The Boston Celtics have had many NBA legends over the past 80 years.
The Boston Celtics, the 18-time NBA champion, remain the most skilled franchise ever present in the league.
Of these 18 titles, the NBA legendary Larry Bird won a C victory 3 at the height of his career in the 1980s. But the bird heritage is not only lifting up, but outweighing the glorious Larry O’Brien Trophy.
In fact, one of the bird’s most beloved skills was its ability to play mind games with opponents.
The Celtics locked the horn against the Portland Trail Blazers on February 14, 1986. After the game, the Celtics were set to take on longtime rivals, Los Angeles Lakers.
Obviously, Bird wanted to save his best for a matchup with the Lakers. So, did Bird sit on the Trail Blazers? no.
Instead, Bird announced that he would play most of the game with his left hand and save his right hand for purple and gold.
“I’m saving my right hand for the Lakers,” Byrd told the media after the game (H/T Sports Illustrated).
Despite not using his dominant hands for most of the game, Bird ended with an astounding triple double.
He contributed 47 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists in 49 minutes of playing time with the Trail Blazers. So he won the game for C, while trying his best for rival Magic Johnson.
Celtics Guard’s Derrick White spoke about Bird’s famous left-handed game in a recent episode of the “White Noise” podcast.
“Larry Bird is incredible. Can you imagine if someone stood up and said, “I’m saving my right hand for tomorrow. I’m left-handed today.” He’s incredible,” White said.
White also declared the bird “the largest Celtic of all time.”
“I think he’s the best Celtic of all time. Yes, so that’s what speaks for itself. He’s incredible,” he added.
Even in decades after retirement, players have given them immeasurable respect for birds. He remains an icon and holds a special place forever in the hearts of his fans.