Pat Riley, lakers coach had the best quote… “if you need a shot to win the game, you give the ball to Jordan. If you need a shot to save your life, you give it to bird”

Larry and magic both call each other the best ever. Their rivalry was amazing but their eventual friendship was even more inspiring.

Bird is not only top 5, and the best small forward ever, he is on the Mount Rushmore along with Kareem, Magic and MJ

Scientists proved that the hardest thing to do in the entire sports world is hitting a baseball thrown by a major league pitcher. Some people can just "see faster" than others, being able to spot the individual stitches and spin direction. The reaction time required disqualifies the vast majority of humans, but I'm positive The Bird is one of those rare exceptions. Larry could see faster, think faster, tailor his game on the fly, and had court vision at genius levels. I've never seen an NBA player that did EVERTHING so well and also being a completely unselfish and generous team player and leader. The Bird is one of a kind, and the greatest all-around player of all time.

Look for when Bird slammed his face hard on the floor. He fractured his right cheekbone. After a few minutes of treatment he comes back into the game and scores some crucial buckets and leads his team to a win. Guts!

Magic & Larry, resurrected the game of basketball...My dad loved basketball, but stopped watching, until the competition between Johnson & Bird was highlighted...What my Dad used to say, about Larry's game, is that it reminded him of someone, who wasn't only playing basketball, but also, volleyball, dodgeball, football, soccer, & strategic chess, all at the same time, & what made him so great 😊He certainly was one of the most unique & gifted players, I ever watched!

A FRACTURE OF HIS "RIGHT CHEEK" LARRY BROKE HIS FACE, ALSO HAD A CONCUSSION. I WATCHED THAT WHOLE GAME, IT WAS A PLAYOFF GAME. THE PACERS KNEW HIS RIGHT CHEEK WAS BROKEN AND WHEN HE RETURNED THEY TRIED TO POKE HIS FACE WHEN EVER THEY COULD. HE WAS AMAZING!!!! JORDON NEVER BEAT LARRY BIRD. LARRY BIRD IS MY GOAT HANDS DOWN!

Larry Bird had crazy awareness. He knew where everyone was at all times throughout a game, that's why he was so good. He was a real team player.

His passing skills were on another level and he was not a ball hog or an egomaniac like a lot of legendary players😊😊😊😊😊

Could you imagine a player today, breaking his right cheek, bone in his face, coming back into the same game and dominating ? They break a fingernail they don’t play for two weeks.

Very, very special player. Never seen any human work angles and spin like Larry did. Superhuman observation.

You can't imagine the euphoria in New England during the Bird years unless you were there. Every day was like, I wonder what he's gonna do tonight.

Bird played with an infection on his foot, toes area. When he told the Dr, Doc. 3 inch cut to drain toes. He played that night.

Larry was a team player. And he always knew where all each player was at

Larry turned the Celtics around in his rookie year. Going from 29-53 to 61-21, with Bird being the only significant change, other than ML Carr. Bird could effect the game even without taking a shot, because he’d lead in assists, rebounds, and steals. Then he’d shoot from anywhere on the court and score. Idk what you’ve seen so far, but listening to NBA rivals tell how incredible he was, is powerful., and I recommend watching the trash talking videos. As well as, Making the Case: Larry Bird. I can’t name one other player, that had the opposing team’s bench, cheering for them. That’s how amazing he was to watch. Watch the seventh game of the ‘87 championship, and you’ll understand why he’s top 3. Great reaction!

Fractured his right cheek when his face hit the boards

The video floating around of Larry's passing is even more impressive than this video. He might not be as athletic as some modern players but he had no holes in his game, he was good at everything.

My Father & I had season tickets the first 4 yrs Bird came to Boston, Larry was insane to watch live off the ball ....

MJ's rookie year was 84 and his playoff record vs Bird was 0-6 when Bird retired

You will LOVE The Courtship of rivals - Magic and Bird. Best rivalry sports story ever put on film. My favorite documentary in any genre. I will be there if you choose to react to. I love your reactions....

I'm so happy that they ended up really good friends still to this day. and Michael was playing them, Larry and the Celts swept Michaels Bulls three times, and he embarrassed Pippen and Jordan when they double teamed him. lol

You should check out Clayton Crowley's video - Making the Case: Larry Bird. I think he did 8 videos making the case for players he thinks could all be considered the GOAT. Also, the reason he was so good at faking passes on people is because he was passed to other players all the time. His opponents could not assume he was going to keep the ball all the way to the basket like a lot of other players.

I was fortunate enough to be old enough to watch the Celtics vs. Lakers games on tv when they aired and they were some of the best games I have ever watched. But when Bird came back in vs. the Pacers he had a fractured right cheek from when he hit the floor face first. Just about every game Bird put on a demonstration of shooting and passing that not many could stop.

Larry Legend.

When he came back from the injury...it was a fracture of the the right cheek! He also played with double vision the rest of the game.

The Bird Magic rivalry in the 80’s is what got me into basketball! These games were always legendary!

Out of all the basketball players that have Ultimate Mix Tapes, Bird's is the most impressive. Bird is #3 on my all-time list. React to the video: Larry Bird Greatest Passer Re-Edit.

"Fracture of the right cheek" - His face bounced off the floor pretty hard. Also, not just his back...his hand. Dude wrecked his shooting hand I think it was just before he entered the league? I think, it was very close. It healed slightly off, so his touch was actually less in the NBA than his College days. How nuts is that?

Bird was faster than people give him credit for, but he played at his own speed. He was also strong af, and other players noted as much. They said he doesn't look it, but you couldn't move him, but he would move you with one hand and do it with ease.

Bird is the best all around player EVER!!!

Larry Bird had 67% of all MVP voting for the entire 1980's decade. This was with other players in the league like Magic, Kareem, MJ, Drexler, Wilkins, Thomas, Barkley, Julious Erving, Moses Malone, and Olajuwon. Hes also the only player to ever be named Rookie of the year, MVP, finals MVP, Coach of the year, and Executive of the year. He was literally the best at every level of the game at one point in his career.

You pointed out all the best things about Larry in this particular era of the Celtics which was near Perfection especially the 86 lineup and you should watch that video about them. When Larry came back out he had a fractured cheek there was no way he was going to lose that game. Larry said if you get paid to go to work, you go to work. And by the way there is a video about the relationship between Larry and Magic that will blow your mind because these Rivals became best of friends

Bird is top 5 all time & the greatest SF to ever play the game. Edit: The avg height of nba player during wilts era was 6’5” & the avg height today is 6’6”. Wilt only played against small guys is a fabricated talking point repeated over & over again but wasn’t true.

You sir I think have the most sincere reaction to Larry’s mixtape I’m 42 and lifelong Celtics fan and what you hit nail on head was those days the EAST WAS A FUCKING MONSTER TOP TO BOTTOM , ppl forget how physical the Knicks were with Charles Oakley, John starts, Ewing those New York teams were fucking animals, The Celtics never backed down $ those series against Magic & showtime was truly a milestone moment in NBA history!!! Biggest of rivals and best of friends, no missing games!!! Those Cats in those days was a league full of “Rasheed Wallace@ types that would exceed their technical limit by game 20 in todays game or foul out in 2nd quarter!!! But game has changed guys jump higher play flashier but at end of day just got put ball in hoop!!!!! Bird would average 40+ in today’s game !!! Nikola & Luka is the closest thing to Bird type players today with their respective skill sets not flashy or athletic but fundamentally sound & especially with Luka Bird talked more shit than anyone!!! I enjoy your content for a younger man you hit todays game and premadojna players perfectly!!!!! The Knivks vs Bulls playoff series in early 90’s might be meat and most violent playoff series I’ve ever witnessed!!!! They tried literally to mind fuck and harass Jordan & that series solidified for me a LIFELONG CELTICS AND BURD FAN THAT MIKE WAS A FUCKING ANIMAL YOU DIDNT POKE!!!

You hit the nail on the head with the load management nonsense today! Back in the day , guys were eating stale hotdogs in airports , flying coach, on their way to play the next game of a back to back in some distant city!

See that one he got in up over the backboard from BEHIND the basket?!! Unbelievable! That shot would be all over social media if that was done in today's game.

Larry is my number 1. I watched all those games and they were just electric. I wouldn't trade those days for anything.

You are my favorite and I hope you come to realize that Larry is the best all around player ever ❤❤❤❤❤

Bill Russell was also a legend and a Celtic player. He’s also one of eight players featured in Making the Case series.

When they were shooting a Converse commercial in French Lick, Indiana, in the 80s, Larry invited Magic to his mother's house, and she cooked for them. At some point, Larry asked her, 'Did you tell him?' Mama Bird says no, then turns to Magic and says, 'You're my favorite player.' Their friendship was bonded that day, and has endured these many years. When Magic announced that he'd contracted HIV, the usually stoic Bird sat alone in the locker room and cried. Magic's agent had already called and told him the news. Larry insisted on speaking to Magic, and they spoke briefly before the press announcement. A lot of players distanced themselves from Magic after the diagnosis, but Bird was always there for him. A rivalry forged in college, the rivalry that saved professional basketball, ended in a lasting friendship. And that's the most beautiful story in basketball history.

His shooting was beyond amazing, but I enjoy watching his passing even more! He was pure beauty in action. God made no mistakes with Larry, perfection.

The Left-Hand Game, in Portland, McHale is on the bench (he was the 6th man at the time), yells out to Jerome Kersey (who was a VERY good defensive player and getting torched by Bird), "Hey, Jerome! Wait 'til he starts using his right hand!"

Fracture of the right cheek. He also had achilles surgeries on both feet, and had to have his spine put back in line before games and never took and pain meds. Nobody compares. NOBODY.

Bird also had both Achilles tendons operated on, a shattered knuckle and his bad back and still could get 20 in a quarter if he got pissed.

Try these two videos : “Five Times Larry Bird Was Injured but Refused to Quit “ And “Four Crazy Stories that Prove Larry Bird is the Toughest Player in NBA History “

Larry Bird and Magic Johnson saved the NBA from almost-extinction. There were no big money TV contracts like today. They made the game exciting again and put people in the seats. It is one of the classic rivalries in the history of the sport. They were similar in many ways, yet different. Both were excellent passers, but magic was a bit more mobile than Bird. Both were extremely intelligent, but Bird was like a human computer, he was playing grandmaster chess when everyone else was learning checkers and knew where everyone was almost all of the time. Both of them made their teams better by getting everyone involved in the game. The idea that Bird wasn't physical is a joke, he moved so smoothly he didn't have to get physical and it usually happened when someone got overly physical with him and he let them know what's what. Bird was a legitimate 6'10" and you could see that when he's standing next to Magic, who was 6'7" at most, and though he was skinny when he came into the league, at his prime he was 240-245 but didn't look it. As far as shooting is concerned, Bird was a better outside shooter by a fair margin. Both could create very well off the dribble. They were a perfect matchup for each other. The real shame was all of the injuries he had to deal with. He lost an entire season when he had bone spurs removed from both feet at the same time. And after he hurt his back in 1985 while building a driveway for his mom he was in constant pain until the end of his career in 1992. That's 7 years of increasing pain and you never heard a peep out of him. Towards the end he couldn't sit in airline seats, he had to lay down in the aisle. He couldn't sit on the bench for too long because of his back and would lay down courtside. He had to have a doctor adjust his back before every game and have it done again after the game. After the Dream Team won gold at the 1992 Olympics, Bird went to the doctor when he got home and had to have surgery on his back to put it back together. Imagine if he had never been hurt and played 3 or 4 more years in his prime........there would be no question that he would have always been in contention to be the GOAT. And he never whined and complained, like we see with today's players. And the Celtics would have had another championship or two. Thinking of him playing in today's game at his prime is scary. he would use his brain as well as his body. And with so many immature young players today who think they are IT, Bird would embarrass them, it was like psychological warfare. He'd get them with the trash talk and they would do stupid things. Today's NBA is more like the WWE than anything else, it's more about entertainment than the actual sport itself. And now the American players hate the European player because they outplay the American players because they were taught the basics properly and played actual team ball. That's why Nuggets were so dominant last season and into this season. Smart players and following the principles of team play. There is truly no "I" in team. I like the way you think and your dad had a great influence on you when he told you about the past eras of basketball. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Great reaction !!!! One more thing, in today's game no one plays like Bird more than the Joker. the passing, the long-range shooting, making his team play better with no ego at all. He knows that the wins and championships counts first last and always.

I was at the behind the backboard shot game in Hartford, CT. It was amazing to watch and the crowd went wild lol

Larry Bird was THE BEST all-round player the league has ever seen, PERIOD. He did things routinely that other players could only dream of or have nightmares about. He was dangerous from anywhere on the court including behind the back board. He played with injuries that would sideline today's player for a month. Like the time he fell and broke his right cheek. Magic and Larry saved the NBA, its rantings were worse that the View today. Larry and Madic were fierce competitors on the court and became fierce lifelong friends. Larry should absolutely be in the top three of all time. Why he's not is a conversation for another time. Larry embarrassed M.J his first two years in the league. That was Larry's son, Micheal Bird. Larry made me a Celtics fan and I live in Missouri.

YES !

Wilt Chamberlain was not just a tall 7 foot player in a short man era. He was skilled enough to play for the Harlem Globetrotters after College and before the NBA. An important rule in Basketball was changed because of Wilt. The NCAA heard that a High School player was able to dunk almost 100% from behind that free throw line, so they changed the rule that both feet must stay behind the free throw line during an attempt. The NBA later adopted this rule and now it’s everywhere… those two things alone helped me understand that he isn’t just a tall guy in a small guy era but a tall, skilled, an crazy athletic player. Kareem said it best that there is no true GOAT but many GOATs because there are many different eras.

Great reaction !

“Jordan made you look slow, Larry made you look stupid” James Worthy. After Magic’s Aids diagnosis everyone shunned him, when Larry was informed he had people track Magic down and told him to answer his phone, Larry wanted to talk to him. Larry was devastated and didn’t hesitate to comfort and love his friend during his whole Aids situation.

"You can't compare players from different eras", your a man after my own heart. Why can't most people understand that? Great video...

Fracture of the right cheek. His face was fractured and HE STILL PLAYED AND WON THE GAME!!!!❤

Okay I'm an old lady I'm not a basketball fan but I absolutely love the legendary Larry Bird❤❤❤❤ he was one of a kind and I'd love to see people that don't know that he is a legend see him actually play for the first time and they changed their mind very quickly😊😊😊😊😊 I am sure you will be no different cuz I'm at the beginning😂😂

Mike was in the league and the Legend loves to remind him that he never beat him. He was one of a kind which is why he gets the respect from everyone in the past, present, and hopefully future.

“baby bird” hahaha love it

Great thoughts

Larry Bird played hurt. At 13:29 that fall broke his back. It didn't sever his spinal cord, so he wasn't paralyzed, but that injury caused him a lot of problems. At 13:10 when you see Larry slam his face into the floor, he fractured his cheek. You see him leaving to the locker room for treatment. At 14:10, you see #45 Chuck Person score big, and the announcer saying "they know the leader is not on the floor, someone needs to step-up now for Boston", then you see Larry Bird returning from the locker room. He went back to play with a fractured cheek. That was Game 5 first round 1991 Easter Conference playoffs. Larry finished the game with 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists while playing with a fractured cheek. His playing was so incredible that the Pacers team went to the Celtics locker room after the game to congratulate Larry.

Because of the length of his career, I can see why you’d put him in the Top 10-15 all-time. But if you look at Peak Larry, I’m not taking ANYBODY ahead of him. I literally mean ANYBODY. Peak Bird is 28/10/7 on 50/40/90 and is THE most clutch player ever. He could do anything, and before the injuries, he was a great defender. He led the league in DWS 4 times and was All D 2nd Team 3 times.

A physics guru studied Birds shooting style and said his mechanics shot the ball with the exact most efficient angle possible. Long time ago

Jordan came into the league in 1984.

Larry's INTERNAL mental discipline manifested itself in many ways; and I know smarter people than me have pointed out this obvious point. One of its manifestations was the energy and drive it fed him drained it out of his opponents. To paraphrase the great James Worthy: "Jordan made you look slow; Bird made you look stupid."

Greatest small forward of all time!

I thought you had reacted to this before......... I was probably buzzed if ya did a different Bird reaction LOL. Let's go! The GOAT!

MJ, Bird, Magic, Kobe, … they could all be at number 1.

Lakers and Celtics was because of the teams. Both had killer teams back then

Larry’s game is timeless. He’ll still score on anybody

you gotta be top 5 sports reactors. Your video was fun

Jordon played ‘84 - ‘03. When Bird retired he said he was glad! Jordon couldn’t beat him. Bulls were swept both times they met in the playoffs

Really nice reaction I had a blast seeing you have a blast watching Larry go apeshit 😂 Agree with a couple others you should do the greatest passer of all time re-edit it’s so good. I think based just on who was the best player Larry’s top 5 but the combination of his injuries and having a major major rival in Magic who had another top 5 all-time player to help him, love Magic though. Considering his career I’d say Larry’s top 10 for life.

Magic and Bird saved the NBA from obscurity.

Larry Bird is The GOAT.!!!

Loved watching you reacting to this video. If he hadn't broken his back and needed surgery on his feet, I wonder how much longer he would have gone on. So many outstanding basketball players over the decades and still going strong.

I firmly believe that Bird, or really any of the "stars" from this era would dominate in the NBA today. The 80's and 90's was PHYSICAL ball. The league today protects its stars. A seven game series agains the 89-90 Pistons would reduce most teams today to tears.

Larry IS playing in today's game. He's called Luka Doncic.

LEBRON JAMES would be carrying LARRY BIRDs luggage on road trips if he played 80’s NBA !

Larry Bird is the “ real “ GOAT 🐐 ! Greatest all around in NBA history ….. hands down !

larry legend often played like john mcclain at the end of die hard. broken everywhere but strong mind and will and determination pushing through each game

As for Wilt he played on some pretty bad teams , in fact some years he was the team and Bill Russell used to point out if Wilt was on a team like Russell's Celtics or Birds Celtics or MJs Bulls it would be entirely different conversation. And Bird was probably one of the smartest players with big skills and the only other player with his competitive intensity was MJ. That's what cut his career short so competitive he would throw himself at loose ball , took some nasty falls doing that

AND THAT'S !!! WHY "WE",,, CALL THEM , The GOOD OLD DAYS 🙏, PL&M...

Good reaction

As far as I'm concerned that rivalry was the best because it ended up as a great friendship

That was a fracture of the right face (when he hit is face on the floor). Apparently, he also had a concussion and was seeing double, yet he came back into the game and kicked butt.

Fractured right cheek

Larry Legend is the goat .he is number 1 . bad boys Piston fan here . didn't like Larry . but as you can see he is number one. He's earned this title with hard work !

Dude great reaction I've got a couple comments.🔥 First off you left Jerry West out of your top five. He is basketball and he is the logo. He averaged 25 points a game and 14 rebounds. He still holds the record for the highest average in a playoff series with 46.5 per game. He went to the NBA finals nine times and won one Championship.🔥👑 He broke 12 records at West Virginia. You can't leave out the logo. My top five: 1. Larry Bird 2. Michael Jordan 3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 4. Dr J. Julius Erving 5. Wilt Chamberlain He broke his cheek bone. The team doctor took him out of the game and wouldn't let him go in because he had a fractured cheekbone and a concussion but when the doctor wasn't looking he went out to the court.

You up bro

I am 62 years old. Your list of greatest players is spot on. You know your basketball.

LOL! SAY MAN, MAD! RESPECT 4 U! 1 TING, WHEN LB CAME BACK OUT TO FN WIN THE GAME 🤯!,,, The BIGASS GRIN On Your FACE,???,,, WAS FN PRICELESS ! 😁😄😂🙃😉, BRO, I am 60 So I WAS FN THERE !!!🤪🤪, And IT WAS BEAUTIFUL 🥲😇,,, THANKS 4 BEING YOU LIL BROTHER 😉, PL&M...

Bird won the first three 3 point contests.

@18:30 MJ was in the league since '84... and there's Magic calling Larry the GOAT in '92. 8 years is a hell long time to "peak out". That's more like waiting in line to me.

Fractured “right cheek”. He smashed his face on the floor.

I don't watch enough basketball to make an informed pick, but Bird is definitely one of my favorite to watch and learn about. Bird and Magic a courtship of Rivals is a must watch documentary. Should also check out Bird Trash talking, Bird Case for the G.O.A.T, Bird 5 worst injuries, Larry Bird Greatest Passer Re-Edit, and Bird vs Jordan

Larry and Magic are brothers from different mothers!!

Heard Magic speak once. He said he’d do some crazy number of free throws for practice then figure Bird had done that many too so did a few hundred more. A very classy rivalry and a blast to watch.

Larry broke his right cheek. When the Doctor wasn't looking he snuck back out on the court.

Everyone has their top five or six. I am an older guy so my fav six (not by position) are Michael, Wilt, Larry Legend, Bill Russell, Magic, and Kareem, probably in that order as far as the best of the best. The next four would be Kobe, LeBron, Tim, and Hakeem. My bench would have Dr. J, and Steph Curry (though I am not a Curry fan, he is such a great shooter he has to be mentioned). My most under appreciated player (yet many still do know how incredible he was) is Rick Barry. He was for a few years absolutely unstoppable.

Larry broke his cheekbone when he hit the floor. That had to hurt...

in that game where the Legend smacked his face on the court and came back to blow away Chuck Person and the Blazers, he broke orbital bone around his eye and had a concussion- in the locker room the C's doctor turned his back and Bird ran in for the 2nd half- broken eye bone and concussion, and proceeded to wipe them out- they wanted him to sit it out...he was the toughest in the league, ask Isiah...part of why he was a Legend in his own time..