In the 1985-86 NBA season, the Boston Celtics, led by Larry Bird, enjoyed a remarkable run, winning 67 games and clinching their second championship in three years. A significant contributor to this success was Bill Walton, who joined the team in a trade involving Cedric Maxwell. Walton, often plagued by injuries throughout his career, provided crucial support off the bench, helping to keep key players like Robert Parish and Kevin McHale fresh.
Despite Walton’s positive impact, tensions occasionally flared. Bird once recounted being particularly irked by Walton and McHale before a game against the Dallas Mavericks. Reflecting on the incident in a 2020 video commemorating the Celtics’ championship season, Bird said, “I was very upset, and I went out and told them, ‘I don’t need you guys, I’ll win it by myself.’” Bird delivered an extraordinary performance, scoring 50 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and shooting 18-for-33 from the floor and 10-for-11 from the free-throw line. However, despite Bird’s efforts, the Celtics narrowly lost the game 116-115.
Walton’s contribution to the team went beyond his on-court stats, which included averages of 7.6 points and 6.8 rebounds in 19.3 minutes per game. His presence allowed Bird, Parish, and McHale to maintain peak performance throughout the season. Walton’s ability to mesh with the Celtics’ style of play was instrumental in their success, even if his antics occasionally tested Bird’s patience.
The mutual respect between Walton and Bird was undeniable. Walton, who passed away on May 27, 2024, often praised Bird as the best player he ever played with. In a 2020 interview with Brian Scalabrine of NBC Sports Boston, Walton lauded Bird’s all-around game, particularly during the 1986 NBA Finals against the Houston Rockets’ formidable duo of Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson. “Larry Bird, the greatest player I ever played with, by far,” Walton remarked.
Bird also held Walton in high regard, both as a player and as a friend. Following Walton’s passing, Bird expressed his sorrow and gratitude in a heartfelt statement. “I am very sorry about my good friend, Bill Walton. I love him as a friend and teammate… It was a thrill for me to play with my childhood idol and together we earned an NBA Championship in 1986. He is one of the greatest ever to play the game.”
Their partnership, marked by mutual respect and shared triumphs, underscored the unique chemistry that powered the Celtics to greatness during that legendary season. Bird’s tribute to Walton highlighted not just their on-court achievements, but also the deep personal connection they shared, which left a lasting legacy in the world of basketball.
