Byron Scott shares Larry Bird story (5/20/16)

[RichieDb]

My favorite Larry Bird story -

After the 3rd quarter, Larry Bird had 30 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists and 9 steals for the Celtics to come within one steal of recording a quadruple-double in a blowout win for the Celtics against the Jazz.

When Bird was informed of his opportunity of a quadruple double (only 4 players have done it up to now), Bird chose not to go back into the game after being taken out in the third.

Bird's reason - "I already did enough damage"

That's Larry Legend. Not about stats. Just wins.

[teleamor]

Bird trashed talk BEFORE doing something amazing.

Everyone else trash talked AFTER doing something. Big difference.

[nuftis]

I could listen to these stories all day

[Fakename]

One of my favourite passages from Magic’s autobiography is the bit he told about a Celtics regular season visit to the Forum in which Magic wasn’t playing, and Larry told him to just sit back and enjoy the Larry Bird Show

[alexamerling]

Laker fan here and I hate the Celtics with all my heart but damn do I have the utmost respect for Larry Bird.

[michaelmcarthur]

Most of you may not comprehend this, but what Byron's explanation is about is pure artistry. Creating the picture before its execution in the mind of another, and then having it realized. It is prophetic in its impact.

[garyschneider]

I love the fact that he says "The late great DJ" I hated the Celtics but deep inside you admired them, all of them during Bird's time.

[grannysgonerabid]

Pat Riley:  "I'd want Jordan to take the shot with the game on the line.  I'd want Bird to take it if my LIFE was on the line."

[spooge]

Did Bird get respect? Magic showed up at his retirement in the Garden wearing Birds jersey.

[arguingwithstupidpeople]

Bird's famous "left handed" game against Portland: he shot every shot
left-handed, 42 points, won the game. Bird always needed challenges to
perform at his peak.

[dealit]

The Celtics/Lakers wars in the 1980's were a magical time for the NBA.

[jjsfzr]

geez these Lakers players we Boston fans hated so much (because they were so good)...respect. Thanks for sharing - great story.

[classicsurvivor]

The XMan story is correct, but he left out a detail. He said after the play, "I didn't mean to leave two seconds on the clock".

[depaola]

Classic !! I am 55 in May and remember ALL these times !! GREAT DAYS 4 SURE !! Larry knew how GREAT GOD made him !!

[stevenconroy]

I really enjoyed watching these basketball rivals go at it year after year. Not only was it nice to see Bird shoot, his passing skills awed the crowd as much as a running left handed shot from 25 ft out. I have much respect for the Lakers of the 80s two great teams.

[davidberger]

A small part of Bird's trash talking was his facial demeanour-deadpan-which makes it all the funnier and more effective
(at demoralizing the opponent).

[AnonYmous-fixb]

LARRY LEGEND BEST SMALL FORWARD OF ALL TIME NO DOUBT

[thyslop]

Use to watch the Bird in the pros when he played and it was obvious he was phenomenal, but with the perspective of time when you watch his old clips is when you realize how good he really was.

Got drug to a college basketball game once when Bird was a senior in college. One of his last games, I believe. Creighton v Indiana State. Had never heard of him. To this day can't remember who I went with, nor how we got the tickets. I just rememberin that game he could not be stopped and literally everything he threw up went in. I think he had 41 that nite, not certain.

Another equal to Bird. Bill Walton. But the injuries slowed his effectiveness. I believe it was his rookie year he won in the NBA finals. He could not be stopped. Always wondered what he would have accomplished if he remained healthy

[brockman]

I was a Magic fan as a kid, and this was cool hearing a Larry Bird story from an opponent (scott). Dude backed up what he said.

[happyman]

That's the one and only Larry Bird, the Legend...