Larry Bird 1991 Playoffs: Gm 5 vs. Pacers, 32/9/7

Boston Garden. May 5, 1991

`I can't leave those guys out there all by themselves'

Injury-wracked, he was already deep into the autumn of his career. He had hit Indiana with a triple-double in Game 1 before checking into New England Baptist Hospital to go into traction for his aching back. And now, with 4:23 remaining in the second quarter of a deciding Game 5, he had stumbled going after a loose ball and had smacked his head against the hallowed parquet. "He's coming back in the second half, and they'll go crazy," Indiana coach Bob Hill warned his team. Right he was. Bird jogged through the runway, they indeed went crazy, and Bird took over the game, throwing in jumpers and post-ups while starting three fast breaks with rebounds and outlets. He finished with 30 points while shooting 12 for 14 on twos, and for sheer drama it was, and is, untoppable. "All I know is that they'll be talking about him for a hundred years," sighed Hill.

Larry: "When I hit the floor, I thought I broke my jaw, because I couldn't move my mouth. I was in a lot of pain, but I could hear the crowd out there and I thought, `I can't leave those guys out there all by themselves.' "

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[FavreianVengeance]

This game brings a tear to the eye. This game is a chick flick for guys lol.

[mrho4speed]

@BigTimePride Well said indeed! Nobody before or after Bird has displayed his skill set. Look at what he could do - amazing shooter, not just long range and free throw but could also shoot with either hand, use his body as a shield to draw fouls = great post up player. Rebounding machine, determined to box out and read how ball will come off rim. Passing wizzard with superb court vision-thread the needle passes thru traffic + players legs! True leader, clutch and motivated team. Best ever !!

[jvelez1998]

One of my favorite NBA moment of all time... 'and hear comes Larry Bird"... stuff of legend.

[fr6313]

I grew up watching Bird and even though these are replays I am still as amazed as when I saw them the first time. Can you imagine how good Bird and the Celtics would have been had htey not lost Len Bias?

[hazmatone1]

@BigTimePride I agree, if Bird had Worthy and Jabbar on the front line...that would have been scary.

[MerkinMuffly]

If he played in a wheel chair, I think he would have at least got to double figures.

[fazman52]

there certainly arnt players like this around these days, what an unbelievable player he was .... any player these days would have stayed in the locker room with this sort of pain.

[stewiedog01]

I wasn't a Celtic fan back then but Bird was sure fun to watch. Great player!!

[Travon860]

-Larry bird,Micheal jordan,Migic Johnson, My 3 favv old timers.*

[pretorious700]

Rule #1-Don't piss Larry off.

[legendarygospel]

wow the shot at 8:03