Larry Bird - Trash Talking

Trash Talking part 1
Larry Bird's competitive nature often emerged in nearly constant trash-talking on the court. Some notable examples follow:
During the three-point shooting contest on All-Star Weekend 1986, Bird entered the locker room, looked around without saying a word, then finally said, "I want all of you to know I am winning this thing. I'm just looking around to see who's gonna finish up second." He won the shooting contest.
During one game on Christmas Day against the Indiana Pacers, before the game Bird told Chuck Person that he had a Christmas present waiting for him. During the game, when Person was on the bench, Bird shot a three-pointer on the baseline right in front of Person. Immediately after releasing the ball, Bird said to Person, "Merry f**king Christmas!", and then the shot went in. This was no doubt inspired by Person (nicknamed the "Rifleman") stating prior to the game that "The Rifleman is Coming, and He's Going Bird Hunting."
Reggie Miller recalled his encounter with Larry Bird's legendary trash talking ability in his book "I Love Being The Enemy". Reggie tried to disrupt Larry's concentration when he was shooting free throws late in a game. Larry glared at him, made the first free throw and said, "You got to be kidding me. Rook, I'm the best shooter in the league right now. In the league. Understand? And you're up here trying to say something?" Then Larry buried the second free throw.
Late in a tied game against the Seattle SuperSonics, Bird told Supersonics forward Xavier McDaniel, who was guarding him, "I'm going to get [the ball] right here and I am going to bury it in your face." As McDaniel remembers it, he responded by saying, "I know, I'll be waiting." After a timeout, Bird made two baseline cuts, then posted in the exact spot he had indicated to McDaniel, paused, turned, and made it in his face. He finished up the sequence by telling McDaniel, "I didn't mean to leave two seconds on the clock."
On November 9, 1984, Bird was ejected along with Julius Erving in the third quarter after an on court scuffle. At the point of both ejections, Bird had outscored Erving 42 to 6. During the game, Bird had continuously informed Erving of their tallies with every chance he got to score. Eventually a shoving match ensued, then swings taken by both players, and finally a bench-clearing brawl.

[@gatormark]

All black dudes back in the day hated Bird (including myself cuz I was a Sixers fan), but those same black dudes today LOVE Bird...including myself! Respect!

[@MyRockHoMama]

Mark Pringle Go Sixers!!!!

[@theloverswineverytime1625]

Word up. GO SIXERS!! Larry Bird is OK, though. i don't love him like that lol

[@johnflanagan9153]

Mark, as a Celtics fan who saw his entire, historic career like yourself, I don't think you hated him; Like how I felt about Andrew Toney, Julius, Moses...fear man, and respect; Don't you miss those days when you could push a superstar around and NOT be called for Bullshit fouls(See Lebron James)? I miss all of those guys, Kareem, Magic, Parish, Bernard, Marques...all of them, and I know you do too! The NBA in the 1980's: It was fantastic!

[@illwisskey]

John Flanagan Why is it that LeBron is everyone's punching bag nowadays? People seem to think that just because this man is big and strong, that a slap to the face don't hurt him like it does all the other players. A foul is a foul, regardless of who it is against, and should be called accordingly. All superstars get this treatment since "back in the day". In fact, smaller players like Steph and James Harden draw waaaay more fouls. If you're going to call the NBA out for "soft" officiating, fine. But don't just single out 1 player like it only happens for him. Because then, your disdain for the one particular player shows.

[@johnflanagan9153]

Dear B-Ball friend; At no point do I even intimate that Lebron James deliberately cultivated or felt entitled to his treatment by officials, no, he didn't ask for it, and I"m not sure what your age is, but I can tell you having watched pro-ball for forty years now, you could push, grab and hold a superstar. Why do you think Kareem Abdul-Jabbar(awesome) was such a complaining, boring person on the court? You could GUARD and BODY him, though it really didn't stop him from being nearly unstoppable. If you really think I"m using Lebron James as a " punching bag," you didn't really take in what I wrote previously, and what I write now and understand that the RULES were different. Want to know the real reason why? Because for the last three years approx, they're have been these comparison's(again) of who is better, Larry or Lebron? Don't answer, since you didn't see Bird's entire career both at the Garden, and on TV. And I want to make this clear as it's not just my opinion and nothing more: Lebron is a magnificent talent, player and seems like a pretty decent person to, so I think he's great and could have been great in the 80's too, which I can't say for many players of the 20 years; But Larry Bird was and is the superior talent, in terms of shooting(best forward EVER) Rebounding(Top ten for a decade) Assists? Right they're with Lebron, but Larry was not handling the ball up the court like James does, as Dennis Johnson, Ainge, Archibald and Henderson would. You mention Lebron's physicality, which is amazing, but that's building your body, not basketball talent; And keep in mind, Bird at 6'9 barefoot, and about 230-240 was a big dude man. He rarely, like Lebron, got his shot blocked...think about that. He overwhelmed them, Just like Lebron James does.

[@Justin-yc1ig]

This dude took Indiana STATE, not IU, to the finals in college. That's like taking a community college to the big game.

[@KTF0]

Indiana State has done nothing before and after Bird left

[@unitedstates4756]

Statutory Grape lol drop the 🎤 period

[@mynamelildarryl71]

Now just imagine what IU could have looked like had they made Bloomington feel like home for him and not given him a reason to want to transfer out before playing a game. I'm sure Sycamore Nation loves the Hoosiers for that to this day 😂😂

[@BonnChnd]

He WAS phenomenal!

[@christianangelo]

too bad he lost

[@Mykford1]

Bird was the slickest player to ever play the game. He calculated where to be on the floor, he knew each player and their tendencies. He did that because he wasn't as fast or athletic as 90% of the players in the league. He put himself in position to make a play before it took place. That's BBALL I.Q.

[@juanriverarosa9371]

Spot on.

[@josephscott3096]

Myk Ford Exactly. All these kids nowadays saying how Larry wouldn't be as good today. Basketball is about positioning, hand eye coordination, shooting, passing, cutting, changes of pace etc, Larry was a master at all those things. Combine that with the way today's game is centred around the 3 pointer and ball movement, Larry would thrive in today's game just as he did in the 80's.

[@200mphz06]

Myk Ford He was easily smarter than 99% of the players in the league.

[@Yahabibiyarasul]

200mphz06 How do you know? Have you ever met any of them?

[@josephscott3096]

Prince Dareshko I'm pretty sure he's talking basketball smarts.

[@tomroach6275]

In 1974 Larry Bird was my P.E assistant when I was in the 8th grade and he was a senior at Springs Valley High School. At the beginning of each P.E. class we always ran 10 warmup laps around the gym. One day, a trampoline was set up on the basketball court and there was Larry Bird bouncing on it. As the whistle blew and we reluctantly lined up to run our laps, our teacher (who was also Larry's basketball coach) blew his whistle, and said "Larry is going to take 10 shots while jumping on the trampoline. If Larry makes any shots, each one made will delete a lap that you must run." Coach threw the ball to Larry and right there in front of me and the entire boys Jr. High P.E. class, Larry proceeded to hit 7 out of 10 shots while bouncing up and down on the trampoline, 40 feet away from the goal. Larry set an incredible example for me as a young boy in French Lick, Indiana that helped me through my entire adult career. If you are willing to work very hard and never give up, your dreams can and will come true. Thank you Larry.

[@theledeegboros5405]

Dang

[@TreyHey13]

But Larry was in between colleges at the time? Also, if he was a senior how would he hold down a P.E assistant job? Kind of skeptical but if you have more details I would love to know more!

[@theledeegboros5405]

Velocity Hurts ok who cares? late bitch

[@edwinjones1000]

I went to Indiana State. At that time, George Pillow was the only Indiana All Star on the b-BALL TEAM. The team stunk. After I graduated, an old friend of mine said this dude named Bird from French lick is coming from IU to put ISU on the national basketball map. I told him he was nuts and give me some of whatever he was smoking. Boy, was I wrong about that one. Didn't see THAT one coming. LOL

[@TreyHey13]

will 223YNW damn by your profile picture that kinda confirms that you are a child. I was just making a simple observation, so don’t get so triggered.

[@kylevanilla3177]

If Bird played in this era he would average 1 technical per game.

[@jhm9835]

excellent point

[@MMAisLife617]

Binuyaka Vanilla This era is joke, basketball went on a downward slope after the 90's!

[@Robology13]

Binuyaka Vanilla - Bill Laimbeer would have been banned, and shunned like Ndamukong Suh of the NFL. Times have changed indeed, lots of so called 'sports fans' looking for something, anything to be offended at. They aint called 'the good ol days' f0 nuthin ;)

[@arjacfellhand838]

Robert Schwartzback Dude, after watching come clips of Bill Laimbeer playing, his ass would get walked off the court in cuffs... In our new NBA, hard defense is not allowed!

[@TheJMSESQ]

Robert Schwartzback I wouldn't consider Laimbeer an old school hard nosed player b/c that denotes something positive. he was a guy who was looking to injure other players which is a line that was never cool to cross in any era. I never minded guys who played hard defense. its even ok to give a hard foul to send a message. send your opponent home w/bruises and let him remember the night he played you but when you send your opponent to the IR or do shit calculated to end his season or career you're nothing but a dirty POS.

[@jnixa1010]

He was an assassin. Tell me you didn't get chills when he shot the last one and walked away with his finger raised!!

[@youngsithlord]

i didnt

[@Tiiied]

Bruh that coment was 4 years ago lol

[@privateuser9028]

jnixa1010 Jordan was the assassin, you never saw Jordan play because you wouldn't say that remark

[@charlesgayles894]

Legendary shit

[@testodude]

Did you notice that he didn't even bother to take off his warm-up jacket?

[@mvassallo8024]

Back when the NBA had interesting characters and real rivalries. Back before you'd get a high five from all your teammates for missing a free throw.

[@lakerstr8killurteam]

probably could have rivalries if the nba decided to let players show emotion and not expect them to act like robots.

[@JeremiahDoctsonFitness]

Yea NBA is boring now

[@lakerstr8killurteam]

SupaKawazu I still love the nba. But it's ratings and rivalries could be enhanced if they let players talk and be more aggressive on defense.

[@JeremiahDoctsonFitness]

Cesar Zapata I had love for it when I was younger (I'm 23) but now I struggle to watch it and love football instead. We had an abundance of personalities to make you want to watch the game back in the day.

[@lakerstr8killurteam]

SupaKawazu yea i get it nothing is the same to you. But i still love the game i just wish the players weren't prisoners of their emotions. the nba needs to understand this game is emotional and you just can't expect players to be robots.

[@futureicon23]

4:55 trash talking him into making a time-out lol

[@docjames6902]

He did. He was telling him "You got nothing. You better call time out." And Larry, I'm sure was being honest with him. What's great about that era is the fact that players were still honest. Guys from Jordan on were/are far too conceited to admit they got schooled, never mind be able to appreciate and laugh about it. Watch the 60 point gave vs. the Hawks. The Hawk bench is jumping up and down and waving towels and literally falling over one another. And the crowd was showing support for his effort. I hope we get back to a time like that one day....Maybe after the big asteroid.

[@ClayLud]

Doc James haha...that was funny man!

[@miciboo9993]

Dude got scared of him

[@acnicodemus4734]

And Chuck Person disappeared after that, he became nothing.

[@imnotblindbutiloveblindfol8449]

@@docjames6902 Orlando cheered for Kyrie as he dropped 60 in their court. He had 43 at the half.

[@ernesterikm]

The laugh after “I’ve known Chuck a long time, and we’ve had some run ins, but uh, I always seem to get the last word🤷🏼‍♂️..” 😂😂😂🐐🐐🐐

[@jasonthecanadian]

I just hate how the refs don't let guys talk anymore, or get in the game. That's basketball and it's always been an aspect of the game, now they T you up for nothing. Soft.

[@gamebred]

alex12104 Exactly

[@jasonthecanadian]

Of course there is, but how you gain that edge matters little in the end. I'm just saying talking has and always should be a part of the game. The removal of it has taken a competitive spirit out of the game.

[@stuartperry8141]

Jason Rose If you were coaching a bunch of 9 to 10 year old would you want them to talk trash yes or no? If the answer is yes then your point is valid. If you answer is no then it should be no at any age. Just think of the reason it is no, it never goes away.

[@gamebred]

Stuart Perry Not everybody should trash talk only the players of who are playing at the highest level of basketball need that edge to win you wouldn't let a 10 year old because they don't need to, and trash talking in basketball is just to win and gain that edge, Michael Jordan did it he didn't get into many fights some of the other guys knew what he was doing and ignored him or just laughed it off and Micheal Jordan said himself he only trash talks to the people who he is friends with. Its just a part of the game after the game nobody holds a grudge.

[@jommywop]

Sukhman Rai What low lifes and thugs do you mean exactly?

[@wilhard45]

The Bird - Johnson era is my favorite period in pro basketball. Both of them could do pretty much what they wanted. Magic and Bird elevated the game of their team. Nothing quite like Johnson leading the break or Larry stealing a ball looking all awkward and then casually throw it the length of the court for an easy layup. Great basketball.

[@eliz.sebaugh9098]

Indeed. True.

[@andypandy4722]

Then MJ entered the chat

[@AnHebrewChild]

old school Jordan fan here, since about 87. I've gotta say, yeah, the late 80s were the best. There was the Magic & Bird rivalry, and the Pistons. Add to that, Jordan was quickly ascending into his peak. That was a great time for basketball.

[@adamdorgant9454]

Yes indeed!!!!

[@GuyOfAbsoluteTerror]

My favorite bird story was when in warm ups in his first game against jordan...the ball bounced down the floor after jordan shot it, bird picked it up as jordan jogged down there and bird threw it over his head and said "idgaf who u are, this my league...welcome to the NBA rook" #Legend

[@SLWMTNPTN]

My favorite shooter. I watched him pre game at the Garden. He took 100 shots from all over the court. He would run to a spot, a ball boy would pass him the ball and he would shoot. He was moving to the next spot before it got to the basket. He hit 96.

[@orange_cat]

Christopher, I saw him in the Garden too doing similar stuff. He wasn't quite THAT good, maybe it was an off day, but he was still well ahead of everybody else doing his warmup shots. During high school my two sharp-shooter friends would do 50 free throws before practice, and always make between 48 and 50. The rest of us players were nowhere near that good but it was sure fun to watch.

[@jaranarm]

Larry's art of trash talk was miles ahead of anyone. He was greater at trash talking than Jordan, Barkley, Payton, and Miller put together.

[@rehmam8922]

jaranarm put together? Nope payton is tied with bird or better bird has the best punchlines but he wasnt trashtalking that much he was never missing a moment for trash talk but payton was always trash talk with any one and he assumes what he said like shaq says u can see him on a shop he would trash talk you he speak speak and speak both have a different types of trash talk but both are legends of this art

[@jcwelchjr]

Rehma M The glove said Larry was the best ever.

[@williamforrest4371]

jaranarm Yes he is also BIRD WAS AND IS BETTER THAN ANY OF THE PLAYERS YOU MENTIONED

[@xrizbira]

Rehma M Bird is the better player so his trash talking is miles ahead of Payton

[@buildinit6523]

FOUR FOUR FOUR......MOSES MALONE PREDICTS PLAYOFF SWEEP

[@kevinp7300]

As a Laker fan, loving the Showtime Lakers, watching Larry Bird compete against my team was a nightmare. This man made me nervous lol! But I respect the heck out of Larry Legend! It was a fantastic to watch him play! What a beast he was!

[@kevinp7300]

+Jeremy Gray you probably never saw him play. This man was amazing. Look at his career stats. His career was short due to health. He played in a rougher era. The game was way more physical when he played. He was 10X more clutch than LeBron could even dream of being. LeBron has the physical skills but mentally, Larry was one of the best, better than LeBron.

[@justinjames2763]

+Jeremy Gray You dumb asf

[@justinjames2763]

Jeremy Gray Lebron will be better than bird when he retires

[@kevinp7300]

+Jeremy Gray I'm gonna be nice. I don't like to insult people. Let me give you the facts. This is what Larry Legend was: 3× NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986) 2× NBA Finals MVP (1984, 1986) 3× NBA Most Valuable Player (1984-1986) 12× NBA All-Star (1980-1988, 1990-1992) NBA All-Star Game MVP (1982) 9× All-NBA First Team (1980-1988) NBA Rookie of the Year (1980) 3× NBA 3-Point Shootout champion (1986-1988) NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team I have nothing more to say!

[@rambosexy2009]

+Jeremy Gray he is no Lebron? yeah....that's right..because he can't 30%fg outside the paint like Lebron always does.

[@carlosgarcia-ob7or]

Larry : "I DIDN;T MEAN TO LEAVE 2 SECONDS ON THE CLOCK" Mcdaniels : "DAMN" Lmao !

[@spongebob6956]

Larry Bird is like the Eminem of Basketball

[@nine3seven]

i wonder why

[@kazuya6852]

I love Larry bird but no. Eminem is the goat of rap. Michael is the goat of basketball. There is no Eminem of basketball... but if there was it would be him lol

[@kazuya6852]

@zuze nice joke my man 👍🏻

[@ryanhall478]

@zuze better then Eminem I doubt it when they sell his numbers then come back,this moment of time you can name better rappers cause he’s finished his style doesn’t fit this era bet you listen to youngboy you fruit

[@kazuya6852]

It really comes down to opinion. But if you want to look at stats, Eminem is the best to do it. #1 in records sold with over 200 million. And the 6th most of any solo artist ever in any genre. Also I like Eminem and biggie the best, because of their lyricism, and how they ride beats and their wordflow. To me, no one is better at it than em. But again, that’s just an opinion.

[@hades947]

"I'm just looking to see who's gonna finish second" savage

[@twidget59]

This was the greatest era of the NBA. While I hate the Celtics, with a passion. I respect Bird. He and his teammates made for some phenomenal games/series.

[@sbrasel]

+JD Hoov Amen, bro. The 1980s, Bird and Magic, the NBA will never have something like that again.

[@davedanella7974]

+Sam Brasel so tired hearing about curry, yea hes good, but if he played in this era, simple as this, if he faced the bad boys, if he made two 3's in a row, the next one hed be on his ass, and the next one, and at 6'3 he was driven against them dudes, lambeer and mahorn woulda decapitated him

[@twidget59]

+dave danella I agree. Though, I still can appreciate his talent. For this era, he's perfect for it. Sounds like you, I prefer the game as it was. Some things don't need to change.

[@MovieHound17]

+JD Hoov Us celtics fans feel the exact same way as the MJ lakers lol...COMPLETE hate but the same amount of respect....FUCK gsw or Mia Heat lol....LAKERS CELTICS ALL DAY!

[@maxdurk4624]

This is how i'd rank the decades of the NBA 7. 1950's 6. 1970's 5. 1960's 4. 2000's 3. 1990's 2. 1980's 1. 2010's

[@jakethemuss3]

Trash talking is part of the game. Would have been honored to play against Bird.

[@MerkinMuffly]

Person was one of the few guys that could piss Bird off, never a good thing for your team.

[@porkfrog2785]

Person actually very deliberately forearmed Bird in his bad back, knocking him to the floor in the famous busted-cheek playoff game in 1991, a pure POS move...mighta had something to do with it...

[@michaelbayne2315]

Larry held back from trash talking most playoff series, because it detracted his focus away from the game when it mattered most. One very notable exception: Chuck Person

[@DoubleVisionandco]

Larry Legend earned his place in the Hall Of Fame. Bird was the basketball Wizard. Magic Johnson was the basketball Magician. From the first day Larry stepped on the court in the NBA, he took everybody to school and let them worry bout how they got home.

[@bionicbigfoot2790]

Such a special time, when Bird and Magic reigned supreme. So different than today. Can you imagine Larry or Magic "taking their talents" to a different city to form a super team-? Hell no. They were too competitive and just wanted to beat your ass. I miss those days-

[@timatapusoa]

Why would they have to leave when they were already playing with 2 to 3 hall of famers on their teams?

[@omerfawadrauf7369]

+ttaps lol exactly.

[@tyler8447]

lol they would if there team was shit that they got drafted to.

[@devvv4616]

their teams were shit before they got drafted and became contenders in their rookie years. thats a legend

[@tyler8447]

Chris Carter Lol Jordan made it to the Finals 7 years after being drafted, LeBron stayed for 7 years after being drafted. Anyone who dogs LeBron is an idiot. The man just brought a championship, and arguably left thr worst Cavs team in history to the Finals back in 2007. Therefore, you look like an idiot. Bird won thr Finals 3 years after being drafted. So no, LeBron's situation isn't comparible.

[@americanmuscle3090]

When I was a little boy this man made me want to spend hours practicing that behind the backboard shot at home. Thanks to Larry I won so many games of horse!

[@manuelper]

As usual, we have sanitizied so many facets of society including what is supposed to be fun and entertainment, sports. The fact that players aren't allowed to trash talk anymore is taking a big part of the color of basketball away.

[@kyokogodai-ir6hy]

+Manuel Perez They took it away because the players are nothing but thugs, today. Lucky if they aren't packing guns on the court.

[@kyokogodai-ir6hy]

+Manuel Perez They took it away because the players are nothing but thugs, today. Lucky if they aren't packing guns on the court.

[@manuelper]

You must not know you're history to say such a stupid statement. Exhibit A: The 70s Oakland Raiders.

[@kyokogodai-ir6hy]

Manuel Perez What does a football team have to do with basketball? You are a fool!

[@manuelper]

Oh, so you say stupid things and you're actually stupid as well. Good job. If you don't get the parallel to your "thugs" statement, I can't help you.

[@salvajeel1]

This guy was one of the top 3 best players in the history of Basket ball. His shooting game and his humility in the public eye was amazing.

[@adamdorgant9454]

True!!!

[@melrivera9323]

"There will never, ever be another Larry Bird" -Magic... Truer words have never been spoken.

[@racewiththefalcons1]

The shot over the backboard around 2:10...how would you even think to attempt that, much less make it?!?!??!?!/1

[@carlosgarcia-ob7or]

i have done that {the shot over the backboard ) couple times while playing full court, outside in my hood,people just can't believe it,they're like...WTF ! BUT...,OF COURSE it takes a lot of practice and Yes ,i was inspired by Larry

[@jumpinjiminy9]

Unfortunately, doesn't count.

[@carlosgarcia-ob7or]

jumpinjiminy9 oh no ? damn, i thought it did count, lol, well...it counts outside on playgrounds though,but didn't the Larry's shot count when he did that shot ? i'm confused,

[@TConn9]

carlos garcia You can actually see the ref waving off the basket after it goes in.

[@jommywop]

T Conn Kobe hit one from behind the backboard that counted

[@geojetson9533]

When he came into our house at Illinois State, he was leading the country in scoring and we decided to triple team him every chance we had. He got his 35 and they won. It was incredible to watch. Props Birdman

[@zyxwut321]

Bird was a big, strong, tough, smart and hypercompetitive SOB who wasn't afraid to mix it up in the league. He could go join a pickup game a playground in the heart of the hood and not be afraid. He grew up and learned his game playing with working class black neighbors in southern Indiana and tended to be closer with the black players on his teams. So many white players (especially white American players) are so intimidated by black "athleticism", hype about getting posterized or otherwise made a fool of and by wary coaches who are constantly telling them to "play within yourself" that often they're timid, passive and beaten as soon as they take the floor. Bird didn't give a crap. He gave as good as he ever got and never backed down even when he was facing obviously superior athletes like Michael Jordan

[@andrewhall7930]

+zyxwut321 He also grew up as the youngest of four brothers in an extremely poor family, so he grew up tough.

[@glasshalffullofwhatever3106]

Most dangerous thing about him I think, is he did not look like your typical athlete...just an average tall dude with a dad bod...and they said how calm he was off the court...but dude was a savage....a Mr. Miyagi for sure

[@Ryenobal]

While getting taped up before a game, "Hey ball boy! Go find the scoring record in this building."- Fuckin' bad ass!

[@dannylytle9600]

THATS WHY I LOVE THE GUY, ALREADY KNOWS THERE GOING TO WIN . LET ME BREAK THE RECORD FOR THIS BUILDING. I WOULD PICK HIM FIRST OFF ANYBODY I MEAN ANYBODY IN HIS PRIME THAT IS.

[@23Jumpstreetmtg]

L

[@Nightsjourney2dreams]

+LifeOf Manny it's a movie my nigga chill

[@bg20hj]

Larry Bird : the only guy to hit 2 game winners in the same game.

[@mobucks555]

I don't even watch sports and this dude makes me want to watch sports. I can only imagine what it was like to love this basketball and see Larry do all that.

[@TheShowgunofHarlem]

Cant deny, the greatest shooter in NBA history...

[@joshuaadamcox]

i havent seen that movie since i was a kid. ha

[@joshuaadamcox]

Sho'Nuff Says ᶠᶸᶜᵏᵧₒᵤ LeRoy! ™ can u remember the name of that movie? All i remember is the glowing balls they could make and of course " whats my name? SHONUFF!"

[@TheShowgunofHarlem]

+adam cox of course brother. It's, "Who's the master??? SHO'Nuff !" The movie is the last dragon.

[@joshuaadamcox]

I remember now. Thanks, im going to force my kids to watch it. Ha.

[@vingthor13]

+Sho'Nuff Says ᶠᶸᶜᵏᵧₒᵤ LeRoy! ™ I fuggin LOVE your picture.. cracks me up!

[@IU90]

Exactly right. Everyone gets so caught up in his shooting that they forget to mention the the other facts, the guy was also a TREMENDOUS rebounder and probably the greatest passing forward who ever lived. The guy just had supernatural instincts for the game.

[@adamdorgant9454]

You’re right about that!!!!

[@HeyDudewhatsup33]

People forget how good this guy was. Some forget, and some don't even know. Best Small Forward ever in my opinion.

[@billywaters9724]

Oltaarg mine too...

[@scottgollahon3681]

100 percent agree...I've been saying that forever. Everyone tries to push the Lebron MJ debate and it drives me crazy. The real debate is Larry or LeBron and anyone who knows basketball knows it's Bird all day!!!

[@noonecaresworkharder9125]

scott gollahon the second part of your last sentence is stupid. I can see the argument for Bird over LeBron, but it’s not “clearly Bird”. LeBron is considered greater for a reason.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

@@noonecaresworkharder9125 Lebron can argue the point, but Bird WAS the better all-around player - in a league that STILL PLAYED DEFENSE.

[@lilnug746]

@@bricefleckenstein9666 what are u smoling...bird was not a better play all around than lebron.

[@josephstewart2827]

And Indiana State hasn’t been back to the finals since . Larry Legend

[@twowheelseatingmeals-motoj8080]

Damn thats some next level savagery, he said "I didn't mean to leave 2 seconds on the clock"... *BOY*

[@busterhymen1058]

My favorite Bird talking trash story is when the Celtics played the Lakers every x-mas day in the 80's. Bird dropped a 3 from the corner right in front of the Lakers bench and said "Merry X-mas!" One of the greatest ever because of effort and will to win, not necessarily athleticism.. Of course being 6'9" helped...

[@patriciahenderson2096]

The game was against the Pacers I believe not the Lakers.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

@@patriciahenderson2096 You're thinking of the "answer Chuck Pearson" shot - yes, that one was vs the Pacers.

[@demariushenderson1802]

If only they had Bird mic’ed up back then. Would love to hear his trash talking 1st hand! 😂

[@BostonWhoFan515]

I'm from Boston. We used to watch this dude do this stuff on a regular basis. amazing, simply amazing.

[@BostonWhoFan515]

trha2222 haha! Yeah I have it pretty bad myself, but I'm intelligent enough to turn it on and off in certain situations. It is a rather punky accent, but I can't help which patch of dirt I just happened to be born on. It is what it is, Worchester (proper spelling) has a different accent, its gross, I got a few buddies from there. I make fun of em all the time. But if I'm at a cookout with family and friends.... theres only 25 letters in my alphabet. The R is just gone lol. Cheers! Bird rules!

[@egotrip995]

Most epic follothru at the 2nd 3pt shootout of all time

[@izzonj]

Larry used to get on his teammates, too, to goad them into working harder. He used get mad at McHale for not working in the off season and once said, "Kevin's idea of getting into shape for the season is switching to lite beer."

[@imdr911]

I'm Black..... Larry Bird is my fav. player to ever play the game!!!! Love the guy

[@ozark8944]

The GOAT

[@thebrazilianatlantis165]

“People said [Bird] was overrated -- fuck no. If anything, he was underrated." -- Michael Cooper, 3/5/14.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

James Worthy on his preference to guard Jordan vs Bird - AND WHY. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q56oiqWAh86aqq8

[@kaiyeem]

Larry Legend Bird is the GREATEST small-forward to ever play in the NBA, yes I said it (sorry Lebron & KD but it's the truth).

[@kaiyeem]

Larry Bird is a scoring machine, Lebron isn't on LB's level when it comes to offense.

[@flyminneapolis1104]

Yeah as passing, rebounding, and defense suddenly doesn't matter at all. Not to mention dunks.

[@kaiyeem]

MiNNEAPOLiSTiLLiDiE as if to say Larry wasn't a great passer, grabbed rebounds, had a killer instinct & was extremely clutch which is something Lebron still lacks just be honest with yourselves. Lebron is great for this soft era in the NBA. Dunks? You cannot be serious lol.

[@flyminneapolis1104]

kaiyeem Stats. PPG: LeBron 27.1 > Bird 24.3 AST: LeBron 6.9 > Bird 6.3 REB: Bird 10.0 > LeBron 7.2 BLK: LeBron 0.8 = Bird 0.8 STL: LeBron 1.7 = Bird 1.7 TURNOVERS: LeBron 3.4 > Bird 3.1 2P FG%: LeBron .538 > Bird .509 3P FG%: Bird .376 > LeBron .340 eFG%: LeBron .532 > Bird .514 FG%: LeBron .498 > Bird .496 PFouls: Bird 2.5 > LeBron 1.9 Rings: LeBron 3 (for now) = Bird 3 at only 31 MVPs: LeBron 4 (for now) > Bird 3 at only 31 AllStars: LeBron 12 (for now) = Bird 12 at 31 Scoring Titles: LeBron 1 (for now) > Bird 0 at 31 FinalsMVP: LeBron 2 (for now) > Bird 1 at 31 ROTY: LeBron and Bird both won it In total, LeBron beats or ties bird in 14/17 categories. Bird beats or ties LeBron in 8/17. And LeBron is only 31 AND has more mileage on him. Plus you can't bring up The Decision because Bird had a good team the whole time while LeBron left one of the worst teams ever. The winner is clear here. LeBron is the best Small Forward ever (Did I mention he can play every position and has done it before?) and Bird comes in as a close runner-up. I brought up facts not opinion. Case closed. Sources: Basketball-Reference, Wikipedia, NBA website, Google.

[@flyminneapolis1104]

kaiyeem TL;DR? Okay. To round it up I just shot down your claim with facts, and LeBron is better than Bird. Also, I am unbiased as I am a diehard T-Wolves fan and to be honest I don't like either player. Take note, you just got beat by a preteen kid. Do not even try to say "You didn't watch Bird live" because statisticians did, live in the stands, and I used their facts. Repeat. I just beat you and I am not even 11 yet. That's pathetic.

[@jeffellis641]

And this is why basketball today is a joke compared to the 70's, 80's and 90's....nobody wants a challenge anymore..Larry Bird...lived for it

[@AchillesWrath1]

Bird was the most complete player ever. He had jedi powers over the ball, he could do anything. Jordan was a scorer, Bird made everyone better he could do it all. Left handed, right handed, 30 ft running jumpers, passes behind his back, you couldn't stop Larry he was too good.

[@jumpinjiminy9]

You forgot to mention who he thought was the best player he ever saw...MAGIC .

[@titletownakaboston3909]

jumpinjiminy9 He may have said that, but that's not what he really thought. He was too full of himself and with good reason.

[@titletownakaboston3909]

I wish I could have all the money that shit has.

[@sambo416]

the only thing he lacked was athleticism which didn't hold him back on offense but it stopped him from being a supreme defender so the athleticism was the incomplete part of his game

[@mharley284]

Jordan was a scorer? He was also 9 time 1st team defense and 1 time defensive player of the year. He shut down the opposing teams best man and led his team every night, if that's not a complete player then there's never been one.

[@ericmulholland4841]

Larry legend was the best! humble, good hard working dude who stayed true to his routes, and knew gettin in your head, and how much it affected your game! everyone knew when he let it fly from the corner it's gona snap! 86 celtics👑

[@GallowsPole805]

"That checks had my name on it for a week now"....F*cking Ruthless

[@speedoflite1]

When opportunity meets; competitive drive, pride, court vision, timing, technique & confidence = BIRD!

[@jonnybaze]

Right, Larry don't talk trash, the legend spits facts.

[@gar992000]

"Make no mistake Magic Johnson. I will fkn end you." -Larry Bird

[@chadjones6074]

"Bird stuffs him! And has something to say afterward!" My favorite part of the video.

[@himwhoisnottobenamed5427]

“He was playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers.” More like he was playing 4D chess and everyone else was playing Candy Land.

[@MakiFitness]

One of the best of all time!

[@MakiFitness]

Don't know about that. He's like top5

[@sirjimssirjims9047]

+K-Swaggin15 top 3

[@MakiFitness]

+sir JIMS Sir JIMS Yeah

[@Poohdaddymagic]

The greatest competitor and clutch shooter in NBA history bar none...

[@ameedmusleh]

The best NBA player EVER !

[@RenegadeGunn]

One of the MOST underrated legends ever to play the game of basketball #33 4 life

[@sportkriminalist]

sometimes i wonder if todays superstar would do their super thing if they played in the golden era. I know for sure these golden era superstar would even be more super if they play today.

[@deepfriedavocado]

trash talking is an art form

[@deneuve5090]

The greatest playmaker

[@likedamaster]

Larry Legend. Grew up watching this fool. Never forget.

[@anthonybarbary7113]

The best outside shooter and probably the smartest ever in ANY ERA! I always said the bulls of the 90's were good but they wouldn't of got out of the east in the 80's, even with Rodman. The 1986 Celtic team were off the charts as well as the 80's run and gun showtime Lakers. Probably the best two teams of any decade with the exception of the crazy shooting Spurs of last year. Their shots were falling from everywhere to an all time NBA finals FG record. The best shooting I have ever saw from outside, game after game in any NBA series. That won't happen again. It was their time.

[@Superboi100]

Stop, Jordan would've dominated in any era. Don't be ridiculous.

[@feeleffect]

Qisthatdude Jordan doesn't pass as good as Bird nor did he have the jumper Bird did. Yes he drove to the hoop better but Bird came out of the gate making his teammate's better as a rookie. Jordan took time to do this and a weaker NBA in the 90's as well.

[@anthonybarbary7113]

But yes Jordan would dominate in any era and he did in the 80's as well. Jordan was a one on one offense and defensive specialist before his game expanded beyond that.

[@Superboi100]

A weaker NBA? Compared to Bird's era?? Again...don't be ridiculous. Yes Larry Bird was a better passer, okay...however overall Jordan was better point blank period.

[@feeleffect]

If I were to start a team I would pick Larry first. If I would want to start a one on one tournament, Jordan. enough said.

[@billie0429]

Trash talking was once an essence of the game, its one of the beauty of basketball, now its like players get hurt by fans? Thats not even a player, Reggie miller was mocked all the time but he didn’t cry and told the security to kick out fans, he played the greatest game of his life and silenced the whole stadium

[@willtaylor9916]

All star games used to be special. They mean nothing anymore.

[@icegekki]

I think it's because the East vs. West competition isn't what it used to be. And that event is the core of what makes all star week special. Players just don't care as much anymore who they represent: the East coast or the West Coast. They just want to rep their own brand or their team's brand at the very most. But at least in the Olympics they play competitive--team oriented basketball when they represent the country.

[@tillman40]

Will Taylor there is no desire to put on Showtime anymore..Wilkins trying to one up dunk Jordan, etc..they play like they are at practice now.

[@TheJMSESQ]

Jamessr23 NBA allstar weekend used to be must -see TV. all the best players would also compete in the dunk contest and 3 point shoot out and it was awesome. 'Nigue & MJ going at it like 2 HW fighters. Bird burying 3 pointers from al over the arena. how about the year spud webb won it or even vince carter in the 90s? And then the game was played Sunday and you just knew those guys were busting their asses to put on a show for us. Now the great players turn their noses up at the Saturday skills competitions and treat the sunday game like a big nuisance that they can't be bothered with. if u ask me its a crying shame

[@tillman40]

TheJMSESQ well said..nothing to add to that..I do not watch the game I love anymore..I stopped when MJ retired..to me the game was ruined by the 3 pt shot. Was supposed to be a risk shot. Ruined the post play. Ewing vs Akeem, etc those were the epic battles.

[@kenneth7876]

Jamessr23 i disagree i love the three point shot. you should go watch klay thompsons 37 point quarter.... i think youll change your mind lol

[@Jondsmusic]

Bird is and was the best, better than all the rest, period!

[@Jondsmusic]

I'm wrong because, yeah abs he’s won those all as well. He beat everyone in the league, everyone including your buddy Jordan who went 0-6 against him! How’s that for “stats”?

[@Jondsmusic]

I'm wrong because, haters gonna hate!

[@KillianGrenier13]

Top 5 in everything.

[@LT1HILLINGHOE]

LARRY LEGEND....GOAT.

[@Unklechopchop]

LARRY BIRD IS THE GODFATHER OF TRASH TALK! all hail the King

[@johnjcarroll7]

Career average of 10 rebounds and 7 assists for a small forward is unheard of and will never be done again...so unique...

[@vibratingwithmotion2177]

"That's not trash, **that's just facts**" lol

[@tonytafoya6217]

Larry was gifted. Huge understatement.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

Not really. Bird was gifted - but he also worked HARDER to perfect his gifts than ANYONE else. Kobe has a strong reputation for an impressive work ethic - but Larry's work ethic was LEGEND.

[@mikepawlik3989]

bird and magic! forever

[@chriscarbillon7773]

+Jeremy Gray gimme your ring

[@miciboo9993]

Larry Bird. The Man.

[@crazyjoedavola5430]

One of the greatest trash talkers that backed it the fuck up... Just lookin' around to see who's comin' in 2nd... Classic

[@dewaynethomas8831]

Bird was the man

[@bobbyscarfo2544]

As a diehard 76ers fan in the 70s and 80s....I hated Larry Bird... but ONLY because he wasn't on my team! Dude was a straight up assassin on the court.

[@AKindOfAJerk]

LOL @ that song at the very end.

[@55tonep]

cheech and chong bruh! basketball jones!

[@bobdole4916]

I remember watching that over the backboard shot on TV and thinking how absolute terrible it was that they waived it off. My Dad let me know about the rule and I was still think, "but it didn't touch anything! It should count."

[@cindyknudson2715]

And Larry was definitely inbounds. Should have counted.

[@bobdole4916]

@@cindyknudson2715 It wasn't about him being called out of bounds - it was a rule back then that a shot wasn't valid if it came over the backboard from behind it. They've changed the rule since then.

[@cindyknudson2715]

@@bobdole4916 yeah but... It should have lol I liked the clip from the other angle were he stops dead before crossing the line, then turns and shoots it up and over 😁 He seems to have been always mindful of where he was.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

@@bobdole4916 The NBA originally instituted that rule due to Wilt.

[@bobdole4916]

@@bricefleckenstein9666 Sounds about right - they did plenty to try and keep Wilt from completely dominating.

[@JordanBrownSupr3m3R31gngaming]

I know I'm not the only one who was scared as shit when that end song played

[@JordanBrownSupr3m3R31gngaming]

6:25

[@nylbertnotario5719]

I felt the same bro. I thought there something scary face will pop out.. hehe

[@theloverswineverytime1625]

disgusted, but not scared.

[@bluenote9980]

bird is the best sports star of all time................the most electrifying super star ever............his rainbow shot up and over swooshhhhhhhhhh nothing but net everytime............he is sports true goat........

[@coryc0213]

Larry Bird was a bad muthafucker

[@rayjacobs1146]

You kiss your Mom with that mouth?!

[@jesuscage]

gotta love Larry Bird

[@JustNinjaWaffle]

It was a sad day when he retired

[@Robert-xp4ii]

He was great to watch.

[@richardescobar4215]

dat shits to funny , larry bird went up to those guys and said which one of you guys is finishing 2nd lol in the 3point contest

[@bobke114]

Bird had a first step as quick as anyone. He also was a quick jumper with more ups than given credit for. But he was indeed one of the greatest students of the game maybe the best ever.

[@skullduggery3377]

he's better than all those chumps today, even.

[@clinicaleducator1237]

Magic said it best. "Larry Bird is a special cat"!!!

[@Gr8Layks]

The last 5 seconds of this vid is EPIC!

[@Harrison2253]

Bird and Jordan. Two entirely different styles but they shared Supreme confidence in their abilities to do what ever they wanted.

[@Colstonewall]

2:14 watch the end of the Hawks bench when Bird makes the over the backboard shot, lol. Whoever that is (can't see his face) just can't believe what he just witnessed.

[@andreeric175]

Imagine winning a 3 point contest without taking off your warmup jacket

[@josesorianojr2544]

Bird was a problem. He was very special. He could dominate in any era.

[@TonyinMBSC8669]

Its NOT Talking Trash when you back it up! Via satellite I saw EVERY Celtics game for 3 seasons, 84-86. Winning 2 Championships. Of all his accomplishments I think his best was winning the 84 NBA Finals vs Lakers. The Celtics got BLOWN OUT by 33 in game 3. Now down 2-1, Bird being the leader he was, challenged his team. Taking them on his back he led them to wins in Games 4. 5 & 7. In game 4 he had 29 pts, 21 rebounds, game 5, 34 pts & 17 rebounds! Absolutely AWESOME! Larry was named FINALS MVP!

[@saffle82]

I would have loved to see Pete Maravich in his prime competing in a three point shot competition

[@200mphz06]

GOAT, period.