Former Boston Celtics forward Dominique Wilkins recently appeared on the nationally syndicated Dan Patrick show, a popular staple of sports talk radio, and related his two favorite trash talkers during his time in the game.
One of the duo was fellow Celtics alumnus Larry Bird, who ‘Nique held in high regard for his ability to get under his opponents’ skin, even Wilkins’.
The nine-time All-Star recalled how the pair first met when Wilkins was a rookie, stating, “Larry was an unbelievable competitor.”
“The first time I played him in the Boston Garden, I go to shake his hand, and he puts his hands behind his back. I’m like, ‘Oh, OK?'”
Thinking maybe Bird was trying to get into a game mindset, Wilkins paid it no mind. He continued, “The first play of the game, he says, ‘You don’t even belong in this league,’ and he hits a three. He did it again on the second time down.”
Angry at the taunt, Wilkins started to attack.
“I jump and he jumps. I got him, and I dunked it on him. I’m talking at him. I’m talking crap. He said, ‘I like you, you’ve got heart.’ Except he didn’t say heart.”
“[Then he said], ‘I’m still getting 40 on you tonight’.”
That exchange summed up Larry Bird’s competitive nature and in-game approach that made him such a consistent threat. He was able to size up an opponent and pick at their weak spots both in their game and in their head in ways which infuriated many into making costly mistakes.
While the pair would share time as Celtics in their Hall of Fame careers, they were always on opposing teams while in the league. And hearing tidbits like this from their time in the league is a treat for those of us old enough to remember watching the pair face off on the court.
As well as a potential tool for the next generation to try sharpening.
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