Discovering Larry Bird STORIES that prove he's the BEST TRASH TALKER | Reaction!!

[@stephenreiner1523]

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

[@poloreacts27]

Watching The Last Dance documentary noticing how humble Mike was when he was a rookie. I believe you.

[@stephenreiner1523]

When Larry retired Michael said I'm sick of seeing your face you messed up a lot of my games playing the Celtics and Michael never did come out on top when Bird was playing with the Celtics. He never won, never beat the Celtics when Bird was a player. They both have a lot of respect for each other as well they should. Like Kareem said chubby white guy he wore us out.

[@NBizn]

MJ was 0-6 vs Bird in the playoffs.

[@warrenhughes911]

Yessir

[@ukkingrex]

Bird is the most clutch player of all time. Even ahead of Jordan. Yes, Jordan was 6 for 6 in the Finals. But, the league was down during MJ’s run & he didn’t face anything close to the competition that Bird did. Those 80s Lakers, Celtics & Sixers team would’ve wiped the floor with the 90s Bulls. I agree that MJ is the overall GOAT. But, he wasn’t MORE clutch than Bird. And, IMO, Bird & Magic both rank ahead of LBJ. They didn’t have to build super teams to chase rings. That diminishes LBJ’s legacy, IMO.

[@UnderhillKoufax]

"If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game, I’d choose Michael Jordan. If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life, I’d take Larry Bird." - Legendary Lakers Coach Pat Riley

[@alexred9111]

Facts.

[@ReneeV]

Facts…I got Larry all day every day!

[@setaside2]

That quote has its own fully furnished studio apartment in my head.

[@dannywhitney7166]

Lebron is a flopping ,crybaby quitter. Something Larry, Majic and Mike never did.

[@Shakermaker1995]

Facts on the quote. Larry was a cold hard killer at the end of a game.

[@shawnbates1804]

The bond larry and magic have is incredible. When magic accounced he had hiv, everyone around him bailed. But bird. Bird went to.magic snd talked for hours and stood by him. That is friendship

[@bear23462]

I agree that the bond between Magic and Larry Legend is incredible. The rivalry between these two legendary players and their franchise are close to the foundation of the modern game of basketball. You can not mention one player name without thinking of the other. Rivals on the hardwood, mutual respect as competitors and friends for life.

[@Lonewolfmike]

Larry always stood by Magic. As Magic said he is a Friend Forever.

[@TertiaryScroat]

That is a decent human being

[@tomgribbin9531]

James Worthy said, " Micheal Jordan made you look slow, Larry Bird made you look stupid ."

[@FilkusNM]

That is an excellent breakdown of their different greatness.

[@scottrackley4457]

Yeah, and #42 was a quick as they come. Also a teammate. James knew what was up.

[@TJMiton]

"we'll never see this kind of thing again because people will never love the game like they did back then." man, that hits hard. it's true for sure, and sports are lesser for it.

[@James-qp8ez]

Sports has become so commercialized and divisive that it's no longer the same. Too many rules just like our society reflects govt overreach. Crybaby politics from spoiled overprivilaged pompous ceo's and network attorneys. It's gone soft. Whew.

[@pewpewTN]

I think Luka loves the game like that. He speaks 4 languages from moving all over the world for basketball since age 14.

[@andrewdavid9412]

The Bird is the greatest all-around basketball player of all time. Nobody has ever had a complete package of skills like Larry.

[@cryptozoomauler5505]

I don't know, I still put Michael Jordan above him as a complete basketball player. But Larry Bird is a better passer and 3-point shooter and is my #2 choice. It's very impressive when you think that Larry Bird never shot 3s in high school or college because they didn't exist until he got to the NBA when they were introducing it.

[@yournumberonepal]

​@@cryptozoomauler5505 Larry is my favorite player, but as much as it pains me, MJ is #1. Bird is like #1.5 🫶

[@doldi5400]

@@yournumberonepal much closer than 1.5. It's more like 1.1 😇

[@raross6119]

Mike was a far superior athlete but Larry's skills was the ability to make teams better if you watch Larry he was always looking for the win not the points​@@cryptozoomauler5505

[@shanedenny5234]

Much more to basketball than high flying dunks. Get off that bandwagon.

[@donhathaway3234]

I’m a 71 year old white man, lived in New England my whole life. Seen some amazing sports moments. The Red Sox of this century. The Patriots of this century. Two things transformed my life. Those early 70s Bruins and 1986 Celtics. Watching Dennis Johnson (one of the smartest basketball minds ever) read the floor, setting up Bird, McHale and (and off the bench, Walton!) was a joy! And Parish at both ends was incredible! One highlight of many sports moments in my life.

[@street1111]

My late grandfather said when the Celtics got DJ red is after the trophies again with that team

[@johnkendall6558]

Larry wasn't talking trash, he was prophesying

[@private-nobody6667]

I like that angle, but he was still trash talking😂

[@michaeldwyer977]

Bars

[@dennis2782]

WOW AGREE

[@kathleenkarsten156]

🤣🤣🤣 Crack me up!

[@derot01]

Being from Ireland I knew almost nothing about basketball in the 80’s. I moved to Boston and had to learn quickly. What a place to be, a fabulous city with a fabulous fan base. I was lucky enough to get to see Larry play on three occasions towards the end of his career, when he had to play through the pain barrier. The commitment and love he had for the Celtics and the people of Boston was unreal. It was a huge honour to be in the Boston Garden to witness one of sports all time greats.

[@jons3808]

Bird was the most clutch player of all time and this is coming from a Laker fan who watched that epic rivalry back in the 80s.

[@cassianfalkener3706]

I can't place a title of "most" or "number one" on any basketball player. Larry obviously had the skills. But on the other side of the rivalry, I remember the Lakers being down with a few seconds left, and needing to hit the shot to tie/win the game. The ball went to Magic Johnson. OF COURSE it went to Magic Johnson. And he shot the ball, and you knew the Lakers had just won the game. You KNEW it, long before the ball got to the hoop. And the reason that moment was so memorable to me is because he missed. And everyone had to pick their jaw up off the floor. I suspect Larry Bird had to do the same thing if he later watched the highlights. That was the reputation that Magic Johnson had built for himself as a clutch player, and it was well-deserved. As stated, not trying to take anything away from Larry Bird. I just can't personally label any single player as being the GOAT in basketball. There is a really good series of videos where the person making the videos gives really solid arguments for why each of eight different players deserves the title of GOAT. Each player has their own video, and while I haven't watched them all, the few I've watched were very informative and well-done.

[@juliegahret5236]

As a Laker fan watching the Great Laker and Celtic Teams in the 80’s, no one terrified us like Larry legend. You just have no idea how unstoppable he was. Incredible. ❤

[@michaelwaller7365]

@@cassianfalkener3706 You have it backwards. Pat Riley & Magic spoke on it.

[@cassianfalkener3706]

I discovered this myself sometime after I posted. That being said, Magic had a very similar reputation. During that time in the league, there were a lot of "clutch players" spread throughout the league.

[@michaelwaller7365]

Jerry West, RIP, was nicknamed; Mr. Clutch, the Logo, Mr. Outside, & Zeke from Cabin Creek. I saw a lot of Laker games in LA from 1969-1993.

[@JesseSeeger]

Larry Legend is the Optimal definition of the word and mindset CLUTCH !!!!!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@UnderhillKoufax]

I grew up a fan of Dr. J, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan, but the player who could beat you the most ways with the most skills was Larry Bird. Bird had the best combination of inside scoring, mid-range scoring, 3-point scoring, passing, rebounding, defense, basketball IQ, trash talking, work ethic, clutch performance, and leadership. Bird had it all from day 1 in the NBA. The others gained some of these things after several years. “I would much rather guard Michael Jordan than Larry Bird, because you have to play the game as a thinker when you’re playing [Bird]. You have to get inside his mind. Larry wasn’t quick, he couldn’t jump really high, but there were just some sleepless nights.” -James Worthy on Larry Bird, via ESPN SportsCentury " The difference between Jordan and Bird was that Jordan made you look slow, Bird made you look stupid. " - James Worthy “Larry Bird can’t jump, and he’s not that quick… But he makes up for it by using his head, analyzing the opponent. It makes him better than the competition… Consequently, he doesn’t have a weakness.” - Michael Jordan

[@polyscroll]

Great Comment. Thanks!

[@James-qp8ez]

The OG Air walker. Dr. J.

[@alanwomack5055]

What brings tears to my eyes is the love for each other that the players have for each other. Some say I hated him , well I say it was love and admiration for each other. Larry Legend and Magic Johnson love each other like brothers and that makes me SMILE big time !

[@guywillis1281]

Man I was lucky enough to be a teenager/young adult through these years. To all the younger fans, I can't even describe to you the excitement and just pure love of the game, the rivalries, but also the respect between the players. And for context, I was not even a huge basketball fan and never played when I was younger other than recreational. It was a time that has never been duplicated. If any of you have the chance, just go watch some of the documentaries and even full length games. You can literally feel the excitement, even just for the typical Sunday NBA game of the week. Ain't gonna lie, watching this even made me a little misty eyed thinking back on those memories.

[@paulwhite5840]

Rest in peace Bill Walton.

[@go-nogo1475]

I miss the big ol' hippie. He was always so unshakably positive.

[@toddmills2651]

Love big red ucla to the trail blazers to the celtics hall of fame player

[@patriciaotoole5930]

Bless you mr walton

[@reneelynch4485]

When Magic says Bird is the best, what can you say?! LOVE trash talk...

[@phunkjnky]

Larry is the only person with an MVP, a coach of the year, and an executive of the year. The founding member of the 50/40/90 club.

[@jswerve386]

You forgot Rookie of the Year and Finals MVP also.

[@MelissaPalmer-zy5nh]

​@@jswerve386and Gold Medal winner 92 Dream Team.

[@Old_82]

3 straight MVP's career 24ppg 10 rebounds 6 assists career stats

[@James-qp8ez]

​@@Old_82hunh?

[@schrapnellcotton3413]

The 80's were the best NBA era...I'm so glad I got to see it.

[@tavliburd9643]

Larry literally came into the league with those skills. He took a 20 win team to a 60 win team with the same exact players. Phenomenal

[@scottmenze2704]

I love Larry but let's be realistic. It was a 29 win team so much closer 30 then 20. They also signed M.L. Carr who was no slouch

[@wuhanclan]

@@scottmenze2704 Objectively false. Regardless of the exaggeration, that '79-'80 Celtics is still Top 5 all time in season to season Win Percentage improvement. Carr was not a bad player but he still came off the bench all season. Bird gets all the credit, deservedly. You are actually the one not being realistic.

[@JoeBattle]

Larry was THE most clutch player to shoot the ball ever.

[@Dowsker]

Bird is the most clutch athlete ever. He swept MJ twice in the playoffs.

[@jeffhowell1522]

Larry Bird wouldn't even let Mike win one in the playoffs, who else can say that in the 80s before Larry broke his back.

[@fulltiltgonzales]

Polo, you are right on about how cool the NBA was during the Bird/Magic days - these guys LIVED for basketball. They played against each other for the collegiate national championship and it remains to this day the most watched college basketball game of all time.

[@getacare2735]

Larry Bird was more clutch than anyone I've ever seen in my life so far and I'm 60 years old no one put the dagger in your heart like Larry Bird.

[@scottcanann]

I grew up watching the Celtics and even went to school with Danny Ainge. Prime Bird was the most clutch player I ever watched.

[@jeremystanton382]

The crazy thing is he wasn't telling the 7th or 8th guy, he said all of this to hall of famers.

[@78tag]

He didn't go after the low hanging fruit, that would have been too easy. He needed the challenge to keep him interested.

[@jeremystanton382]

@@78tag he should have played the Cool Hand Luke challenge. Eat 50 eggs and go out on the court

[@78tag]

@@jeremystanton382 🤠

[@bear23462]

Jordan specifically told his teammates not to trash talk to Bird.

[@kellypickle]

It wasn’t the trash talking that scared people. It was the accuracy of the trash talking. Respect, Larry legend basketball Jesus.

[@mikelarrivee2620]

Look up the Pat Riley Quote….”If I had to choose a player to hit the last second shot to win a game? It’s MJ… If I had to choose a player to hit a shot to save my life??! It’s Larry Bird!!”

[@dwreed9100]

You're right. The old school guys respected one another. Some may not like each other, but they respected each other's talents!

[@scottpaget2925]

Bill Laimbeer, even his teammates, when talking about him, would talk ill of him and smirked while giving him bare minimum props, cause everyone knew he was dirty!! Outside of him for sure, look how well the Dream Team played with one another, if they were not friends before the Olympics they were after.

[@steveszanto1581]

Bird was the greatest trash talker of all time, and he could 150% back it up every time.

[@schrapnellcotton3413]

"I get a charge of when I tell someone on the opposing team that I'm going to hit a last second shot and then do it. That's what it is all about." That is the heart, the essence of Larry Bird and why he was so good. That is his drive. Look at the sincerity in his face when he says that. Deep.

[@davidanon1568]

80s basketball, it was another world.

[@clairewyndham1971]

That's the truth. Lightening in a bottle.

[@chrisoakley5830]

NBAs best decade ever.

[@msbolan]

80s basketball was incredible. It was incredible. There was nothing better to watch. So much talent, so much heart, so much drive... Today's game isn't even close.

[@jeffhowell1522]

One time in the 80s, I was watching a fight and a basketball game broke out!

[@clairewyndham1971]

@davidanon1568 man, that how I was introduced to Hockey- I went to the fights last, and a hockey game br9ke out!

[@monamaple9790]

My daughter was given a participant trophy and after she said she had not deserve it and threw it away at the age of ten years old 😂❤

[@francesfinn9958]

Bird was MVP 3 years straight!

[@ddthor]

And came in second 5 times. The player of the 1980’s.

[@cryptozoomauler5505]

@@ddthor especially 80-86. Really '79 too but they were still learning to catch his accurate crazy passes.

[@ddthor]

@cryptozoomauler5505 yup. In 79-80, he came in 4th in MVP voting and won rookie of the year nearly unanimously; he got 63 votes and Magic got 3 votes for 2nd place.

[@northendstories4352]

I grew up in Boston saw so many great games being 56 I grew up when players lived and died for thier teams no leaving win or go home mentally! Larry had the heart of a lion ! Heart is everything 💯

[@jasononeal3099]

As a young man growing up in the 80’s I miss this type of Basketball. Larry, Magic and Mike were the reason I tuned in.

[@PromptCriticalJello]

The era of the gentleman athlete.

[@bakerfresh]

I remember I was like in 2nd grade, living in LA when Celtics and Lakers were in the playoffs, watching it in a restaurant after a day at Disneyland. Good times. I wasn't too strong until late Jr High. Stronger?!? So I was surprised when I didn't have to granny shot a ball. I was pretty decent at 3s when I shot but it was on the side of my head and behind it. Had the best high arc. So I tried to change it and have it look cooler. Never as good. Years later, I see Bird and was like, Dayyum...I ised to do that. Some things you lose. I lost my finger roll as I got to lift more. Never could get it back. Frustrated that I didn't get what I did. Especially since I had a teaching mentality.

[@ColeYounger16]

I'm 55 and grew up in Indiana, played hoops up until my knees went bad 5 years ago, so, Bird v. Magic is in my DNA. These games were appointment viewing that people at school would talk about for days before hand. Plus, there were only 3 channels on TV, so, it was an amazing time. Good video thanks for the memories.

[@mastod0n1]

The best kind of trash talk is telling your opponent exactly what you're about to do and then you still do it

[@chriswheeler151]

His PASSING is next level, rebounds, hits the floor!!!!!!!!! GOAT .

[@stephenkennedy8305]

McHale freak cause Larry would put back spin on some passes. McHale tried gave up after 15 minutes of trying.

[@MerryLeafField]

Larry Bird wasn't disrespectful. He was just telling everybody what was about to happen. He had the script and knew the play. He was telling everyone their parts The basketball court was the stage, the players were playing their parts and he was the prompter. It feels like he played billiards--calling his shots beforehand. That's how billiards is played. He was keeping people up to speed. And now, Larry Bird has schooled Polo.

[@cindyknudson2715]

Brilliant! And so much truth. And goading them to bring their best to make it competitive and fun.

[@rudyeccher6509]

I was a teenager during this era, and what I remember most was the sheer number of superstars playing. Kareem, Magic, Dr J., Wilkins, Dantley, Worthy, Drexler,, and on and on. Bird was definitely part of that group. The skill level was so high, you could watch teams go back and forth exchanging the lead for long stretches of a quarter without missing a shot. Noone had seen basketball like that before. It was a sight to behold, and so competitive. Really a golden age of basketball.

[@ddthor]

Bird would do something you have never seen before every single game.

[@andrewwood7217]

Larry, Magic, and Jordan, the all time “holy trinity” of the NBA

[@1flash3571]

Bird IS the Definition of CLUTCH.

[@jlui21]

-- Yup. It's MJ and Bird. Then its everyone else. Lebron? He maybe the 3rd GOAT behind MJ and Kareem but LeThird ain't clutch.

[@weaponizedanonymity4624]

@@jlui21 -No It's Bird, followed by MJ

[@pattywagn]

We loved watching the Celtics. Larry was amazing. I love watching this now.

[@lagodifuoco313]

I'm 57yrs old and lived in LA as a Celtics fan during the Bird/Magic era. What a time to be alive!!!

[@NoleFan74]

Thanks for the memories! I would go shag balls as a kid while my dad and his softball team took batting practice and we would hurry home to watch Larry vs Magic. Those were some of my favorite memories as a kid. I just lost my dad in January and sure miss him. Celtics vs Lakers are one of the BEST RIVALRIES in all of sports!!! I'm a die hard Bird fan!

[@walterehly9454]

Hall of Fame Coach Pat Riley once said, "If I had to pick someone to take a shot to win the game for me, it would be Jordan, if I had to pick one to take a shot to save my life, I'd pick Larry bird."

[@tats_sacs]

When Bird missed the winning shot against the lakers, Pat Riley said “we got lucky…” the best coach at the time thought he would more likely be making the shot than missing it.

[@williamhannam3870]

So awesome to see you discovering Larry Bird! I got to watch his whole career and there was just no one better... not even Michael for a long time.

[@redefv]

These MEN made each other better. Mad respect and I am a Pistons fan 😅

[@michaellockhart554]

Larry is the only person to be MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year

[@markr.9626]

Nice video. You are correct, we who grew up watching this Era were spoiled by great basketball. The playoff games and each possession were priceless

[@scotttrainer9704]

Larry wasn't just a great player, he played a key role in making basketball popular. That pushes him to the top.

[@Bumperump]

Larry Bird's trash talk is an art form, he knew how to get into his opponents' heads...into their psyche.

[@korndogz69]

Larry Bird was an all around monster. He had great shooting skills, but he also was one of the greatest passers ever. He also would share the ball unlike Jordan. Jordan used to be my favorite until I learned more about Bird. Bird had the highest basketball IQ in the game, and all of the greats acknowledge that. To me, Bird is the GOAT. LeBron plays in an NBA that will foul you if you sneeze in someone's general direction, or make someone feel uncomfortable. Today's NBA is weak. I don't think LaBron could play the way he does now in a much more physical NBA like it used to be.

[@pttp5509]

I agree - Larry was more of a team player

[@soramirez5473]

i was never a fan of either, but i used to have Jordan 1 and Bird 2. but the more i go back and really dive in, i got Bird SLIGHTLY over Mike, because of intelligence and team play.

[@korndogz69]

@@soramirez5473 His team play was so good that he CREATED star players on his team! You can't say the same about Jordan, or LeBron.

[@soramirez5473]

@@korndogz69 yes.. thats why i give bird the edge.. but i would like to have BOTH on my team, plus three 3 and d guys land im winning.

[@soramirez5473]

@@korndogz69 and i mean both Bird and Jordan. I dont really need lebron. too ball dominant..

[@tavliburd9643]

Had a smile on my face this entire clip. Followed him from that NCAA title game to that retirement night at The Garden. Boy was he a joy to watch.

[@mariaeisenhardt2296]

If they wasn’t a Bird and Magic, there would never be a Jorden or any of the players that can after them. Basketball was a joke before their joined the league. Stadium were half full, the game weren’t broadcast live. Those two rekindled the love joy and respect for basketball. And that is the fact.

[@Roscoe819]

Truth. The entire sport stands on Magic and Larry’s shoulders.

[@bryemartin6368]

Man brother, you can't even conceive what it used to be like.. They were cold, and nobody colder than Bird....!!!!...😊

[@irishgrl]

If you watch Bird full games you will understand why ppl pick Larry.

[@FantasySportsZen]

Nobody more clutch than Larry. The Legend.

[@michaelhrivnak9463]

No one is more clutch than Larry. Jordan said he learned everything he knew about trash talking from Bird.

[@mmontgomery7069]

I love how you put this together. Magic and Bird set the foundation for what people now see as the NBA. Their competitive nature brought out the best in one another, because neither wanted to lose. There is a bucket full of great NBA stars, past and present, but not many come close to the legendary status that Bird is.

[@Miss_Califfa]

When I was around 9-10 I was at a Utah jazz game with my dad. After the game, Larry was walking by us. My dad stopped him to ask for his autograph. The size of these men's hands. My dad was '6"3 and 220, Larry's hands swallowed my dad's, I'll never forget it.

[@JohnShreve-hw8zm]

I was around in the early 80s and a Celtics fan…I never had any idea that Bird was a trash talker. He got into a lot of fights especially w Detroit and Lakers. I really like your channel and just subscribed.

[@frankrice6935]

Larry Bird would tell Michael Jordan what he was going to do with the ball 🏀 and Michael still couldn't stop Larry Bird. True G.O.A.T. Larry Joe Bird, LEGEND.

[@thomasbaker7727]

Those two made the NBA.

[@fractaljack210]

There is a video series about the GOATs called, "Making the Case for..." It covers eight basketball legends. The one about Bird is awesome.

[@lynnhoffmann247]

Bird…are you thinking of the other legend Byrd? (The Arkansas state trooper 😂)

[@fractaljack210]

@@lynnhoffmann247 Weird. Thanks for the catch. Corrected now.

[@RModillo]

Bird has an interview where he explains his form. Supposedly it had to do with an injury that led him to hold the ball to one side while shooting.

[@lisazaccardimeunier8378]

I’m a Celtics fan from the 80’s. I have two recommendations. “A Courtship of Rivals”, about Larry and Magic from childhood to retirement. That flows into “The ‘92 Olympic Dream Team”. They’re long, so even if you don’t react to them, you should still watch them.

[@seankoonce4779]

Also espn did a 30 for 30 series called lakers vs Celtics. That was epic!

[@lisazaccardimeunier8378]

@@seankoonce4779 oooh, I’ll have to check it out!

[@christophernunnally3907]

That shit was beautiful but it broke my heart at the end!!! I loved that series!!!

[@lisazaccardimeunier8378]

@@christophernunnally3907 definitely!

[@robinmahan8814]

Great documentary!

[@steveconnelly9207]

CLUTCH< are you kidding? Bird was miles ahead of everyone else,,,,HE WAS THE ""THE GOAT"" The best I've every seen since the middle 1950's !!!!!!!!

[@MrThumbs63]

Len Bias died 38 years ago yesterday. I don't hear any sports media talk about this any more. If Bias hadn't died, MJ might not have become what he became. Imagine the 86-87 Celtics having Bias. Yes, Rivers is a scrub coach. Watch highlights of the 85, 86, or 87 All Star games. You'll see how they played back then. It's wall-to-wall HOFers.

[@chrisoakley5830]

Thank you for remembering Len Bias, I am a fan of Maryland basketball, Len was such a great player and yes, history in the 80s would be very different if not for his tragic death. The Celtics would have won more titles, the Lakers and Pistons, probably less titles, things would have been very different, no doubt.

[@pdxxx1]

RIP Len Bias,

[@raross6119]

Really sad he was birds replacement Celtics fell asleep hard

[@marionrose2669]

My sister wrote to LarryBird to tell him how crazy over him our was and he sent her a birthday card.🍀🍀🍀 She passed away two months later.❤️‍🩹🍀

[@boroblueyes]

Definitely need more Bird.

[@patrickhite3026]

What a nice tribute. I'm not a big basketball guy but I live in Paoli Indiana where the Bird is from..We pass his former & 1st home often..I know he's well admired but I had no idea how great a player he was untill recently. .Respect.

[@paulpenix8198]

You can check out Larry Bird greatest passer of all-time video re-edit, or the Bird is the word highlights video. AMAZING.

[@americanaforever6725]

Major trash talker but winning percentage of 73% second only to Magic’s 74% to back it up

[@gubbylee]

Larry is the clutchest !!!

[@jayeads]

this era was absolute joy. I miss it all the time. I grew up as a kid loving Bird and the Celtics, and it took Jordan coming along to steal focus. The 80's and 90's NBA will forever be the greatest, I can't even imagine a way to top it.

[@karenj3611]

Larry Legend, he played intelligently. He was playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers.

[@FUBAR1986]

The most impressive thing about Magic that isn’t talked about enough was him having to take over because of injury and playing every position and scoring 42 points… That is worth watching in the finals no less first year

[@F_T2D_Drew]

Larry was surreal to watch as a kid. Larry Bird = GOAT.

[@theflorgeormix]

Totally agree on Barkley...hilarious entertainer. Bird earned it

[@spitfire_33]

That's when basketball was fun. The players were good AND playing as a "team" was exceptional.

[@steveorr94]

I grew up as a Lakers fan in the 80’s and I despised the Celtics, esp Bird. Over the years I have come to respect and appreciate Bird and it’s so cool to hear all these stories decades later.

[@KlingonPrincess]

Basketball was FANtastic back then. My favorite NBA slogan and so true.

[@Masihiun-sahraallibya]

I was 11 and went to a playoff game between Utah and LA. Only game I ever went to. 1988. At halftime I kept yelling out to Kareem to get his attention. For one second he looked over and pointed. I've never forgotten it. Golden age of basketball 80s and 90s.

[@flutesong5527]

Yes! The love for the game, for your team, for your favorite player. All the guys, dad, brothers, boyfriends watched Larry play and we were in Miami!

[@stevesurprenant1005]

Your comments are so very insightful, and kind. You get it. Thanks for explaining trash talk... I agree With Jordan, LeBron, Bird is a great line up.

[@wasichu3465]

Watch the highlights of this guy. Unreal. Grew up watching Larry. 80’s and 90’s NBA was amazing.

[@denny3088]

Another thing that Bird pointed out that makes him one of my all time favorites not only as a player but a person is that when asked about who the greatest of all time, he said that it's not about all time, it's about eras. He was right, each era had phenomenal players. When asked about "haters" of certain players, he mentioned how LeBrons game elevated the game to another level almost like his and Magics did during their era. But he also said, and this is important, he said that all the "hating" on certain players makes you miss and appreciate what they're doing. He mentioned LeBron specifically saying that people should be appreciating what he's doing on the court especially at his age. He said that the likes of LeBron and others won't be around forever and we should take it all in and appreciate them for their play because we may not see some of their accomplishments repeated. Dude is a class act. All of those guys in that era that laid the foundation for the once fledgling league were class acts. They LOVED the game and competed harder than and players in ANY era. Like you saw the likes of Bird and Isaiah Thomas playing thru excruciating pain. With all that Bird accomplished, if he didn't have that bad back, he could've played another 4-5yrs, maybe longer and just think of the stats he could've added on top of what he has, it's unimaginable.

[@RaymondBCrisp]

I'm going to say that there's an angle to consider with respect to the GOAT conversation that doesn't really get put into words very well, and that's the intangibles. You can look at statistics all day, but those who know the game well recognize things that Larry did that not many, if any, do today. An announcer in one of his assists videos make the comment that Bird must have the most assists from the floor than any other player in the league. And I think that right there says something about his hustle, his willingness to dive to the floor in pursuit of the ball. His 'bird-doggedness' (if such a corny pun is permitted) was unrivaled at the time, and I have no doubt would continue today. His endurance was legendary too, at least before his accident that injured his back. And that's really the crux of the matter, and why I can't say Bird is 'THE' GOAT. I think that is MJ, but I'll add a caveat. I feel MJ was the most 'physically gifted' ball player without a doubt. His ability to seemingly defy gravity and contort his body in midair was, and still is, mind-blowing. If not for his foray into baseball, no one would think of disputing his supremacy. Bird on the other hand is the most 'talented' ball player and had the highest basketball IQ of any player I've seen to date. Watching him run the court during his prime was a thing of art. He just knew where the ball needed to be and when, and he got it there. If that was an assist, check. Need a hoop? Yup. Rebounds? Bet. Defense (again, watch him pre-injury, he averaged 2 steals and 1 block per game ), sure. I've seen a quote out there by a contemporary of both MJ and Bird. He said, "Jordan would make you look slow, but Bird...Bird would make you look stupid." Had Bird not injured his back, who knows how many MVP titles he would have had though, or how many years he could have continued in the league. What if they had the orthoscopic techniques back then to deal with his bone spurs that basically kept him out of action for a full year? Who knows. I loved to watch Brid play though. Something interesting was bound to happen every game.

[@OldSchoolPatrick]

Excellent analysis. Thank you

[@elvispresley5921]

10:28 , Pure clutch = Larry 1st. Bird may be in a shooting slump the entire game going something like 2-22 , BUT , in the last seconds ,your gonna see 2-3 men on Bird ....STILL.

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

Larry Bird is top 3, but Magic and Larry saved the NBA in the 80's. They were great friends after it was all said and done.

[@somethintoviewwithyou2876]

I’d love some more Larry! Also, white chocolate and mark price haha 🤣. Seriously you’ll die laughing

[@lindafoster2141]

LIVING IN INDIANA, LARRY BIRD IS THE GOAT!!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@kelleewolfe2834]

Yep! Growing up, not even being raised around bball, I knew Larry Bird was a Legend!

[@28elevator]

That's when the players came to be a basketball player not a attention seeker. The 80s and 90s had the real GOAT'S. Great video Polo.💯💪

[@dubbleplusgood]

@Polo, there's another YT floating around that makes the argument that Bird was instrumental for keeping the NBA alive and paving the way later on to become the behemoth it was in the 80s 90s and beyond. Very interesting time and Bird was definitely a top legend of the game.

[@Itsmattz]

When bird and Magic entered the league, they would run reruns of sitcoms instead of broadcasting nba playoff games live. You’d see it hours later on a tape delay.

[@1stsharkb8]

I was a Rockets fan back then but I couldn't stop watching Larry Bird. It aint trash talkin if you back it up!! Its just honesty.

[@mccoyrj452]

Courtship of Rivals doc should be on your shortlist if you want more Bird and Magic content. That doc is genuinely amazing. Also the most clutch player of all time? That is Bird. MJ is close behind, but it is Bird. In that era, you were astonished when he DIDN'T hit the game winner.

[@AndreInThe416]

In that era, the competitiveness was on a different level.

[@marykuettner752]

Bird is my favorite player because he was like the league's big brother. Always messing with everybody. He was always having a great time when he was healthy.