In one of the most memorable games in NBA history, Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird scored 47 points while only shooting with his left hand on February 14, 1986 against the Portland Trail Blazers. This incredible feat has gone down as one of Bird’s defining moments and one of the greatest single-game performances in league history.
The Background
During the 1985-86 NBA season, the Boston Celtics were establishing themselves as one of the preeminent dynasties in basketball history. Led by their “Big Three” of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish, the Celtics raced out to a 40-12 start and were clearly the class of the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers were struggling with injuries and languishing near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. When the two teams met at the Boston Garden on Valentine’s Day, the Celtics were heavily favored.
However, Celtics star Larry Bird was battling a finger injury on his shooting hand. Before the game, he decided to play exclusively left-handed to protect his injured finger. This quirky challenge was vintage Bird, who was known for his bravado and competitive fire.
The First Half
As the game tipped off, the Celtics quickly realized that Bird was serious about only shooting left-handed. They made an effort to feed him the ball repeatedly in the first quarter, but he missed his first six shot attempts as he adjusted to shooting with his off hand.
However, Bird eventually found his rhythm and knocked down a left-handed jumper at the first quarter buzzer. He scored 12 points in the period despite shooting just 5-of-12 from the field.
In the second quarter, Bird started finding lanes to the basket and getting to the free throw line. He dropped in three left-handed layups and went 3-of-4 from the charity stripe to score 12 more points in the frame.
The Celtics took a 62-49 lead into halftime, powered by Bird’s 24 first-half points on 8-of-20 shooting. But the real show was still to come.
Explosion in the Second Half
Coming out of the break, Bird caught fire. He nailed three quick left-handed jump shots from 18-20 feet and suddenly could not miss from the outside. The Blazers defenders were completely flummoxed about how to stop him.
Late in the third quarter, Bird dropped in back-to-back left-handed shots from beyond 20 feet that brought Celtics fans to their feet. He tallied 17 points in the period, bringing his left-handed total to 41 points through three quarters.
In the fourth, Bird continued his unconscious shooting. He buried three more left-handed jumpers, added a layup, and sank four free throws over the final 12 minutes.
When the final buzzer sounded, Bird had crafted one of basketball’s greatest masterpieces: 47 points, all while shooting exclusively left-handed. The Celtics won the laugher 120-106.
By the Numbers
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Points | 47 |
| Field Goals Made | 21 |
| Field Goal Attempts | 33 |
| 3-Pointers Made | 0 |
| 3-Point Attempts | 0 |
| Free Throws Made | 5 |
| Free Throw Attempts | 7 |
| Rebounds | 8 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Steals | 3 |
| Turnovers | 3 |
| Blocks | 1 |
Bird’s final shooting line was 21-33 from the field and 5-7 from the free throw line. He did not attempt a single right-handed shot all game long.
Response and Legacy
Bird’s brilliant left-handed shooting exhibition was the talk of the NBA in the days that followed. Players and pundits marveled at his skill and will to impose such an odd restriction on himself in the heat of competition. Bird later admitted that the southpaw experiment had left his left arm exhausted.
The game hearkened back to other memorable Bird challenges, including the time he told teammates he would shoot a free throw with his eyes closed (and then swished it) or when he vowed to earn a triple double while only shooting left-handed layups.
But left-handed game became one of the signature achievements of Bird’s Hall of Fame career. It demonstrated his confidence under pressure, deep shooting range, and creativity on the court. With his magnificent 47-point, left-hand-only performance, Larry Bird cemented his status as one of the most skilled, clutch, and entertaining superstars the NBA has ever seen.
Key Takeaways
- Larry Bird scored 47 points while only shooting left-handed against Portland on February 14, 1986.
- Bird initially struggled but caught fire in the second half, hitting a series of deep left-handed jumpers.
- He finished shooting 21-33 from the field and did not attempt a single right-handed shot.
- The game showcased Bird’s skill, will, and flair for dramatic challenges.
- It became one of the most memorable achievements of Bird’s legendary career.
Conclusion
Larry Bird’s incredible left-handed shooting performance remains one of the most legendary achievements in NBA history. By imposing such an odd, difficult restriction on himself, Bird demonstrated his supreme confidence and skills in unforgettable fashion.
The image of Bird raining jumpers down with his off hand was an awe-inspiring display from one of basketball’s all-time greats. Over 35 years later, the left-handed game still resonates as a quintessential Larry Bird moment – encapsulating his competitive fire, skill, and showmanship.
Bird’s 47-point lefty masterpiece showcased his flair for the dramatic and unbelievable shot-making ability. For one February night in 1986, he made the NBA his left-handed playground. And in doing so, Larry Legend turned in one of the most memorable and remarkable single-game performances the league has ever seen.
