Larry Bird's Greatest Game 'I should have quit right there'

Thumbnail illustration by Benoit Maindrault
Music: The Cinematic Orchestra - To Build A Home
Audio: Bill Simmons Podcast with Bob Ryan 11/6/14

[danielhansen]

larry fucking legend :) who else plays with a broken back for 6 years and still dominates?

[mattc]

Only thing he missed all night was the high-five attempt at 4:46. Legend.

[anthonymatter]

Life long bostonian....thank you Larry Joe Bird for giving our city some of the greatest bb ever..it brings tears to my eyes when ever I think of it

[lairdriver]

10 rebounds a game in a environment that allowed bush league like physical play often.

Larry Bird was a master of fundamental basketball.

[GeorgiZhukov]

It was such a privilege watching Bird play - mostly on TV but a few times in person. No one in the history of the game played better basketball than Bird in his prime. I pretty much worshiped Larry as a teen (heck, I STILL do) and know I will never enjoy watching any athlete play any sport as much as I enjoyed watching him. There may be a couple of players since Larry ruled the game who have been as great but there has never been, and never will be in my opinion, anyone greater.

[ultimatepatriot]

Anyone who grew up watching basketball in the 80s-90s know what real legends are and how ridiculous todays game is.

[joshuasussman]

Larry's '86 is I think the greatest single season in history. Artful, beautiful basketball.

[jeffmoss]

Why do I start crying every time I relive these Bird moments?

[PorkFrog]

if you don't like Bird, you don't like basketball

[kennybee]

Larry Bird was my idol as I’m a lifelong Celtics fan.
I got goose bumps watching the Legend play. He was incredible!!

[bobthabuilda]

Can you imagine Larry in today's league? Combine his post up and passing skills with today's three point shooters, and he'd lead the league in assists every year.

[jiggycordova]

I wasn’t alive to watch this great play, but glad that I live in a time where I have the opportunity to watch old clips of this guy, I’m literally in tears. There’s just a beautiful grace with which he played.

[robertchflynn]

when I was a kid I was a big Dr. J fan and feared Larry Bird. Now I just appreciate all those amazing moments because he was the best player of his era...

[Stgfre]

He is my favorite player and will always will be. One of the greatest professional basketball players.

[kermitefrog]

I miss seeing players in the NBA like Bird because he always gave his all. And he was the consummate team player.

[Harrison]

Bird was already mentally tough and Supremely confident the first time he set foot on an NBA court. There was no warm up period for him. He always had it.

[icecreamforcrowhurst]

Bird at the line with McHale on one side and Walton on the other. That really is a sight to see.

'86 Celtics: the greatest team ever to step on a basketball court.

[josephbuckhoff]

*The Celtics & BIRD were Awesome... I Loved the Team Work Boston had & The Love of the Game, BIRD is & will always be The Legend (GOAT)*

[rudensdiaz]

Best player ever all around and far from any player biggest heart. After so many years later it feels emotional watching him playing.   Music helps a little bit.

[rgvilla]

As a the biggest Laker fan, I love and respect Larry Bird.