Larry Bird withstood a nagging back problem as much as he could to help the Cs win games in 1992.
It would take a lot to keep a bonafide NBA legend like Larry Bird from having a good game. Once he is fielded in, he needs a couple of bumps and plays, and Larry Legend will get in the flow.
In 1992, there were questions on whether Larry Legend could still produce his usual numbers. He was coming from a two-month layoff due to an inflamed nerve in his back. He showed little to no signs of rust in his return in March 1992, starring for the Boston Celtics, who brought down the Dallas Mavericks 101-91. It was Bird’s first time to take the court again after his last game on December 30, 1991.
No rust at all
In that win, the three-time NBA champion finished with a game-high 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists in 34 minutes of play. Bird admitted that he was hardly worried about the long layoff and was just bent on springing back to action.
“Once I got going and got into the flow, I felt that I hadn’t even been out. I felt I could go up and down the court with the guys. I was bumping and banging and got some rebounds and from then on I thought I could do just about anything,” Bird said after the win via the New York Times.
Celtics coach Chris Ford credited Bird for leading the team against the Mavs. He pointed out how “The Hick from French Lick” led the way for the Cs in the first half and factored in heavily in the second half.
“He carried us in the first half, and then he helped us win it in the second,” Ford said.
Bird played 49 games in the 1991-92 season. Despite that back issue, the 12-time All-Star showed he could still produce numbers to help Boston win. He averaged 20.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in the 45 regular-season games.
However, his production dipped in the playoffs, averaging only 11.3 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.5 rebounds. Because of his lower production, the Celtics reached the EC quarterfinals, getting eliminated by the Cavaliers in seven games.
Passing up big money
Although he remained effective, Bird could only do so much as far as playing. Despite potentially earning big money had he played on, the three-time NBA MVP called it quits in August 1992.
That month was pivotal for Bird and the Celtics. Had Larry not retired before August 15, he would have had an automatic renewal and be paid $4.5 annually. He informed the Celtics of his decision to retire on August 12. The official announcement of his retirement was made on August 18, 1992.
Bird wrapped up a stellar NBA career, that included three NBA titles and three MVP trophies. His basketball resume says it all, which is why Larry deserved his spot in the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary teams.
