Larry Bird ponders on the 1988 Three-Point Shootout had he missed the Moneyball: "I just knew I had to make shots"
Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird made his mark as one of the deadliest shooters in the NBA. He had a wide array of offensive tricks under his sleeve, although his three-point shooting stands out because he was one of the first players to fully utilize it to his advantage.
Ironically, Bird admits that when he entered the league in 1979, he was not known as an elite shooter. He had to work on his shooting, and it just so happened the same year the three-point line was introduced.
Mastering the three-point shot
As most know, Larry Legend's hard work paid off. He turned out to be one of the deadliest shooters of the game and put that in full display when he took part in the NBA Three-Point shootout from 1986 to 1988.
The 1980 Rookie of the Year reigned as the Three-Point contest for three consecutive years, fending off anyone who tried to outshoot. However, his last one was something to behold.
In the 1988 edition of the event, Bird needed to sink the last 'Moneyball' to retain his title against Dale Ellis, who was representing the Seattle Supersonics at the time.
The Hick from French Lick was a bit cocky at that time, confident he would successfully win his third-straight title. His last shot was memorable, not just because it went in, but because he put up his finger even before it hit its mark.
What if Bird missed the money ball?
However, Bird wondered what could have been had that last Moneyball not gone in. The Great White Hope also admitted that as the event was going on, he was unaware of his points and if he did just enough to win over Ellis.
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"I wonder if that thing popped out," the three-time NBA Most Valuable Player said as he was speaking to former Celtics teammate Kevin McHale on Brothers and Champions.
McHale reacted to what Bird was thinking, playfully gesturing how his hand would have pointed downward.
"I really didn't care what the score was. I just knew I had to make shots," the 12-time All-Star stated.
Bird's touch fades in 1990
After missing the 1989 edition due to an injury, Bird would join again in 1990. Unfortunately, he failed to pass the first round after finishing with just 12 points.
Instead, Craig Hodges of the Chicago Bulls won it all after surviving a shootout against Reggie Miller of the Indiana Pacers, per The Chicago Tribune.
Bird admits that it was disappointing to fall short of winning some additional cash, although he says he felt better compared to Miller.
"I had the opportunity to win $20,000, and I didn't. But I feel better than Reggie Miller because he had the chance to win $20,000 and blew it on his last shot," Bird said.
That would be the last time Bird would compete in the NBA Three-Point contest as injuries started to slow down the two-time NBA Finals MVP. He would officially retire on August 18, 1992.
