Explaining his decision to sit out the fourth quarter, Larry Bird said he was only one steal shy of a quadruple-double. “I Did Enough Damage.”

Explaining his decision to sit out the fourth quarter, Larry Bird said he was only one steal shy of a quadruple-double. “I Did Enough Damage.”

Numerous storied tales exist regarding Larry Bird’s intense rivalry, and there may be more to learn. Although Larry didn’t appear that way, he was a nasty man who was always willing to use words and his game to harm opponents.

The legendary player for the Boston Celtics played maybe the best game of his career in 1985, coming dangerously close to a quadruple-double in a decisive victory over the Utah Jazz. Bird finished with 30 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, and 9 steals in just 33 minutes of play.

Bird simply wanted to rest and watch the remainder of the game from the bench. He had the opportunity to grab that tenth steal and earn the second quadruple-double in the league at the time (Nate Thurmond of the Chicago Bulls recorded 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists, and 12 blocks in 1974).

In Boston’s 110-94 victory over the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City, Larry Bird led the Celtics with 30 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, and 9 steals. Boston was just one theft away from achieving a quadruple-double.

However, Bird declined to return to the game after getting knocked out in the third quarter, even after being made aware of his potential. He spent 33 minutes in total.

Larry Legend was questioned about his odd choice after the game. Rather than writing history, he chose to end the game and let his teammates finish it off.

“I caused enough harm already. If we’re ahead by thirty, why not go for it? He remarked, via Bleacher Report, according to Albert Lin in the Sports Illustrated archives.

Larry was a unique individual. He was a fantastic trash talker, and his game supported it. Throughout his career, he harassed the Utah Jazz multiple times, most notably when he promised to score forty-three points and promptly did so in front of John Stockton, a rookie.

He was a strict disciplinarian who would make you pay for trying to treat him disrespectfully. The worst thing about No. 33’s threat was that he appeared to be the most kind man ever. That is, not during his basketball career.