Larry “Legend” Bird is one of the best shooters the game has ever seen. At the heights of his powers, Larry was unstoppable. Making even his biggest rival Magic Johnson heap praise on the Celtic Legend. Even Michael Jordan was in awe.
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Not only was Bird a generational player but also a fierce competitor and one of the best trash talkers. So good in fact that even His Airness was in awe of the Celtic legend and his shooting prowess.
The 1988 All-star game is a perfect example of Birds’ otherwordly confidence and charisma. Sealing his place in history without even breaking a sweat.
Larry Bird and the Legendary 1988 3-point contest
To say that Larry was confident is an understatement. The Celtic legend entered the 1988 contest having won the last two editions. On entering the All-Star dressing room, Bird addressed the room with a simple question “Who’s coming in 2nd?“.
Bird backed up the trashed talk as he destroyed the field. The Celtic legend got off to a cold start as he missed most of his shots from the first two spots.
Larry then stepped it up in the last few slots, hitting all of his shots. Bird did all of this while wearing his Celtics warm-up jacket. Putting his hand in the air as the last ball swished into the net. Bird won his 3rd and final 3-point contest in style.
Michael Jordan was in awe of Bird’s performance
While Bird was giving a performance of a lifetime, Michael Jordan and the rest of the All-Stars were glued to a TV backstage watching the master at work.
Jordan and the rest of the stars were in sheer disbelief as they had never seen something quite like what they were witnessing. Jordan laughed at Bird’s ridiculous shooting performance while observing that “He didn’t even take off his top yet“.
Air Jordan added to his observation while remarking that “I’d hate to see him take off his top. It’s hard to shoot after Bird just made 23“.
MJ is rarely seen praising anyone let alone being in awe of any player he shared the hardwood with. This just goes to show the greatness of Larry Legend and adds to the lore of the Celtic Great.
