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Home > NBA News & Analysis > Larry Bird Gets Honest On Who Would Win Between ’96 Bulls And ’86 Celtics

Larry Bird Gets Honest On Who Would Win Between ’96 Bulls And ’86 Celtics

Larry Bird, the legendary basketball icon, shares his unfiltered perspective on a hypothetical showdown between two of the greatest NBA teams in history – the '96 Chicago Bulls and the '86 Boston Celtics.

Vishwesha Kumar
Aug 23, 2023
4 Min Read
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Credit: Fadeaway World

  • With an unparalleled understanding of both eras, Larry Bird weighs in on the ultimate showdown, considering the strengths and dynamics of both teams
  •  Bird reflects on the distinct playing styles of the ’96 Bulls and the ’86 Celtics
  •  He highlights how the Bulls’ dominance with Michael Jordan contrasts with the Celtics’ team-oriented approach led by Bird himself

Larry Bird, the legendary basketball icon, shares his unfiltered perspective on a hypothetical showdown between two of the greatest NBA teams in history – the ’96 Chicago Bulls and the ’86 Boston Celtics. Bird’s insight adds fuel to the ongoing debate among fans about which powerhouse team would emerge victorious:

“That’s the reason we might do some good against them because we did have the height advantage and our front line was so unbelievable. Kevin Mchale, Robert Parish, Dennis Johnson in the background, and Danny Ainge.”

“I think our only downfall at the time was Bill Walton coming in as our sixth man.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/reel:CvUy5FcJJFX

Larry Bird’s commentary on the dream matchup between two basketball juggernauts adds a layer of excitement to the ongoing debate, igniting discussions among fans and experts alike.

This would surely be one of the greatest battles of all time, as Bird and Jordan were pillars of two different eras in the NBA.


1986 Celtics vs. 1996 Bulls

The hypothetical clash between the 1986 Boston Celtics and the 1996 Chicago Bulls ignites fervent debates among basketball enthusiasts. These two legendary teams, each etching their mark on NBA history, provoke intriguing “what-if” scenarios. 

On one side stand the ’86 Celtics, spearheaded by the incomparable Larry Bird and backed by a deep roster including Kevin McHale and Robert Parish. Known for their teamwork and precision, they dominated the paint with McHale and Parish’s post prowess and Bird’s three-point sharpshooting. 

On the opposing end loom the ’96 Bulls, led by the basketball titan Michael Jordan, flanked by Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and others. Renowned for their aggressive defense and swift transitions, they boasted Jordan’s scoring prowess and Phil Jackson’s strategic coaching. 

In a hypothetical matchup, the 1996 Bulls would have the challenge of containing the dominant frontcourt of the 1986 Celtics, while the Celtics would need to find ways to slow down the offensive juggernaut of Jordan and Pippen. 

The pace of the game and style of play would likely vary, with the Bulls seeking to capitalize on fast breaks and transition points, while the Celtics would focus on executing their half-court offense and exploiting their size advantage.

Ultimately, the outcome would depend on various factors, including matchups, game strategy, and individual performances. Both teams are iconic for a reason, and this hypothetical showdown would surely be a spectacle for basketball enthusiasts. 

While we can’t definitively determine the winner, one thing is certain: fans of both teams would relish the opportunity to witness such a clash of basketball titans.

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TAGGED:Boston Celtics ArchiveChicago Bulls ArchiveLarry BirdMichael Jordan
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ByVishwesha Kumar
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Vishwesha Kumar is a staff writer for Fadeaway World from Bengaluru, India. Graduating with a Bachelor of Technology from PES University in 2020, Vishwesha leverages his analytical skills to enhance his sports journalism, particularly in basketball. His experience includes writing over 3000 articles across respected publications such as Essentially Sports and Sportskeeda, which have established him as a prolific figure in the sports writing community.Vishwesha’s love for basketball was ignited by watching LeBron James, inspiring him to delve deeply into the nuances of the game. This personal passion translates into his writing, allowing him to connect with readers through relatable narratives and insightful analyses. He holds a unique and controversial opinion that Russell Westbrook is often underrated rather than overrated. Despite Westbrook's flaws, Vishwesha believes that his triple-double achievements and relentless athleticism are often downplayed, making him one of the most unique and electrifying players in NBA history, even if his style of play can sometimes be polarizing. 
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