Larry Bird led the Boston Celtics to an emphatic NBA championship run in 1986 and rightfully won the Finals MVP award. To this day, "Larry Legend" considers that '86 Celtics squad as the best team he has ever played with. However, he doesn't reckon it was largely about him or his co-stars Kevin McHale and Robert Parish.
Instead, Bird always credits that team's success to two unheralded role players. For Larry, the game-changer that season was the synergy of Bill Walton and Jerry Sichting on the court.
"'86. No question," Bird told McHale in a special 1-on-1 interview for NBA.com when asked which Celtics team was the best during their time. "With Bill [Walton]. Bill made a difference. Jerry Sichting made a difference. And the combination of them two was very good."
The '80s Celtics were all about teamwork
The C's were at the peak of their prowess in the '80s, clinching three NBA championships throughout the decade. Parish anchored the team's defense, McHale was a force to be reckoned with inside the paint, while Bird spearheaded the squad with his exceptional shooting, basketball IQ, and competitive spirit. On the other hand, Walton and Sichting added some firepower off the bench.
As they reflected on their success, McHale told Bird about how impressed he was with their ability to play hard and win, especially late in the games. According to Larry Legend, winning was not impossible at the time, as much of the '80s Celtics' achievements were due to their strong foundation of teamwork and chemistry.
"The execution, playing together, and trusting one another has a lot to do with it," Bird concluded.
Related: "I wondered myself why he wasn't on the team" - Larry Bird knew Dream Team selection process would result in controversies
Bill names the true leader of the '80s Celtics
While Bird believed Walton and Sichthing made the difference when they joined the Celtics in 1985, "Big Red" was certain that Parish was the most impactful player of that squad . For Walton, "The Chief" made things happen for Boston, and they were all just fortunate to have been carried by the legendary center.
"Only 3 big men have won more championships — Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and George Mikan," Walton wrote in a 2003 ESPN piece. "Some will say that Robert was lucky; that he played on great teams with unbelievable talent. The reality is that we were the lucky ones to be on his team."
In retrospect, it's quite refreshing to learn that, unlike other NBA dynasties, the '80s Celtics genuinely give each other their flowers, especially Bird, whose humility in acknowledging his teammates' contributions sets a perfect example for today's and future generations of NBA superstars.
Related: "I don't need you guys; I'll win it by myself" - When Larry Bird was livid with Kevin McHale and Bill Walton
Local News
Comments / 0