The actual account of Larry Bird’s left-handed NBA game play.
For many reasons, Larry Bird was a legend. He turned around a faltering Boston Celtics team entirely in the 1980s by leading them to three NBA championships. His battle with Magic Johnson became legendary. Bird was a 12-time All Star who averaged almost 24 points per game, amassing an incredible 21,791 points over the course of 13 years (via Britannica). Despite having no prior coaching experience, he succeeded as the Indiana Pacers’ head coach in 1997 after retiring. Coach of the Year was another honor he received.
The 6-foot-9 forward possessed elite physical skills. For example, Bird recalled, according to Esquire, “when I used to play, if I was in my room and I was on the road, I’d just go out for a run before games.” “In the urban area. the area surrounding the parking lot. In the racetrack. I would sprint around the arena’s summit. Something simple to keep me going. Many players were simply unable to perform that. They were exhausted for the game. I’ve always believed that running is preferable.
But in an even more insane attempt to push himself, Bird did something during a game at the height of his career. He moved to his less used hand.
It was February 14th, 1986. The Boston Celtics, led by Larry Bird, were playing the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland. The Celtics were having a great season (they would win the NBA Finals), but the Blazers were a playoff-caliber squad. In an attempt to take on a challenge early in the game, Bird began to shoot left-handed.
He made 20 field goals with his left hand and another 27 with his right, according to The Athletic. Known for his unbridled confidence, he also easily made three consecutive foul throws in the fourth quarter to contribute to the game’s close outcome. Even while it wasn’t a blowout, Bird’s left hand nevertheless led the Celtics to overtime, where they prevailed. With 47 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists, he had a triple-double when he left the stadium (via NBA.com).
Whether or not this was a historic moment is debatable, but it was also emblematic of Bird in three ways: it demonstrated his extraordinary talent, unwavering conviction, and love of making a complete joke out of anyone who got in his way.
Whether in a serious or playful fashion, Larry Bird’s decision to change things up could be deemed insulting by some. It seems that the Trail Blazers weren’t even deserving of his dominant hand. After the game, Bird made a joke with the reporters, saying, “I’m saving my right hand for the Lakers” (via USA Today).
Bird was known for picking fights with opponents and spewing trash. Michael Jordan famously declared, “Larry Bird is the greatest mind-game player and trash talker of all time.” According to The Athletic, “He taught me everything I know about getting in people’s heads.” Both rivals and teammates have made similar comments in a lengthy list. “To put it in the best possible light, Larry was a prick,” said Philadelphia 76ers player Leo Rautins.
