On this day forty years ago, Boston Celtics star Larry Bird played in one of the finest games of his career, a matchup with the Atlanta Hawks and Dominique Wilkins.
At Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, the Celtics and Hawks met for a regular season game on March 12, 1985.
Unlike anything the sport has ever seen before, Bird put on a shooting exhibition. In the 126-115 triumph for the Celtics, he set a new career best with 60 points on 22-of-36 shooting. Bird made 15 of his 16 free throw attempts, but he only managed to score one 3-pointer.
In the second half, Bird hit an unbelievable baseline jumper over a Hawks player that even the Atlanta bench players couldn’t believe. It was the most memorable shot of the game. With time running out, Bird made his last shot of the game, which put him up 60 points. It didn’t take long for his teammates to rush over and offer their support.
With 60 points, Bird broke the previous single-game scoring record for the Celtics. Although Bird’s record remains intact, it is currently shared by Jayson Tatum, who scored 60 points in a game against the San Antonio Spurs on April 30, 2021.
Just nine days before Bird reached 60, Kevin McHale had set the previous record with 56 points in a game against the Detroit Pistons.
1. Who did Larry Bird score 60 points against?
A: Atlanta Hawks (March 12, 1985). Bird’s career-high 60-point game included 21-for-36 shooting and 17 rebounds.
2. How many 60-point games does Larry Bird have?
A: One. His 60-point game vs. the Hawks remains his only 60+ performance.
3. What did Michael Jordan think of Larry Bird?
A: High praise. MJ called Bird “the best all-around player I’ve ever seen” and admired his competitiveness and basketball IQ.
4. What record did Larry Bird break?
A: First to win 3 straight NBA MVPs (1984–86). Only Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and, later, Giannis Antetokounmpo matched this feat.
5. Is Larry Bird a top 5 player of all time?
A: Debatable, but often ranked 6th–10th. Bird is widely considered a top-10 player for his 3x MVPs, 3x titles, and legendary IQ. The top 5 typically includes MJ, LeBron, Kareem, Magic, and Russell.
6. Who scored 86 points in a game?
A: Wilt Chamberlain (March 2, 1962) for the Philadelphia Warriors vs. Knicks – part of his 100-point game season.
7. What did Shaq say about Larry Bird?
A: “Larry Legend could play in ANY era.” Shaq praised Bird’s shooting, trash talk, and clutch gene, calling him “a cold-blooded winner.”
8. What was Larry Bird’s weakness?
A: Athleticism. Bird lacked elite speed/leaping ability but compensated with IQ, fundamentals, and a relentless work ethic. Defense vs. quicker wings was also a critique.