Larry Bird is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. During his 13-year career with the Boston Celtics, Bird led the team to three NBA championships and was a 12-time NBA All-Star. Known for his clutch shooting, crafty passing, and fierce competitiveness, Bird had many memorable games throughout his illustrious career. But which game stands out as Bird’s single best performance?
Bird’s 60-point game in 1985
One game that certainly stands out is March 12, 1985 when Larry Bird scored 60 points against the Atlanta Hawks. This was a career-high scoring night for Bird, who shot 22/36 from the field, 4/10 from three-point range, and 12/12 from the free throw line. Bird scored 26 points in the first quarter alone and finished with 60 points, the highest single-game total of his career. The Celtics beat the Hawks 126-115 behind Bird’s dominant offensive explosion.
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Points | 60 |
| Field Goals Made | 22 |
| Field Goal Attempts | 36 |
| 3-Pointers Made | 4 |
| 3-Point Attempts | 10 |
| Free Throws Made | 12 |
| Free Throw Attempts | 12 |
Scoring 60 points against any NBA team is an incredible accomplishment. The fact that Bird did it by shooting over 60% from the field and 100% from the free throw line makes this 60-point outburst even more impressive. It was a near perfect offensive performance, with Bird utilizing his full scoring arsenal of perimeter shooting, post moves, and foul drawing ability. For a single game scoring display, it’s hard to top Larry Bird’s 60-point gem against Atlanta in 1985.
Bird’s duel with Dominique Wilkins in 1988
Another game that deserves consideration for Bird’s best is Game 7 of the 1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks. This game featured an epic scoring duel between Larry Bird and Dominique Wilkins. Wilkins finished with 47 points while Bird countered with 34 points, to go along with 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Bird’s stat line was extremely well-rounded showcasing his versatile brilliance. But the iconic moment of this game came in the 4th quarter, when Bird and Wilkins went back and forth trading baskets. The Celtics held a slim lead late when Dominique hit two free throws to cut the score to 118-117. On the ensuing possession, Bird received the inbounds pass, took a few dribbles and pulled up for a mid-range jumper right over Wilkins to give the Celtics a 120-117 lead. The Celtics hung on to win the thrilling game 122-121 and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
| Stat | Larry Bird | Dominique Wilkins |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 34 | 47 |
| Rebounds | 10 | 11 |
| Assists | 10 | 5 |
This game featured two of the NBA’s greatest scorers at the peak of their powers going blow-for-blow in the clutch. Bird and Wilkins combined for 81 points in one of the greatest duels in playoff history. While Wilkins put up slightly bigger scoring numbers, Bird impacted the game in more ways, recording a triple double. And it was Bird who hit the decisive jump shot to lift Boston to victory. Considering the high stakes, back-and-forth excitement, and Bird’s all-around mastery, this Game 7 classic deserves mention among Bird’s finest games.
Bird’s triple-double in the 1986 Finals
When examining Larry Bird’s most memorable games, his performances on the NBA’s biggest stage – the Finals – must also be considered. In Game 6 of the 1986 Finals, Bird submitted one of his best playoff performances. He recorded a triple-double with 29 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds as the Celtics clinched the championship with a 114-97 victory over the Houston Rockets. Bird shot 10/12 from the field and 7/7 from the free throw line, utterly dominating the game offensively and on the glass. Perhaps most impressive was Bird’s 12 assists, as he brilliantly set up his Celtics teammates for open looks all game long. The triple-double was a complete performance befitting the MVP and Finals MVP.
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Points | 29 |
| Rebounds | 11 |
| Assists | 12 |
Bird had a handful of epic triple-doubles in his career, but none were bigger than this one on the championship stage. With a vintage display of scoring, rebounding and playmaking, Bird cemented his legacy by leading the great Celtics teams of the 1980s to yet another banner. For an all-around masterful performance to clinch a title, this Finals triple-double stands out as one of Larry Legend’s finest moments.
Conclusion
When evaluating the best game of Larry Bird’s legendary career, there are several performances that stand out as contenders. His 60-point outburst in 1985 demonstrated Bird’s peak scoring prowess. The classic Game 7 duel against Dominique Wilkins showcased Bird’s big game brilliance going shot for shot with an elite scorer. And his triple-double in the 1986 Finals exemplified Bird’s all-around game and championship pedigree. While the entirety of his 13-year run with the Celtics proved that Larry Bird is one of basketball’s greatest and most clutch players, these three games represent individual pinnacles of his excellence. Any one of them could lay claim to being the single best game of Bird’s historic career.
In the end, based on the combination of individual brilliance and championship meaning, I would give a slight edge to his triple-double masterpiece in the 1986 Finals as being Larry Bird’s best single game performance. But the close runner-ups of the 60-point game and Wilkins duel provide a testament to just how many memorable games and moments Bird produced in his legendary career.
