Hazing: the incident in which Larry Bird Dominique Wilkins

Hazing: the incident in which Larry Bird Dominique Wilkins.

As Michael Jordan socialized with the Cavaliers and Pistons, Dominique Wilkins and Larry Bird engaged in one of the most exquisite duel matches of the 1980s. Wilkins’ rookie season was the beginning of an incredible rivalry between the two players who were regarded as the best wing players in the league at the time: the stars of the Hawks and Celtics.
“Do” Wilkins learned about Larry Bird’s trash talking as soon as he entered the league. Larry Bird was five years his senior. He writes about the story in the Boston Herald.

One of our first meetings, I approached him to shake his hand before the break. Without even flinching, there he was, in front of me, hands behind his back. “Whoa”… Then he told me, “Buddy, you’re not in this league yet,” in the jump. It happened so fast, I wasn’t sure what to think, but I couldn’t believe it.

The first combat on the field follows.

“He told me, ‘Boy, I don’t know why they picked you to defend on me,’ as I was defending him. You are unable to protect me. He then made a 3-pointer for me, whoa. He fired another after telling me, “They made a mistake putting you on me,” during the subsequent attack.

However, Wilkins fails to deconstruct, and the Hawks winger goes up to slam on Bird during a transition as Bird retreats defensively! Bird bites into the basket’s base as he falls, and when he rises, he approaches Wilkins and tells him, “I like you, rookie.” You’re not smart.

Although Wilkins appears content, Bird continues, “But I’m still going to give you 40 tonight.”

Despite the Hawks’ significant loss on April 5, 1983, Wilkins will still be pleased with himself: “I got it.” He received a mere 39.

And all he can remember is good.