We present them here for purely educational purposes. 10.0. An Amazing 8-0! In 1985, the Lakers beat the Celtics behind FInals MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. [84], "Larry, you only told me one lie. The following comes from The Tampa Bay Times: His best NCAA tournament game came in the Final Four against DePaul, when he scored 35 points with 16 rebounds and nine assists (all were NCAA tournament highs for him) while shooting 16-of-19 from the field. Bird was one of the best scorers in the country, a big forward who led the way for the Sycamores from the Missouri Valley Conference to the biggest national stage. ", The Evening Sun's Bill Tanton: "At the beginning of the season, Indiana State was picked third or fourth in its own conference. Regular Season MVP. [111] In 1997, Bird accepted the position of coach of the Indiana Pacers[112] and said he would be on the job for no more than three years. However, the Celtics faced too many injuries and the Lakers, who had won 65 games, were healthy and better on paper. Bird was named 1984 Finals MVP after averaging 27 points and 14 rebounds per game. Data Provided By the official stats partner of the NBA, NHL and MLB . The first regular-season game between the Celtics and the Lakers in the 198788 season proved to be a classic with Magic Johnson banking in an off-balance shot from near the three-point line at the buzzer for a 115114 Lakers win at Boston Garden. Small Forward and Power Forward [102] Bird's humble roots were the source of his most frequently used moniker, "The Hick from French Lick". . that the Celtics returned to the NBA Finals. [11] Bird has said that being poor as a child still motivates him "to this day". Some believe that he is the greatest small forward to ever play in the NBA. Michael Jordans Prime: The Greatest of All Time, Who has the most rings in the NBA? With the Celtics owning a roster that was aging, he did not come back. [99] He sometimes practiced shooting three-point shots with his eyes closed. With that said, the following three years were legendary. These are Birds stats and achievements season by season. When media outlets conduct their all-time great lists, Bird is spotted on those lists every time. Bird and McHale remained a dangerous duo, each averaging over 20 points per game. Finals MVP: Cedric Maxwell(17.7/9.5/2.8), Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Wednesday, March 1, 9:33AM. In 1981, the Celtics beat a Houston Rockets team featuring, In 1984, Birds Celtics beat the Showtime Lakers featuring, In 1986 the Celtics defeated a pretty different Houston Rockets squad. He played for the Celtics during his entire professional career (13 seasons), leading them to five NBA finals appearances and three NBA championships. Finals MVP: Larry Bird(27.4/14.0/3.6), Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Wednesday, March 1, 9:33AM. Background. [23], Bird was selected by the Boston Celtics with the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft. But, as one journalist would say, They looked different, perhaps, but take a chainsaw to their souls and they were fraternal, if not identical, friends.[72] Watching Bird play was like watching Magic play, as they both shared this talent that the league had never seen before. This time, he could say he was truly the best player in the league from start to finish. 24.3. He played both the small forward and power forward positions. The swagger from Bird remained in full force. Larry Bird was named the league MVP three times in his career, and they all came in consecutive fashion. Celtics General Manager Red Auerbach publicly stated that he would not pay Bird more than any Celtic on the current roster, but Bird's agent Bob Woolf told Auerbach that Bird would reject any sub-market offers and simply enter the 1979 draft instead, where Boston's rights would expire when the draft began on June 25, and Bird would have been the likely top pick. [45] The performance came just nine days after Kevin McHale set the previous Celtics record for points in a game with 56. 13 years. Rockets vs. Celtics. It helped the Celtics overcome 47 points from Dominique Wilkins. inWest Baden,Indiana Larry Bird always showed up at the highest level when the Celtics needed him most. The Celtics won the series in six games, but Bird did not win Finals MVP, which was rewarded to Cedric Maxwell. [82] In 1999, Bird ranked No. Or write about sports? 6.3. Stats: 21.3 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG, Awards And Achievements: All-Star, All-NBA First Team, Rookie of the Year, All-Rookie First Team. He chose to play out his final season at Indiana State, so he played the following season. [76] The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame called the team "the greatest collection of basketball talent on the planet". * Larry Bird was injured and missed the playoffs in 1989. Bird's 198889 season ended after six games when he had bone spurs surgically removed from both of his heels. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. DI indoor T&F championship selections revealed, Women's swimming qualifiers announced for DI championships. He was also one of the first players to take advantage of the three-point line. 3940. NAME DATE SEASON SERIES TM OPP MIN PTS REB AST STL BLK TOV FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% In 2003, Bird was named president of basketball operations for the Pacers, holding the position until retiring in 2012. Join us for a March Madness Webinar on Tuesday, March 7 at 8pm ET. The "Dream Team" won the men's basketball gold medal. '"[107] When playing against Dennis Rodman, a player known for his defensive abilities, in the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals, Bird continually belittled Rodman's ability, at one point asking the opposing head coach to send in someone up to the task of guarding him. "He's a great passer and an excellent rebounder. "[70] Their rivalry began in college, when Larry Bird and Indiana State lost to Magic Johnson and Michigan State in the NCAA Championship game. [8] Bird's parents were of Irish, Scottish and some Native American descent. [33][34][35] Behind Bird's leadership and Boston's upgraded roster, the Celtics again advanced to the Conference Finals for a rematch with the 76ers. [71], Journalists speculated that Bird and Magic represented different contrasts, such as clashes between Celtics and Lakers, between East and West, and between Blacks and Whites. [13], Larry used basketball as an escape from his family troubles, starring for Springs Valley High School and averaging 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 4 assists as a senior on his way to becoming the school's all-time scoring leader. Larry Joe Bird (born December 7, 1956) is an American former professional basketball player, coach, and executive in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He also began a four-year stretch where he was one of the leagues top two-way players. In a way, this season started at the beginning of an end. Discover Larry Bird's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Isn't 15.3 points, 15.3 rebounds and 7 assists per game one of the coolest statlines for an NBA playoff series ever?A quote from Larry Bird's book "Drive" co. Amazing! Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. [3], A versatile player at both forward positions, he could play both inside and outside, being one of the first players in the league to take advantage of the newly adopted three-point line. 'Can I stay in bed?' Stats; Standings; Teams; Players; All-Star . Nicknamed "the Hick from French Lick" and "Larry Legend", Bird is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Now the Sycamores are 33-0, they are ranked No. "Larry Bird Ball" was the most popular sport in Terre Haute. That went to Birds teammate. Their coach, Bill Hodges, is in his first year, the first rookie ever to take an undefeated team to the tournament final. When it comes to the 80s decade, he is in the conversation for the best overall player. Despite failing to win the championship, Bird earned numerous year-end awards and honors for his outstanding play, including the Naismith College Player of the Year Award. Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Basketball Reference Database. Bird has been voted to both the 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998. Bird owns four buzzer-beaters and in each of those moments the Celtics trailed when he took the clutch shot. He won the Rookie of the Year award, 3 MVP awards, 2 Finals MVP awards and 3 NBA championships. What Was John Havliceks Finals Record? ", "LeBron James: Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Julius Erving Are 3 Best Players Ever", "Who Has Made The Most NBA All-Star Game Appearances of All-Time", "NBA MVP award: Steph Curry on list of multiple-time winners", Sporting News: James Harden joins exclusive group with third MVP runner-up finish, "Who is the most clutch player in NBA history? Their friendship blossomed when the two players worked together to film the Converse commercial, which depicted them as archenemies. Bird was named Finals MVP behind 27.4 points, 14 . Join us for a March Madness Webinar on Tuesday, March 7 at 8pm ET. He scored 27 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, dished out 3.6 assists and had 2.1 steals per game. [19][20] Indiana State lost the game 7564, with Bird scoring 19 points but making only 7 of 21 shots. Bird took just two shots that night and made both, according to the Philadelphia Daily News, while he helped teammates Carl Nicks and Steve Reed score 50 combined. Magic Johnson in Michigan State's 2-3 matchup zone in theepic clash of two all-time greats, The complete results from the best #MarchMadnessMoments bracket, College basketball dictionary: 51 terms defined, The mens basketball teams with the most NCAA tournament 1 seeds, Lil Nas X, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Maggie Rogers & Mickey Guyton to Perform as Part of the 2023 NCAA March Madness Music Festival in Houston, 2023 March Madness men's bracket predictions by Andy Katz to start March, Men's college basketball career scoring leaders, Antoine Davis is 25 points away from catching 'Pistol' Pete Maravich, Antoine Davis nears all-time DI scoring mark after leading Detroit Mercy to victory, How recent eventual March Madness men's champions did in their conference tournaments, 2023 Selection Sunday: Date, schedule, TV times, Marquette, Indiana leap into the top 6 of the men's college basketball Power 36 rankings, We're tracking all 32 NCAA men's basketball conference tournaments, auto bids for 2023, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, 1978 Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, 1979 Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, Named a top-15 player in the 75 Years of March Madness Celebration, A member of the 2,000-point, 1,000-rebound club: 2,850 points and 1,247 rebounds, Indiana State's all-time leading scorer (2,850 points), Indiana State records for most points in the first half, second half, in a game, at home, on the road, in a loss, Highest scoring average in the 1979 NCAA Tournament (27.2 points per game), Most rebounds and highest rebound average in the 1979 NCAA Tournament (67 rebounds, 13.4 rpg), Indiana State-record 35 points in an NCAA tournament game, Indiana State-record 16 field goals in an NCAA tournament game, Indiana State-record 84.2 shooting percentage in an NCAA tournament game (min. While Indiana State coach Bill Hodges was frustrated with the style of defense, according to the Philadelphia Daily News, Bird wasn't concerned about his lack of shots. Happy 64th Birthday, Larry Bird! He was selected to the All-Star Game but didnt play due to a back injury. Larry Bird was one of the clutchest players in NBA history. Bird remained a top player in the league, securing All-NBA and All-Defensive team honors again. The Boston Celtics star aimed to live a simple life despite earning $24 million over his 13-year playing career. He is the only person in NBA history to be named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.[1]. Finals MVP: Larry Bird (27.4 / 14.0 / 3.6) 1984 Playoff Leaders: PTS: Larry Bird (632) TRB: Larry Bird (252) AST: Magic Johnson (284) WS: Larry Bird (4.7) More playoffs info. [21][38], At the 1982 All-Star Game, Bird scored 19 points en route to winning the All-Star Game MVP Award. Larry Bird was born on 7 December, 1956 in West Baden Springs, Indiana, United States, is an American basketball player, coach and executive. [20] Bird also appeared in one game for the baseball team, going 1-for-2 with 2 RBI. The Celtics made the Conference Finals before losing to the 76ers. Bird won Finals MVP in 1984 when his Celttics defeated the Lakers in seven games. They thought scoring was more important, but passing is important.". The team made the playoffs for an 11th straight season. [133], During his professional career with the Celtics, Bird lived in the Boston suburb of Brookline, Massachusetts.[134]. Birds Boston Celtics finished 16-15 in NBA Finals games and 3-2 in NBA Finals series. "By noon, Bird appeared at a press conference, a rarity in his scheme of things. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. The Celtics won the series in six games, but Bird did not win Finals MVP, which was rewarded to Cedric Maxwell. Bird packed a lot of success into his first decade of NBA play, but longevity wouldn't prove his strong suit. He was named NBA Coach of the Year for the 19971998 season and later led the Pacers to a berth in the 2000 NBA Finals. [7], Bird was born in West Baden Springs, Indiana, to Georgia (ne Kerns) and Claude Joseph "Joe" Bird, a veteran of the Korean War. HEIGHT. He couldn't miss. He then led his team to an undefeated regular season. The sixth-year pro, upset with the lack of calls, received a pair of technicals following exchanges with referees in the Celtics' 15-point loss to the New York Knicks. The main reason the Celtics were able to sustain a long run of success was because of Bird. The Celtics, led by Bird, and the Lakers, led by Magic, were present in every NBA Finals series in the 80s, with Bird and Magic meeting three times. [75] It was the first time in the United States' Olympic history that the country sent NBA players to compete. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. While Bird did not have the finals success of a Jordan or Russell, he still had a better record than greats including LeBron and Wilt. His focus was on the court. . Join our linker program. And it went down to the last shot of the game. The first was on February 14, 1986 in an overtime win against the Portland Trail Blazers. [21] He eventually finished runner-up in Most Valuable Player Award voting to Moses Malone. The Lakers ultimately won the series in six games. In, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 21:21. Finals MVP: Larry Bird(24.0/9.7/9.5), Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Wednesday, March 1, 9:33AM. You can see stats, Championships, awards and more. Finals Appearances. Manufacturer: The Star Co. The Spartans won 75-64 in the highest-rated and most-watched college basketball game ever. 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