Out of those 18 titles, NBA legend Larry Bird<\/a> helped the C\u2019s win three during the prime of his career in the 1980s. However, Bird\u2019s legacy surpasses that beyond lifting the illustrious Larry O\u2019Brien trophy.<\/p>\n In fact, one of Bird\u2019s most adored skills was his ability to play mind games with his opponents.<\/p>\n The Celtics locked horns against the Portland Trail Blazers<\/a> on February 14, 1986. After the matchup, the Celtics were set to take on their long-time rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a>.<\/p>\n Evidently, Bird wanted to save his best for the matchup against the Lakers. So, did Bird sit out vs the Trail Blazers? No.<\/p>\n Instead, Bird announced to play the majority of the game with his left hand and save his right hand for the Purple and Gold.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m saving my right hand for the Lakers,\u201d Bird told the media after the game (h\/t Sports Illustrated<\/a>).<\/p>\n Despite not using his dominant hand for the majority of the game, Bird finished with a phenomenal triple-double.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s while saving his best for his rival, Magic Johnson<\/a>.<\/p>\n Derrick White on Larry Bird\u2019s left-handed game<\/p>\n![\"Larry](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GettyImages-147497571-929x627.jpg\")
Photo by Focus on Sport\/Getty ImagesLarry Bird\u2019s famous left-handed game in 1986<\/p>\n