The Boston Celtics have been home to a plethora of NBA legends over the past 80 years.
Being 18-time NBA champions, the Boston Celtics remain the most accomplished franchise to ever exist in the league.
Out of those 18 titles, NBA legend Larry Bird helped the C’s win three during the prime of his career in the 1980s. However, Bird’s legacy surpasses that beyond lifting the illustrious Larry O’Brien trophy.
In fact, one of Bird’s most adored skills was his ability to play mind games with his opponents.
Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty ImagesLarry Bird’s famous left-handed game in 1986
The Celtics locked horns against the Portland Trail Blazers on February 14, 1986. After the matchup, the Celtics were set to take on their long-time rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers.
Evidently, Bird wanted to save his best for the matchup against the Lakers. So, did Bird sit out vs the Trail Blazers? No.
Instead, Bird announced to play the majority of the game with his left hand and save his right hand for the Purple and Gold.
“I’m saving my right hand for the Lakers,” Bird told the media after the game (h/t Sports Illustrated).
Despite not using his dominant hand for the majority of the game, Bird finished with a phenomenal triple-double.
He contributed 47 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists in 49 minutes of playing time against the Trail Blazers. Thus, winning the game for the C’s while saving his best for his rival, Magic Johnson.
Derrick White on Larry Bird’s left-handed game
Celtics guard Derrick White talked about Bird’s famous left-handed game during a recent episode of the ‘White Noise’ podcast.
“Larry Bird is unbelievable. Could you imagine if someone came up and said, ‘I’m saving my right hand for tomorrow. I’m playing left-handed today.’ He’s unbelievable,” White said.
White further declared Bird as the ‘greatest Celtic of all time.’
“I think he’s the greatest Celtic of all time. Yeah. So that kind of speaks for itself. He’s unbelievable,” he added.
Even decades after his retirement, players hold immense respect for Bird. He remains an icon and will forever hold a special place in the hearts of fans.