Michael Cooper Breaks Down Defending Larry Bird in his Prime

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In this video segment from Showtime Podcast with Coop, Michael Cooper's defensive strategy against Larry Bird in his prime.
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Michael Cooper was one of the best defenders in the NBA during the 1980s. He was known for his versatility, quickness, and defensive intelligence. When he faced off against Larry Bird, he knew that he had a tough challenge ahead of him.
Cooper's defensive strategy against Bird was to use his length and quickness to disrupt his rhythm and limit his scoring opportunities. He would use his long arms to contest Bird's jump shots and force him to take more difficult shots. Cooper also played physical defense, bumping and jostling with Bird to throw him off his game.
Another key part of Cooper's strategy was to deny Bird the ball as much as possible. He would use his quickness to stay in front of Bird and prevent him from getting open looks. Cooper was also adept at reading Bird's movements and anticipating his next move, which helped him stay ahead of the play.
Cooper's defensive efforts against Bird paid off, as he was able to limit Bird's scoring and frustrate him on the court. In fact, Bird once said that Cooper was the best defender he ever faced in his career.
Overall, Cooper's defensive strategy against Bird was to use his length, quickness, and defensive intelligence to disrupt Bird's rhythm and make it difficult for him to score. His efforts were successful, and he is still remembered as one of the best defenders of his time.
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11 мар 2023

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Комментарии : 218

@NBAHistoryCLNS Год назад

This segment is from the Michael Cooper Showtime #Lakers Podcast. Watch full episode here: ______ Sub on Apple podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-showtime-podcast-with-lakers-legend-coop/id1509730329 or on Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/0q58PdBd256PEDwENzQAS0?si=GbPaLWYHQfWbHL1Wl1OazQ&dl_branch=1

@sherwinrasmusenmusicchannel Год назад

Lol you got to use the word "DEFEND" loosely because there was no defense for "The WHITE DEATH."

@Gregory-sm9pf 11 месяцев назад

Coop, Larry Bird has the utmost respect for you, he said at his announcement of his retirement that you were his toughest defender, much respect from Bird to you, and oh yeah, when did you become friends with SGT Slaughter?

@user-ys2qs7jm3t 5 месяцев назад

Excellent bro I was raised up in the 80s and I was very fortunate sports wise especially basketball

@cgyiltis Год назад

As usual Coop is pure class. He doesn’t like Larry, but respect greatness. Coop is an all time elite defender. I always liked Coop.

@knowledgeispower3368 9 месяцев назад

Who cares who you like🥱

@keithgraham9547 9 месяцев назад

Cooper was THE best defender in the NBA. When Bird practiced in the off-season, he said he was imagining Cooper defending him. In one Finals, I remember Bird scored and everybody starts running down court. Cooper just looked at Riley on the bench, turned his palms up and shrugged, like, "What do you want me to do? Can't nobody stop him."

@N1120A 8 месяцев назад

Pretty sure all the Laker legends like and respect Bird.

@mensrea1251 3 месяца назад

Bird’s always said the toughest defender he’d faced was Cooper. Respect is mutual.

@user-fe8yp1rb9m 8 дней назад

Cooper’s total class. Loved listening to his war stories. I’m glad the Lakers and the Celtics won a lot of championships. They were both phenomenal teams.

@margaretwalsh852 Год назад

Lifelong Celtic fan who every time I hear Cooper talk , my admiration for his greatness grows. His appreciation of what made the game great and great players even greater makes listening to a player of his caliber, sheer gold. Cooper was one of a kind as was his greatest opponent Bird.

@rg20322 11 месяцев назад

Man Cooper was awesome!

@sonjanewstrom6228 Год назад

Cooper had great insight of the game. He tells the stories so well.

@drogers5335 Год назад

The respect shown here by Coop was reciprocated by Larry - the definition of professionalism. My hat has always been off to the Lakers and Celts for the mutual respect. Great teams!

@seancotter9156 Год назад

Bird always gave Cooper his props and he probably still scored 28 but Cooper made it harder lol

@drogers5335 Год назад

@@seancotter9156 ru-vid.com_WFrRmr7kMQ

@ericnvdal1459 10 месяцев назад

I have to say; Michael Cooper seems like a gentleman.

@ChosenWon Год назад

Respect to Cooper. He's a genius at BB analysis.

@red-baitingswine8816 Год назад

Coop very objective. Great to be able to see the game through his eyes.

@vincentwinkleblech3614 Год назад

I have always been a HUUUUUUUGE fam of Michael Cooper. He never took a second off in any game. A great defender and a decent shooter who could pop 3s in big spots. A classy, humble good guy. The NBA could use 50 like him today.

@BellBivDeveau Год назад

Much respect Mr. Cooper, you explained the “chess match” I didn’t know existed. Makes me respect Larry Bird all that much more. It also helps me truly understand when I heard, “Jordan made you look slow but Bird made you look stupid.” I don’t remember which player said it.

@BellBivDeveau Год назад

For the record it was Hall of Famer James Worthy

@MS-ns2pj 10 месяцев назад

James Worthy said that. ☺

@jjs777fzr 11 месяцев назад

Luv ya coop. I couldn’t say that in the 80’s but we can finally put down the sabres. You, Magic, Bird, Andrew Tony, Dr J helped make the 80’s what it was. I could list dozens of players. Thanks for the memories and what many consider the best and toughest decade of hoop.

@seancotter9156 11 месяцев назад

The love and respect for each other that's Awesome!! Larry Bird loves Michael Cooper as much as Cooper loves Larry. Best ERA EVER imo

@phild8095 9 месяцев назад

As a celtics fan I've got to say Michael Cooper was respected.

@charlesking4780 Год назад

Michael Cooper should be in the Hall of Fame. 🏀

@BasketballJones48021 Год назад

No doubt!

@hollywoodevans792 Год назад

Real talk

@bernardtyler526 Год назад

No he shouldn't. N for wat? He was a good player, don't get me wrong but ...explain to me

@BasketballJones48021 Год назад

@@bernardtyler526 5x NBA Champion as an important player (in one of the GOAT dynasties); Defensive Player of the Year award recipient; 8x All-Defensive Team member (5x on the First Team); one of the best defensive players ever; very exciting and athletic player (with the iconic Coop-a-Loop); could play point and pass, giving Magic room to rest; developed into a very good spot-up shooter, being one of the forerunners to the popular 3&D players (and he was much more than just that, ofc); had a solid College career (with individual accolades too); had a nice year run in the Italian league; J Walter Kennedy Citizenship award in 1986………… Objectively, there are players already in the BASKETBALL Hall of Fame… with less of a career than that (than Coop), let’s call it!!

@harrymills2770 Год назад

@@BasketballJones48021 I rooted for the Celtics in those years, and I think Cooper should be in the Hall. I always rooted against the Lakers, but always thought Cooper was a great player.

@rudolfrojas 9 месяцев назад

The sheer eloquence of Mr. Cooper is really refreshing, he calls em like he sees em and appears not to have taken the tension of these series too seriously. What entertainment they provided.

@FUBAR1986 Год назад

Back then the Knicks were my team, but I also liked the Celtics. I know not supposed to be that way but bird made me a Celtics fan. Now Michael Cooper. Highly underrated player always noticed his great play & my hats off to him.✌🏽☮️🤲🙏

@TripleE76 9 месяцев назад

Man I hated all these Lakers as a kid, a lad from Indiana, a die hard Larry Bird fan, a Celtic fan …. These Laker interviews are amazing, Coop is a genuine dude, I LOVE him

@user-pz3wm7jp1z 4 месяца назад

Mine is the opposite. Huge Laker fan in the 80s, but Larry Legend is my all-time favorite player

@TripleE76 4 месяца назад

@@user-pz3wm7jp1z i love you

@genemars5158 Год назад

Watch at 1:28 - Bird throws a bounce pass between Michael Cooper's legs. Bird loved to do that - watch his highlight videos and you'll see that he did it quite often. It was one of his favorite moves.

@cindyknudson2715 Год назад

I'd love to see a compilation of his between the legs passes.

@Paula-nt2uc Год назад

My favorite player of ALL time!!! Love me sum Michael Cooper, these kids don't know who Cooper is! 5 Championships with the showtime Lakers! Cooper best dang defensive player period! Met Coach at Los Angeles Southwest College, when he was coaching the LA Sparks, very cool dude! Cooper jumped out the gym , never flashy, did his job! They better ask somebody bout that Coop-O-loop! 😮

@sicfrynut 9 месяцев назад

it's surprising with having the internet and youtube that younger people don't go back and watch just the highlights of some of these players. i was lucky enough to see Dr J in his prime. he would own the league if he played now. Coop started a trend in my high school where everyone started wearing the long white only tube socks for gym class.

@dougbodenhamer9391 9 месяцев назад

Coop a loop for sure! Long, lean, had serious hops and perhaps the greatest small forward defender we have ever seen. Give me guys like Cooper and Dumars over flash and dash any day.

@JohnMurphyabc Год назад

Coop was the only one who could guard Bird.. There was noone better than Coop.. Great interview

@MS-ns2pj 10 месяцев назад

Coop could guard Larry to a degree, but nobody could stop Bird.

@sicfrynut 9 месяцев назад

@@MS-ns2pj Larry has stated the Michael Cooper was the best defensive player that Larry played against. When playing great players like Bird, Magic, Erving, Jordan, Barkley etc, et al. you _didn't_ stop them, you just tried to make it more difficult for them and maybe throw them off their game a bit. the only thing that could stop Larry was his bad back.

@MS-ns2pj 9 месяцев назад

@@sicfrynut I agree. If only Larry had hired someone else to do that driveway. 😔

@quietstorm9866 Год назад

Cooper is class.

@fletch4813 Год назад

Coop would have fit in as a Celtic

@Jbf-76 10 месяцев назад

Cooper telling Bird stories are fantastic.. Cooper would know..

@sirgalahad3574 4 месяца назад

Coop was a great player. I enjoyed him so much.

@naturalimmunity7007 Год назад

This game today is an embarrassment in comparison to the 80's

@guyh.4121 Год назад

I don’t even watch the game today. It’s lazy basketball. Hell they don’t even call travelling anymore.

@rodneysmith247 Год назад

It's all run a shoot no make a play like passing or stealing the ball or rebounding to beat the other team. Now it's a boring free throw attempt from 25ft.

@ChosenWon Год назад

Amen

@johnbarnes4751 Год назад

Today's game is too soft.

@14isoldenough Год назад

@@guyh.4121 they might not call travel now but they surely didnt call fouls back then

@hanknorris5642 11 месяцев назад

I could listen to Cooper all day talk about basketball. He knows it all.

@timothy4664 Год назад

Cooper belongs in the HOF. Oh, and I am a Celtics fan BTW. Greatness should always be respected. Even a laker from the 80s.

@sugarnads Год назад

Coop worthy magic and kareem. Tough team to go up against. Go celtics

@davidhilliard1838 Месяц назад

I'm a Laker fan and I always thought DJ was the most clutch player I ever saw

@dlhvac1 Год назад

That’s why he’s the Legend

@arnecruz Год назад

High percentage shot. A phrase that is now forgotten in the analytics era of the NBA.

@drewainge1059 Год назад

Well it's an obsolete term now. It's called high percentage shot before because it's shot inside the 3 point line and 3 point shots are like 30% back in those days. Now it's like 40% now. So, a 3 pt shot at 40% is better than a 50% 2 pt shot.

@arnecruz Год назад

@@drewainge1059 Yes you are right, but analytics make the NBA sucks! People do not like the NBA today like it was then. People want physicality. People want competion. Anyway, but you are right.

@soloistdeve Год назад

@@drewainge1059 Would it still be 40% if hand-checking was allowed?

@drewainge1059 Год назад

@@soloistdeve yes because no one handchecks a 3 point shooter.

@soloistdeve Год назад

@@drewainge1059 That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. It was allowed to hand-check anyone, anywhere. You'll just say anything to defend this bs. I bet you never touched a basketball in your life or watched a full game.

@kenhasibar2624 Год назад

I remember LA coming to the Memorial Coliseum... Cooooooop was what we yelled, good or bad play. The NBA was tough and fun back then. Sucks getting old.

@richardpare3538 Год назад

The game was so much more mentally complex back then - yes - you needed to be supremely talented athletically, but being intelligent on what you did with that skill was even more important. Bird had that mental part of the games better than anyone else out there. Today's game seems to be almost exclusively about athleticism, but ridiculously overshadowed by 3-point shooting. Very boring in comparison.

@davidhilliard1838 Месяц назад

Back In those days I used to listen to Chick Hearn interviews and many times I would hear the game was 10 percent athleticism and 90 percent mental.

@lenculpepper9150 7 месяцев назад

Most people have no idea just how good Coop was. I miss the old game!

@monticella Год назад

Cooper articulated well the dynamics of mental play.

@Lizzard85351 Год назад

Larry was only about one thing. Winning.

@polyscroll 3 месяца назад

Truth! He didn't give a shit about his stats, he only cared about Magic's stats, and beating him and anyone else that stood in the way of that goal.

@gabrieldean9559 День назад

Blessed to have attended Coop camp in ABQ NM for 3 years

@MountainMan. 11 месяцев назад

Cooop, the fans would yell at The Forum. He was the Lakers sharpshooter, the 3-point threat. And the high socks!

@65strad 5 месяцев назад

Wow, mad respect for Bird by the greats. These stories are great to hear

@zikemiller1466 Год назад

If today's players? Ever had to face the Detroit Bad Boys. Probably early retirement may be an option. Frankly facing the Lakers/6ers/Celtics. Was no stroll in the park. Every team had a player who could and would rip your head off. If you ventured down the lane. Isaiah retired at 32. A veritable picture of scar tissue.

@sonofsarek Год назад

The game has devolved into lazy step-back traveling 3s and uncontested dunks. However, the physicality needed to get cleaned up because it eventually slowed the game down to where nobody could score. The NBA might want to: 1) re-establishing the old illegal defense rules (since the best way to beat a zone is with 3s) and 2) moving the 3 point line to 25 feet and widening the court.

@levesd3722 Год назад

I don't think they would ever widen the 3 point lin ethat much. To me it would be better to abolish the 3 second defensive paint rule.

@andybilakshow260 Год назад

Thanks Coop & NBAH&LonCLNS!

@NBAHistoryCLNS Год назад

😊

@pablosantander3143 Год назад

Hello, Thank you very much for sharing another fascinating sample of your basketball knowledge of when this was a more appealing game. Would it be possible to ask you about the virtues of the great basketball defenders contemporary to you, Mr. Cooper? To name a few: Moncrieff, Alvin Robertson, Mo Cheeks, Dennis Johnson, and Michael Ray Richardson. What great defenders of your time, who were not big men, might have passed us by or are overlooked by those of us who don't have as expert an eye as yours or your first-hand knowledge of the players? Players who did not appear at the top of the statistics or were not award winners. Thank you.

@stevenkloepping2953 Год назад

The game has changed to a 3 point shooting contest but it's definatley not better imo. Fundamentally it's crap now.

@levesd3722 Год назад

Word!

@michaelharding313 Год назад

It’s actually Fundamentally better in todays game, but Bad basketball is more fun to watch, which is why the ncaa tournament is so fun to watch.

@johncool1 Месяц назад

i am shocked michael cooper wasnt an nba coach..he understood the minor details that led to the big margins..and a class act.

@James-ql8bo 6 месяцев назад

Birds basketball IQ was incredible

@jpecci1262 Год назад

Watching since Sam Jones and Bill Russell. Just learned something new. Great commentary.

@jamesguest4741 9 месяцев назад

Cooper was a Great Defender!

@jaketanner20001 Год назад

Micheal talks real basketball, the ins and outs of the game.

@nemo227 4 месяца назад

First time hearing Cooper talk. He has charisma.

@jodydubick854 4 месяца назад

Dr. J. has good punching form. Most basketball players loop their shots. That was a straight line to Bird's face :)

@angelmatos9143 Год назад

The 80’s were the Hunger Games of sports. Now? Social media ‘don’t touch me’ divas that don’t know their history. 😂

@psu7276 5 месяцев назад

When Michael Cooper says you were tough to guard, you were really tough to guard. He was one of, if not the best defender of that era.

@johannesswillery7855 4 месяца назад

Coop was beast.

@GarveyMustangMan Год назад

Great point, championships are won in the paint.

@bigkw1568 Год назад

The Fucking Legend

@jefflawver971 9 месяцев назад

I always felt Michael Cooper was the toughest Laker. Wasn't very big, but he often guarded players much bigger and stronger than him. He often took the other teams best scorer, unless it was the center. Very heady player, who fit in with the Lakers so well.

@davidhilliard1838 Месяц назад

He pretty much played every game even if he was hurt

@Denner771 Год назад

Coop!!!!!!

@dougbodenhamer9391 9 месяцев назад

Cooper was such a tough player, and a class act. Him matched against Bird was one of the all time great matchups. Glad I was around to witness 80s nba! I have no reason to watch it now.

@jeffrey3498 9 месяцев назад

Doctor J got a couple good shots on Bird's face 🤣🤙

@N1120A 8 месяцев назад

Cooper would be an even bigger star today, both ways. A lpng 6'7", Lock down defense, and all the iso 3s combined with his athleticism - he might be a better Ray Allen.

@user-dp1kf8xh7r 5 месяцев назад

When are they gonna put this guy in the Hall of Fame?

@user-qr9uh1fd8g 11 месяцев назад

#33 Boston Celtics the reason I love basketball! Wow

@hanj31 11 месяцев назад

bird always said coop was the best defender on him

@craigosterberg5045 Год назад

Michael Cooper HOF

@LuckyBird551 9 месяцев назад

You know, when he mentioned Riley, it got me thinking. A lot of people discuss "who's the GOAT" when it comes to players. But I've never seen a serious discussion about who is the GOAT of coaches. Is it Pat Riley? Is it Phil Jackson? Is it Greg Popovich? Is it someone else?

@slchambers1 Год назад

The Coop a Loop.

@precisionhoops3652 Год назад

Agreed championships won in the paint 😮

@kenhasibar2624 10 месяцев назад

Is Coop in the HoF? I hope so.

@alicemarie3506 8 месяцев назад

It was like a live chess game

@kenblack6114 Год назад

Designed plays always work until Bird punches you in the mouth

@samuell543 Год назад

That was really good.

@user-qr9uh1fd8g 11 месяцев назад

#33 so talented beautiful ❤️

@RaysDad 5 месяцев назад

Michael Cooper was so skinny he didn't look like he could hang in with the big guys, but he did.

@williamrobinson8867 Год назад

They may be more athletic but they can't play very good bench warmers in the 80s

@davidplummer2619 9 месяцев назад

They are NOT more athletic now than the 80s. This is just more 'people were physically inferior then because they didn't have i-phones' bias.

@kevwmobile3238 Год назад

The 80’s was the greatest time for sports. Some of the greatest players to ever play football, basketball, etc., and you were allowed to enjoy them without political lectures. The only reason to watch sports, in my humble opinion, is to get away from political BS for a few hours. After that changed, I figured why waste my time and money on millionaires only to be lectured to. I can do that for free anytime I turn on the TV or log online.

@jorger5615 Месяц назад

I don't even watch much basketball anymore they carry the ball travel ghost fouls and what really bugs me is they become bull fighters when someone is coming at them to dunk and they step aside so they do t get posterized. the 80s showtime lakers vs Celtics pistons or sixers every game seemed like a playoff game on the edge of your seat chick hearn calling the game magic getting the defensive rebound and running making that no look pass to worthy for the dunk and getting back on defense and the goat Kareem's sky hook was unstoppable magic got the best out of his team ates and got the crowd going every game what great memories

@lawrencelou3545 4 месяца назад

This is what today's NBA players sorely lack.. they might be a vast improvement in terms of talent and skills.. but they rarely have RESPECT for the legends and greats of the sport.. which is so pitifully sad and completely ungrateful...

@kennethmckee2351 Год назад

I would not pay to watch a NBA game today

@mitchelll3879 5 месяцев назад

I disagree with coop that basketball is some complex game: it isn't.. maybe Bird is just smarter but there is nothing complicated.. you either make the play or shot or pass or you don't.. nothing more..

@davidhilliard1838 Месяц назад

When you are matched up with a team with 4 hall of fame starters like the Celtics had it could be

@irishgrl Год назад

All night long! 😂

@amreamer362 9 месяцев назад

Great white hope meme.

@warrenkarmun138 11 месяцев назад

🤔Today's game is nothing but a clown show. Players getting paid big bucks only to act like entitled players when they have not shown their worth and expecting more than they are worth.😤

@lll9416 4 месяца назад

If JJ Reddick's silly percentages, logic is to be believed.. Steph Curry(.428) is not even the best 3 point shooter in his own family! Seth Curry (.435) AND he's not even as good as his own coach!! Steve Kerr(.454) ! Ouch! 👀👀

@sherwinrasmusenmusicchannel Год назад

Lol you got to use the word "DEFEND" loosely because there was no defense for "The WHITE DEATH." This is coming from a Laker fan. NBA fans who were not Celtics fans should be thankful, the only thing that stopped Larry Bird, was a bad back.

@peterhamilton557 16 дней назад

Surprised Michael Cooper is not a coach. Maybe he wants nothing to do with it.

@toddgoza3522 Год назад

Parish said bird was trash talking Dr J in a disrespectful way when he saw Moses just holding bird he decided bird got what he deserved and didn’t get in it

@craiglawrence3237 Год назад

My all time starting 5. Kareem Jabbar.Akeem Alajawon ,Michael Jordan, magic Johnson ,LeBron James

@daveharris1709 Год назад

Congratulations

@Jbf-76 7 месяцев назад

I love Cooper... All the Ex Lalers say Bird was the best player they ever faced. All pf them.

@tonya7610 Год назад

Old school guys have class I wish todays player’s had some class at all !!!! They don’t

@ChristopherJohnBautista 5 месяцев назад

COOOOOOOOOOPPPPPP21

@Jbf-76 7 месяцев назад

Mahor misconception. I hear all the time Cooper and Worthy genuinely hate Bird. No they dont. Ive seen clips of them chatting it u0 and laughing with each other at HOF events etc...

@Bob-qq4is Год назад

Michael ‘8ppg 3 rebounds for my career’ Cooper

@KobashifanSam Год назад

He was a lockdown defender over a shooter. If i needed someone to defend anyone, i would use cooper. Hes not gonna score much but the guy hea defending most likely will be scoring very low too

@newerafrican Год назад

@@KobashifanSam Yep, if you hold your guy to 10 fewer points than his average, it's like you scored those 10 points yourself. Except Larry would just look to pass and also concentrate on hitting the boards instead of scoring.

@Bob-qq4is Год назад

Guys are 100 times more athletic now.

@robinrobine8100 Год назад

Very stupid comment.

@Bob-qq4is Год назад

@@robinrobine8100 nope, go watch a game from the 80s and then watch a game today. It’s astonishing the difference

@javigar133 Год назад

@soloistdeve Год назад

Do you think human beings evolved in 30 years? Why do you think most of the high-flying players get injured early and lose their games? You see all of you young fans talking the same nonsense everywhere but don't have the slightest idea what's going on, do you? What does it matter if you're jumping out of the gym but don't have any idea about the most basic basketball play?

@Bob-qq4is Год назад

@@soloistdeve training has evolved and the game has become more global increasing the talent pool ten fold. There’s a reason you don’t see white American boys dominating the league anymore like in the 80s