The 1985-86 NBA season was a pivotal one for the Boston Celtics, who captured their third championship in six years, bouncing back from a previous finals loss to the LA Lakers. For Larry Bird, who was the reigning two-time MVP, the season started with significant challenges. Bird, standing 6’8″, grappled with back issues that affected his performance, leading to a notable dip in his efficiency and scoring.
During the first quarter of the season, Bird’s struggles were evident, even though the Celtics managed an impressive 20 wins out of their first 25 games. His scoring average fell to 23.2 points per game, a substantial drop of 5.5 points from the previous season, and his field goal percentage decreased from 52.2% to 44.9%. Bird openly acknowledged his difficulties, admitting that he lacked some of the natural abilities of his peers but emphasized his relentless effort to regain his form.
After the All-Star break, Bird’s performance significantly improved, reaffirming his status as the league’s premier player. He averaged 27.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 7.4 assists, with his field goal percentage soaring from 46.4% to 53.7% and an offensive rating of 124 during this period. In the playoffs, despite severe back pain, Bird played an average of 42.8 minutes per game, leading the Celtics with 25.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. His efforts earned him a third consecutive MVP award and his second Finals MVP in three years. Bird’s ability to confront and overcome his struggles solidified his reputation as the best player in the league.
