Larry Bird Ripped Bill Walton Before an 86′ Celtics Game, Could this Be the Reason For His Motivation?

Larry Bird Ripped Bill Walton Before an ’86 Celtics Game and Used it as Motivation

The 1985-86 season was a remarkable one for the Boston Celtics, led by the legendary Larry Bird. The team won 67 games and secured their second championship in three years. A significant factor in their success was the addition of Bill Walton, acquired in a trade involving Cedric Maxwell. Walton, a former MVP and NBA champion, played a crucial role off the bench, averaging 7.6 points and 6.8 rebounds in 19.3 minutes per game.

Despite their on-court success, tensions arose between Bird and Walton before a game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 10, 1986. According to Bird, he was upset with Walton and Kevin McHale for “messing around” before the game. Bird recalled, “I was very upset, and I went out and told them, ‘I don’t need you guys, I’ll win it by myself.'”

Bird’s frustration fueled his performance that night, as he scored 50 points, making 18 of 33 shots from the floor and 10 of 11 free throws. He also grabbed 11 rebounds, but the Celtics lost their second straight game, 116-115.

Walton’s respect for Bird was evident, even in the face of criticism. Walton often praised Bird, calling him the best player he ever played with. In a 2020 interview, Walton said, “Larry Bird, the greatest player I ever played with, by far. He got every rebound. He made every steal. He made every pass. He just literally did everything and made the rest of the world seem inconsequential.”

Bird and Walton’s relationship was built on mutual respect, despite their occasional disagreements. After Walton’s passing on May 27, 2024, Bird issued a heartfelt statement, saying, “I am very sorry about my good friend, Bill Walton. I love him as a friend and teammate… He was one of the greatest ever to play the game.”

The 1986 Celtics team was special, with a unique blend of talent and chemistry. Walton’s arrival brought a new dynamic to the team, and his contributions were instrumental in their championship success. Bird’s outburst before the Mavericks game may have been a moment of frustration, but it also served as motivation for both players to push themselves to new heights.

In the end, the Celtics’ 1986 championship was a testament to the team’s strength and resilience. Bird and Walton’s relationship, though not without its moments of tension, was a key factor in their success. As Bird reflected on their time together, he acknowledged the significance of their partnership, saying, “It was a thrill for me to play with my childhood idol and together we earned an NBA Championship in 1986.”