Larry Bird is an icon when it comes to basketball. His heroics and backstory have become legends in the history of the game. Today is Larry Bird’s Birthday, celebrate by learning more about “Larry Legend.”
Origin Story
Larry Joe Bird was born on December 7, 1956. He was raised in French Lick, Indiana. He fell in love with basketball at an early age. He spent hours and hours shooting, dribbling, and perfecting his craft. He would attend Indiana State University and would help put the program on the basketball map. In his senior season, he led his school to the NCAA Championship Game. He would unfortunately lose to Magic Johnson and his Michigan State University team. The battle between Magic and Bird was a huge sports story, and it would be the launch of one of the greatest rivalries of all time.
Larry Legend
Larry Bird played 13 seasons in the NBA, all for the Boston Celtics. He is one of the deadliest shooters, and one of the most clutch players, the game has known. Bird was an all-around talent, he could score, pass, rebound and defend. What he lacked in athleticism, he made up for with grit and hustle. Bird would lead the Celtics to the title in 1981, which would be Larry Legend’s first championship ring.
Bird vs Magic
Before Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, the NBA was struggling to find a fan base, sponsorships, and national attention. But Magic and Larry changed the sport and brought millions of fans to the NBA. In 1984, the NBA got its dream, Magic’s Los Angeles Lakers would face off against the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. The series was heavily marketed and anticipated.
Celtics vs Lakers
The Celtics and Lakers were rivals going all the way back to the early days of the league. They were the top two franchises in the history of the NBA. The 1984 series would not disappoint. It was a highly contested series with Bird and Magic both having shining moments.
MVP
Bird would get the best of Magic in the 1984 matchup. The Celtics would win the 1984 Championship and Larry Bird was awarded his very first Finals MVP Trophy. The Celtics would easily defeat the Houston Rockets in 1986. For that series, Bird would earn his third and final championship, and his last Finals MVP award.
Happy Birthday, Larry Bird!
- Adam C. Better
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