Elected for the third time in a row MVP of the regular season and present in the Finals for the third consecutive year, Larry Bird is at the top in 1986. The Celtics have just concluded one of the most successful seasons (67-15) and their level of collective play is among the strongest in NBA history.
The Finals against Houston, the same opponent as in 1981, should only serve as confirmation. Boston leads 3-2 and can conclude on June 8, 1986, at home.
It will be done with authority. The Rockets will never be able to breathe. They will even be led by 30 points in the second half. The Ralph Sampson – Hakeem Olajuwon duo is largely dominated by Kevin McHale and Robert Parish. Robert Reid, rather good for a few matches, is suffocated by Dennis Johnson.
The Celtics did the work (114-97 victory) to win this new title, after those of 1981 and 1984, but we will especially remember the performance of Larry Bird in this Game 6. The winger made a remarkable effort, and rarely he was also involved in a part. He is almost possessed, in osmosis with his game.
“He dominated five players at the same time. He is the best. At that moment, he looked like he didn’t need teammates.”, will deliver the Houston playerJim Peterson.
“It’s the only match I think I was fully prepared for. I have never been so focused. Never. I should have retired immediately”
Celtics coach KC Jones will talk about “basketball top” for this meeting where Larry Bird will finish with 29 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds. “Nothing Larry Bird does surprises me”assures his side Bill Walton. “And at the same time, everything he does impresses me. »
With 24 points, 9.7 rebounds, 9.5 assists and 2.7 steals per game in these Finals, the Celtic legend will obviously be crowned MVP of the Finals, as in 1984.
The following year, he will again find the Finals for a new duel with Magic Johnson and the Lakers. And in 1987/88, Larry Bird will finish the season with his best career average (29.9 points). Before the end of this huge team, overtaken by the young Pistons.
The proof that he will still have good years ahead of him after this 1986 title, but he himself admits that this evening of Game 6 was the peak of his career.
“It’s the only game I think I was totally prepared for”he delivers in a statement that can be found in Bill Simmons’ “Book of Basketball”. “I’ve never been so focused. Never. I should have retired immediately. »
