In the waning moments of the 1984 NBA Finals, Larry Bird noticed Magic Johnson guarding him and realized the game was over.

In the waning moments of the 1984 NBA Finals, Larry Bird noticed Magic Johnson guarding him and realized the game was over.

In Game 4 of the 1984 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics faced their second overtime match of the series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite being vastly outmatched in the first three games, the team’s series deficit was only 2-1. They might draw even and regain home court advantage with another comeback victory. When it mattered most, Larry Bird took command.

With 16 seconds remaining in the extra session, Bird made a jumper in the lane that helped his Celtics win 129-125 and square the series. Bird thought he was going to win the game when he saw Lakers guard Magic Johnson guarding him on that game-winning jumper.

After the Boston Celtics were dominated in Game 3, Larry Bird inspired the team.

Bird was not pleased with Boston’s performance in Game 3 of the 1984 NBA Finals, nor were the other Celtics. He criticized his teammates for their lackluster play against the Lakers, calling them “sissies.” The group answered.

Celtics guard Danny Ainge recalled Larry telling the media in 2020 that the squad was too soft. He made this comment on the Locked On Celtics podcast. “But our performance in Game 3 in Los Angeles completely embarrassed and humiliated every single person watching that film.”

In the second half of Game 4, the Celtics deviated from their strategy. As evidenced by Kevin McHale’s iconic clotheslining of Kurt Rambis, they started to act more aggressively. Additionally, the Celtics increased their mental toughness and psychological warfare against the Lakers.

They were aware that action was necessary, but they also realized how fortunate they were to be leading the series 3-0.

We are really fortunate to win Game 2 after getting wiped away in the first round, Ainge said. We have around a one percent chance of winning that match. Then, it’s a dunk fest in Game 3, and we get destroyed once more.

Larry Bird knew the game was lost in the fourth quarter when he noticed Magic Johnson protecting him.

Bird had been upset by Michael Cooper’s relentless defense throughout the series. Cooper was one of the hardest defenders Bird had ever faced, he later acknowledged. Even when Cooper wasn’t playing against him, he brought him up.

Bird said that no player on the Houston Rockets side could stop him during the 1986 NBA Finals.

According to Sports Illustrated, Bird stated, “Michael Cooper’s not in this series, and he’s the only one who can really shut me down.”

That’s why, during the pivotal Game 4 in Los Angeles, when he discovered Magic Johnson covering him with 16 seconds remaining in overtime, Bird’s eyes glowed.

According to United Press International, Bird stated, “Michael Cooper fell down in the lane.” After that, things were a little erratic. However, I knew I could shoot over Magic (Johnson) as soon as I had him in the post.