THE MAN THE MYTH THE LEGEND | Larry Bird ULTIMATE Mixtape Highlights | Reaction 

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I was at his very first college game, my girlfriend, and future wife, was cheerleader and attendance was mandatory. I didn't miss a game for the next two years. He was simply the best player overall I've ever seen. Oh, your student pass got you in for free, I never paid a dime. I'm a lucky man

James Worthy of the Lakers said "Michael Jordan made you look slow, but Larry Bird made you look stupid." If you want to see what made Larry the greatest all-around basketball player then watch his 50 Greatest Assists video. The Bird was the ultimate team player.

Larrt's behind-the-back pass at 6:52 was done to pay respect & honor to Magic following his self-imposed retirement from basketball after his HIV diagnosis.

Fun Fact: Larry's retirement at Boston Garden (seen at the beginning and the end of the video) was on a non-game night. Those were actual fans, players, and dignitaries that came that night for this one time retirement, no empty seat or standing room. Larry never had a retirement tour or year, that was it, that night, one and done; for Larry the Legend.

Top reaction magic and larry saved basketball in the 1980s and an old guy like me in ireland would never have known how great a sport basketball was and still is. Try larry birds thrash talking video or making the case video both worth a watch. Slainte from ireland.

Watch Making the Case. Larry was so good 30+ years later he's putting RU-vidrs on his back carrying them to their goals. He's a bad man!

I used to watch Larry, Magic, then Jordan as a kid. Bird would fast break, stop on a dime where the defender broke his ankle, then hip swivel the ball one direction so the whole team would go one direction, and passed the other direction. It would happen in less than 2 seconds. He would do the same thing again, except stop at the 3 pt line and hit all net. He was a hard dude to defend because he was unpredictable.

I grew up during this era in Boston. The game was different, the players were different. Bird played with his whole being in every game. Bird was out for the W every time. Legend even back then.

One of the "Mount Rushmore" of basketball legends.

I watched Bird play at the Garden multiple times. You can't begin to understand the atmosphere, but it was second to none. Magic and Bird played against each other in college and in pro ball as well. They are great friends. Much respect to your generation for appreciating this era of basketball.

Larry IS a legend, youve only scratched the surface the more you see the more you will be amazed and entertained at how much he accomplished and did with numerous back foot hand and head injuries, he was a tough M'fer-!!. Other MUST SEE videos are: "Larrys 50 most amazing assists" as well as "86 Celtics Tribute THE BEAUTIFUL GAME" in which you will see more of the very best Celtics passing wizardry. Then theres the numerous trash talking videos that show how great Larry was at trash talking players rookies and coaches - and BACKING IT UP every time--!!! I envy you seeing it all for the first time, im 62 and was there back in the day. No one was a more complete player in all areas of the game than Larry Bird, and this sounds like a big statement but you just have to see to believe based on what you see in upcoming videos, you wont believe his greatest assist video among others, Larry Bird is a legend for many reasons. Love seeing your first time reaction to this video, always love seeing someones first Larry Bird experience, as one person on video put it "Larry Bird is the TRUTH-!!

Nice reaction!! Bird's basketball IQ was out of this world. The Celtics-Lakers rivalry was epic, with Magic Johnson and Bird being bitter rivals on the court - but best friends off the court.

I remember watching on TV or at the Boston Garden live some of these highlights. LB could do it all. He made all his teammates better cuz he got everyone involved in winning! Career avgs, 24pts, 10rebs, 6 assist. And the most clutch player in NBA history!!

"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." - Pat Riley

Larry has always been in my top 3, and in my opinion is one of the only players who can seriously be argued to challenge Jordan as the GOAT.

Saw Magic in college at Ohio State, saw Bird twice in Cleveland, and Jordan 4 times. All 3 were incredible

Being a long time Lakers fan But I had such mad respect for Larry Bird The man never quit

I said before and I'll say it again. With Magic and Larry at it on court, the winner was the fans. Two legends of the game blessed with so much talent that it's unfair to the rest of us.

BTW, Larry doesn't get compared to anyone, but other players sometimes are compared to him. He was an original and like Magic said "there will never ever ever be another Larry Bird".

8:55 this always gives me goosebumps. The crowd just going insane always gets me.

Bird wasn’t just a great shooter, he was unselfish. When he cooked, he made sure his teammates ate too. That’s greatness.

Bird and kobe were probably the only people who threw a behind the backboard shot with actual skill and not just straight luck, and as far as I know, Larry is the only one who did it more than once.

Because of players like Larry Magic and others as well the 80's will always be remembered as the most competitive golden era of basketball, at least by those of us who were there to see it in person, and us old guys are a little prejudice-lol. There was so much B-ball talent in the league then even besides bird and magic it made for some great games and rivalries.

The best bit was when the Hawks bench went nuts... that's how good he was 💚

He was a sure shot! Someone the team can count on to hit the shot anytime they need one! Bird was one of the best all-around game players in the history of basketball!

Oooo! 2 seconds in and I already know this is gonna be good! Grabbing my popcorn! 🍿 Watching Larry was so much fun!! Larry Legend is sooooo much better than he is given credit for by todays fans….he’s arguably the best all-around player ever. There’s a particular poster who has actually done the analysis, and of all the top NBA players, Larry is the ONLY one in the top 250 in ALL the categories. In fact he’s the ONLY one in the top 60 in all but 2 of the categories. I hope he posts his analysis. It’s eye opening. LARRY LEGEND IS MY TRUE GOAT 🐐

Hell yeah let's watch some Magic Johnson. I can watch these mix tapes over and over again. Another good mixtape is the Jordan one.

I loved watching Bird more than any other player; his versatility is unmatched by anyone, even Jordon.

Great reaction from the both of you. I watched Larry's spectacular career and his whole story seems like something out of a movie. Yes, there is "Hoosiers", but it's about a coach and an underdog team that he leads to greatness. Larry's story is about "the greatest Hoosier" and how he came to be known as Legend. A shy, small town boy from basketball hotbed Indiana like puts together a legendary NBA career that was defined by his amazing set of skills, unmatched ability in the most clutch moments and a work ethic that was second to none. Larry more than made up for not having the natural athletic ability of many of his opponents by being the most mentally and physically prepared player and by giving the greatest effort. Some fans are awestruck by quick, high-flying players and their over-the-top athleticism. Sure, it's hoops eye candy, but ithe dazzle doesn't count for any points. The ball still has to go in. Larry wasn't very athletic by NBA standards, but he had a wide set of skills that he used to average 24-10-6 over a 13-year career. He took the Celtics from a 29 win team the season before he arrived in Boston to a 61 win team his rookie year, and that was before McHale and Parrish joined the team. Larry led the Celtics to five finals appearances in seven seasons ('81-87), including three championships. In those five finals he averaged 23-12-6, including a near triple-double in the '86 finals when he averaged 24-10-9 for what many consider to be the greatest team in NBA history. From '84-86 he won three consecutive MVP awards, joining Bill Russell and Wilt as the only players to have accomplished this. He was selected to the All-NBA first team in each of his first nine seasons from '79-80 to '87-88 and made the All-Star team 12 times. Each of his streaks were broken in '88-89 when he played in just the first six games due to season-ending surgery on both of his heels to remove bone spurs. All twelve of the players who were on the '89-90 Eastern Conference All-Star team (Larry, Isaiah, Michael, Barkley, Ewing, Parrish, McHale, Dumas, Dominique, Reggie, Scottie and Dennis) are in the Hall of Fame and so are eght of the players who were on that year's Western Conference All-Star team (Stockton, Magic, Worthy, Hakeem, David Robinson, Karl Malone, Drexler and Mullin). Considering the incredible talent that Larry played against, his accomplishments are even more impressive. Larry had the NBA's first 50-40-90 season in '86-87, shooting .525/.400/.910 and improved on it the following season shooting .527/.414/.916. He also won three consecutive three-point contests, the only ones he competed in. He is undeniably one of the most clutch shooters in NBA history. Charles Barkley once said, "Larry Bird can't run or jump because that was God's way of keeping the game fair." Maybe he's right because can you imagine a player with the basketball IQ and mastery of fundamentals that Larry had in an athletic body like Michael's or Dominique's?

The thing about Bird he was an all-around player. A team player. He gave as much opportunity to his teammates to do awesome too. The Celtics in the 80's were incredible. The front 5 and the 6th man all were stars.

Early 80's rivalry between the Lakers and Celtics was amazing.

Magic & Larry, resurrected the game of basketball......My dad loved basketball, but stopped watching, until the competition between Johnson & Bird was highlighted......What my Dad used to say, about Larry's game, is that it reminded him of someone, who was not only playing basketball, but also, volleyball, dodgeball, hockey, baseball, track & Field, soccer, & strategic chess, all at the same time, and was what made him so great 😊He certainly was one of the most unique and gifted players, I have ever watched!

The fall broke his cheekbone. Didn't stop him. He came back with that broken cheek, and double vision.

I grew up on him and watched him live ,we had never seen anything like him, he did something every game that made us talk about it all week (wig splitting) #LB33 🐦💚☘🏀🔥 the man the myth the legend #LARRYBIRD

There wasn’t even a game scheduled at the ‘Garden’ that night, but the place was sold out and the fans came out just for Larry Legend.😎

There was a reason he was known as the "The Legend". The man had a never give up attitude with a relentless drive to win

There is no doubt Bird is the best all-around player of all time. In my original analysis I had 11 players but because he has been in the news I added Steph Curry. I did an analysis of 12 NBA players based on 7 different statistical categories and where in that category each player is. If they were not in the top 250 of that category they got a score of 250 for it. The categories are field goal percentage points per game assists per game rebounds per game steals per game blocks per game free throw percentage The 12 players I looked at are Bird Jordan Magic Abdul-Jabbar Kobe Lebron Durant Shaq Barkley Duncan Giannis Steph Bird was the only player on the list in the top 250 all time of all the categories and in the top 60 of all time in 5 of the 7 categories. Bird averaged 77.7-first by far, but the surprising thing is how the rest of the list ranked. Here are 2nd thru 12th Magic - 97.6 Abdul-Jabbar - 117.0 Shaq - 118.3 Jordan - 118.7 Barkley - 121.1 Steph - 122.6 Giannis - 127.9 Lebron - 128.9 Durant - 140 Duncan - 143.9 Kobe - 157.4 Like I said - it's not even close as to who the best all-around player of all time is.

"Who can he be compared to?"....very few...very few. Larry's mental game was way above others. And Im not saying he was more intelligent than say Magic or MJ. Im saying he was super super mentally tough. He gave every last drop of his soul to basketball. So much so that I think much of what others work for simply became instinctual to him. Which then freed his mind to think ahead a move or two in a play exchange. Which also allowed him to think out of the box with passes and scoring situations. Yes, he was a unique player. Possesed skills that few have. But what set him apart is his will, determination and work work work work. Work ethic. Basics basics basics basics. 200 shots before a game. 2 hrs before anyone else got to the place Larry was running laps. Work and more work. His no nonesense and no BS mindset was as much a part of his being as that beautiful shot making ability. Put all that together and you have a stone cold killer basketball genius. Thats whats happenin.

Larry was The Man in his prime. 1 of only 3 players in NBA history to win 3 straight league MVPs (and that was with Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson in the league during the same period)...then he had his brutal back injury that forced him into retirement after 1991. Larry was one REALLY tough dude too, as after he fractured his right cheekbone during that fall to the floor against Indiana in the playoffs, it was later discovered that Bird also suffered a concussion from that same collision with his head. The team doctor told Larry he didn't want him to go back out on the court, but when the doctor wasn't looking, Larry ran out of the locker room and onto the floor, where he led the Celtics to victory and a playoff series win.

Bird & Magic faced each other in collage too. Bird's undefeated Indiana State lost to Magic's Mich State in the 1979 national championship game.

Bird and Magic became very good friends,those days of basketball was the best,legends played in that era

You guys are great thanks for giving Bird the time and respect he deserves

Great reaction! I had the pleasure of watching Bird throughout his entire career. He is the GOAT in my book. You need to watch “making the case” for Larry bird as GOAT. Also, he played with a broken orbital, a back injury for the last 7yrs of his career that would of crippled anyone else, a fractured cheek, double Achilles surgery, a broken finger on his shooting hand that left it permanently bent in a awkward position…and still was the greatest shooter….the man was and is THE legend. If he had had the current medical advancements the league would be named the National Bird Association. There are a lot more highlights vids for Bird.

I found your channel when I saw Larry Bird. Please react to Michael Jordans Mix Tape and he has other great videos on him. The Time a Non NBA Michael Jordan dominated NBA Allstars. Michael Jordans Top plays. The Shrug and also the times Michael Jordan took it Personal. Another great Michael Jordan Video is Michael Jordans top defensive plays! I saw Michael Jordan play High School Ball. He graduated in 1981 a year ahead of me. He was doing a lot of his moves then. He went to Laney and I went to New Hanover High School. On New Hanovers Team was Two future Pros. Clyde Simmons was a all Pro Defensive End with the Philadelphia Eagles and played in the Infamous Fog Bowl Game. Kenny Gattison played for the Phoenix Suns and the Charlotte Hornets.

Larry played during my era and I am so happy that you had the opportunity to see what he brought to the game.

When Michael talks at end and gives Larry his jersey. I tear up everytime. Competition breeds respect. Larry and Magic are the perfect example.

There was no myth, no legend only the truth.

In his prime Bird was as good as anybody who ever played the game. 🏀

I saw this video so many times, but each time I hear his speech I cry

Loved the reaction and so glad to see you getting to know my favorite player of all time (don't tell my husband - we're Knicks fans!) Hated him back then - we'd always try to see a game when the Celtics came to the Garden but it wasn't always pretty as a Knicks fan. lol Enjoy the journey!

Watching it live you were either a Bird or a Magic fan but as time went on you learned that you couldn't mention one without the other. It will always be the greatest sports rivalry because neither would of been as good without the drive to beat the other which the irony became a friendship of a lifetime for both. Take the time to watch the Bird Magic video too understand the significance of each to the other and the honor of being able to watch them play.

Bird was a sensation like no other!!!!!!❤

There's a you tube vid of Larry's doctor describing his back injury . He played while in great pain . Another vid tells about how his parents couldn't t make ends meet and his pain after his dad's suicide

I used to watch Lakers Celtics as a kid on TV. Nothing like it before or since. It was all out war from the opening tip, at the highest level. Bird, McHale, Parish, DJ against Magic, Kareem, Worthy and crew. Both teams would wipe the floor with modern NBA teams. It was poetry in motion, and I got to see it all the time.

I'm 51 so I was there the whole time.. I see these and I'm like "I remember that!" Magic "best of" is highly recommended.. And DONT shake off Kareem!! Borderline greatest!

Great reaction guys. I had been a fan of the NBA since the 70s- Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, the 80s, the Jordan years, Shaq & Kobe, and some of the Lebron and Curry years.. And I'll tell ya, if there was a draft today of any one player from NBA history, my #1 pick would be Bird. Over Jordan, LeBron, Magic, Jabbar, etc. It is hard for people who did not watch basketball in the 80s to realize just how famous and how good Bird was. As a long time fan, I have to say that the 80s and early 90s were the golden years for professional basketball. The rule weren't dumbed down yet, and the players were talented, aggressive and motivated to win. No internet, cable TV in its infancy, many watched the playoff and championship games in bars and parties. Great times.

True GOAT

Magic and Larry. The GOAT is BOTH. Each made his teammates better. Like no others in the history of the game. PERIOD.

First timer to your channel! Loved the reaction. Larry was so popular that his retirement ceremony was sold out at the Boston Garden...ON A NON GAME NIGHT!! People were turned away. Two things with this video...the clip where Larry falls and smacks his face on the court...I have seen this video probably 100+ times...and I still cringe. The other thing...was at the retirement...the clip with Magic giving Bird the jersey...the level of respect and love between them...I get teary eyed. Thank you so much for this reaction! Much love!

Larry Legend!!

Loved your reaction! I hope to see some more Larry Bird....like his 50 greatest assists, the trash talking, 1985/86 season highlights, & making the case for Larry Bird by Clayton Crowley. Your reaction was my favorite so far. I'm a new subscriber ❤ 💙 💜 Loved to see a fellow female basketball fan. ❤ 💙 💜 💖

Much respect to you guys for the Larry Bird Video ! It was great watching you guys react to one of the Greatest of All time ! Lol ! I have been around along time, and have watched many greats such as Larry and Magic . To me basketball was saved by these two greats before Micheal , Koby ,and LeBron ever came along . Takes me back ! Much love !

I watched basketball in the 80s, and those two always played with heart. I was a teenager in 86, and you can't beat it. =D

Larry legend 🐐

I grew up on bird 🐦 ❤, watching bird was like the best Christmas morning when you were a kid ,we loved him #LB33 🐦💚,and we all try to shot like bird even nba players said they tried it ,❤

Thank you both for the reaction. It's good seeing the young folks checking out those that game before. To answer the question who can Larry Bird be compared to - in all honesty no one. To under stand that check out making the case for Larry to be the GOAT and how he played hurt. Those two will provide great insight. Peace be with you both.

For this old man, the 80s were the NBA's best years, primarily because of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. In my opinion, Kareem was the GOAT, but Magic and Larry were the MEAT: Most Entertaining of All Time.

Not just hurt, hurrt bad. He played for years with a horrible back. It was nothing short of heroic.

2:16. He actually stopped for a moment to give the guy a chance to get back up. That's playing on a whole other level.

Larry was awesome to watch him and magic brought out the best and competitiveness in eachother and team mates

I just came across your channel and really liked the reaction. I'm 52 yrs old and was lucky enough to get to watch the greats like Larry Bird and Magic and Jordan..The 80's was absolutely insane!!..Grear time to be alive! Larry Bird was an absolute beast on the court..SAVAGE!..He is definitely in my top 3 of all time because he was so versatile . He could do it all and his IQ was off the charts..Jordan still the GOAT but ol Larry wasn't too far behind him..Lebron has been the biggest cry baby in league history and for that alone he barley makes my top 10. Larry woulda embarrassed that boy..Peace

Larry bird is the reason I became a Celtics fan for his heart and dedication to that team. I'll bleed green till I die

This reaction had me in stitches.. LMAO.. Well done. I'm subscribing. I was a witness to Birds entire career.. Legendary..

I just finished watching your reaction to my fave player Magic Johnson and loved it. Larry is the man i hated when the Celtics played the Lakers, but to Larry play just made me smile because he was really fun to watch. now to start this video!!

Really appreciated the respect and adoration y’all showed for the game and the talent. The world was a different place back then and the sea of people want thought of as a security nightmare. It was all love.

Whats impressiv is that his retirement announcement show for lack of a better word was SOLD OUT without it being part of a game day. That is HUGE and that is how much he ment for the game. And if you really want to see more of Larry you should see the documetory with Larry and Magic. Its a fantastic and beautiful story.

Y'all need to check out one of the greatest athletes of all time BO JACKSON career highlights played both baseball& football MLB&NFL

Bird and Magic saved the game. Grew up watching this rival. Greatest erra of basketball

Tay and Steph, it was such a pleasure to watch this tonight, great video. I'm a new sub and a big Bird fan. I enjoyed it a lot! Would love to see more from Larry, and Magic Johnson also I love him to. So many excellent players out there. Much love from Florida

Tay & Steph ... "Great Job" ... for allowing "the viewer" to enjoy exactly what "Larry is doing" 👍👍👍

Look at the players that are talking about Bird......These were the Best at that Time...Many are HOF today... I have never heard more Respect of any Player including Jordan, Kobi, Lebron.. ect.....From othert players..... Must be something to this.

Bird most exciting player I ever saw not a boring moment something different every night

There something you don’t see everyday a NBA player looking for his kid…lol you guys were correct the 80’s was a great time to be alive…class of ‘88

He had a concussion after that hard fall and still came back to give it everything.

Bird and magic loved each other. They had so much respect between them.

Great reaction! Definitely react to Magic, he's a legend. But for a real treat you HAVE to watch "5 Times Larry Bird was Injured but REFUSED to Quit". You absolutely will not believe what he overcame and he was still an absolute legend on the court. You won't be disappointed!

Consummate team player who happens to be one of the greatest of all times! That’s why they called him Larry legend, it was no joke. Being a Boston Celtics fan… And I saw some great before Larry and after Larry and he’s right up there with all of them. One of my top five players ever

I love to see young folks watch greatness, he might not be jordan or lebron, but he is right there with them, this man could flat ball

Bird at the age of 65 came out this year to a pacers practice and hurried 15 straight 3 pointers. Then just smiled and left...they are still talking about it.

Who to compare Bird to? Nobody. He was a uniquely gifted player that is really hard to compare to others. Players now mold their game after things Bird perfected. That step back jumper that broke ankles (including Dominique Wilkens in this video), how many folks use it today? The no look passes. He could shoot the ball well, handled it well, had passing skills surpassed by none. His intangibles are many, including the trash talk, the basketball IQ, the ridiculous fakes, the absurd amount of hustle, the endurance, the pain threshold. Many don't credit him with having athleticism. But I ask you this, how many people did he posterize in video? I saw like 6 or 7, including two reverse dunks. He could jump high enough, with a 28" vertical, which happens to be the current NBA league average (the average jump was certainly less in Bird's era, owing to better training nowadays, so he was actually better than average in his era). Bird was an avid runner and also cycled. He had ridiculous endurance and would run a few miles before games to loosen up. He never flagged at the end of games. Watch his hustle! And they just showed highlights here. I watched him play throughout the 80s, and he was undoubtedly the most fun to watch, because you knew something special was going to happen every single time he walked onto the court, whether it was a sick fake, a posterization, a slick pass, or a dagger three at the buzzer, something was going to happen. His whole career was a highlight reel.

I think you two have the sweetest faces!!! So Kind!!

The bird was MVP 3 times in a row, coach of the year, and Executive of the year. Oh, and let's not forget Rookie of the year.

Larry’s retirement ceremony at the Boston Garden was held on a off night, no game. The arena was sold out standing room only, just for Larry’s retirement, respect 👍

Great reactions. You guys are a lot of fun. I’m staying tuned for any Bird videos. Great job!

Amazing reaction y'all, KILLED IT!

MVP finishes in Bird's first 9 years 'til he missed the 1988 season after foot surgery; 4th, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 1st, 1st, 1st, 4th, 2nd.

If you haven’t seen it, you should check out the 1992 Dream Team documentary. 11 future Hall of Famers. Beautiful basketball like you’ve never seen. Larry & Magic were co-captains. Whenever they played, everyone was glued to their TVs. Last time Larry & Magic played. I watch the documentary often and still have same chills watching as I did when I watched as it happened

Several points should be clarified a bit. The three pointer that didn't count was actually 3 shots. The first was waved off as you saw. You didn't see the second shot which tied the game for real. The third shot, which you saw, happened in double overtime to win the game. The left-handed game was that he would use his left hand except for long jumpers and free throws. He scored 47 total that game, 22 using his off hand. It should also be noted that he did use his left hand more frequently than the statement led people to believe. Most importantly though is Bird's injury vs the Pacers. At that point in his career, he was on borrowed time. He destroyed his back in 1985 shovelling gravel to build a driveway for his mom. No one knew if he would come back. He would have his back adjusted before games and go out and play every night. The pain he was in was described by his doctor as "getting your finger slammed in a car door and then having someone push on the door." He played through and came back from injuries that would sideline most every player. Despite that, he still made people look like amateurs. Edit: Interesting note about Bird/Johnson, in the Dream Team's first game Johnson passed the ball to Bird and he scored the first points. You should check out Making the Case on Clayton Crowley's channel. It's a series where he breaks down and makes the case for each of 8 players he considers to have the best claims as the GOAT.

Don't compare Larry Bird to anyone , he was the Master , he taught all these players how the game was supposed to be played