The NBA Wanted to BAN Larry Bird’s Defense — Bob Ryan’s Untold Story

Was Larry Bird actually one of the most underrated defenders in NBA history? Hall of Fame writer Bob Ryan reveals why the NBA nearly legislated against Bird’s off-ball defense — and breaks down the two games that prove it.
Everyone remembers Larry Bird’s offense, but Bob Ryan makes the case that Bird was a three-time All-Defensive Second Team player (’82, ’83, ‘84) who clamped down when it mattered most. From Game 6 of the 1986 NBA Finals to the legendary February 11, 1981 night he told an injured Magic Johnson to “sit back and enjoy the show,” this is the Larry Bird defensive story that doesn’t get told.

Chapters
0:00 – Intro
0:24 – Sponsor
0:48 – Were the analytics right about Bird’s defense?
1:03 – Bob Ryan on Bird being All-Defense 3 straight years
1:46 – The NBA meeting: why they wanted to “legislate against” Bird
2:29 – Bird the situational defender: baiting and clamping down late
3:19 – Game 6, 1986: Bird’s greatest all-around game
4:32 – The famous steal on Isiah (and DJ’s cut)
5:08 – Feb 11, 1981: “Sit back and enjoy the show” vs. the Lakers
6:41 – Sponsor

Bob Ryan and Jeff Goodman bring 70+ years of combined basketball coverage to every episode. New episodes weekly on the CLNS Media network.
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