Larry Bird’s stone-cold look, even when Reggie Miller sunk in a game-winner against the Chicago Bulls in Game 4 of the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals, has gone on to become a meme over the years.
The conference finals had two impressive teams jousting it out, and after the Bulls won the first two games, much was on the line for the Pacers. The final seconds of the game saw Miller drain a shot, and pandemonium broke at the Market Square Arena as his side edged ahead.
To set the context, the Bulls led 94-93, after which Scottie Pippen clattered both free throws with 4.7 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Indiana held the ball with 2.9 seconds remaining. Bird drew up a plan that saw the ball fall into the hands of Miller, and the rest was history.
But the former Boston Celtics legend had his reasons and held his ground even as the rest of the arena erupted. His gaze was firmly on the scoreboard as the clock had 0.7 seconds remaining, and he knew that the Bulls had Michael Jordan on the hardwood.
Reggie Miller’s Shot Of The Game Didn’t Have Larry Bird Convinced
While the audience went berserk after Miller’s shot, and the players indulged in celebrations, Bird wasn’t one to take it easy. So much so that he had a knowing look that the game was far from over.
The Athletic’s David Aldridge had the perfect description for Miller’s clutch performances and an even better description of the coach’s expression.
The greatest reaction shot in TV history, for my money: Larry Bird, after Reggie Miller’s impossible shot, not smiling, looking up at the clock. Because he knew there was time. Because HE had made so many shots like that at the buzzer. The great ones knew.
While the journalist had a more comprehensive explanation, Jalen Rose chose to look at the funny side of things. Speaking on the ‘The Last Dance,’ he said:
“Please Put The Camera On Larry Bird. It was stoic demeanor, but he knew what we all knew. That they had Michael Jordan and they had time on the clock.”
Here are some of the choice reactions to Bird’s look:
This is Larry Bird’s excited face pic.twitter.com/Tfrm3fXIW9
— Mickstape (@MickstapeShow) May 18, 2020
Larry Bird. Legend. #TheLastDance pic.twitter.com/rbeie1ZX4x
— Dakota Crawford (@DakotaCrawford_) May 18, 2020
When you're up by 2, but there's .7 seconds left and the other team has MJ … #TheLastDance pic.twitter.com/paapwc3aAC
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 18, 2020
Yeah because Bird did it hell he knows it's not over till it's over.
— Mr. Graham (@calg04) May 18, 2020
Obvious reason why he did it. He was in that position. Before, during & after this play. pic.twitter.com/BNDpUDqlu8
— Michael Anderson (@Beastmike) May 18, 2020
Reminds me of Jay Wright when Villanova won the national title on the final shot in ‘16 pic.twitter.com/IBF7rTo0EJ
— Trent G (@trenttggg) May 18, 2020
Larry bird: pic.twitter.com/rIIYQGpSiA
— NoCropBurner (@NoCropBurner) May 18, 2020
That's greatness knowing greatness.
— Roger Armijo, M.Ed (@coacharmijo) May 18, 2020
I love it he's like why y'all celebrating it ain't over yet mike still has a shot
— Vaaldezr (@vaaldezr) May 18, 2020
"Please put the camera on Larry Bird!" 😂😂😂
— Kendra Ann🎭 (@KendraAnn4) May 18, 2020
Credit to Jordan as he pulled up for one of Toni Kukoc’s inbound passes and double-clutched to make the shot, only for it to hit the net and spin out. The game ended 94-96 and helped the Pacers even the series 2-2. But the Bulls eventually won the series 4-3. Despite Miller, who was regarded as one of the greatest clutch players of his generation, it was Jordan’s experience and brilliance that rose to the fore each game.
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