When Larry Bird is born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs / Indiana, nobody still knows who saw exactly the light of the world. The Trash Talker, the sniper, the eternal opponent of Magic Johnson: So it brings Bird later to world-famous. For the NBA, which wraps around its acceptance in the 1970s, the rise of The Bird also means the rescue of its own product.

It is already announced in college. In 1979, Bird (Indiana State) and Johnson (Michigan State) facing the Finale for the University Championship — Michigan wins, but everyone recognizes what is expected in the NBA soon. In the right, Bird is driven by the Boston Celtics, and Johnson goes to the Los Angeles Lakers. Perfect conditions for glorious years. The rivalry of the two determines the 80s.

He played basketball like chess

About Bird, Johnson always expresses himself in awe. He was a basketball genius, he says, He was always one step ahead of you, one thought faster. He played basketball like chess. The duels with him Johnson always strokes in the calendar — for him there is only bird. Between 1984 and 1987 both fight in three out of four NBA finals around the title. Once Bird (1984) wins, twice Johnson (1985, 1987).

Magic Johnson arranges his duels with bird before the clash with the best of all basketballs. I’d rather defend Michael Jordan as Larry Bird, because you had to become a thinker against him, he says, Larry was not fast, could barely jump, but he could prepare you sleepless nights. Of course because of his God-given qualities on the ball, but also because he could get into the head of the opponent.

After every hit he saw me in the eye

Even if those did not stand on the parquet. Once Johnson did not violate the big showdown, Bird made fun of it. Before the game he came to me and said, ‘I’m sorry you can not play today. But do you know what? Since you are already here, I will offer you a show. Leon back and see you, Tells Johnson: After every hit he saw me in my eyes.

After three MVP awards and three championships with Celtics (1981, 1984, 1986), Olympia in Barcelona follows the last hurray. The Dream Team. Of course with Jordan, but also with permanent rivals Johnson. Probably the most legendary basketball team of history is all the other ridiculous superior and fetches completely carefully the gold medal. After that, for birds is a conclusion. At the age of 35, he finished his career in August 1992.