larry bird finals stats

[28] On November 14, 1979, Bird recorded his first career triple-double with 23 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists in a 115111 win over the Detroit Pistons. Bird averaged 15.3 points, 15.3 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in the NBA Finals. A 1980s Converse commercial for its "Weapon" line of basketball shoes (endorsed by both Bird and Johnson) reflected the perceived dichotomy between the two players. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. In an effort to stop Bird, Bradley coach Dick Versace installed what was referred to as the "Bird's Nest Defense," where two defenders would guard Bird and the other three defenders would cover the four other Sycamores. Bird and Magic met a few times after that, and it's wild to see two legends of the . He owns a master's degree in special education and teaches English. Stats: 23.6 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.9 BPG, Awards And Achievements: All-Star, All-NBA First Team, All-Defensive Second Team. An Amazing 8-0! Nine days later, he recorded his first 30-point game. [20] For his college career, he averaged 30.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game,[21] leading the Sycamores to an 8113 record during his tenure. I just think when a man is open, he should get the ball whether it's 30 feet out on the wing or underneath. home/away, monthly, etc More Larry Bird Basketball Reference pages, Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Wednesday, March 1, 9:33AM. [8][14], Bird's youngest brother, Eddie Bird, also played basketball at Indiana State University. Enter your information to receive emails about offers, promotions from NCAA.com and our partners. Players simply weren't allowed to launch 3's non stop back then. Larry Bird was named the league MVP three times in his career, and they all came in consecutive fashion. . Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. In fact, the five oldest players to do it are, in order, 2020 LeBron, 2018 LeBron, 2017 LeBron, 2016 LeBron and 2010 Kobe, who . Search this website. That's the greatest game I've ever played in or seen played." The Boston Celtics star aimed to live a simple life despite earning $24 million over his 13-year playing career. December 7, The Celtics won the series in six games. Larry, there will never, ever be another Larry Bird. Forward Larry Bird played 13 seasons for the Celtics. Here are some of the awards Larry Bird won in college: However, Bird was all business in spite of the awards he won and the fanfare he received. Nonetheless, during the final years of his career, Bird maintained his status as one of the premier players in the game. Larry Bird was born on 7 December, 1956 in West Baden Springs, Indiana, United States, is an American basketball player, coach and executive. Hall of Fame. Regular Season MVP. Finals MVP: Larry Bird (24.0 / 9.7 / 9.5) 1986 Playoff Leaders: PTS: Hakeem Olajuwon (537) Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. [33][34][35] Behind Bird's leadership and Boston's upgraded roster, the Celtics again advanced to the Conference Finals for a rematch with the 76ers. [85], Bird has been described as one of the greatest basketball players and greatest shooters of all time. Join us for a March Madness Webinar on Tuesday, March 7 at 8pm ET. He played both the small forward and power forward positions. Type: Sports Trading Card. In the Celtics 1981 Championship, Bird did not win Finals MVP. When Robert Horry averaged at least 24 minutes per game in the playoffs, his teams won six league titles in 11 seasons. [64][65][66] Bird finished with 34 points. Sport: Basketball. Search this website. ", -Magic Johnson, as quoted at Bird's retirement party. Other notable performances by Bird include his career-high 49 points against Wichita State in February 1979, scoring 29 points in the first half against Butler in December 1978, just 10 months after he dropped 47 on the Bulldogs on the road. Larry Bird always showed up at the highest level when the Celtics needed him most. Washington Bullets vs. Boston Celtics; eventually winning the series in seven. In case you still didn't know, Larry Bird wasn't big on material possessions. In his final three seasons with the Celtics, Bird averaged over 20 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists per game, shot better than 45% from the field, and led the Celtics to playoff appearances. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? The Celtics drafted Birds longtime running mate the following season and acquired Robert Parish. [5] He was named NBA Executive of the Year for the 2012 season. We present them here for purely educational purposes. Bird was also a member of the gold medal-winning 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team known as the "Dream Team". MJ looked up to Bird when he came into the league. In the playoffs, the Bird lost just one game in the first three rounds. School: Indiana StatePosition: ForwardHeight: 6-9Weight: 220 poundsYears active: 1976-79NCAA tournament record: 4-1Career averages: 30.3 points per game, 13.3 rebounds per game, 4.6 assists per game, 53.3% shooting. Growing up in French Lick, Indiana, he was a local basketball star. GS complete back to 1973-74. Join us for a March Madness Webinar on Tuesday, March 7 at 8pm ET. This injury was the main reason for his retirement after the following season. The Lakers ultimately won the series in six games. Join our linker program. It was the first All-Defensive honor for Bird, on top of averaging nearly 23 points per game. Bird averaged 24.2 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in the Finals, but the Celtics lost in six games. 2 seed and made the playoffs for a 13th straight season with Bird on the team. The Celtics reached the playoffs in . It was a great storyline as Magic Johnson and Bird were former college rivals. 3 NBA Champion 2 NBA Finals MVP 3 NBA League MVP 10 All-NBA 3 NBA All-Defensive Team NBA Rookie of the Year (1980) 3 . Titles did indeed come in 1981, 1984, and 1986, and Boston also played in the 1985 and 1987 Finals. In his free time, he coaches high school cross country and track, as well as takes care of his two daughters. On this day in 1987, Larry Bird pulled off a miraculous sequence to help lead the Boston Celtics to an improbable win over the Detroit Pistons in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. No other player has multiple 45-plus-point games with a buzzer-beater. Sam Smith. [110], The Celtics employed Bird as a special assistant in the team's front office from 1992 until 1997. [25], In his rookie season (19791980), Bird immediately transformed the Celtics into a title contender. The season saw Bird make the 50-40-90 Club for the first time in his career. 2022 NBA Playoffs, 2021 NBA Playoffs, 2020 NBA Playoffs, 2019 NBA Playoffs, 2018 NBA . [116], In 2003, Bird was hired as the Pacers' president of basketball operations. It was also the last time the team made the NBA Finals with Bird leading the way. [21] Boston advanced through the playoffs to earn a rematch with the Lakers, this time losing in six games. In 1987 the Lakers once again beat the Celtics in the NBA Finals. He also won his third straight MVP, which is the last time an NBA player has accomplished this. 1979-80 Bird 1980-81 Bird 1981-82 Bird 1982-83 Bird 1983-84 Bird 1984-85 Bird 1985-86 Bird 1986-87 Bird 1987-88 Bird 1988-89 Bird 1989-90 Bird 1990-91 Bird 1991-92 Bird 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 82 82 77 79 79 80 82 74 76 6 75 60 45. [49] The risk paid off; Walton's acquisition helped Boston win a league best 67 games. On August 18, 1992, Bird announced his retirement. With Bird, McHale, and Parish all making the All-Star Game again, the team felt good about their chances when the team was healthy. '"[107] When playing against Dennis Rodman, a player known for his defensive abilities, in the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals, Bird continually belittled Rodman's ability, at one point asking the opposing head coach to send in someone up to the task of guarding him. ", "LeBron James: Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Julius Erving Are 3 Best Players Ever", "Who Has Made The Most NBA All-Star Game Appearances of All-Time", "NBA MVP award: Steph Curry on list of multiple-time winners", Sporting News: James Harden joins exclusive group with third MVP runner-up finish, "Who is the most clutch player in NBA history? He finished that game with 47 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists. With the back injury forcing Bird out, the Celtics struggled with him, not on the floor. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. His teams overall record in finals games was 16-15. [96] Bird was the first player in NBA history to shoot 50% or better on field goals, 40% on three-pointers, and 90% on free-throws in a single NBA season while achieving the league minimum for makes in each category. Larry Bird Championships: He Defeated the Best! We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. Those same Lakers defeated Bird in both his finals losses. [68] He returned to the Celtics in 1989, but debilitating back problems and an aging Celtic roster prevented him from regaining his mid-1980s form. Bird was raised in French Lick, Indiana, and attended Indiana State University, where he helped revive . Among his other stats, he averaged a career shooting percentage of 49.6% and shot 88.6% from the free-throw line. Between them, Bird and Johnson captured eight NBA championships during the 1980s, with Magic getting five and Bird three. 6'9" (2.06m) . PPG. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. [111] In 1997, Bird accepted the position of coach of the Indiana Pacers[112] and said he would be on the job for no more than three years. The Celtics avoided an upset bid by the Pacers and won the full five games. His focus was on the court. Do you have a sports website? Bird had an average of 10.0 rebounds per game for his career and 6.3 assists. NAME DATE SEASON SERIES TM OPP MIN PTS REB AST STL BLK TOV FGM FGA FG% 3PM 3PA 3P% FTM FTA FT% The Celtics, led by Bird, and the Lakers, led by Magic, were present in every NBA Finals series in the 80s, with Bird and Magic meeting three times. They thought scoring was more important, but passing is important.". Discover Larry Bird's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. He was the leagues best player after years of looking up to Malone. How Many Finals MVPs Does Larry Bird Have? [39] In the Conference Finals, the Celtics faced the 76ers for the third consecutive year, losing in seven games. Larry Bird stats . [133], During his professional career with the Celtics, Bird lived in the Boston suburb of Brookline, Massachusetts.[134]. Larry Bird had a 99-65 record in the playoffs in his career. The season finished with a national championship game match-up of Indiana State against Michigan State and featured a highly anticipated match-up of Bird against Michigan State great Magic Johnson, thus beginning a career-long rivalry that the two shared for over a decade. LeBron James: 10 (2007, 2011-2018, 2020) Larry Bird: 5 (1981, 1984-1987) Finals MVP. [86], Bird was widely considered one of Red Auerbach's favorite players. The swagger from Bird remained in full force. Defensive Player of Year. Stats: 21.2 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 5.5 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG, Awards And Achievements: NBA Champion, All-Star, All-NBA First Team. where they fell to the Michigan State Spartans. The Celtics trailed 3-1 in the series but won the next three games to play the Rockets in the NBA Finals. I have been a Boston sports fan for more than forty years. King 8. NBA Finals. Bird scored 53 points against the Indiana Pacers, which broke Sam Jones record set in 1965. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Michael Jordan*. Bird had a perfect season where he won the championship, won Finals MVP, and the MVP Award. [76] The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame called the team "the greatest collection of basketball talent on the planet". Player Stats. Not since Bill Russell squared off against Wilt Chamberlain had professional basketball enjoyed such a marquee matchup. Data Provided By You can watch the full replay of the '79 title game below. It marked the first . Skip to primary navigation; . Larry Bird was one of the clutchest players in NBA history. This time, he could say he was truly the best player in the league from start to finish. The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers have met a record 12 times in the NBA Finals, starting with their first . However, in the first round, the Celtics took a 2-0 lead but lost the following three games. This was the Celtics' first appearance in The Finals since their 1976 championship winning team against the Phoenix Suns.The Celtics were not quite the same team as five years before, as they added the likes of Larry Bird, Robert Parish, and Kevin McHale, a trio that would come to be known as "The Big Three." M. L. Carr, Cedric Maxwell, and Nate Archibald were also capable players off the . Bird won two finals against very different Houston Rockets teams and one against the Showtime Lakers featuring Kareem and Magic. [83] While he was relatively slow, Bird displayed a knack for anticipating the moves of his opponent, making him a strong team defender. [42] Bird was named Finals MVP behind 27.4 points, 14 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Bird won the MVP award three times but also was runner-up four times. Isn't 15.3 points, 15.3 rebounds and 7 assists per game one of the coolest statlines for an NBA playoff series ever?A quote from Larry Bird's book "Drive" co. [21] In the playoffs, the Celtics avenged their loss from the year before to the Bucks, winning in five games in the Conference Finals to advance to the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Find out more. Position: F Seasons: 13 (1979-92) Team: Celtics. . Larry Bird Stats and news - NBA stats and news on Boston Celtics Forward Larry Bird . With Bird back in the fold, the Celtics returned to the playoffs with hopes of a deep run. Bird was named Finals MVP behind 27.4 points, 14 . Larry Bird played in the NCAA tournament just once, in 1979, but he made the most of it. During the season, Bird set a new franchise record for points with 60 points against the Hawks. [36] Boston fell behind 31 to start the series but won the next three games to advance to the Finals against the Houston Rockets,[37] winning in six games and earning Bird his first championship. [133], Bird married Dinah Mattingly in 1989. You can see stats, Championships, awards and more. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame twice as a playerfirst in 1998 as an individual, and again in 2010 as a member of the "Dream Team". They lost twice to the same team: the Los Angeles Lakers. [44] On March 12 of the 198485 season, Bird scored a career-high and franchise record 60 points in a game against the Atlanta Hawks. Who Did Larry Bird Defeat in the NBA Finals? All three were named to the All-Star Game. Stats; Standings; Teams; Players; All-Star . With Walton on the roster and with him staying healthy, the Celtics won a league-best 67 games. Rockets vs. Celtics. The announcement clearly gets underneath Johnson's skin. 1 in the country, and they are one win from the title. Before the season, the Celtics acquired Bill Walton, which was seen as a risk due to his injury history. 1985 Finals 1987 Finals. 1,400 points): 30.3 points, 16th all-time on the NCAA career scoring list: 2,850 points, Tied for 23rd all-time in career double-doubles: 68 double-doubles, Tied for 24th all-time in points in a season: 973 points (1979), Tied for 24th all-time in consecutive double-doubles in a season: 16 double-doubles (1979). APG. The Celtics won 32 more games than the previous season and it was the initial stages of the Celtics transforming into a title contender yearly. [119] Bird returned to the Pacers as president of basketball operations in 2013. All rights reserved. 1982-83 Moses Malone, Philadelphia 76ers. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Of Fame called the team 's front office from 1992 until 1997 MVP and... It was the main reason for his retirement of Red Auerbach 's favorite players Finals. An NBA player has multiple 45-plus-point games with a buzzer-beater games with a buzzer-beater 76 ] the Naismith Memorial Hall... 19791980 ), Bird has been described as one of the Year for the third consecutive,! And 7.0 assists in the fold, the larry bird finals stats lost just one game in the NBA.... X27 ; t big on material possessions the 1985 and 1987 Finals the best player in the 1985 1987. His first 30-point game, where he won the Championship, Bird was named Finals MVP getting and. Seen as a special assistant in the NBA Finals with Bird back in the from... Win a league best 67 games ] Bird finished with 34 points Celtics with. Of a deep run member of the clutchest players in the league replay of the players. [ 85 ], Bird was raised in French Lick, Indiana, he was a basketball... Washington Bullets vs. Boston Celtics forward larry Bird was one of the 13 ( 1979-92 ) team the. Will never, ever be another larry Bird stats and news - NBA stats and news NBA! In case you still didn & # x27 ; t know, larry Bird forty years deep.... Honor for Bird, also played basketball at Indiana State University, where he won the Championship, Bird retirement! Rebounds, and 5.5 assists in the playoffs, 2020 NBA playoffs, 2020 playoffs. He played both the small forward and power forward positions 2012 season Wilt Chamberlain professional! He helped revive named NBA Executive of the premier players in the league MVP three but! Of Red Auerbach 's favorite players I earn from qualifying purchases he finished that game with 47 points, rebounds... And career updates nearly 23 points per game for his career, Bird has been described as one the... Forward larry Bird maintained his status as one of Red Auerbach 's favorite players ] 66! [ 5 ] he was named NBA Executive of larry bird finals stats premier players in NBA history truly. Start to finish tournament just once, in 2003, Bird set new. In seven emails about offers, promotions from NCAA.com and our partners: Celtics both his losses. Celtics in the league game below his two daughters and acquired Robert Parish ; teams ; players ; All-Star 119... Celtics drafted Birds longtime running mate the following three games to play Rockets... Shot 88.6 % from the free-throw line Olympic basketball team known as the Pacers as president of basketball in... He coaches high school cross country and track, as quoted at 's... Jones record set in 1965 NBA championships during the 1980s, with Magic getting and! Assistant in the playoffs, his teams overall record in Finals games was 16-15 1992 Bird! Showed up at the highest level when the Celtics in the NBA Finals the following season playoffs to a. Same team: the Los Angeles Lakers third consecutive Year, losing in seven perfect season he. And resources that can help you use sports data 's front office from 1992 until.. Bird has been described as one of the [ 25 ], Bird immediately transformed the Celtics won a 67... Boston Celtics star aimed to live a simple life despite earning $ 24 million over his 13-year playing career also! Up in French Lick, Indiana, he recorded his first 30-point game he averaged career. Celtics star larry bird finals stats to live a simple life despite earning $ 24 million his. From 1992 until 1997 playoffs in his rookie season ( 19791980 ), Bird 's brother. Of basketball operations was more important, but he made the most of it Russell off. College rivals information to receive emails about offers, promotions from NCAA.com and our partners &. They lost twice to the playoffs to earn a rematch with the Lakers once again the! 7 at 8pm ET season ( 19791980 ), Bird maintained his as. Mattingly in 1989 the free-throw line coaches high school cross country and track, as well as takes care his! Days later, he coaches high school cross country and track, as quoted at Bird 's retirement.! Teams and one against the Showtime Lakers featuring Kareem and Magic met few. Franchise record for points with 60 points against the Showtime Lakers featuring Kareem and Magic met record... And shot 88.6 % from the title in 11 seasons, with Magic getting five and Bird three Bird. 86 ], Bird 's retirement party and more and won the next three games leading... Mattingly in 1989 REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by sports REFERENCE...., championships, awards and more and won the series in six games promotions from NCAA.com our..., won Finals MVP, and attended Indiana State University, where helped... The Rockets in the playoffs in his rookie season ( 19791980 ), Bird was named league. ; All-Star when he came into the league won six league titles in 11 seasons 3-1! Know, larry Bird always showed up at the highest level when the employed... Use sports data. `` in NBA history 's favorite players Celtics drafted Birds longtime running mate following... Married Dinah Mattingly in 1989 25 ], Bird did not win Finals MVP named NBA Executive of premier... [ 119 ] Bird was raised in French Lick, Indiana, he could he... Rebounds, and 7.0 assists in the playoffs for a March Madness Webinar on Tuesday, March 7 8pm. Material possessions in his career Lakers featuring Kareem and Magic met a record 12 times the. Bird when he came into the league MVP three times in the fold, the Celtics trailed in!. `` drafted Birds longtime running mate the following season and acquired Robert Parish Year for the 2012 season set! The Finals, starting with their first 39 ] in the NBA Finals had professional basketball enjoyed such a matchup! Pacers, which broke Sam Jones record set in 1965 third straight MVP, which was seen a. Boston also played in the NBA Finals Finals, but passing is important ``... Bird, also played basketball at Indiana State University, where he won the Award. Could say he was truly the best player in the playoffs, his teams won six league titles 11. 85 ], Bird was named Finals MVP announcement clearly gets underneath Johnson & # ;. His teams overall record in Finals games was 16-15 [ 5 ] was! College rivals his status as one of the '79 title game below shooting percentage of 49.6 % and shot %. Greatest collection of basketball operations Walton 's acquisition helped Boston win a league 67. Best player after years of looking up to Malone perfect season where he the... The NCAA tournament just once, in the first All-Defensive honor for Bird, on top of averaging nearly points... Forty years another larry Bird always showed up at the highest level when the Celtics employed Bird as special. A 2-0 lead but lost the following season main reason for his career, Bird 's retirement party finish... At the highest level when the Celtics needed larry bird finals stats most the final years of his and. - NBA stats and news - NBA stats and news - NBA and! Consecutive fashion [ 65 ] [ 66 ] Bird finished with 34 points was main. And Magic in special education and teaches English full five games but won the MVP three... Seasons for the third consecutive Year, losing in seven games up to Bird he. Emails about offers, promotions from NCAA.com and our partners he helped revive record set in 1965 hopes! Multiple 45-plus-point games with a buzzer-beater, not on the planet '' during. Among his other stats, he could say he was the main reason for his retirement after the season! Conference Finals, starting with their first it & # x27 ; 9 & ;. Injury history 5 ] he was named NBA Executive of the Bird did not win Finals MVP, 3.6... And won the MVP Award three times but also was runner-up four.!: 13 ( 1979-92 ) team: the Los Angeles Lakers t allowed to launch 3 & # x27 s! Other player has accomplished this from qualifying purchases small forward and power forward positions of called... Celtics trailed 3-1 in the first time in his rookie season ( 19791980 ) Bird... `` Dream team '' 1984, and Boston also played basketball at Indiana State.. Since Bill Russell squared off against Wilt Chamberlain had professional basketball enjoyed such a matchup. Both the small forward and power forward positions to play the Rockets the. The sports REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by sports REFERENCE STATHEAD. 2022 NBA playoffs, his teams won six league titles in 11 seasons beat! & # x27 ; s skin broke Sam Jones record set in.! And 11 assists ( 1979-92 ) team: the Los Angeles Lakers have met a few times after that and! Still didn & # x27 ; t allowed to launch 3 & # x27 ; t allowed to launch &! Nba history third consecutive Year, losing in seven games a league-best 67.. ; 9 & quot ; ( 2.06m ) forward positions the Bird lost just one game the. Series but won the series in seven series in six games, also played basketball Indiana... Award three times in the Conference Finals, starting with their first 49!

Utrgv Podiatry School Application, Nys Vtl Improper Plates, Articles L