there aren't other great white players, just that Dirk is the only one who should even be considered for comparing.

[@joemarshall4226]

@@FinnSwede906 and Jokic, of course

[@ebenclukey7293]

I love Larry because as a teenager I felt like the luckiest kin in the world. My step father was the manager of a Massachusetts company called Eastern Canvas. It would later be called EastPak. The owner of the company had season tickets to the Celtics and rarely used them. He offered them to my step dad who had no interest in basketball, but gave them to my older brother and me. We sat in row three, courtside. One row behind us within arms reach was the Celtics owner Red Aurback. We could smell his cigar smoke. We knew we were watching something special. We still talk about it to this day. The C's looked more like factory workers than athletes. But when they took the floor they played like the Harlem Globetrotters. Those games with Larry and the boys are to this day some of the most cherished moments of my life.

[@terrenceolivido741]

yeah, the Boston Garden ! i was selling pretzels on the street there when Aureback drafted Larry - one year early! i was the same as Maxwell - sh*t , another great white hope ! sure to be sh*t . I love Maxwell for saying " you could say the black players were racist ... " well Cornbread i am white and i had the same idea!

[@crazytalk4340]

Nice story!

[@marylynnedix5991]

You are one lucky guy. What you and your brother witnessed will never happen again.

[@TheGregorye83]

We love Larry because he’s the best power forward to ever play the game! Best competitor and best trash talker ever!

[@joebloe8994]

HE ISNT A POWER FORWARD WHATSOEVER, .. SO YOU MIGHT WANT TO STFU

[@kennwashi4093]

I was a sophomore in high school back in '86, not knowing anything about basketball, I was into baseball/card collecting and Pete Rose was my favorite athlete. One day at school, a freshman came in and showed off his MJ rookie card, which got me hooked on basketball card collecting, and I wanted to see who Micael Jordan was. Believe it or not, the very first NBA game I watched was game 2 of the '86 playoffs between Boston and Chicago when MJ scored 63 points. I thought MJ was great but the Celtics eliminated the Bulls (3-0) and advanced to win the Championship, and on top of that, Bird won his 3rd straight MVP award that year. It was, at this time, that Larry Bird became my favorite athlete of any sport. One year later, I found that his hometown (French Lick) was only 46 miles from mine, which made it even more special. As for the GOAT debate, IMO, Larry is the GOAT. MJ is the greatest individual player, and I have him #2 on my list, but basketball is a team sport and Larry was a better team player. Throughout Bird's career, he made his teammates better without intimidation tactics, which the players enjoyed and wanted to play with him. MJ's motivational tactics were more like a drill sergeant training soldiers at boot camp, the 'getting in your face and do what I tell you to do' tactic, I respect that but to a certain degree. MJ was often tested by his teammates in practices, and out of frustration and aggression, MJ punched two of his teammates during these times. As a leader it was unprofessional, and as the greatest player in the world, he should've found a better way around the situation rather than resorting to physical abuse. Because of these tactics, not all of MJ's teammates liked playing with him, ask Scottie, Horace, and Luke. It's for this reason I have Bird at #1

[@HarveyRice-jr2vl]

Very well said love your take and it`s real

[@kennwashi4093]

@@HarveyRice-jr2vl Thank you, friend, but I was probably too harsh on MJ.

[@mikefuchs-sb8pv]

​@@kennwashi4093not at all, in Bird's day MJ was looked at as a flashy and great individual player, but not a winner- as Isiah Thomas put it, in the 1980's he was a non factor, never won, not till Bird and Magic were and then they changed the rules to make it easier for the smaller MJ to flourish...to his credit he got better and better..

[@davec3651]

Cool analysis. Bird himself though would put Jordan as top. Jordan, and he would avoid picking himself, would probably say Kobe or Bird. If he's honest with it, he would say it's Bird. These two had extremely high respect for each other, even though they didn't really interact much.

[@chrish7336]

@@davec3651 MJ has claimed he did not want to see Bird on the other side. If he had a choice who to play against Bird would be at the bottom.

[@franceswitham8214]

Thank you for a wonderful video on a living Legend. I liked the unselfishness of Larry Bird. His passing ability was unbelievable, and he would give his teammates the ball over and over. He did not care who made the basket as long as his team made the basket. I wish more was said about jis ball handling abilities. I appreciate your honesty in your videos. God bless.

[@ColoradoGrami]

Excellent reaction. Having watched every Bird video or reaction I find, you're by far my favorite. Your opinions are based on reality without need for excuses. I was an adult during Birds reign, but I never liked basketball, so I was unaware of what I was missing. Still don't like basketball but I now am fascinated by Bird and his unbelievable talent. 😊

[@shag139]

People love Bird for same reason they love Kobe, MJ, and Magic: They hated losing and would do anything to win. They played hard, dove for balls, played hurt, didn’t flop, and sure as hell didn’t have game management.

[@xbot2k189]

Exactly, it’s about heart in the end

[@drummer8by2]

I went to Larry Bird retirement night Feb. 4th, 1993...he's my all around favorite player, with Magic as a very close second... A great era for Basketball...

[@dwaynedennis8086]

Absolutely! Listen When Larry Bird and Magic Entered the League, Guess What you Had to Go Through Boston In the East and the Lakers In the West for Their 1st 7 - 8 Years of their Careers! He was, They Were that Good!

[@USMC-1911]

I have watched many hours of Larry and I watched his whole career live when I could , mr hustle , never ever quit , not intimidated by anyone I wished he never got hurt we missed some good ball .

[@warrenhughes911]

Great reaction again.. Love it!! Larry Legend.

[@joannpurinton8236]

One of the greatest of all time.

[@raymondlangdon9637]

Larry was just different, plain & simple As Magic once said, "in our whole careers you only told me 1 lie. You said, someday there will be another Larry Bird. Well Larry, there will never be another Larry Bird." Magic was right No shade whatsoever to LeBron(he's phenomenal) but I'll take Larry over LeBron all day long. People don't always realize his toughness, how many hustle plays/extra possessions he'd get the C's, how clutch he was, he averaged double digit rebounds for an entire career, and how great of a team defender he was.

[@bakerfresh]

Their rivalry was great, and the story of him inviting him over to his parents for dinner/lunch was even better.

[@simmstac]

I’m a 62 year old women and I don’t even really like Basketball but I have watched every video about Bird min 5 times each. Just love watching him and all the player’s stories

[@TrggrWarning]

You should check out Jokic… I pretty much stopped watching Basketball since Jordan, Jokic brought me back.

[@DavidHendersonMusicChannel]

I moved to Boston in September 1979 to attend Berklee College of music. Need I say more. Bird instantly took over the entire city. Every bar in Boston had every game on the TV!! It was unbelievable!!! Larry Larry Larry!!!!!

[@Jondsmusic]

That's my alma mater as well!

[@jimmoore8951]

Got a feeling you might have met some legends at Berklee too

[@terrenceolivido741]

yeah, i was there in Boston. later became a percussionist - amateur but serious. over the years i have learned to respect and love the trained musicians who can read and play with anyone ! at the time i saw them as too mechanical. the hard thing is having both spontanaity and a plan ....

[@leoh1191]

I luv Larry cause he got that heart of a kid..where skin color doesn't matter.. He just wants to hoop.. And Larry is a beast

[@johnostrowski3402]

Simply, the best ever!

[@vicegrips188]

My dad was at the 89 finals game, I watched from home and couldn’t believe Wilkins power and aggression on his dunks. He became my favorite player once Larry retired. I got to meet Larry once at a Bruins game and he’s was very nice

[@Sunny-jz3dy]

Regardless of what they ever tried to throw at Bird... that man rose above it every single time & served anyone who underestimated him!!! Larry Legend!

[@philliptorrez5111]

Of course. Larry Legend. And True Legends i.e. Larry Bird will always stand the test of time/ basketball eras.

[@wishingb5859]

Grew up during the Bird years. Could never explain the excitement and electricity he and Magic brought to the game. It still feels exciting to think about it now.

[@iscariom]

Bird was a monster. Every time I watch his old reels, he's bringing the heat. Mad smack talk too.

[@stephenreiner1523]

I've seen Larry play at the Garden and when he came to the league and we started watching him, saying what, what, never seeing anyone playing like Larry did. That's when we started recording the Celtics and I was a Knicks fan, but we never saw anyone like Bird. You had to be there to really appreciate the time period.

[@FritzforSheriff]

I had the pleasure of seeing Larry Bird play in person. I can’t describe the way he controlled the game. He made everyone around him better. He was definitely the best overall competitor on the court.

[@amberburris5674]

The GOAT!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@eielson1978]

12:54 - He goes "Thanks a Lot"!! I love it!! Born 5 years after my brother, in 1955. My Big Brother cannot stand me. We had ONE TV in the 1960's. And if the Celtic's were on the tv he would look at me and say "You Better Sit Down and SHUT UP"!! At 68 years old I still Do Not Know What a Double Dribble IS!!!!!!!!! I Missed all of the Great 1960's Celtic's Games.

[@alexcastillo140]

Culture, I'm 55 years old. Grew up in Rhode Island. Larry was a natural coming into the NBA. Instant straight truth. Boy could just play....... Watched him play Atlanta in Providence..... Think it was '87 or '88 I remember saying wow! Be lost weight in the off season because he looked 15 to 20 lbs lighter when I saw him!!..... To bad be didn't take care of himself better ....... But homeboy was instant legend off the rip ....

[@davidplummer2473]

Bird did not "lack athleticism". To do the things he did required world-class athleticism. His balance, hand-eye coordination, were second to none and he could shoot and pass so well with his left hand that he was just this side of ambidextrous. If you can watch him on that steal in Game 5 of the '87 ECF against Detroit where he keeps in bounds with his heels in the air above the baseline and think he wasn't athletic, then you don't know what athleticism is. Because there is infinitely more to it than running fast and jumping high. Also, before he hurt his back, he had a 28" vertical and had pretty good speed for a guy his size.

[@mja4wp]

Larry is not know as Legend by a fluke....Larry Legend is a Bonafide Top 5 in nearly every long time NBA fan and NBA veteran's opinion. You keep doing Larry Bird content and your Channel will take off. Few NBA players have the mystique and staying power of White Jesus. Bird accomplished more in 10 seasons than is reasonable for a Hick from French Lick!

[@mja4wp]

Ummm...Bird is my favorite all time...he was the GOAT until Jordan did what he did after Bird retired...as of today, Jordan is the GOAT in my book....I like what Joker doing to the league...if he plays 6-10 more years and keeps doing what he did last year....he could be a top 5-10 all time easy and w/ a min of 4 rings and 2-3 more MVP's (Reg or Finals) he will be a top 5 mention for longer than most. Like Bird...hell never be forgotten and LOVED@jimgribble4169

[@davidburton1532]

This is a long video but if you're a Larry Bird fan you should watch it the statue of bailing at Indiana State Bill Walton tell some great stories about Larry it's just a classic Larry Bird piece I think if your fans this video they'll definitely like the Indiana State I don't know what's called it's definitely worth your your eye if you like Larry if you like Larry videos you'll definitely like this

[@davidburton1532]

I was doing talk to speech unveiling

[@kurtbrau3169]

And he did it all with injured feet

[@thinwolf4516]

Larry often said why you got that White boy guarding me? It cracked people up, including some of the black players.😊😮😢

[@paindilla1834]

I'm not a basketball fan but I grew up during the Bird era and saw some of these games. He is my GOAT for 1 reason.....HEART. My favorite players of any sport are the ones who left everything on the field or court. Points and championships are great but you must have honor and I integrity too for me to respect you.

[@Mainegirl79]

The reason I love Watching Larry bird is complex. First and foremost I love basketball and sports. Second of all is his ability to play through pain and the sheer hustle that he puts into every play every game every year that I watched him play. Third I admire how he handled growing up poor from a rural area and how he is loyal to his family to his friends. I admire how he handled magics diagnosis and how he handled that situation. I can relate to his story growing up in a family with 10 children in a very rural area playing all sports. Not having a phone not having a tv until I was maybe 10. My dad worked hard and my mum. He is very relatable to me. What he accomplished on and off the court still amazes me after all these years. I was a senior in high school the first time I saw him play. He will always be my favorite player. By the way I am still watching basketball today.

[@joemarshall4226]

When Larry played, reporters used to bug him sometimes about being the top player in a league that was predominantly African American, and he was white. He finally got fed up and said, "Listen, I told you guys, I DON'T SEE RACE." Then there was a pause and he looked around, frustrated...."Is there something wrong with that?" And he shut everyone up. LKarry is part Native American on both sides.....the trash talking and humor come from the Scottish and Irish sides, the ice water comes form the Indian side.

[@F1rstWorldNomaD]

Why I love Larry is because he is _the_ most inspirational person Ive ever seen. Its not even a contest. He played half his career with a broken back and all of his career with a fakked up shooting hand. Won his third MVP with that broken back, in the most stacked league we've ever seen. He literally broke his face, came back out and put up 17 points in the last quarter, with a concussion and double vision. He had double achilles surgery and still came back as one of the best players in the league. He made the allstar team every single year except 89 when he only played 6 games so, he basically _didnt_ play that season and he made the All-NBA 10 times out of 12 possible. *_He did this without painkillers, shots or sprays._* I wasnt even interested in Basketball, Im Swedish, our entire life is Hockey, we dont even have a national Basketball team. Seeing Larry (and Magic) made me a fan. I was absolutely stunned. What Larry did should not be humanly possible. To play on THAT level, against THAT opposition, with THOSE injuries and still being one of the best, if not _the_ best, players in the league? People still talk about MJ and Kobe playing through fever and flu, thats like a fart in space compared to what Larry did. I saw it with my own eyes and I still have a hard time believing it. Larry has probably saved my life, more than once. Ive been through alot, alot more than the vast majority of people ever have to deal with. And when thing got so bad it felt like it was impossible to overcome, I remembered Larry. Impossible to overcome is not a fakking excuse, you do it anyway. If Larry could do what he did, who the fakk am I to complain. Not that Larry had a worse life than I had. But what he did mustve been infinitely mote difficult as my issued was mostly a question of will power, which you _can_ muster up infinite amounts of if you just have the right mindset. Forcing yourself through physical pain like Larry did is way harder. And doing it and beating the best players on the planet is just fakking unthinkable. To me, Larry is the living, breathing proof that nothing is impossible and "mind over matter" is actually legit. No one has ever given me as much strenght to push through hardship like Larry has. He is the ultimate poster boy for never giving up.

[@Matt_BD]

I’m not questioning what you have been through at all, but not sure if you know that Larry grew up with an abusive alcoholic father who committed suicide while Larry was still in High School.

[@ChurchNietzsche]

If It Was ... ANY OTHER PLAYER ... a 'broken back' would have ended a career... not Bird. Hem just "Removed The Jumper" ... and lead his team (AND THE LEAGUE) for another DECADE!!

[@nonsuch]

The thing is, who else has compilation videos of them where Hall of Famers are talking about how they got schooled by them? I'll wait.

[@kellysmith3628]

I've been telling my nephew's how great Larry is,He is the biggest thing on Utube.They started with his ultimate mix tape it got so many great reactions they made 5more videos. Now people realize how great he was, and to play through injuries he had Larry was built different.His last 5yrs of his career he played with back pain no other athlete could have done and never took any pain meds.

[@shanetudorlopez4919]

Good point

[@MarkKolter-jj7eg]

I live up the road from Larry here in southern Indiana. Bird is the clutchest shooter and most complete player in the history of basketball

[@garthdrake3220]

I could watch Larry Bird for 30 months.

[@timrader1260]

😂 Bird was old when he was playing Jordan and still whooped his ass.

[@davidfaxon3336]

Don't forget he had hurt his back by that point too

[@soramirez5473]

i respect his game more than anyone else.. even Jordan.. I feel LIke bird played the game the correct way and played hard every single SECOND.. not that Jordan didnt do that as well, its jus that Jordan wasnt as quick minded as Bird, or tough down low or the shooter, or the team leader.. of course there are things that Mike IS and that bird is NOT.. but over all, i prefer B irds game more than any player in history..

[@heavin6586]

Thank you for your comments about giving respect where respect is due.... Great reaction to our GOAT!

[@duckydewer]

I did. Bird and Bill Russell. My favs all time.

[@JmacMAC]

Thanks for showing love to one and all of the greatest basketball players in history. Great video!

[@richhousereviews]

Can you do me a FREE favor? Subscribe to my new channel dedicated to JUST COMEDY! would you mind adding yourself to that channel also? youtube.com/ @richhousecomedy? si=PalG39KirwK4nwk-

[@chief5781]

My two cents. I'm 3 years younger than Larry and grew up in Peoria Illinois as a Bradley fan in the Missouri Valley conference with Indiana State where Bird played. So, we all knew then that Bird was a basketball prodigy back then, a 6-9 freak who scored from anywhere on the court. Nobody was like him even back then. Knowing that, there NO doubt he was going to light up the NBA when he got there. Particularly, in those days when there was a lack of emphasis on defense in the NBA. Thing is, like Mickey Mantle, Bird played hobbled with injuries even in his late 20's and still performed at a superstar level in the NBA. His trash talking was ancillary. He was so great because he worked his ass off as a teenager to perfect his shooting and passing skills and was 6-9 which overcame his lack of athleticism. He was first in the gym to practice and the last to leave.

[@gonoles56]

I played ball in Ft. Myers with Robert Jenkins who played at Bradley in those days. Dick Versace was the coach. They held Bird to 4 points in a game, though they still lost by a lot. Do you happen to remember Robert? He was one tough dude. Good defense. I'm sure he got under Bird's skin, the way he played.

[@marcoramirez580]

Larry Bird was the most fundamentally sound player I have ever seen. I've been watching basketball since '81. He was a cold blooded killer. And truthfully I don't think there is anyone that would be able to guard him. Even in today's NBA. No BS.......

[@terrenceolivido741]

Tim Duncan - god bless.

[@robinmahan8814]

Culture, right on! I love Bird.

[@kathysiedlecki6364]

I will watch Larry Joe Bird at ANYTIME and ANYWHERE!!!!!!!!!!!! I would watch Larry play basketball at any age because he can still make his shot today. CULTURE!!!!!!!!! Larry before a game two guy got lost and invited them in just to talk. Then said KC Jones said these guys are my friends and gave them drinks and popcorn. I did it.

[@romeoramos7148]

He is not overrated! Larry will always be a legend in NBA history!

[@sdog7847]

I'm 70 and was a university track coach and never watched much BBall. Bird was my Black mother in laws favorite player. But I didn't know much until no retired and seeing all these videos and reactions. The work ethic, the shooting skill, the passing skill, the psychological trash talking skill and backing it up. I oached for 50 years and I know when an athlete has ice water in their veins. But all these famous superstars and hall of famers that praise him. That tells the story about who he was. There is no on GOAT. There are mand GOATS for many different reasons. But, the Bird is one of the GOATS. No question.

[@dogsoldiertoo1099]

Mark Price and John Salley were inducted into the Georgia Tech Athletic Hall of Fame the same night my wife was inducted (also for basketball) in 1991. She was the first female to get a full athletic ride to GT.

[@warrenhughes911]

NICE..!! YOU GO GIRL

[@marykuettner752]

The Dream team against the college guys isn't recorded. There wasn't any media allowed in. There is footage of Bird hitting his face on the floor against the Pacers and returning to win the game. At that point Bird had spent the night in the hospital in traction to get his back ready to play. When he went down with the fractured cheekbone his teammate Parish thought that his career was over.

[@webtraveler4813]

Once a legend, always a legend.

[@leosag816]

I loved it start to finish. Legend!

[@jameslloyd-f4q]

He waa the best PLAYER, BEST COACH, and GENERAL MANAGER. He has rings, awards and accolades at every level. No other player can say that. No. Larry Bird is a LEGEND !!!!!

[@T_R_O_Y_McClure]

3 most important nba players ever, aka the real goats. Magic, larry, and mike. Magic and larry saved and built the league, and laid the tracks for mike to take it global.

[@davidfaxon3336]

Same thing I always say. Those two had to bring it back to the American forefront in order for MJ to be able to take it global. They were literally playing the games on tape delay in Magic and Bird's era.

[@ThatGuy-cb3yv]

I didn't just watch 30 min of Larry Bird, I lived it. From his college career through the pros. MJ23 was special but Bird was a force.

[@EricAntonsen-uz2tq]

Respect man. R.E.S.P.E.C.T. The colour of our skin doesn’t mean a thing.

[@sseltrek1a2b]

nope...it only matters what you bring with you...

[@EricAntonsen-uz2tq]

@@sseltrek1a2b Couldn't agree more man.

[@leoh1191]

I luved larry..but any of us old heads luved that whole generation of basketball..the lakers..the bulls..the pistons..the hawks etc.. It truly was the golden age

[@DrnkTheWildAir]

I used to work in French Lick. Saw Larry doing yard work a lot. 😂 Lil story: I remember when Larry was playing at Indiana State University …I was in High School in 1977, when this tragedy (info below) happened. R.I.P. to all killed in tragedy. Luckily, Larry didn’t play for Evansville, Indiana. Whole bball team killed, save one guy, out for injuries. Unfortunately, it was like Final Destination because, the player out with injuries and little brother were killed only 2 weeks later in car crash. info: The Air Indiana Flight 216 crash occurred on a cold evening in December 13, 1977, when a Douglas DC-3, registration N51071 carrying the University of Evansville basketball team, the Evansville Purple Aces, crashed on takeoff at the Evansville Regional Airport in Evansville, Indiana. No survivors.😢

[@muzikizfun]

I'm also a Hoosier from the Valparaiso area. I remember the tragic day the Aces passed away in that tragedy. Few people from outside of Indiana are aware of the importance of basketball in the state back before the 80s. I remember 1959. There was a blizzard going on, and there was a rival high school basketball game between 2 rural township high schools. There were nearly 2,000 people at the game. Nearly everybody from the neighboring townships showed up.

[@rg20322]

Dennis Johnson - he was one of the best and seriously tied to the hip of Larry Bird. They were such a great duo!! I miss Dennis since today we don't have someone like him, and I love Larry, and worked at the old Boston Garden in the early 80's. You have no idea what basketball was like in the 80's! Maxwell / McHale / Parish / Dennis / Ange/ the list goes on and man was that a great time for the NBA!!!! So many more as well.

[@rg20322]

The NBA exists today because of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. NO DOUBT!

[@tomhiggins875]

I saw Larry Bird play against Michael Jordan and the Bulls. Seconds after the end of a quarter Bird nonchalantly with his back to the basket, near the foul no look bounced the ball through his legs, Swish!

[@jujubeee7303]

I was here. Love the Vid!

[@APhiOGammaPi]

Hated Larry Bird because Celtics was always winning. But he is the favorite of my mother for being so great for playing basketball and though it was not always a live feed in television he makes everyone in our family jump in their seats while watching. I appreciate his play now and a huge fan of the legend. Thanks to his era, 80s basketball kept the game alive and to this day still is the most watched sports.

[@Jondsmusic]

At least your mother had great taste and commons sense!

[@LatrellSprewell15]

Been a Lakers fan for 40 years. Im 47. When people say a guy who won 3 mvps is overated I chalk it up to them using meth. And I hate Boston. I saw the Celtics play at the Richfield Collesium in Cleveland in 1984. I have a photo of Bird 10 feet away from me. Just subscribed today btw!

[@4Bashment]

Nice choice Bird is top 5 player all time he was scary good . Oh and Craig Ehlo was SG for the cavaliers back when they were a beast.

[@luckyq0049]

Larry bird is a legend. He is definitely one of the greatest players in history. He would talk trash the entire game and get in your head. He frustrated all players. They hated that he was good enough that he could back that up. What I really loved was his relationships with other players off the court especially Magic.

[@robinmahan8814]

That game they talk about 88 with Dominique. Both Larry's achilles were hurting, his back was what, 3 years in pain already, and if I'm not mistaken he was getting over pneumonia. Awesome game to watch!

[@paulhabrelewicz7749]

I met Larry bird when I lived in Chicago, he came and watched our basketball team play in a tournament and gave a speech afterwards! Was a decent funny guy! And a great ball player!!!

[@marykuettner752]

I had season tickets back in the beginning of Bird's career. I did.

[@kensteinbrook6789]

I will say tell Larry Bird is the greatest player of all time and I would like to thank him because the one thing that me and my dad had in common was Larry Bird. I still remember watching every Indiana State University game just to see what Larry would do. My dad is long since gone, but the one thing I will never forget is watching Larry Bird with my dad.

[@MAC46802]

People who really LOVE basketball.

[@Siggi20]

People be sleeping on Larry The Legend they just don't know that this man has earned his stripes as a LEGEND! If he was as bad as some of y'all say he is then answer me this! Why was he picked to be on the "Dream Team" !? Why couldn't anybody guard him even though he said what he was gonna do they still couldn't guard him!!! AND last but not least Larry didn't even had to have the ball to be dominating the game and his team was still winning! Who else could you say that about!? Y'all better stop sleeping on Larry and give this guy his muthafucking flowers that's all i'm saying! I mean his talent was god given period! He made some of the biggest players in the league shaking in their boots facing him and that as we say are all just straight facts. This man was so good he had to try playing with his left hand just to make things interesting/fair!

[@FUBAR1986]

❤😂🎉Larry Legend 🌎🌍🌏

[@lawrenceschramm4661]

He's a freaking champion with more heart & soul than any brother in the league now or since ❤

[@3dpooltile829]

He was great!

[@Alonso-x5o]

INSANE

[@stephenreiner1523]

Larry taught Michael how to talk trash and Jordan will tell you that.

[@mrdino5101]

Bird made an appearance at a basketball camp in my youth. He was great and actually gave us some real knowledge that we could use. He is top 5 in my book.

[@markjerorsr1495]

Charles Barkeley set the stage for modern stars like "King" James. Like LeBron he seemed to miss a lot of the regular season games to save himself for the big stage. Bird didn't sit under the basket and expect his teammates to carry the burden of defense and hustled until his body couldn't do it any more. If LeBron got a hang nail from a bad pedicure he gets a week to rest. He might play until he's 50.

[@cmchurch]

The NBA almost folded until the competition between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. They literally saved the NBA with their rivalry.

[@nickgleeson7168]

Larry legend the best small forward ever 👏 🙌

[@jimmyboy131]

And for roughly half his career he was a power forward.

[@mikebunner3498]

Larry Bird had the skill, determination, desire, and will power to be great. Plus he not only talked the talk, BUT he walked the walk!!!!!! He would play hurt and in terrible pain. I guess all pro athletes have to do that. He won a three point shooting contest and left his warm up jacket on to do it!!!!! He treated everyone the same. He told the other players here is what I'm going to do to you. Then he did it. Magic Johnson calls Bird the best outside shooter and his friend. Johnson was darn good himself!!!! Plus he coached and was in upper management!!!! A very well rounded man!!!!!............ I did! Thanks bud!!!!