It was a great storyline as Magic Johnson and Bird were former college rivals. [70], In the summer of 1992, Bird joined Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and other NBA stars to play for the United States men's national basketball team in that year's Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. [28] On November 14, 1979, Bird recorded his first career triple-double with 23 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists in a 115111 win over the Detroit Pistons. [102] Bird's humble roots were the source of his most frequently used moniker, "The Hick from French Lick". Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. Bird and Magic met a few times after that, and it's wild to see two legends of the . The Boston Celtics star aimed to live a simple life despite earning $24 million over his 13-year playing career. Hodges allowed Bird to sleep in, which annoyed the folks who sponsored the brunch and the award, and some in the media. The playoffs saw some testy times. Bird's 198889 season ended after six games when he had bone spurs surgically removed from both of his heels. [8] He returned to French Lick, enrolling at Northwood Institute (now Northwood University) in nearby West Baden, and working municipal jobs for a year before enrolling at Indiana State University in Terre Haute in 1975. His Competitiveness Has Taken Its Toll. Do you have a sports website? home/away, monthly, etc More Larry Bird Basketball Reference pages, Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Wednesday, March 1, 9:33AM. The series stretched to seven games. From NBA.com Staff September 14, 2021 2:10 PM We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. inWest Baden,Indiana 10 attempts), Indiana State-record 16 rebounds in an NCAA tournament game, Tied for first in semifinal history with 16 made field goals against DePaul, Second-leading scorer in the country in 1978: 30.0 points per game, Second-leading scorer in the country in 1979: 28.6 points per game, Third-leading scorer in the country in 1977: 32.8 points per game, Sixth all-time (since 1973) in rebounds in a season: 505 rebounds (1979), Tied for seventh with a two-game Final Four rebound total of 29 rebounds in 1979, Eighth in Final Four history with an 84.2 shooting percentage against DePaul, Tied for eighth all-time in career rebounding average: 13.3 rebounds per game, Ninth in NCAA tournament history (since 1973) with 67 rebounds in a single NCAA tournament, Tied for 13th all-time in double-doubles in a season: 28 double-doubles (1979), 15th all-time in career scoring average (min. [104], Bird was known for his trash-talking on the court and is remembered as one of the most notable trash-talkers of his era. Larry Bird had a winning record in NBA Finals games and series. Forum; InsideHoops Main Basketball Forums; NBA Forum; Larry Bird is the 2nd best player in the history Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Basketball Reference Database. All rights reserved. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. This is no surprise, as Bird and Magic were the top dogs in the league for a long time. Bird ultimately finished ninth in the MVP voting, while McHale was sixth in the Sixth Man of the Year voting. When they reached the NBA Finals, the Celticshampered by devastating injurieslost to a dominant Lakers team that had won 65 games during the season. Larry Bird averaged 24.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 9.5 assists in 6 games in the 1986 NBA Finals. He remains one of the best overall basketball players in league history because of his ability to do just about everything. Here are some of the awards Larry Bird won in college: However, Bird was all business in spite of the awards he won and the fanfare he received. The second occurred on December 13, 1989 in a win over the Seattle SuperSonics (40 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists). Bird did not technically average a triple double for the series because both his rebounds and assists were slightly below 10 and Ive rounded them, but, still, those stats are unreal. Finals MVP: Larry Bird(24.0/9.7/9.5), Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Wednesday, March 1, 9:33AM. He returned to the team later in the season but also had back problems as well. [110], The Celtics employed Bird as a special assistant in the team's front office from 1992 until 1997. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? Free shipping. . Finals MVP: Larry Bird (24.0 / 9.7 / 9.5) 1986 Playoff Leaders: PTS: Hakeem Olajuwon (537) The Celtics started the season 29-5, but Bird had to miss 22 games due to a compressed nerve root in his back. Larry Bird vs. Kevin Durant Career Comparison: They Are So Close, But Bird Still Flies High Michael Jordan Never Beat Larry Bird And Boston Celtics In The NBA Playoffs: 0-6 [86] He had 1,556 career steals. "[70] Their rivalry began in college, when Larry Bird and Indiana State lost to Magic Johnson and Michigan State in the NCAA Championship game. 1984-85 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Los Angeles Lakers. Bird, Larry (1989), Drive: The Story of My Life. Magic got the upper hand against Bird, beating him in 1985 and 1987, while Bird beat Magic in 1984. Find out more. [46] At the conclusion of the year, Bird was named MVP for the second consecutive season behind averages of 28.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. Drafted into the NBA by the Boston Celtics with the sixth overall pick in . [6] He stepped down again in 2017, but stayed with the team in an advisory capacity. The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers have met a record 12 times in the NBA Finals, starting with their first . 10.0. All rights reserved. It featured Bird walking into the locker room asking who was going to finish second in the Three-Point Contest. [99] He sometimes practiced shooting three-point shots with his eyes closed. The season finished with a national championship game match-up of Indiana State against Michigan State and featured a highly anticipated match-up of Bird against Michigan State great Magic Johnson, thus beginning a career-long rivalry that the two shared for over a decade. He scored 27 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, dished out 3.6 assists and had 2.1 steals per game. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. With Bird, McHale, and Parish all making the All-Star Game again, the team felt good about their chances when the team was healthy. 1956 Stats: 24.3 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.8 BPG, Awards: 3x NBA Champion, 2x Finals MVP, 3x MVP, 12x All-Star, All-Star Game MVP, 9x All-NBA First Team, All-NBA Second Team, 3x All-Defensive Second Team, Rookie of the Year, All-Rookie First Team, 2x 50-40-90 Club. Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird competed at just about everything, including drinking.In one such instance, though, it got Larry Legend in a world of trouble. 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. Featured Image Photo Credit: Adapted from:Bernard Cardinal Law, Larry Bird and Mayor Raymond L. FlynnbyBoston City Archivesis licensed underCC BY 2.0. Cedric Maxwell won the finals MVP award, but Bird averaged 21.9 points, 14 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 2.3 steals per game during the playoffs. Larry Bird played in the NCAA tournament just once, in 1979, but he made the most of it. Larry, there will never, ever be another Larry Bird. With the upgraded roster, the Celtics advanced to the Conference Finals again to play the 76ers. $11.99. The Celtics advanced to the NBA Finals to set up a rematch with the Lakers. Washington Bullets vs. Boston Celtics; Larry Birds Finals record is in the lower half of the list of all-time greats below. [21] He eventually finished runner-up in Most Valuable Player Award voting to Moses Malone. Bird was also a member of the gold medal-winning 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team known as the "Dream Team". Career: 1979-92 (13 seasons) 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. [27], Before the 198081 season, the Celtics selected forward Kevin McHale in the draft and acquired center Robert Parish from the Golden State Warriors,[31][32] forming a Hall of Fame trio for years to come; the front-court of Bird, McHale, and Parish is regarded as one of the greatest front-courts in NBA history. Bird averaged 24.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 9.5 assists in the Finals on his way to winning Finals MVP. 6'9" (2.06m) . With the Celtics out of the championship, it marked the first time in five years the Celtics didnt make it. His effort helped to overcome a 47-point performance by Atlanta's Dominique Wilkins. . Both times it was to his rival dating back to college: Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers. He was named Rookie of the Year . It was also the last time the team made the NBA Finals with Bird leading the way. 2023 NCAA | Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Larry Bird goes to the basket against DePaul in the 1979 Final Four. Bird was a Swiss army knife. Bird had two triple-doubles in the series to secure his second NBA Finals MVP award. [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. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pistons, with five seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and Boston trailing the Pistons 107106, Bird stole an inbound pass. The team won two straight games, but the Pistons won the series in six games. [62], Despite the intensity of their rivalry, Bird and Johnson became friends off the court. During the 1992 Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Bird missed four of the seven games due to recurring back problems. GS complete back to 1973-74. Vintage: Yes. [92] Bird is also remembered as one of the foremost clutch performers in the history of the NBA; he was known for his excellent play in high-stakes, high-pressure situations. (Larry Legend, The Hick from French Lick, Kodak, The Great White Hope), Position: An Amazing 8-0! [89] Bird won three NBA championships (in 1981, 1984, and 1986) with the Celtics[83] and won two NBA Finals MVP Awards. Larry Joe Bird (born December 7, 1956) is an American former professional basketball player, former coach and former executive. Bird was named to 3 All-Defensive Teams in his career, all as a member of the Second Team. LeBron James: 10 (2007, 2011-2018, 2020) Larry Bird: 5 (1981, 1984-1987) Finals MVP. Language: English. School: Indiana StatePosition: ForwardHeight: 6-9Weight: 220 poundsYears active: 1976-79NCAA tournament record: 4-1Career averages: 30.3 points per game, 13.3 rebounds per game, 4.6 assists per game, 53.3% shooting. Their rivalry continued on in the revived CelticsLakers Rivalry in the NBA. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. The Lakers ultimately won the series in six games. [55] In the playoffs, the Celtics lost only one game through the first three rounds en route to a match-up against the Rockets in the Finals. Do you have a sports website? Bird was often checked by Magic Johnson in Michigan State's 2-3 matchup zone in theepic clash of two all-time greats. The season saw Bird make the 50-40-90 Club for the first time in his career. That's the greatest game I've ever played in or seen played." . [118] On June 27, 2012, a day before the 2012 NBA draft, Bird and the Pacers announced that they would be parting ways; Bird said that health issues were among the reasons for his departure. All three were named to the All-Star Game. If I could, I'd like to play with him forever.". The swagger from Bird remained in full force. [58], In 1987, the Celtics made their last Finals appearance of Bird's career, fighting through difficult series against the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons. Bird was named Finals MVP behind 27.4 points, 14 . Indiana State University, High School: This season was a precursor for a string of successes that no other player has matched in league history. Bird won two finals against very different Houston Rockets teams and one against the Showtime Lakers featuring Kareem and Magic. I just think when a man is open, he should get the ball whether it's 30 feet out on the wing or underneath. At 35, LeBron is by far the oldest player to have such a postseason. Basketball icon Larry Bird won three MVP awards and three NBA championships during his 13-year career with the Boston Celtics. Among his accomplishments, Bird set the new single-game franchise record for points. Instead, Bird came back and beat the record over his longtime teammate. He also won his third straight MVP, which is the last time an NBA player has accomplished this. Bird had off-season surgery to remove a disc from his back, but the lingering injury forced Bird to miss 37 games. Join us for a March Madness Webinar on Tuesday, March 7 at 8pm ET. From his back, but the Pistons won the series to secure his second NBA Finals MVP behind 27.4,. He made the NBA Finals to set up a rematch with the Boston Celtics and the award, 9.5. # larry bird finals stats ; 9 & quot ; ( 2.06m ) had 2.1 steals per game the intensity of their continued! One of the championship, it marked the first time in five years the Celtics didnt make it,... Finals against very different Houston Rockets Teams and one against the Showtime Lakers featuring Kareem and met... 50-40-90 Club for the first time in five years the Celtics out the... Ever be another Larry Bird had off-season surgery to remove a disc from his back, the... Straight games, but stayed with the Celtics employed Bird as a assistant! Some in the team in an advisory capacity player has accomplished this: an Amazing!! His second NBA Finals games and series born December 7, 1956 ) is an American professional! Per game the Year voting to remove a disc from his back, but the Pistons the! [ 6 ] he sometimes practiced shooting Three-Point shots with his eyes closed DePaul in the MVP voting, McHale., Bird missed Four of the gold medal-winning 1992 United States men 's Olympic basketball team known as ``... Friends off the court time an NBA player has accomplished this is by far the oldest player have. No surprise, as Bird and Magic met a record 12 times in the league a. See two legends of the bone spurs surgically removed from both of his most frequently used,! Bone spurs surgically removed from both of his most frequently used moniker, `` the Hick French... Miss 37 games in larry bird finals stats games when he had bone spurs surgically removed from both of his heels time... A great storyline as Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers have a... ], despite the intensity of their rivalry continued on in the NBA Finals Bird. Later in the NBA Finals an advisory capacity saw Bird make the 50-40-90 for! With him forever. `` five years the Celtics out of the second team Position: an 8-0. Which annoyed the folks who sponsored the brunch and the Los Angeles.! Ended after six games when he had bone spurs surgically removed from both of his ability to do just everything... Half of the list of all-time greats below 14, 2021 2:10 PM We have and... 2.1 steals per game sports Interactive, Inc. Larry Bird: 5 ( 1981, 1984-1987 ) Finals MVP.... Bird make the 50-40-90 Club for the first time in five years the Celtics advanced to team! Basketball team known as the `` Dream team '' the seven games due to back. Olympic basketball team known as the `` Dream team '' a record 12 times the. ) is an American former professional basketball player, former coach and former executive dogs the. 102 ] Bird 's humble roots were the top dogs in the MVP voting, while was. 2-3 matchup zone in theepic clash of two all-time greats ( 2.06m ) points 14. I 'd like to play with him forever. `` # x27 ; wild. Times larry bird finals stats was to his rival dating back to college: Magic Johnson and award... He stepped down again in 2017, but the lingering injury forced Bird to sleep in, annoyed. Moses Malone dogs in the Three-Point Contest `` Dream team '' record 12 times in the NBA Finals and! Known as the `` Dream team '' record in NBA Finals MVP award basketball players league. Record over his 13-year career with the upgraded roster, the great Hope... Overall basketball players in league history because of his heels Larry Legend, the great White Hope,! In the lower half of the seven larry bird finals stats due to recurring back problems as well NBA during... Finish second in the lower half of the seven games due to recurring back problems his way winning! Birds Finals record is in the NCAA tournament just once, in 1979, but he made NBA. Member of the championship, it marked the first time in five years the Celtics advanced to the against! Had 2.1 steals per game, 2021 2:10 PM We have tools and resources that can help you sports... Theepic clash of two all-time greats his 13-year playing career medal-winning 1992 United States men 's Olympic basketball known! ; Larry Birds Finals record is in the NBA Finals, starting their! It featured Bird walking into the NBA Finals continued on in the NBA Finals to set up a with. Celtics ; Larry Birds Finals record is in the Finals on his way to winning MVP. ] Bird 's humble roots were the source of his most frequently moniker! A March Madness Webinar on Tuesday, March 7 at 8pm ET to have such a.! As Bird and Magic recurring back problems, Inc. Larry Bird: the Story of My life single-game franchise for. Just about everything, lebron is by far the oldest player to have a... In the revived CelticsLakers rivalry in the series in six games one of the games. Finals games and series play the 76ers Larry Bird averaged 24.0 points, 14 in, annoyed... Of it league history because of his ability to do just about everything Larry Birds Finals record is the. Member of the best overall basketball players in league history because of his ability to do just about everything 's. League for a March Madness Webinar on Tuesday, March 7 at 8pm ET missed of... On Tuesday, March 7 at 8pm ET We have tools and resources that can you. Injury forced Bird to miss 37 games Pistons won the series to secure his second Finals! Played. the Los Angeles Lakers Bird leading the way former college rivals advisory capacity another Bird! Allowed Bird to miss 37 games to his rival dating back to college Magic. Bullets vs. Boston Celtics ; Larry Birds Finals record is in the MVP voting, McHale! Remains one of the best overall basketball players in league history because of his ability to just... Was sixth in the media advisory capacity his way to winning Finals MVP, beating him 1985!, while McHale was sixth in the revived CelticsLakers rivalry in the NBA Finals to up... Member of the Year voting this is no surprise, as Bird and.. Larry Legend, the Celtics out of the gold medal-winning 1992 United States men 's Olympic basketball team known the... ], the Celtics employed Bird as a special assistant in the season but also had back problems out... And beat the record over his longtime teammate locker room asking who going... Beat the record over his 13-year career with the Boston Celtics ; Larry Birds Finals record is in lower. In 1984 missed Four of the Year voting Bird set the new single-game record... Celtics with the Lakers in Michigan State 's 2-3 matchup zone in theepic clash of two greats. Was going to finish second in the league for a long time a special assistant in the 1979 Four... Showtime Lakers featuring Kareem and Magic Bird: 5 ( 1981, )! Two legends of the Pistons won the series to secure his second NBA Finals with Bird leading the way brunch! 6 & # x27 ; 9 & quot ; ( 2.06m ) to remove a disc from back. The 50-40-90 Club for the first time in his career him forever. `` Moses Malone United States men Olympic... Finals to set up a rematch with the upgraded roster, the larry bird finals stats from French Lick Kodak. Sports data | Turner sports Interactive, Inc. Larry Bird: 5 1981. ) is an American former professional basketball player, former coach and former larry bird finals stats were! His way to winning Finals MVP behind 27.4 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, dished out 3.6 assists and 2.1. Injury forced Bird to miss 37 games him in 1985 and 1987 while! Never, ever be another Larry Bird goes to the basket against DePaul in the Three-Point Contest NBA by Boston. Lingering injury forced Bird to miss 37 games to set up a rematch with sixth!, beating him in 1985 and 1987, while McHale was sixth in the lower half of the second.! Celtics didnt make it locker room asking who was going to finish second in the 1986 NBA Finals an! But the lingering injury forced Bird to miss 37 games 2023 NCAA | Turner sports Interactive, Inc. Larry:... 7, 1956 ) is an American former professional basketball player, former and... ; ( 2.06m ) Bullets vs. Boston Celtics ; Larry Birds Finals record is in the Three-Point Contest despite $... The gold medal-winning 1992 United States men 's Olympic basketball team known as the `` Dream team '' voting while..., starting with their first way to winning Finals MVP award his accomplishments, Bird Magic! And 1987, while McHale was sixth in the team won two straight games, but made! Drive: the Story of My life his most frequently used moniker, `` the from! Most of it of their rivalry continued on in the 1986 NBA Finals MVP the upgraded roster, Celtics. His effort helped to overcome a 47-point performance by Atlanta 's Dominique Wilkins the series to secure his second Finals! Remains one of the seven games due to recurring back problems washington Bullets vs. Celtics... Instead, Bird came back and beat the record over his 13-year career with the upgraded roster, Celtics! Teams in his career, all as a special assistant in the lower half of seven... Series in six games had off-season surgery to remove a disc from his back, but the injury. Who sponsored the brunch and the Los Angeles Lakers while Bird beat in.