Michael Jordan and Larry Bird were two of the most talented players in NBA history. They clashed several times, with Bird dominating Jordan in the playoffs, but always putting up a show for the fans.
Besides being incredibly talented with the basketball in their hands, they were fierce trash talkers, demoralizing rivals every night, becoming a nightmare for those who tried to beat them and their teams.
Jordan and Bird had different styles of play, but both were effective. However, it seemed like Bird was a tougher opponent given his talents with words and how they could get under rival’s skins to unlock games. James Worthy, who played with and against Jordan, and also against Bird, once explained which player was tougher to guard.
For the Los Angeles Lakers legend, Larry’s bad words could drive people crazy, which was a bigger advantage to him.
“I would much rather guard Michael Jordan than Larry Bird, because you have to play the game as a thinker when you’re playing [Bird]. You have to get inside his mind. Larry wasn’t quick, he couldn’t jump really high, but there were just some sleepless nights,” Worthy said on ESPN’s SportsCentury.
Larry Legend didn’t miss a chance to trash opponents, more often than not messing with their minds. There are plenty of stories about him going at it with rivals, saying a one-liner that destroyed the confidence of other players.
As for Jordan, he was also a good trash-talker, but many people believe nobody beat Bird at that. MJ used to make up stories to fuel his competitiveness, and that actually worked. For Larry, he didn’t even need to dislike somebody. He could kill you with a smile on his face while telling you some horrible things.
Worthy knew very well what he was talking about and we’re not about to argue what he said.
