“Larry Bird Got Every Rebound, Steal, and Assist”: When Bill Walton Reminisced Celtics Legend’s Best Game in Front of a ‘Bloodthirsty’ Boston Crowd

Nithin Joseph | 17/12/2022
“Larry Bird Got Every Rebound, Steal, and Assist”: When Bill Walton Reminisced Celtics Legend’s Best Game in Front of a ‘Bloodthirsty’ Boston Crowd

Larry Bird is one of the greatest players of all time. That is undeniable. The man was absolutely amazing on the court, capable of doing anything and everything.

With a nickname like Larry Legend, that comes as no surprise. Nothing fazed Larry. He thrived under pressure and reached new heights because of it.

Take for example, when the Boston Celtics faced the Houston Rockets in the 1986 NBA Finals. The Boston crowd was out for blood, whether friend or for, and Larry had his best game ever.

Also Read: Accused of Being Racist Towards Larry Bird, 6FT 8” Dennis Rodman Defended Himself by Quoting ‘White Surrogate Family’ and Ex-wife Annie Bakes

Larry Bird had the self-proclaimed best game of his career in front of a ‘bloodthirsty’ Boston crowd

In 1986, the Boston Celtics faced the Houston Rockets in the NBA Finals. It was a huge series, and as always, the fans from Boston were as rabid as ever.

Larry Bird himself described the home fans as ‘bloodthirsty’. Despite this, Bird was unfazed and had his best game. A game that his former teammate Bill Walton also claimed was spectacular.

“Larry comes into the locker room and he looks at us all, gathered all of our attention and he says, “Guys I was just out there, and the crowd… it’s an hour and a half before game time and the crowd is already in and they’re ready right now, they want the blood of the Houston Rockets. But, I’m telling you right now. If we don’t deliver today. They’re gonna want our blood. Now let’s get going. Whose coming with me?”, and then Larry went out and played his self-proclaimed greatest game that he ever played, and it was spectacular! Because in a game of a lot of players of the genetic lottery, there was Hakeem, Ralph, Kevin McHale, and The Chief…Larry grabbed every rebound, made every pass, and got every steal!”

Bird scored 29 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 12 assists. He really was doing everything on the court.

Bird defeated the Rockets to win his third and last NBA Championship

1986 was a special year for Bird. Simply because he won his third and final NBA Championship. Larry Legend managed to defeat the Rockets led by Hakeem Olajuwon in a 4-2 series win, securing the Finals MVP award as well.

The Hick from French Lick is a legend. The man was unstoppable and displayed the same on a number of occasions.

Also Read: “You’re Special, Magic Johnson”: $620 Million Worth Lakers Star’s High School Coach Predicted Larry Bird Becoming His Rival

Post Edited By: Raahib Singh
Bill Walton Larry Bird

About the author

Nithin Joseph

Nithin is a content writer at The SportsRush. Like his favorite athlete Kobe Bryant, the company has helped Nithin elevate his writing skills to a whole new level, especially as an NBA content writer. With over 1500 articles to his name, Nithin's love for the sport knows no bounds. And, as he continues to watch the sport on a daily basis, he hopes his fascination with the NBA, especially the Miami Heat will inspire more and more readers to give the sport a chance. Perhaps, one day making basketball in India as big as it is in the United States.

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