Nicknamed “Legend” for good reason, his career was brilliant but brief, really lasting only 10 quality seasons due to injuries, and marked in many ways by his longtime rivalry with Magic Johnson, which ended with them teaming up to win a gold medal with the 1992 U.S. Olympic team. One of just three players to earn three consecutive league MVP awards, one of just three players to earn league MVP and Finals MVP in the same year multiple times, and leading scorer on three Celtics championship teams. Original member of the 50/40/90 club
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When the game was theirs: Eight crucial games that defined the Bird vs. Magic rivalry
Their rivalry is still the pinnacle of the NBA for many, and their subsequent friendship still inspires. As we approach the 30th anniversary of their final NBA match-up, we take a look back at the eight most unforgettable games involving…
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- Appearance in One on One: Dr. J vs. Larry Bird
- Appearance in “The Showdown” McDonald’s commercial
- Appearance in Space Jam
- Appearance in “The Weapon Rap” Converse commercial
- As cause for NBA to implement the “Bird Rule” contract exemption
- As competitor in Three-Point Contest
- As great play maker
- Coaching the Pacers
- Co-author of the book When the Game Was Ours
- Debut NBA game
- Delaying retirement to play on 1992 U.S. Olympic team
- Feud with Julius Erving
- Fight with Julius Erving
- Final game vs. Magic Johnson
- In 1979 NCAA Tournament National Final
- Missing out on league MVP in a controversial voting (1981)
- “Now there’s a steal by Bird” (game five, 1987 Eastern Conference Finals)
- Nicknamed “Legend”
- On 1992 U.S. Olympic team
- On ’85-’86 Boston Celtics (greatest teams)
- One of the greatest players of the ’80s
- Ranking of Celtics teammates who won championships with
- Replaced by Kevin Gamble
- Rivalry with Magic Johnson