There are many stories that describe how incredible Larry Bird was. The Boston Celtics legend was really great during his active days, dominating the game, becoming one of the best players in the league, and one of those icons that won’t be forgotten that easily.
Bird was once named the greatest small forward of all time over LeBron James by Michael Jordan, so you know this man was really special. He knew he wasn’t the fastest or the most athletic, but Larry took advantage of his intelligence to dominate the game in a great way.
He became a pretty big deal after warning rivals about what was coming for them, and his trash-talking stories have become legendary among NBA fans. Larry was so good that even he knew when to stop after demolishing rivals.
Larry Bird Once Decided To Pass On A Historical Opportunity
During a game against the Utah Jazz, apparently one of Larry’s favorite victims, the small forward was really close to recording a quadruple-double, which isn’t an easy feat in the NBA by any means. Only four players achieved this feat in NBA history.
He only needed one more steal to seal the deal, but after three quarters, Bird sat on the bench and never came back to the game.
Via Lee Benson of Deseret News:
By the end of three quarters, Boston led 90-68 and Bird, who was already resting comfortably on the bench, had 30 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists and nine steals.
Thinking the Celtics might like to know this information, the stat crew at the Salt Palace sent a note to Celtics coach K.C. Jones. If Bird got one more steal he would have the first quadruple-double in league history involving points, rebounds, assists and steals. (Nate Thurmond had recorded the NBA’s lone quadruple-double in 1974, but it was points-rebounds-assists-blocks.)
Jones went to the end of the bench, knelt in front of Bird and delivered this information.
Bird shook his head sideways, left his warmups on, and never re-entered a game the Celtics ended up winning easily.
In the visitors locker room, reporters surrounded Bird, asking why he didn’t go back in the game.
He said he didn’t see the point. The game was already in hand. Why rub it in? I distinctly remember him saying, “That’s not why I play.” Apparently, numbers didn’t mean that much to him.
If Larry was ready to destroy the competition, he also knew when to stop. The iconic player wanted to beat his rivals at any cost but also had a limit for it. It’s so easy to see modern-day players stat-padding even when their teams are losing, and Larry was the complete opposite. He had a big game, destroying his opponent, and even on the verge of making history, he decided he had done enough to guarantee the win for his team.
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