NBA's 60 Greatest Playoff Moments: #4

[fazman52]

as gd as Larry Bird was i still think he was underated, he was just that good.

[lucashowardable]

every time i watch this i feel like bill walton musta felt in the video

[TheEliteStrudel]

Bird stole the ball > Havlicek stole the ball

[Petawawa8]

I'm as big a Jordan fan as anybody, but I didn't think that his final shot was the NBA's greatest playoff moment. It was a fantastic play, but no one was really surprised when it went in. It's gained credit over time because it turned out to be Jordan's final shot, but as a single moment, it's not more extraordinary than this play, or West's 65 footer. Ignoring the setting of it, it was a 15 footer. An incredible play no doubt, but not the best ever.

[mrbriscoe2001]

Isn't this one of the reasons you inbound the ball at HALFCOURT?

[theunknownserb]

3 dislikes came from Isiah Thomas,Bill Laimbeer and Joe Dumars

[razkable]

what the fuck pistons that would never happen now because of thi splay everyone watched it and said na uh not today not to me to 

[conradengstrom1]

What is it with Jonney Most always calling stealing plays

[VrgniaMailman]

@conradengstrom1 By Celtics in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Add one by Gerald Henderson in Game 2 of the 1984 Finals vs. the Lakers, and that is 3 epic steals that were crucial to Boston wins. In two of them, steal was by a Celtic whose last name begins with H and has 3 syllables (Hav-li-cek and Hen-der-son). Havlicek usually entered the game as forward, but often played guard. if he was in a guard position when he made his steal, that is one more thing he and Gerald had in common.

[whobitmyname]

The best part is is the despair on on Walton's face when the ball goes to Detroit, followed by the look on his face after Bird makes the play. He's like "It's f-in Larry, I don't know what I was worrying about."

[EagleLC21]

My dad is a Pistons fan and has a tough time watching this

[nychampionship]

has anyone realised that all the celtic's plays were in the confrence finals. and they stole the ball?!!

[VrgniaMailman]

@nychampionship Didn't Gerald Henderson's steal make the list? That was vs. the Lakers in Game 2 of the 1984 NBA Finals, one of the very best Finals in NBA history. Incredible tension and desire by both teams, with both teams being loaded with talent and great coaching.

[mushraiders]

It's the fact that this is a team moment that makes it great! Not an individual moment

[Chrisfathead]

johnny most's voice is synonymous with this play

[sumskater999]

Bill Walton's like "I love having Larry Bird on my team."

[gonzzo10]

ufffffffffffffff, ¡¡¡¡ QUE CAGADA !!!!!

[ReservoirDog129]

1 word AMAZING

[shadeWSPA]

Thus should have been No. 1

5 seconds left, down by 1, and THEY have the ball

[wornoutshoes11]

@shadeWSPA it aint the finals dude...

[TheMoparDrvr]

@shadeWSPA Yea def... this and the Dr. J ball swing outa bounds should be #1 and #2 no doubt and #3 Magics SKy hook for the Nba title

[VrgniaMailman]

@shadeWSPA I'm not sure it should be tops, but I'd choose it higher than ANY of the alleged top three. Boston almost certainly would have lost if Bird did not make steal AND pass to DJ. THAT should be essential to a top moment. Jordan's jumper to beat Utah (voted Number 1 in a colossal disgrace) would be a great moment, IF he had not committed an offensive foul that went uncalled. Others? Jerry West's shot from about 70 feet to send an NBA Final game to OT. Havlicek's steal. Etc, etc

[GetHighOrDie08]

hating bitches,he never stepped on the line...

[golperuano]

Brilliant play by Bird and also by Dennis Johnson to quickly react and get into position for the very smooth lay up under pressure. Tremendous play. History made.

[Al3xis07100]

??????????

[phireful]

man...i love the voice of the commentator.

[Mrziggzagg101]

what in the hell are the chances..

[movalcadillac]

Terrible athleticism, yet still entertaining, but still terrible athletes back then, I loved these guys' hearts for the game if only we could put the heart of the 80s and 90s era of bball players into the true super athletes we have today

[1PedroAmor]

Surely you throw the in bounds pass well away from your opponents basket given the score/time left unless you are near 100% sure to find an open team mate. Well done Larry etc but I put this on Isiah

[SidJustice1]

Larry just wasn't going to let the Celtics die here. He put his heart, body and soul into that team. He ripped the heart out of Detroit with that play back in '87.

[reggiecleveland]

way better than the play picked #1

[spartanwarrior360]

This should have been #1 that was amazing! Go celts!!!!

[DontTakeCrack]

i dunno about 9/10 difficulty but that is certainly a huge pressure shot.

[dodogrko]

If only Isiah put effort into that inbound pass.

[redskins2k]

why no more classic fucking voices like chick hern and johnny most? soon they will put bitches on the air.

[jdliauw]

such raw emotion, in the commentating, the bench reaction...just got to love it.

[awmpty]

first havlicek then bird..johnny most must have had some sort of flashback 

[gsuvnkl]

Birs is the besd white player ever!

[yourbudjerry]

It would only have been better if Bird's elbow would have broken Laimbeer's jaw when he wheeled around to throw that pass to DJ...

[broaddusmarines]

Larry = GOAT

[leekwl]

my toes got goosebumps

[Threeballer97]

Very weak inbound pass. Great play by Celtics but that was just terrible on the Pistons' part.

[brokeboy55]

I'm a pistons fan and every time I look at that play I shake my head in disbelief.

[geocgeo]

@brokeboy55 I was sitting 3 rows behind the Celtics bench and i still can't believe it.

[termibasket23]

The smarter player that ever played

[sdrawkcabsiemanym123]

Goat at 0:18

[CelticsFan4049]

This is really NBA's Greatest Playoff Moment #1

[MrWebster822]

Denversilverbacks, that is scary!!!

[animalman1122]

the announcer is the best part

[theone2225]

I wish I could have watched some of these playoffs in the 80's they were epic! I was only 2 when this series went on haha.

[luxuriouscandy]

johny most must've had sore throats after each game with the way that he yells

[denversilverbacks]

thumbs up if you heard the lamb @ 0:17

[FrYLocK41]

@denversilverbacks LOOOOOOOL

[EnvelopedInDarkness]

clutch



[XXTheappleXX]

larry bird is the word

[Treemeslave]

pfft... larry did that on a daily basis

[GSCommander]

LOL the Celtics where full of white players back then and now you have Garnett, Pierce, Rondo, Allen, and other black dudes.

[Andytheminstrel]

This should be the number one greatest moment in NBA Playoff history. We will never see anything like this again.

[awisrippin]

Bird said excuse me but i believe that belongs to me so i shall be taking it from you right now.

[raider8sox]

R.I.P. DJ!, Im A Lakers Fan, And I Didnt grow up in the 80s, as i was born in the 90s, but all the clips ive seen of DJ, he is one, if not, the best PG ever!

[bhar11]

@raider8sox sorry bro i think magic is better than dennis johnson lol

[PPKDude852]

Jesus look at the short-shorts on Bird. It's always so funny to look at pants that are that short.

[23ThePerfectionist23]

the hick from french lick

[Valeron21V]

oh my this place is going crazy!!!

[ashland1977]

One of those few rare sports moments that doesnt lose anything with time.

[ENGLANDNEWENGLAND007]

GOOSEBUMPS

[MrJDRecords]

left side with the right hand?is dj crazy?

[wiseman2024]

The difference between Lebron and Magic, Bird, Jordan, Kobe, Barkley, Malone, and Stockton: Lebron is the only one who's a bitch.

[redhockey]

@wiseman2024 what the fuck? was that a necessary comment? this is a celtics video, take your ignorant drivel somewhere else

[wiseman2024]

@redhockey okay.......... I did mention Bird you piece of crap. And this is a NBA Greatest Playoff Moment's vid which happens to highlight a Celtic moment.

[dustygrady]

Thomas never did live down that white man stealing his pass. Took him to school.

[SWCSpartan]

I cry near the end

[melbert101902]

Thanks for putting this up man. Some great memories!

[Olinppqe]

and with that I can agree larry bird is one of if not thee best passer in NBA history. that was absolutely gorgeous.

[Elmaln]

RIP DJ

[miticojaja]

I cry everytime i see this video.... God bless you, Larry Joe Bird, god bless you Boston Celtics, best play ever

[miticojaja]

I cry everytime i saw this video.... God bless you, Larry Joe Bird, god bless you Boston Celtics, best play ever

[illlanoize23]

I know this call WORD FOR WORD. Get goosebumps everytime I see it....

[Blackpower120]

He stepped out of bounds. This win should be rescinded.

[sarnow76]

@Blackpower120 No he didn't He tiptoed the line.

[Sage80]

The most painful moment of my life.

[Ajwizzles101]

AND THERES A STEAL BY BIRD, LAYED IT TO DJ AND LAYS IT IN!!!

[PEPEelZAPATISTA]

the last great white guy, lol.

[thesportsdude90]

@PEPEelZAPATISTA Steve Nash?

[Xx11256xX]

@thesportsdude90 and dirk

[nba317317]

R.I.P Dennis Johnson !

[luxuriouscandy]

@nba317317 dont forget RIP to Johnny Most too. We might've seen DJ on the court but all you can hear is Johnny Most lolololol

[BRANDONANDMCKAE]

omg bird got sent back!

[mjhundem]

we simply don't have classic announcing like this anymore. the announcing is just as much apart of the excitement as the play itself

[Angelslover9]

What a play! That is greatness of Bird, but Magic won't let the Celtics win the title.

SHOWTIME!

[WadeBlazingame34]

GO CELTICS!! @#$@%#%^ YEAH!!!

[Koalabunga420]

look up stacey king's call on rose dunking on dragic. i think that's for sure a classic call.

[pandahunter8]

the most telling thing about bird's greatness on that play is that he didnt celebrate the steal and the basket, he just ran back down court to play defense until the final horn sounded... truly a great basketball player

[ashland1977]

A few improbable things came into being for this incredible play. Thomas rushing the pass, the players not listening to Daley, the awesome awareness of Larry Bird and the very underated Dennis Johnson paying complete attention to what was happening. The Pistons celebrating before the game was over was classic invitation to disaster.

[soxfan09]

this should be #1. How could they give the #1 to a shot where Jordan pushed off?

[JZ2001JC]

@soxfan09. Jordan did not push off. If that is a Pushoff (Jordan shot) than maybe then how weak is that. EVe Byron Russell of Utah admitted it was a clean play.

[nextbestrockstar]

Where is Reggie millers 8 points in 10 seconds?

[driver8train]

this play should be rated higher....plays like that dont happen often with the game on the line

[Celtix5]

The best, most clutch play in NBA history IMO

[kefir0076]

Wow that broadcaster went CRAZY but U can't blame him.

Look at Bill Walton on the bench before the last shot he's like "We are fucked"

Then look at him after the last shot he's like "I love this game"

[Doggfair]

watching the Celtics' #12 defending the rival pass and just a moment after he realizes Bird steals it is just legendary

[YogiBear13]

This and the Robert Horry shot are the worst moments in Detroit Pistons history. Still hurts to watch this. Bird was so crafty. Isiah later vindicated his carrer but he still would like to have that pass back.

[sidwell91985]

Bird baited Isiah big time

[cbaldwinjr]

As much as Bird gets credit, how about DJ CUTTING to the basket and then making a 9/10 difficulty reverse layup at full speed as Dumars is defending!?! Unbelieveable play on his end as well.

[tharock220]

@cbaldwinjr DJ was a brilliant basketball player. It's no surprise that he won a title before going to Boston. Bird's was what made this so memorable though.

[cbaldwinjr]

@tharock220

No doubt...but let's be real, if Larry Legend steals that pass and Dumars blocks the layup or DJ misses that difficult layup, it means nothing...the Pistons are in the Finals in '87.

[tharock220]

@cbaldwinjr Obviously you're a fan of the sport. If Malone pays attention to where Jordan is in 98 then there's no what should have been his last shot ever. If Frazier doesn't go off then we might wonder why Holzman even let Reed play. The point is these things are part of NBA mythos and things always seemed to go in these guys' favor because they were so special and those ifs never seem to get beyond being just that.

[nanahara1125]

@cbaldwinjr the amazing thing is DJ seems to know Bird is gonna steal the ball and he cut through as soon as bird steals the ball. AMAZING.

[mrbriscoe2001]

Sorry to be sentimental-but Love that Bird-Johnson hug at the end...RIP,Denis;We miss youand the NBA was idiotic taking so long to get you into the Hall of Fame;;Best Defensive Guard of his generation-and a Great clutch playoff shooter.

[JustAintthatWay]

@mrbriscoe2001 echo your post word for word

to me this is the single greatest play in the history of sports - all sports

[hemet92544]

the block on bird driving to basket is RODMAN!

crazy boy he was, one of the only players ever to be able to contain Jordan.

BIRD is still the man.

[mrbriscoe2001]

Rodman was also one of the most effective defenders against Kevin McHale

[justinheat1]

how can that not be number 1?

[r1cw]

Were gonna win, we're gonna win, we're gonna win.... wft just happened?

[falconhead67]

love the commentary

[Simon957]

Rip DJ

[SinJackal]

This was a great play, but Bird stepped out of bounds. Pause at 0:30, it's pretty obvious.

[bhard87]

@SinJackal

Look again...Bird was on his toes. His heel never hit the line until after he passed the ball.

[SinJackal]

I'm talking about before he turns to pass the ball, his heel is down. . .look again.

[GiveADogABohnel5]

Agree with you bhard 87 it was closer than it looked though

I never noticed that...

[magarjugun]

He tiptoed. That is why there was no out of bounds call. Smart play.

[taliesen1953]

Ironic that DJ laid it in with Joe Dumars on him........greatest travesty in NBA history that Dumars is in the Hall of Fame and DJ is not.....Criminal !!!!!!

[ErniePaulGeorge]

@taliesen1953 Pistons are my first favorites, Celtics are my second team (based on their past teams, not present teams). As a fan of both teams and both players, I don't think Joe Dumars getting in ahead of DJ was criminal or a travesty at all, but I agree Dennis Johnson should be in the Hall as well.

[taliesen1953]

@ErniePaulGeorge ......sorry....strong words maybe, but it's moot now that DJ is in. the HOF......the travesty is that he didn't live to see it !

[ErniePaulGeorge]

@taliesen1953 That I agree with you, no question. My error was forgetting that DJ was in the Hall.

[ghetus]

Ya know, I really think that more of Bird's ability it was definitely Isiah Thomas's inability to inbound a ball. He never even took a glance at the court before he threw it in and that's something an 8-year old knows it's got to be done. For me Bird had better moments than this one, where he did not need someone to make a dumb ass mistake for his team to win.

[febreeze59]

Johnny Most sounds like a parrot

sucking on hot rivets.

[JsnDelgado1]

Bird is my favorite player because he understood the game better then anyone else. He wasn't the fastest, strongest, or most athletic... He was smart.

[HonoreT35]

Yes the commentators then really were awesome. I think that's because they actually loved the sport and had a good relationship with the players. Not like now. The commentators don't seem to enjoy the players or the game they are commentating on. Not completely their fault when you have players now who get paid BIG and play no defense. 250 pounders who whine for calls. Back then they had short shorts but they were MEN! That's why the fans loved them too.

[munkisbeprotis]

BIRD IS THE WORD

[westy44cal]

Legend. Other than MJ, Bird would be my pick as clutch big game performer.

[agirard77]

u stepped out of bounds with that comment

[timjumper7]

bird knew how to demoralize the other team

[untexan]

Check out Laimbeer at 0:24 - McHale accidentally bumps into him and I think Laimbeer's first instinct is to flop to the floor for a call. But he calls a timeout instead.

[eiroight]

he shouldve also said "BIRD STOLE THE BALL!!!|

[TheNAMTHEBEST]

this one is top 3

[tjackolantern]

imagine if dj had missed that...

[the1sin]

id be cracking up if he did

[jerjerjason]

not gonna lie the commentators voice is so fucking annoying

[thesportsdude09]

Fuck that. Today's commentators have no classic sound to them.

[mattyiceproductions]

gus johnson

[DASCO2136]

@thesportsdude09 would you believe me if i said that there is one commentator left in the whole NBA that has a classic sound bite to him?

[Maikinized]

@thesportsdude09 Yeah, the classic sound really is cool, haha!

[WhereTheCheeseAt]

@thesportsdude09

are u kidding me??

the commentator sounds like a frikkin nerd who can barely breathe to keep up with his words

[Mr420woo]

@WhereTheCheeseAt shut the fuck up. you're probably 12

[WhereTheCheeseAt]

@Mr420woo

what are you? 50? you grew up watching this shitty commentator? Im just saying nba commentators nowadays are much better the ones back then.

[Alazius]

@WhereTheCheeseAt

You realize this means you're defending Reggie Miller, Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy as analysts. That pretty much nullifies your argument from the word go.

[WhereTheCheeseAt]

@Alazius im talking about the commentators. coaches? players? i dont know what you're talking about..

honestly you think this commentator is more exciting and better than the ones today? seriously?

[Mr420woo]

@WhereTheCheeseAt reggie miller and jeff vangundy are also sports analysts retard

[WhereTheCheeseAt]

@Mr420woo

oh my god you are fucking retarded. You're missing my whole point. Im just saying todays commentators (whoever it may be, reggie miller steve kerr whoever the fuck it is) is much better than this person. get it????? or do you need me to explain that sentence??

[Mr420woo]

@WhereTheCheeseAt ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh now I get it. what about the jews and the holocaust? did that really happen?

[thesportsdude90]

@WhereTheCheeseAt This is a LEGENDARY call. You have no concept of history. Mark Jackson really? Marv Albert is the best in the biz now.

[Xx11256xX]

@WhereTheCheeseAt ur fucking retarded reggie miller, mark jackson and jeff van gundy and sports announcers and analysts don't talk out of your ass

[MrJDRecords]

@thesportsdude09

if u diss marv albert,your a fool dude

[beatz02]

@thesportsdude09 I disagree. Gus Johnson (especially his call of the UCLA/Gonzaga game, and Kimbo Slice vs. Seth Petruzelli fight) and Marv Albert both have classic diction,

[GSCommander]

@thesportsdude09 Why because the voice of the commentators of today don't sound like they are squeezing their nose when they talk.

[NBAdream2]

"OH MY THIS PLACE IS GOING CRAZY!" -classic...goosebumps.

[mster333]

Bird was his tippy-toes.  Never stepped out.

[HOPFreak]

What was it ranked, number 1?

[roofer10]

For those of you who have never been to the Old Gahden...It truely Rocked like no other. It was sooooo small and compact that you literally could not hear yourself scream when it got loud. I cant imagine how loud it was for this play. I had the best years of my life walking into that sweaty building watching the greatest Basketball and Hockey Players in the World. I wish I was there for this moment.

[stell29]

Rest in Peace DJ. One of the more underrated players in history

[ESome1980]

Yes..He should be in the HOF..

[ace11rothstein]

How is this not a top 3?

NBA...where denying greatness happens.

[TBlake34]

So because it's one spot lower on a list of 60, you think it's greatness was denied?

Interesting.

[ace11rothstein]

I would argue it's THE BEST but objectively, it's top 3 for sure considering the circumstances, the difficulty, and the players involved.

[Cavs4BigBen]

he steped out of bounds

[stell29]

Bird's instincts were incredible.

[thaingam]

post me sex movies

[K03E]

i wanna c a great moment in this years finals lakers vs magics

[redskins2k]

D FISH

[TheNAMTHEBEST]

i remember this nba greatest

[azbaldy5]

I am glad Bird stole that game and the CELTICS WON THE SERIES AND ISIAH AND RODMAN SHOT OFF THEIR MOUTHS AFTER GAME SEVEN.SERVES DETRIOTS ASSES RIGHT!!!

[mjajow]

bird stepped out...

[fourfootthug]

yeah, AFTER he made the pass to dennis johnson.

[nykballaz]

dang isiah thomas F YOur life lol

[tjordan90]

The Jordan play may be a better individual performance and it shows Jordan is the best player of all-time, but Bird-to-DJ is a better "moment." Think about the context and improbableness of this play and all the moving parts that were involved. As a fan, to travel the emotional rollercoaster from hope to heartbreak to confusion to surprise to euphoria in a matter of seconds is the reason why sports engenders so much passion and why so many of us feel goosebumps when we recall this moment.