Larry Bird ’s success in the NBA is often attributed to his natural talent, but the reality is quite different. The Indiana native worked tirelessly every day throughout the ‘80s to ensure that he remained at the top of his game.
This dedication was evident when, just hours after winning the 1984 NBA Championship, the three-time MVP was already planning for the Boston Celtics to defend their title the following year - a sentiment that left Quinn Buckner stunned.
Larry Bird worked tirelessly in the ‘84 Finals
Although several players contributed significantly to the Celtics’ resurgence from a 2-1 deficit, it’s undeniable that Bird was the driving force behind the C's success.
From a stellar performance in Game 4, where Bird led his team with 29 points on a perfect 10-for-10 shooting from the free throw line, along with 21 rebounds to help the Celtics even the series with a 129-125 victory. In Game 5, he continued his dominant showing, dropping a game-high 34-point and 17-rebound double-double to tilt the series in Celtics favor.
Finally, in the decisive Game 7, Larry Legend’s all-around contribution of 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 steals ensured Boston secured their second championship in four years.
Bird was relentless in putting in the work
Within the pages of Jackie MacMullan’s ‘When The Game Was Ours,’ the book entailed the celebratory journey of Bird & Co. as they made their way to Chelsea’s to revel in their championship triumph.
Amidst the joyous dancing and singing after beating their arch-rivals, the festivities later shifted to the home of the Celtics’ marketing director, where Larry remained until sunrise and only made his way to his house afterward, but surprisingly not to rest.
"The morning after Boston's celebration, Bird finally went home for a little shut-eye. Around mid-afternoon, Buckner, who was experiencing his first-ever NBA title, drove to Bird's Brookline home with the hope of celebrating all over again. Larry’s wife - Dinah, informed Buckner that Larry wasn't there," MacMullan wrote .
"Buckner said, I said to him, 'Man, what are you doing?' Bird looked at him quizzically before he answered, 'I'm getting ready for next year.'"
In this one particular sentence, everything about Larry comes into focus. While many would have been content with some well-deserved rest, especially after securing the Finals MVP award, the 12-time All-Star stood apart, wanting to be even better from the next morning onwards.
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