Larry Bird Set Career NBA 3-Point Record With Would Be Standard In A Season Today
Boston Celtics great Larry Bird once broke an NBA record that would be less than standard today.
On March 18, 1986, Bird became the all-time leader in 3-pointers made with … 247. To put that in perspective, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry has made this season with 293.
The legendary Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics famously broke an NBA record that isn’t exactly considered normal today.
It just shows how much the league has changed since. The 3-point shot was introduced during the 1979-80 season, so it was relatively new when Bird broke the record.
Surely, he would have had plenty more had he played in today’s game. The 3-point shot is arguably the most important aspect now.
With 247 3-pointers made on March 18, 1986, Bird took the record for most 3-pointers made ever. To put that into context, guard Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors has made 293 this season.
Three-point arc or not, Bird remains one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. He showed his long-range game during the 3-point contest at All-Star Weekend for years.
It would have been interesting to see how Bird would have stacked up against the likes of Ray Allen, Curry and the Miami Heat’s Duncan Robinson. You can bet Bird would have had held his own in this era.
Some are unsure if his athleticism would have translated but shooting would not have been an issue. Shooters can play in any era.
That’s all it was needed to motivate Bird, who took exception to the comment. According to Mashburn, Bird called out his shots each time he was defended by Rodgers.
He then had a special message for Rodgers after embarrassing the college stars.
“One dribble pull-up, going left off glass,” Mashburn said. “One dribble, going right. Spin. Shot. Bucket.” Mashburn said mimicking Bird. “He scored nine times or eight times in a row. Left the court to go lay down because he couldn’t sit on a bench. He had to lay down because of his back and said ‘Young fella, look like ‘84 huh?’”
