You Tube Gold: Bird’s 1987 Steal Against The Pistons Dissected

Larry Bird wrote his legend all over the NBA book but in terms of clutch plays - of which there were many - the greatest one came against the Detroit Pistons in 1987.

Isaiah Thomas was going to inbound the ball to the most hated man in the NBA, Bill Laimbeer, when Bird stepped in front of Laimbeer, swiped the ball, then swayed on the baseline waiting for Dennis Johnson to cut to the basket.

Which he did of course, giving Boston a remarkable win in the game and series.

Years later, Thomas talked about it and illustrated the play and how Bird reacted after it was over. It’s a pretty great story.

Also, here’s an extended examination of the play.