First Time REACTION to Making the Case - Larry Bird 

Bird’s skills combined with modern nutrition and training, he would absolutely dominate. He would dominate in any era.

I believe that if Larry was not affected by his back for the second half of his career that he would’ve played well into MJ’s time of dominance. Things could’ve been a lot different if Larry and Magic as well were still around to challenge him. Nothing against Jordan and if you have him as the GOAT he rightfully belongs there but his legacy could have been a lot different without Bird and Magic’s retirement. Larry was 6-0 versus Jordan in the playoffs who knows what could’ve happened. Larry is my GOAT because of his trash talking and being able to back it up especially while playing hurt. The stories about him are unreal and always give me motivation to keep going and do your best despite whatever setbacks you might have. Pat Riley the coach for the lakers for most of the 80’s once said “If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game, I’d choose Michael Jordan. If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life, I’d take Larry Bird."

So glad you got to this. My Dad and I were die hard fighting Irish thanks to my mom and her family being from ireland. We loved watching Larry play and now that my dad is gone I still find peace in watching reactions to the G.O.A.T and know my dad is still here with me. Thanks for reacting Long Live Larry Legend ❤❤❤

React to Bird's 49 point triple double against Portland in his final year of his career. Amazing game. The dude was wearing a back brace. Bird is definitely in the GOAT conversation. He's top three for me...

On his resume, clayton forgot 3x all defense team. This helps show how well rounded birds game truly was

Best all round player ever .

Bird, Jordan, Kobe, LeBron & Magic

I can't get enough of this. And I lived it.... a perfect story. A perfect rivalry and always a perfect way to play. Watch n learn young pups

I'm not sure about Bird as the GOAT, but he's definitely in the conversation. I think his best claim on GOAT status is that he's almost unquestionably the best player of the 1980s. Not only did he win 3 MVPs in a row during the decade, but he also finished second 4 times, third 1 time, and fourth 1 time. Bird got more MVP votes in the 1980s than all other players *_combined_* ! Many people think the NBA in the 1980s was at the toughest level of competition ever (the "golden age of the league" as Clayton put it in the video). If you buy that argument, then Bird has a damn strong case as the GOAT. If you're the best player in the era of the best players, then you're probably the GOAT... When I talk about GOATs and all-time teams and stuff, I think of players' value two ways: peak and career. Who was the most valuable at their best, vs. who had the most value over their whole career? For me, Bird would be my pick as the all-time top small forward by peak value (it would be LeBron for career value), and it would be between Bird, MJ, and Kareem for all-time GOAT by peak value. My top fives Peak: C - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, PF - Giannis Antetokounmpo, SF - Larry Bird, SG - Michael Jordan, PG - Magic Johnson Career: C - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, PF - Tim Duncan, SF - LeBron James, SG - Michael Jordan, PG - Magic Johnson

Great reaction.. Here's my top 5.. Point guard..Magic (6'9) Scoring guard..Mike(goat) Forwards..Larry + LeBron Center.. Kareem.. NO OTHER 5 CAN BEAT MY 5..

My personal top 5 is Jordan, Bird, Magic, Olajuwon, and Abdul-Jabbar. Probably not what most who watch the sports media are accustomed to, but I personally think how well someone played against the greatest competition is a lot more important than the longevity awards of just playing a bunch of games because they got really lucky with their health.

I watched the steal on tv.. holy shit. We went from an all time low.. losing a playoff game... to OH MY GOD!!! He truly was something to watch. These documentaries can only show you so much.. every game he did something. A crazy pass.. a 3 pointer to steal a win.. whatever.. EVERY night. I used to say it was like watching the Harlem Globe Trotters on a nightly basis.

I grew up watching Bball in the 70's and 80's and still today. I got to watch a lot of legendary careers take place. And thanks to youtube and video's like this it's good to go back and remember just how great some of these players really were and be able to see them play as well as other generations of players so it's easier to compare. For me after a few years of rewatching a lot of videos etc. Here's my personal top 5 players. 1. Bird 2. MJ 3. Magic 4. Kobe 5. Kareem All all these players are very closely ranked. 6-10 again way to close to for me to assign a number to each player but in 6-10 is Tim Duncan, Steph Curry, Shaq and Lebron. I know some might have an issue that my top 5 are guys from way back but they played the game differently. I don't think players of today would be able to play well against those old school tough mental players. Bird I think out of my top 5 would not only dominate todays league but would crush it.

Larry Joe Bird is my goat!!!!!!! My top 5 is; Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamblin, Bill Russell, and Pistol Pete.

Jordan,Bird, Kobe, Magic, & Bron.

Okay this is one Larry Bird clip I have not seen I am an old lady I am not a basketball fan other than I love the different personalities❤❤❤❤❤ Larry Bird is definitely a personality❤❤❤❤ his skills just for off the chart❤❤❤❤

I agree with the presenter of the video. Bird was special as much for his court and situational acumen as he was for his pure talent!

Jordan, Bird, Kobe, Magic, Lebron

I think it was Worthy that also said "playing against MJ -he would make you look slow. Bird - would make you look stupid!"

Larry's record against Michael 17-11. 2 sweeps in the playoffs. 6-0 against Jordan in the Playoffs

He played with a FRACTURED CHEEK and came back out TO WIN THE GAME. He was AMAZING!!!!❤

If Bird played today there would be certain factors.. he played the way he did based on what basketball at the time was.. the games changed since then so it's hard to say.. but BUT I'm pretty sure whatever style of basketball Bird grew up in he woukd excel just as he did in his time. I mean he did what he did during the roughest time so playing now, with the rules in effect, could make him even more dominant against his peers than he was. If he was sent to the foul line 20-25% more.. with his percentage for made free throws!?! And that's just 1 aspect. If he CAME INTO the league with the 3pt shot having been a part of his game since he was high school and was used as regularly as it is compared to being introduced IN his pro game!?! His clutchness wouldn't be hampered so he would still have that.. so yeah. Like I said.. I'm pretty sure he'd have no problem playing today

He is the GOAT! Highest basketball I.Q. EVER!

He is kinda BEYOND HUMAN. SHOOTING AND THE FREAKIN PASSING!!!!!!! Just UNREAL

I'm not a hardcore basketball fan/watcher. I think he's the best because he was, and is, the most exciting to watch....to me.

If bird played today literally 0 players could lock him down you would need to double him up court because well bird torched Rodman and he is arguably the best defensive player ever so I rest my vote on yes he would torch this league

Bird's career lasted 13 seasons, Jordan's career lasted 15 seasons. That can't be an excuse to not goat Bird. Besides, Bird swept Jordan... twice! And he never beat Bird. Bird is a better all around player, he does everything good. Larry Bird is definitely my goat pick.

His whole story is more than amazing but this is a close second!! I loved your reaction so much, I subscribed!! He actually came into the NBA hurt!! He had badly fractured one of his fingers on his shooting hand! He stated that he never had the same feel for the ball after that!! Amazing clutch player at all times!! There’s so much more!!

Bird talked about 3 pointers during an interview.. anyone can take & make a 3 during the game.. but theres a huge difference from taking & making a 3 when there's 2 seconds on the clock and your down 1 or 2 points

You're right about Bird playing in today's game. Most of them would start crying and quit. People say players today are so much more athletic and would overwhelm guys like Bird. That's total garbage on all counts. Players were extremely athletic back then and Bird dominated them. Throw in his soft the game is today and Bird would feast like we've never seen.

Since you were surprised, yes, there is a Larry Bird “fights” video somewhere on RU-vid. I liked your reaction. As for greats, I think there are several, but Larry was the most FUN to watch because he was always doing something surprising! And that kept bringing viewers back to watch games, which is one reason how he saved the NBA ( along with Magic and his flair. ). You would probably enjoy watching some full games, just for your own enjoyment. The highlights don’t really give you the full picture of how Larry was everywhere on the court all the time, and expected the same from his teammates. I was lucky enough to view him live on tv, but only when he played the Bulls or during the playoffs because we only had a few tv channels in those days, even in Chicago, so we couldn’t watch too many games. (No ESPN or TNT). Thanks for your reaction.

Larry Bird is a team player, he elevates the team

My team: Magic, MJ, Garnett, Bird & Russell. McHale, Shaq, Rodman & 1 more. With the rest of my picks any player you add would end up being great so it really don't matter who the 9th teammate is. Except for Russell I watched all these players. New to the channel. Thanks for the vid

I don’t really think in terms of a top 5, I think more in terms of an all-time starting 5, because the requirements of each position are so different. That said, my all-time starting 5 are: PG - John Stockton. Nobody was a better facilitator at the point, and he was a demon on defense. All-time leader in Assists and Steals. SG - Pete Maravich. This is the man who averaged 44 per in college without a 3 point shot. Incredible handles and could hit his shot from anywhere in the building. SF - Larry Joe Bird. This video explains why. PF - Tim Duncan. The Big Fundamental. Stone cold killer on the court. Duncan never really had a peak, only because he never really fell off. He was the same player in his last season that he was in his first. C - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Another stone cold killer on the court. Also a great man off the court.

1 last thought.. talk about fan adoration.. fan dedication.. that retirement ceremony was a standalone event. There wasn't a game scheduled for afterwards. Usually they hold these things on a game night to make sure the stands woukd be packed. Not for Bird.. I don't care which team he played for.. I'm sure the fan response would have been the same

Get watching Larry Bird Fights/Heated Moments! Such a great compilation of "fights"

Bird,Bill Russell, Jordan , Magic and Kobe. in any order. I don't think you can say one player is THE GOAT. They were all goats in their era. Having said that I would say Larry was the best all round player to ever play.

Larry has always been my #1

Larry Bird is probably the best team player in the sense, not only was he great, but he made his teammates great. Majority of his teammates are also Hall of Famers.

Argument for Larry being the GOAT. EVERY NBA star player who has played against him has tales (multiple) of Larry hammering them into the ground! How he'd tell them what he was about to do, then do it word for word.

Wilt is simply the best player to ever step, not only on a court, but the arena of athletics. Bird could be top 5, though.

Yea Larry bird would’ve wipe the floor with league today

Best reaction ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Larry hurt his shooting hand in the off season before he joined the NBA. Look close and you will see that he cant completely straighten it out. He said that he could never shoot as well after . Imagine what he could have done without that injury.

Put Larry Bird out there today and he’s probably going for 12 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists per game. But the man is in his 60s. Put prime Bird out there and he’ll put up whatever he wants to.

I honestly can't put them in order, but here's my five: Jordan, Bird, Lebron, Chamberlin, and Russell. And I won't argue with anyone who thinks Magic, Kareem, Kobe, Robertson, or Duncan belong in there.

U know Larry was crazy to tell players in the league y’all going to put a white guy on me to guard me 😂😂😂

Larry=LEGEND

Thoughtful commentary, CT. I enjoyed it very much. Thanks!

So well done. You listen. You get the comedy in this. You understand the game and the details. It’s easy to see you’re smart. I appreciated you in this reaction. Take a bow, buddy.

Larry had like 32 points 12-15 rebounds 10 assists 9 steals and 2 blocks in 3 quarters. Larry's coach noticed he was 1 steal away and he asked Larry if he wanted to go out and play and Larry said "I already did enough damage"

I've said is in other reactions about who's the GOAT. Here's how I personally see it. Being 59 years old and having watched the game, rules, and so forth evolve, I love having the discussion with someone claiming their man is the GOAT. Truth is that there will never be a greatest of "all" time. Each generation has and always will have a select few that are the greats. As physical conditioning, medicines, rules, and other things change, the athletes also change. A perfect example is when I hear LJ fans claim he is "THE GOAT" is that as physical as the game was back in the early days, he wouldn't survive. Bird could most likely play better during this era than LeBron in Birds era.

LARRY LEGEND IS A UNICORN AND THE TRUE GOAT!!! 🐐 ☘️ Edit to add my top 5: Larry Legend Magic Wilt Bill Russell Pistol Pete

Great reaction.

needed a steal for a quadruple double after 3 quarters and didn't play in the fourth, he said he had done enough damage. i think there's only 3 or 4 people have done it, but he wasn't after records, he was after wins

The only clutch shot he ever missed.

Jordan, Magic, Bird are the top3 players to ever lace em up. In whatever order you want, I dont care. Then probably Kareem and LeBron. I dont include Kobe cuz even tho he probably rank up here too he really didnt have the same opposition. He is one of the greatest players ever, no doubt. But I cant actually pinpoint exactly how good he was due to the lack of resistance.

1. Bird 2. Jordan and the rest are debatable where they fall.

Top five in no particular order: Wilt, Kareem, Jordan, Bird,Russell

I once saw Bird beat 3 men in a bar at basketball with a fckn pencil.

Wilt chamberlain, Bill Russell , Larry, majic and MJ

The greatest ever? That would be Wilt. Too many reasons why. Bird was amazing and is top 5 worthy Fosho Top 5 is Wilt Kareem Russell West Bird/Elgin/doc

Larry really only played 12 seasons and 6 games, if you think about it. A second thought...imagine the guys today, if they played the same type of hoops as back in the Bird era...there's some "goats" that would look more like whipped dogs, lol. (I ain't saying who, but we all know, lol)

Bird #3 to MJ! My starting 5 1G-Magic 2G-MJ SF-Pippen PF-Bird C-Olajuwon

You owe it to yourself to react to all these Making the Case videos. So few younger people know how great Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain were in their day.

As a Celtics fan I have larry 3rd behind Jordan and Kareem honestly but he has a case for goat status including jordan never beating the bird celtics in a single playoff game

The only GOAT

Larry Bird would have put Draymond in the corner if Dray tried his antics with him.

GOAT 😊

You get it, Bro.

A very interesting fun fact re Larry Bird. The great Michael Jordan is 0-6 lifetime in playoff games against Larry Legend.

Oh! Top 5? In order: Larry MJ, Magic, Kareem, Wilt.

While Bird was and is still my favorite. But, Jordan was just that much better. So 1.Jordan 2. BIRD 3 WHOEVER!!!

If Bird played today he would completely dominate the entire NBA. 100%. He would completely embarrass Lebron 100% or any excellent player today.

With today's NBA rules where you get called for a foul if your breathe on a guy, Bird would average 40+

If Larry Bird played today maybe people would have to try harder. I think it would be great for the league because he would hold the whole league accountable for being a bunch of babies

Watch out, dude. Bird will fight cha. lol 😂

P.s Larry is a close 2nd to Mike..

I don't think Bird is the GOAT. However, I do think he's my SECOND pick all time. Behind Michael Jordan. Bird, in his prime, was an absolute beast though. Amazing rebounder, scorer and passer. Guy would DOMINATE in today's soft-ass league. Also, you gotta keep in mind Bird would absolutely benefit from today's weight training and medical advancements.

But how far behind magic would he have been if he hadn’t missed so many games from foot surgery in 89?

Bird was a great player, but it's hard for me to call him the GOAT. Wilt Chamberlain was the Babe Ruth of basketball! He averaged over 50ppg one year, led the league in assists another. Chamberlain lost a lot of Championships to Russell and the Celtics, but the Celtics of that era were a veritable All Star team! Bill Russell had a spectacular career. 11 NBA Championships in 13 years, making the Finals 12 times and losing only ONCE! Nitwits like JJ Redick say, "They played against plumbers!" IDIOCY! They played against great Centers like Nate Thurmond, Willis Reed, Walt Bellamy among many others. Then there was Jabbar. They outlawed the dunk shot in High School and College because of him! They outlawed a shot because of one guy...Kareem Abdul Jabbar! An often overlooked candidate is Oscar Robertson, the original double/double machine. He was an amazing player who kept a really bad team (the Royals) relevant almost all by himself. Then there's Michael Jordan, six NBA championships and UNDEFEATED in the Finals. That's an achievement that's hard to argue against. Magic also has to be in that group, as he led a great Lakers team with Worthy, Jabbar, Cooper and others. There's an irony that in the 50s & 60s the Celtics had a virtual All Star team, but in the 80s it was the Lakers. With the 80s Lakers, I'd give Jabbar the edge over Parish, Worthy a slight edge over McHale, and a talent edge to the Lakers backcourt, so it was really Bird who kept the Celts in those Finals. That said, I'd probably put Wilt, Russell, and Jabbar over Bird, with Magic at least on par with Bird, and Robertson close by. I'd also give honorable mention to Pistol Pete Maravich and Julius "Dr. J" Erving, two incredibly creative players who helped create the prototype of the modern NBA, as well as Shaq, Kobe, and LeBron James. It's hard, VERY HARD to compare players across eras. The NBA of the 1980s and before were much more physical than today's game, probably too much so, but to say great players from that era couldn't play in today's NBA is foolish. They'd adjust, just as today's players would've adjusted to the 70s, 80s or 90s game. That said, it's still hard to compare players across different eras with different rules for the game. STILL, I'd stay with Wilt/Russell/Kareem as the pick'em GOAT, with MJ/Bird/Magic right behind them, followed closely by Kobe/Shaq/Robertson/LeBron...but, in my view (pure opinion) LeBron James comes in a bit behind even Shaq and Kobe because of what Shaq and Kobe did in a much more physical era and one in which players couldn't engineer super teams among themselves. Ar any rate, GREAT reaction video!

Larry Bird never lost a single playoff game to Jordan. I still rank Michael as the goat, but it goes like this! Michael, Larry, Magic, Kobe, and Lebron. Lebron is a FRAUD. Why? Because he is the only player that DOESN'T want the ball with the game on the line every time.

Larry Joe Bird ACTIVELY CHOSE not to be the goat, and some of those receipts are in this video.

and if he hadn't been chopping his own wood that day at home...

bird is probably t he second greatest, but even himself said Jordan is not Jordan, is just god disguised as jordan.

Larry Bird is my GOAT. Say what you want about Chips and other things, like Clayton said at the beginning, there's more nuance than most people believe. I have Bird as the GOAT because the supposed GOAT has a regular season losing record against Bird and went 0-6 against him in the playoffs. Not to mention that Bird was able to perform at the high level he did through numerous injuries that would keep crybabies like LeBron on the sidelines for weeks or even months. My top 5 goes like this: 1. Bird 2. Magic 3. Jordan 4. Russell 5. Chamberlain Admittedly, I haven't watched much bball since the late 90's, but taking into account rules changes, I think none of today's younger generation could handle the more physical style of play of the older eras and the old heads, in their prime, would eat these newer generation players alive in the new "soft" NBA. Especially Larry. Everyone say this player or that player is "built different". BS. Larry is the only player I can think of that truly is built different. Seriously, try telling me that LeBron or KD or Hardin would play on an infected toe for weeks before team staff found out about it. Then, when it was found out and needed to be drained, Bird was asked if he wanted something for the pain. He asked for a beer and the trainer cut a 2 inch incision between his toes to let the infection drain. Bird then proceeded to suit up and play that night. None of today's soft players would even think about doing something like that, let alone actually doing it. There's a reason why they call him Larry Legend. No one before or since has put so much of themselves into the game of basketball. That's what makes him the GOAT. He had the legendary career he had DESPITE numerous injuries, just imagine the numbers he could have had if he had been at 100%.

I am a huge Celtics fan but he is not #1. My top 5 is MJ, Bron, Kareem, Bird, Magic

LJB33MFGOAT🎉ORDIE

He would be kicked out of the game the first time he trashed talked everyone

Larry is the greatest player of all time... Jordan was better. Bird is the Master, Jordan is the star student who exceeds.

You can't compare the game of today with the game of Bird's era. You can't. Bird's era, you played hurt and were locked into your team. That meant longevity was low and if the draft was a bust, you were the only reaaaallly good player. In today's era, you get a hangnail and you're out for the season, you don't like your team? Well, go to another, better one! Also, the rules changed. Bird's era, you were not only hand-checked, you got decked a lot. Today? Yeah, no hands and don't even touch the other players. Bird in his prime would decimate players today under these rules, he would have a LOT of championship trophies, his stats would be through the roof because he wouldn't play hurt, etc, etc. You know, like LeBron and the rest of the "me me look at me and my stats" players of today.

Today’s players are way too soft mentally to have competed against Bird. They would have nightmares after playing against him.

MJ= god , but larry =jesus , remenber u know Jesus but got only in the smal hours kkkkkkkkk, MJ neer catch larry in NBA ok! so yes in brazillarry is the number one ever

to me better than bron

no thankx... warmed over reaction video... ♥♥♥ “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Romans 15:13