Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics made a memorable play during Game 1 of the 1981 NBA Finals. The Celtics were up against the Houston Rockets and Bird helped push the Celtics to a 98-95 victory. According to NBA.com, Bird grabbed the rebound with his right hand, switched the ball into his left hand as his momentum was taking him out of bounds and laid it in the basket. Later coach Red Auerbach called Bird’s play one of the greatest he’d ever seen. The Celtics went on to win the 1981 NBA Championship. Bird spent his entire career with the Boston Celtics and led the team to five NBA finals and three championships. He was named Finals MVP twice. Aside from his accomplishments with the Celtics, Bird was a part of the legendary 1992 Dream Team and named league MVP three consecutive years (1984-86). Following his retirement, Bird has continued to be a part of the NBA through his roles as a coach and executive for the Indiana Pacers. Larry Bird is the only player in NBA history to be named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, NBA Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.
Today in Sports History: May 5
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 1: Larry Bird #33 of the Boston Celtics stretches prior to shooting around before playing an NBA game at the Boston Garden on January 1, 1989 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright 2002 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)