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.

That last pass, bouncing ball of the board for Bird to rebound, was the work of a genius.

Dennis Johnson was not only a great player, but he was also a wonderful character, in a world where sometimes people are a bit stale. Rest In Peace Dennis. You are missed.

It REALLY saddens me that Dennis Johnson could not be there for his enshrinement into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame!!! Rest in peace DJ!

Watched those two guys play, and when either one got the ball and locked eyes, it was goodbye basket, never saw such chemistry between two such men. They made basketball in the 80's something else that you will not see in today's game. It was mesmerizing to watch DJ and Larry work the floor. RIP DJ, you earned a great rest. Gonna miss ya'.

Best backdoor lay up in the history of the NBA!!! RIP D.J.

I used to love watching the Boston Celtics play in order to see the talents of Larry Bird. In the process I discovered the many talents of Dennis Johnson. To me DJ ranked among the top ten guards who ever played NBA basketball. Both he and Bird assisted each other in attaining greatness. I honor DJ not only for his basketball proficiency but also for his humanity. May his spirit join those residing in God’s Heavenly Paradise.

Man, that pass off the backboard was a thing of beauty. WOW

there is great beauty in seeing two professional technicians at the height of their game communicating so seamlessly without a word.

Dennis came to the Celts in 84. Celts go to the finals the next four years and Bird wins three MVP's in a row.

The DJ-to-Bird pass was so danged effective, and done so often, that you would have thought that the other teams would have been more conscientious about never turning their back on DJ when trying ( emphasis on "trying") to guard Bird.

Dennis Johnson was a underrated player and he fited in perfectly with the celtics .

Rest in Peace DJ. Celtics fans will always love you.

Johnson could put velocity on the ball with pin point accuracy.... the guy was amazing! Bird... I think he had the best hands I've ever seen too. Johnson must have been so happy when Bird came along.... finally someone that could handle his passing.

Such humble, level headed players. True role models.

DJ was such a big part of several great Celtics teams of the 80s. He was with Larry for most of Larry's career, and beyond all of the terrific passes he made to Larry he was also one of the best defenders in the league. He made the All-Defensive first-team six times and the All-Defensive second team three times and was known for making big plays in big moments. RIP DJ

D.J.'s speed and accuracy throwing the ball.... and Bird's extremely good hands made those plays work.

Glorious video. DJ was criminally underrated. Fantastic talent and amazing basketball IQ. The perfect point guard. So glad he made the HoF.

Growin up, i always admire DJ's intelligence and skills. A perfect pointguard for Bird and Mchale. Rest in peace DJ.

I had never seen that last play before. Wow

Great tribute to DJ. What a fantastic player! He made every team better.

DJ had a one of a kind career. Started off as a multiple all star, finals mvp shooting guard averaging about twenty ppg . Then in the latter part of his career he unselfishly transforms his game to become a starting pg on a couple of championship teams where he plays the background to the most dominate frontcourt in NBA history. Was also one of the best defensive guards throughout his career.

Dennis Johnson was an amazing all around player. One of my favorites of all time along with Russell, Bird. Great team players that made watching the game fun. Today’s NBA is a bore.

Bird was in constant motion so the defender had to keep his eyes on Larry which meant he wasn't looking to block that bullet pass from DJ. And Bird had such great hands that he could lay it up right or left hand, or right hand on the left side or however else he felt like it!!

watched him shine in the finals as a Sonic and as a Celtic, he was a flat out winner, both ends, played the game the right way, a killer

Never liked Boston (because they beat my Lakers so many times until Showtime), but always appreciated freckle face DJ. He was so cool under pressure, and made so many clutch plays. Shocked when him and Pistol Pete passed away. Both had strong faith so I hope to meet them in Christ's eternal Kingdom.

I remember these plays. Parish and Bird used to run another great play where Parish would appear as if he was setting a baseline pick for Bird and then instantly cut back towards the basket. Bird would lob it over the defenders and Parish would have an easy dunk, or if McHale's defender came to help, he would touch pass it to McHale. It looked effortless. Of course we tried to copy it for our summer pickup games. That Celts team was incredible.

Loved DJ in Seattle and Boston. Very underrated overlooked , great player. God rest your soul Dennis johnson.

I am unsure which is more amazing, the accuracy and speed of DJ's passes or Bird's amazing feathery hands and his lightning release of those layups. What an unstoppable move!

They were both clutch performers. Never let the stage get to them. Indeed, DJ upped his game a lot in the playoffs. Veteran. He knew how to pace himself.

Grew up in Massachusetts during the ‘80s. Loved the Celtics and DJ was my favorite. Such a cool, controlled player, he is what made the Celtics go. So sad when he passed. He was the best!

DJ is one of most underrated plyrs to vever play,period!..Not many plyrs were on his level as far as efficient and effective WINNERS..and ,to this day, he is one of the best defensive PGs ever..The ones that know,KNOW

Great video. Bird's steal to DJ'S layup against the Pistons in Game 5 of the ECF on 5/26/1987 needs mentioning.

I'm using that backboard pass. I like that one

Oh my God. I am huge Larry Bird fan and I never realized that play was so good and DJ was so good. Thanks for posting this . I learned something new today. Those were my glory days of watching the NBA

I don't recall having seen the play at 2:44 but I'm definitely not surprised, considering the awareness and quickness of them both. Also, Bird shot to the backboard himself at least one time. Genius of Bird.

Great stuff! That play was very impactful for those Celtics; Bird would cut through screens and if the defender was caught sleeping or thought that Larry was gonna pop-out on the other side for the jumper, Dennis would just throw that bullet pass for Bird in the paint... So simple and yet so amazing and important. That one off the backboard is unreal. Those two had great chemistry between them, on the court. DJ developed into a very smart, really good PG/passer in his later years, after losing some athleticism, after getting heavier... RIP.

It's 2021 and I'm still commenting on what a beautiful team this was to watch. I hated them at the time, because I'm a Hawks fan, but looking back at it, damn! What a team. If Bird and McHale hadn't been injured they'd have at least one more trophy. Probably more.

What amazing chemistry!

Absolutely fantastic fundamental team basketball. Pure basketball chemistry with those two. Glad DJ finally got his spot in Springfield.

2:52 Laimbeer just standing there going DUUUH!!

We miss you DJ! High praise indeed for the best player ever in LB to give DJ!

It's funny how a guy will say someone was the best they played with or against and it's often times not who you'd expect. Payton said Stockton was the toughest opponent he ever faced. You'd think MJ or someone else even. You'd think Bird's best teammate was McHale, but it was DJ. They are in the trenches with these guys and so they know firsthand. DJ doesn't get the love but he was a great PG no doubt.

THIS is why Bird said Dennis Johnson was "definitely" the best player he ever played with.

Amazing yet so simple.....the back door play, DJ to Bird, you hardly see that nowadays.

first off, jazzy elevator piano version of an MGMT song is so choice. second, when DJ threw it at the backboard... so genius. right when it left his hands Bird was already on his page and looking for it. awesome to watch.

Larry & DJ were a thing of beauty to watch, beautiful.

Stood in line at the grocery store with D.J. Did the double take. 15 seconds of asking myself is that him, should I talk to him.? Got to talk to him about one minute. So many questions wanted to ask. i was sort of in awe. Just remember he was real nice, for the most part humble. Not long after that they announced he died.

I actually thought this channel was made by Bill Simmons when I first found it, that's how great the quality of the videos are. Great finds for footage, great editing, great music! Love your work!

One thing they forgot to add in the clips which I think is the best of them all was this 1987 playoffs clutch play and the commentary went a little something like this: "Now there's a steal by Bird! Underneath to DJ who lays it in!". You see, one half of that iconic play was obviously Larry Bird stealing the ball but the other half was DJ having a split-second reaction to Larry Bird. If DJ was a fraction slower then the defense recovers and he doesn't get an open layup or worse Larry Bird turns it back over because he was teetering on the edge of the baseline. That's the thing about these two. They seem to be two parts of the same player.

I wish all basketball players would watch this and not the players today. Back then it was team ball and not hero ball

I loved watching Dennis Johnson play. That playoff game with Detroit when Bird fed DJ the ball down the lane for the win might have been the most exciting play I ever saw. DJ was awesome RIP big guy.

I am blown away by these videos - a real special time in basketball history

DJ... A great player, and sooo under-rated....

Amazing. Some of these passes were Magic Johnson-esque. And others, notably those off the dribble, were Stockton-esque. Beautiful chemistry between these two hoops legends.

Dude, the quality of your videos is AMAZING. Thanks for doing them, keep up the great work!

RIP DJ

Sad that Dennis Johnson is no longer here, he would have enjoyed the many stories together with old teammates. Great player, and made the whole Celtics team great and greater

I enjoyed watching DJ play. I first watched him play in Seattle under Coach Lenny Wilkins. DJ could do it all. He could score, defend, rebound and was always under control with the basketball. RIP DJ.

Great idea for a compilation! Loved this one.

Poetry in motion, a thing of beauty.

RIP DJ!! You are greatly missed!!!

Please keep making these videos. They are incredible.

I like this guy! RIP Dennis Johnson. When I think of Bird, your name will always come next to him. You were great together.

Happy Birthday to Mr.Johnson.9-18-54.San Pedro,CA.Celtics 4 life

In the finals series against the Lakers, DJ was moved to guard Magic and it turned out to be a key move, which helped shut down Magic and it got the Celtics back into the series. DJ was an underrated defensive player and was such a threat on offense. Besides passing, he would drive down the middle, or pull up with a mid range jumper that was simply money.

Awesome compilation. DJ to Larry was something special. “Underneath to DJ”was the coup de gras of an historic Celtics run & Game 6 in Atlanta was an extremely special night, especially for me as a fan of the C’s. RIP DJ

How about the 'secret defensive play' against the Detroit Pistons? Bird steals the ball, passes to DJ, DJ scores. Arguably the greatest defensive play ever.

WHAT A PLAYER! I have watched these replays countless times and the teamwork between all the players was without a doubt the best of the best. L.A., the Hawks, etc. were ultimate warriors. I don't think there will ever be all the talent within the 80's, that other eras have seen. Maybe some here and there before and afterwards, but the heart of most of these warriors were without question, epic.

Damn! Stunning timing and accuracy at any distance no matter how many defenders. I'm sold. Shame to hear he did not witness his Basketball Hall of Fame induction.

it was a combo of Dj throwing to a spot and bird not letting defender knowing where the pass gonna go until the last possible moment. Most players eyes get bigger when the ball is headed their way. Takes two people to make that play work!!

DJ is one of the most underrated players ever. It's not as pretty as lebron, but I'd pick larry to win 7 out 10 games if both of them were given equal teams...

Awesome video. Thank you. That last pass, off the backboard... Just wow!

I never realized what a great passer he was . Smart player!

DJ to Bird, music baby, music.

I remember these so well...seems like a million years ago tho...RIP DJ....C'S fa eva baby!!!....🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🐘🐼🐻🐳🐬🐋🐅🐊🐕

Bird has to wait until the last second before he moves his hands up to catch the pass... he HAS TO make it look like he is just *passing through* the lane.... If you watch closely . DJ's passes are ALWAYS in the exact spot it has to be... it can not be off any more than 6" to 8" to work .. simply incredible ..!!! ((Many of those passes whizz right by the defenders body or head by inches... 👍👍👍 AND if Bitd raises his hands to quickly, or changes body position to early, it won't work.. Reminds me a bit of a fade rout in football...

After awhile it wasn't much of a secret as the announcers mentioned, they would do it 2 or 3 times a game. They called it The Backdoor Play. DJ made lightning fast passes. Sometimes passed with one hand right off the dribble so it wasn't telegraphed.

At the beginning - Chick Hearn - the voice of the Lakers - interviewing Larry and being as interested to talk to him as any basketball player. Chick knowing exactly who Larry was even though he was the "enemy".

i love each and every one of these. this is why your coaches always told you NEVER TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE BALL from the youngest age lolll

RIP DJ. Glad they finally put you in the Hall.

DJ was the man and there was no doubt about his greatness, he won the Finals MVP in 1979 when the Seattle SuperSonics beat the Washington Bullets 4 games to 1. In the playoffs he was averaging 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and almost 2 blocks per game. Not too bad for a guy listed at 6’ 4”.

the backboard pass is the best of this video! amazing

Larry is a Legend......DJ was epic. He deserves to be better known.

Legend DJ

I grew up watching and rooting for DJ and Bird. I was charmed as a kid to be a Celtics fan at that time. Great memories! RIP DJ.

Dennis Johnson is one of the greatest point guards of all-time. Not only did he make Larry better, he was a finals MVP in Seattle when that Sonics team won the chip. DJ is also one of the greatest defenders at the PG position of all-time. The 3 time champ was money.

Damn, DJ could rifle that that ball right to Bird. Loved growing up watching him.

God rest your soul in peace DJ. You were a winner through and through

Beautiful footage

Great great player and person.ty for great memory growing ☝. U one of te best life.ty again.

No better feeling than being on the court with someone and y’all have this esp thing going, it’s like you know exactly what the other guys going to do with out even thinking about it.

People might not know that Dennis Johnson was a Core player for the Seattle Super Sonics that played in the NBA finals two years in a row and won the Title in 1979. It's no surprise that Larry Legend enjoyed playing with DJ.

One of the most underrated players in NBA history. DJ was so unique. He was just a PG but his defense was awesome.

PLEASE MAKE SOME MORE OF THESE VIDEOS BASED ON THE BOOK OF BASKETBALL. THEY ARE AMAZINGLY ACCURATE AND COMPELLING.

Great focus on the nuances of play between 2 greats. The Celts and Bird probably had 10 more plays like this that SLAYED the opposition nightly.......Gotta watch the tape......lol.

Interesting I'm seeing this now. I always thought Dennis Johnson was one of the most underappreciated basketball players of that era. I should have known somebody else would have seen and appreciated it.

DJ was just a fantastic team player ! At times when I watch the old footage I feel sad because he passed away soon.🙏

rest in peace dennis you're a legend

2:18 "How many times have we seen that play work?" Well, it might have been good for about half of DJ's assist totals at Boston....and well deserved assists they were!