I was there. 12 years old and wanting autographs afterward… Bird and Cowens gave me the cold shoulder, alone, and far away from the crowd in the parking lot, as they walked to theIr hotel. Factually, told me “if we sign for you, we have to sign for all”. 12 years old, no one even within visual distance, I didn’t quibble, I thanked em for their time and went back to watch Kareem and Magic (all smiles) holding court with all the Lakers fans. I always played all sports and it helped me realize… that losing takes a bit to get over and makes you better. Think Bird and Cowens denial, while especially douchy when ya think…“how’d you leave a 12 year old alone wanting a piece of your greatness” hangin out to dry? Emotional loss has a time and it wasn’t time enough for these competitors to be over it
Aztech And??? that means no one knows anything about the sport OUTSIDE of the association?? Especially something as huge as the matchup between Magic and Bird in the 1979 championship game???
Handchecking and more man-to-man defence meant people had to focus more on not losing their dribble instead of crossovers and shake-and-bake moves. Plus, they were skinnier back then; add to the fact that they wore short-shorts and the quality of broadcast back then wasn't so good and sometimes it does look a little cheesy how they play.
Nah, they weren't allowed to carry and take 4 steps without dribbling back then. Bird would have averaged 40 a game if he was allowed to take as many steps as LeFlop does 20 times a game.
Jarif Ahmed No one gives a fuck about cross overs and fancy dribbling when they can't even finish well in the paint in the end like today's NBA. Seems like every dumbass "fan" today cares more about a cross over than actually winning the game. And you're stupid as fuck if you think today's players are better than Magic, Bird, Kareem, Dr. J, Worthy, etc just because they can dribble.
Don't get why Bird is portrayed as being an arshole in Winning Time for being a family man focused on the game n Magic is the good guy while he's cheating on women n trashing the GOAT Kareem..Oh NVM they tell you why 2 minutes into the series 🍘.
