In the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals, Larry Bird threw a basketball at the despised Bill Laimbeer.

In the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals, Larry Bird threw a basketball at the despised Bill Laimbeer.

The Boston Celtics, led by Larry Bird, had to overcome the Detroit Pistons, another formidable opponent, before taking on the vengeful Los Angeles Lakers in the 1987 NBA Finals. It seemed as though the Eastern Conference’s power dynamics were changing. The Celtics, who had advanced to the previous three NBA Finals, were overworking their aging veterans by forcing them to play more minutes than they ought to.

The Pistons were a more physically fit group and somewhat younger. During their intense 1987 Eastern Conference Finals match, things became ugly. Naturally, in the center of it all was Bill Laimbeer, the man who most opposing players despised. After Bird and Laimbeer were ejected in the series’ third game, things got worse.

In the first half of Game 7 of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals, Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics and Bill Laimbeer of Detroit, on the right, grab for the ball. | Barry Chin/Getty Images via The Boston Globe
According to The Chicago Tribune, even Michael Jordan referred to Laimbeer as the “dirtiest player in the league.” The center for the Pistons carried that reputation with him when he was a part of Detroit’s “Bad Boys.” When the Pistons visit town during the playoffs, things usually get hot. In 1987, the NBA Finals spot was awarded to the team that won the series between the PIn the first half of Game 7 of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals, Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics and Bill Laimbeer of Detroit, on the right, grab for the ball. | Barry Chin/Getty Images via The Boston Globe

According to The Chicago Tribune, even Michael Jordan referred to Laimbeer as the “dirtiest player in the league.” The center for the Pistons carried that reputation with him when he was a part of Detroit’s “Bad Boys.” When the Pistons visit town during the playoffs, things usually get hot. In 1987, the NBA Finals spot was awarded to the team that won the series between the Pistons and the Celtics.

Dennis Rodman and Rick Mahorn joined Laimbeer to form a muscular frontcourt that frequently pushed the envelope on dirty play. Things took a bad turn in the third game of the series thanks to Laimbeer.

The Pistons lead 97-81 in the third game despite trailing 2-0 in the series after Laimbeer blatantly knocked down Bird, who had up-faked and was going up for a shot underneath the rim. Players swarmed on top of one another and threw punches. Just as everything started to calm down, Bird shot the ball straight at Laimbeer. Laimbeer’s nasty play cost him the game. The bird was thrown out for hurling the ball. Detroit proceeded to triumph 122-104.