Larry Bird, one of the greatest players in NBA history, had a storied 13-year career with the Boston Celtics. Recently, a highlight reel from 1985 resurfaced, showcasing Larry Bird’s extraordinary 60-point game against the Atlanta Hawks. This clip, shared by ThrowbackHoops, ignited the internet and caught the attention of another NBA legend, LeBron James.
Larry Bird’s Remarkable Stats
Via ThrowbackHoops: “Larry Bird dropped 60 PTS on the Hawks! (1985)
- 60 PTS
- 7 REB
- 61% FG (22/36)
- 94% FT (15/16)
Bird’s performance was a masterclass in scoring efficiency and clutch play, solidifying his status as one of the game’s greats.
LeBron James Reacts
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James took to Twitter to express his admiration for Larry Bird’s legendary performance. His tweet quickly went viral, garnering over 14,000 likes and 1.5 million impressions in less than 13 hours.
James wrote: “Man just look at the Hawks bench from the 1:30 mark and on! Larry Legend was SOOOOOOOOO DAMN NICE! One of them 🐐’s”
James’ reaction highlights the respect and admiration Bird commands even among today’s top NBA players.
Bird’s Stellar Career
Larry Bird, a three-time NBA Champion and three-time MVP, is widely considered one of the top 25 players in NBA history. Over his career, he averaged:
- 24.3 points
- 10.0 rebounds
- 6.3 assists
- 1.7 steals per game
Bird also shot an impressive 49.6% from the field and 37.6% from beyond the arc over 897 regular season games. His postseason stats are equally impressive, having appeared in 164 NBA playoff games.
A Legacy That Endures
Larry Bird’s influence on the game extends beyond his playing career. He led the Boston Celtics to three NBA Championships, including their 14th franchise title in 1981. His performance in key moments, like the six-game series against the Houston Rockets, remains etched in NBA history.
LeBron’s Continued Excellence
As for LeBron James, he is coming off his 21st NBA season and his sixth with the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite being 39 years old, James remains one of the league’s top players. This past season, he averaged:
- 25.7 points
- 7.3 rebounds
- 8.3 assists
- 1.3 steals per game
James’ shooting percentages are a testament to his enduring skill and athleticism, with 54.0% from the field and 41.0% from three-point range in 71 games.
The GOAT Debate
Both Larry Bird and James are often mentioned in the debate over who is the greatest of all time (GOAT) in basketball. Larry Bird’s reaction to his performance back in 1985 and James’ ongoing excellence in his 21st season are testaments to their greatness and lasting impact on the sport.
