After falling just short in the 2022-2023 season with an Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Miami Heat, the Boston Celtics, led by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jayson-tatum">Jayson Tatum</a>, redeemed themselves in the following season, capturing the championship against the Dallas Mavericks.



Following the team’s remarkable title run, Tatum has cemented his place in the conversation of all-time great Celtics, standing alongside legends like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/larry-bird">Larry Bird</a>, among others.



In a recent interview with NBC Sports Boston, Tatum shared that Bird is his inspiration in his pursuit of continued success on the court. “The thing that fuels me is like Larry Bird’s the best player ever to wear a Celtic uniform,” Tatum said.



“And, you know, that’s the guy that… whether it’s averaging 30 that one season or scoring 60 points in a game—tying his record—just being in the same conversation with him in terms of records and achievements is what pushes me,” Tatum continued. “You should always strive to be the best. He’s the greatest Celtic of all time. Even if I fall a little short of that, you still had a hell of a career.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="712" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240928_BUS_241819_GettyImages-2158156256-1024x712_fd2fb51d.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=712" alt="" class="wp-image-241825" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/GettyImages-2158156256-1024x712.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/GettyImages-2158156256-300x209.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/GettyImages-2158156256-768x534.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/GettyImages-2158156256-1536x1069.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/09/GettyImages-2158156256-2048x1425.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrate with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. Elsa/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Tatum claims he knew when Boston would win the title</h2>



In an interview with The Boston Globe, Tatum reflected on the moment he felt the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-celtics">Celtics</a> were destined to win the title. “People always ask me, ‘When did you guys know you were going to win a championship?’” Tatum shared. “When Minnesota beat Denver, that’s when I knew. I felt like Denver was the only team that really matched up well against us. I thought we were going to face them in the Finals, and it was going to be a battle.”


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Tatum added, “Winning a championship is incredibly tough. I’m really proud of what we accomplished. Coming into the next season, we can’t just say we’ll do it again—that would be naive. So much has to go right. Our mindset isn’t ‘let’s win the championship again.’ It’s ‘let’s start from scratch, improve every day, and not skip any steps.’”



<h2>Tatum on Jaylen Brown’s NBA Finals MVP</h2>



When the Celtics won the championship against the Mavericks, many expected Tatum to take home the Finals MVP award. However, the honor went to his teammate, Jaylen Brown.



Tatum has been nothing but supportive of Brown’s MVP recognition. Despite missing out on the award himself, Tatum praised Brown for his critical role in securing the title.


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Via Jared Greenberg (per ClutchPoints on X, formerly Twitter), Tatum said, “It just wasn’t my time… Steph Curry has four rings but only one Finals MVP. Isiah Thomas, Larry Bird didn’t win Finals MVP every time either… I was genuinely happy for [Jaylen Brown]… I know my time will come, and I’ll win a Finals MVP one day.”

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NBA News: Jayson Tatum reveals which former Celtics champion is his source of motivation to success - Bolavip US

miniaturas

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jayson-tatum">Jayson Tatum</a> was very close to an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA </a>Championship last season (2022-2023), but things did not go the way he and the Celtics expected. But life goes on and in the current 2023-2024 season Jayson is breaking records to put himself on par with big franchise names like Larry Bird.



In his first three seasons with the Celtics, Tatum has averaged 17.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.23 assists per game. He has been named to the All-NBA Third Team once and has been selected to the All-Star Game four times. Tatum has also led the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-celtics">Celtics </a>to the playoffs in each of his six seasons.



Tatum is already a different man, in the three most recent seasons (2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023), he has been averaging 27.8 points, 4.43 assists per game and 8.06 rebounds per game.



<h2>Tatum’s record that puts him behind Larry Bird</h2>



According to NBA History (@nbahistory), Jayson Tatum recently passed Tom Heinsohn as the second Celtics player in franchise history with the most games with 40+ points and 10+ rebounds. Tatum has a total of 8 games with that combination and now he is behind Larry Bird who has 29 games.



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Jayson Tatum has passed Tom Heinsohn for the 2nd most games in Celtics franchise history with 40+ points and 10+ rebounds: Larry Bird (29) Jayson Tatum (8) Tom Heinsohn (7) <a href="https://t.co/7SUbCAOw3b">https://t.co/7SUbCAOw3b</a>— NBA History (@NBAHistory) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAHistory/status/1726804449367363937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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In the 2022-23 season, Tatum averaged 30.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. He was named to the NBA All-Star Game MVP and was selected to the All-Star Game for the fourth time. Tatum also led the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they lost to the Miami Heat in seven games.



Bird’s impact on the Celtics was immeasurable. He helped to revive the franchise and led them to three NBA championships. He was also a great role model for young players, and he helped to make the Celtics one of the most popular teams in the NBA.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="572" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231121_BUS_86853_Boston-Celtics_-Larry-Bird-1024x572.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=572" alt="" class="wp-image-26958" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/Boston-Celtics_-Larry-Bird-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/Boston-Celtics_-Larry-Bird-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/Boston-Celtics_-Larry-Bird-768x429.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/Boston-Celtics_-Larry-Bird.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Larry Bird during his golden years playing for the Boston Celtics where he won 3 NBA Championships and was named 2-time Finals MVP</figcaption></figure>



Bird retired from the NBA in 1992 due to back injuries. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998. Bird is one of the most popular and beloved players in NBA history. He was a great player and a great ambassador for the game. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest Celtics of all time.



<h2>Does Larry Bird have a son playing in the NBA?</h2>



No, Larry Bird does not have a son playing in the NBA. He has three children: Mariah Bird, Connor Bird, and Corrie Bird. Mariah and Connor are both adopted, and Corrie is the only biological child. Connor Bird is not currently playing in the NBA.



<h2>Will Jayson Tatum ever win an NBA title with the Celtics?</h2>



While it is impossible to predict the future with certainty, there are several factors that suggest that Jayson Tatum has a strong chance of winning an NBA title with the Celtics. Tatum is a generational talent who is already one of the best players in the NBA. He is a skilled scorer, rebounder, and passer, and he has the potential to be one of the greatest players of all time.


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NBA: Jayson Tatum is now behind Larry Bird in a franchise record

NBA: Jayson Tatum is now behind Larry Bird in a franchise record - Bolavip US

Dennis Rodman has every right in the world as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-nuggets-set-to-give-nikola-jokic-extra-help-by-re-acquiring-a-first-round-pick-20230622-BUS-15487.html">NBA Champions</a> to say what he wants against any other retired player like Larry Bird but sometimes his words are a little harsher than normal.



This time Rodman’s victim was Larry Bird, but it is not the first time that he has spoken harsh words against an NBA star since other players like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lakers-gm-rob-pelinka-shares-free-agency-plans-for-lebron-james-team-20230628-BUS-19058.html">LeBron James</a> were also victims of his criticism.


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Larry Bird was a Boston Celtics’ legend, he played for them from 1979 to 1992, after his retirement he was the head coach of the Indiana Pacers from 1997 to 2000 and since then he was part of the franchise, Indiana, in different positions until 2022.



<h2>What did Dennis Rodman say about Larry Bird?</h2>



Dennis Rodman, 5-time NBA Champion, 2-time NBA All-Star, said that Larry Bird would not be able to play in modern times, referring to the 21st century, according to Rodman in an interview for Vlad TV published on YouTube, he pointed out that Larry Bird today was playing in Europe and not in the NBA: “If Larry Bird played in this era he’d be in Europe, Jokic is way better.”



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De-8YBMu3X8"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="643" height="362" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20230628_BUS_19230_rodman-video.webp&amp;width=643&amp;height=362" alt="" class="wp-image-19240" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/rodman-video.jpg 643w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/rodman-video-300x169.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 643px) 100vw, 643px"></figure></div></a><figcaption>click the image to play the video</figcaption></figure></div>



It doesn’t make much sense for Rodman to make a comparison between <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-nuggets-set-to-give-nikola-jokic-extra-help-by-re-acquiring-a-first-round-pick-20230622-BUS-15487.html">Nikola Jokic</a> and Larry Bird since the Nuggets’ star plays center while Larry Bird played small forward and power forward at his time.

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Video: Dennis Rodman merciless words against Larry Bird - Bolavip US

Video: Dennis Rodman merciless words against Larry Bird

The debate over whether past players could thrive in today’s era is something that usually sparks heated arguments among fans. However, this time it was a Hall of Famer like Dennis Rodman who entered the discussion with a particular phrase regarding an all-time great like Larry Bird.



Basketball, like many other sports, has undergone significant changes over the years. The style of the game was completely different when Bird was dominating the league with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-celtics">Boston Celtics</a>’ elite rosters.


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It’s also very different from the 1990s when Rodman was a force in the league mainly with his defensive presence. He won three titles with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a>-led <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-bulls">Chicago Bulls</a> and two more with the Detroit Pistons, but his opinion was still a bit too harsh for some people.



<h2>Dennis Rodman says Larry Bird would be playing overseas in today’s basketball</h2>



Athleticism is something that every team looks for in the current era of the league. However, there are players who are highly productive despite not having that quality. Someone that Rodman mentioned in his description of Bird was <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nikola-jokic">Nikola Jokic</a> of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/denver-nuggets">Nuggets</a>. Here’s what he said in an interview with VladTV.



“If Larry Bird played in this era I think he’d be in Europe. So, I’m just letting you know, man. I’m just saying, he would be somewhere over there. His game was fit for Boston at that time in the 80s and stuff like that. In today’s world, oh hell nah. There’s no way. I’m not downplaying him cause he’s a great player, at that time, just like I was. But I’m saying nah, there’s no way. No way”, Rodman said.



The former player then used Jokic to make a comparison: “I think the kid from Denver is way better than him. He’s slow as hell, but that guy has a game. He’s better than Larry Bird. Compare him to Larry Bird, I think people would pick him”.

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Dennis Rodman takes huge shot at Celtics legend Larry Bird - Bolavip US

Dennis Rodman takes huge shot at Celtics legend Larry Bird

Long before <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-John-Salley-explains-why-Michael-Jordan-will-always-be-the-GOAT-20221227-0017.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Jordan</a> took over, the NBA was a two-team league. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/magic-johnson-reveals-one-big-regret-on-his-pitch-to-get-lebron-james-sign-for-lakers-20221028-0063.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Magic Johnson</a> and the Showtime Los Angeles Lakers ruled the West, while <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/15-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-dream-team-nba-20200923-0015.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Larry Bird</a> and the Boston Celtics did their thing in the East.
The Bird-Magic was one of the greatest rivalries in sportshistory, but they actually had a pretty good relationship off the court. So, once Jordan came by, they kind of passed him the torch.
But it wasn’t always easy for the Black Cat. In fact, he recently admitted that his multiple endorsement deals created a bit of a rift in his relationship with Bird <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/NBA-News-Magic-Johnson-explains-how-he-convinced-LeBron-James-to-join-the-Lakers-20230106-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">and Magic</a>, as he became the sportsindustry’s all-time greatest sensation all of a sudden.
<h2>NBA News: Magic Johnson And Larry Bird Were Jealous Of Michael Jordan’s Endorsement Deals</h2>
(Transcript via Cigar Aficionado)
“When I came into the pros, I never knew anything about the business aspect outside of basketball. All I focused on was basketball. The beauty was what my agents, David Falk and Donald Dell, did back in the Bulls days. 
They took what I did on the basketball court and attached a marketing value to it, and connected me to companies that had the same values that I had from the basketball standpoint. Coca-Cola, Gatorade, Hanes, Sara Lee. Those type of things. They built a connection from a puzzle that they pieced together because of what I portrayed on the basketball court.
I didn’t go into the NBA thinking, “OK, now I’m going to capitalize on all these marketing dollars.” It just happened. If you asked my agents how they created this mixture, they couldn’t tell you. It was just one of those things. We entered the league in an era when the marketing of athletes became prevalent. It became one of the biggest things. 
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson should have been there first. Their reputations should have given them opportunity. But they didn’t foresee it and they didn’t capitalize on it. Initially, I think it became a sticking point in our relationships, because I was getting things that from a success standpoint they were entitled to or should have at least had the opportunity to obtain. But the timing was perfect for me.”
 
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Jordan made the game global and drew most attention than any athleteever, so it’s normal to think that the older guys weren’t exactly thrilled about that idea at first. But hey, it’s Michael Jordan we’re talking about here.

NBA News: Michael Jordan said Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were jealous of him

NBA News: Michael Jordan said Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were jealous of him - Bolavip US

This year’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/shaq-and-dwyane-wade-explain-why-nikola-jokic-is-the-mvp-20220408-0010.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA MVP</a> race was one for the ages. For the first time in years, there were at least 4 legit candidates who made a strong case to win the award. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/sixers-news-joel-embiid-suggests-why-james-harden-hasnt-won-an-nba-ring-20220415-0021.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Joel Embiid</a>, Devin Booker, and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/giannis-antetokounmpos-profile-age-weight-height-show-size-and-jersey-number-20220418-0028.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> would’ve run away with the price 9 years out of 10.
In the end, however, it was Nikola Jokic the one who stood tall among the rest. Not only did he improve his metrics from his first MVP season but he also single-handedly led the Denver Nuggets to the playoffs.
And while the outcome of the season was far from what he expected, he still got the praise and recognition he deserved. Moreover, he joined an exclusive club featuring the likes of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/sports/tom-brady-michael-jordan-and-david-beckham-support-lewis-hamilton-at-the-miami-grand-prix-2022-20220508-0011.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Jordan</a>, LeBron James, and not many more; becoming a back-to-back MVP winner.
<h2>NBA MVP: All Players Who Won Consecutive NBA MVPs</h2>
+ Bill Russell: 1960-61, 1961-62, 1962-63 + Wilt Chamberlain: 1965-66, 1966-67, 1967-68 + Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 1975-76, 1976-77 + Moses Malone: 1981-82, 1982-83 + Larry Bird: 1983-84, 1984-85, 1985-86 + Magic Johnson: 1988-89, 1989-90 + Michael Jordan: 1990-91, 1991-92 + Tim Duncan: 2001-02, 2002-03 + Steve Nash: 2004-05, 2005-06 + LeBron James: 2008-09, 2009-10 / 2011-12, 2012-13 + Stephen Curry: 2014-15, 2015-16 + Giannis Antetokounmpo: 2018-19, 2019-20 + Nikola Jokic: 2020-21, 2021-22
Jokic led the league in nearly every single advanced stat. Also, the fact that his two co-stars missed most of the season (or all of it) due to injury and he still led the Nuggets to the playoffs spoke volumes of his impact on the court.
As you can tell, the only two players whonever won a championship on this list are Steve Nash and Jokic. Fortunately for him, he still has plenty left in the tank to change that and add an even bigger accolade to his already impressive résumé.

Nikola Jokic, Steph Curry, and all back-to-back NBA MVP winners

Nikola Jokic, Steph Curry, and all back-to-back NBA MVP winners - Bolavip US

Long before <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-explains-how-to-fix-the-los-angeles-lakers-20220317-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeBron James</a> came up, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/15-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-dream-team-nba-20200923-0015.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Larry Bird</a> was considered by most as the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-best-small-forwards-of-all-time-20210207-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">greatest small forward in NBA history.</a> His rare combination of shooting, footwork, playmaking, and defense made him a treat to watch.
And, while some still may argue that Bird’s unique skill set, trash-talking, and impact on the game make him the best in that position, the consensus is that James has now taken that distinction away from him.
Notably, even the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/paul-pierce-he-hated-the-boston-celtics-20210430-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boston Celtics legend</a> may feel that way. Apparently, he never wanted to trade for any of LeBron’s teammates as he always thought it was The King who made them look good on the court.
<h2>NBA News: Larry Bird Refused To Trade For LeBron James’ Teammates</h2>
“[Former Pacers’ GM David] Morway was trying to get me to trade for them [J.J. Hickson and a selection of other teammates of James], but I ain’t takin’ any of them f**king guys up there,” Bird said, per Ian Thomsen’s book, The Soul of Basketball. “I said ‘you don’t understand son. Them guys playing with LeBron James look a whole lot better than what they really are.’”
<h2>Bird Has Always Been A Fan Of LeBron</h2>
Moreover, Thomsen claims that Bird was a huge admirer of LeBron’s game. Per the book, Larry Legend was often in awe when watching James take the floor, even when people ripped him for not winning an NBA championship:
(Transcript via The Soul of Basketball)
“So Larry Bird, the greatest small forward before LeBron – a legend – he’s like one of those T.V. cameras watching Bill Belichick on the sideline the whole time or something. He’s watching LeBron. He’s fascinated by this guy.
That was a revelation to me. Because the world is looking at LeBron like he’s a failure at that time. He hasn’t won. He’s underachieved. And Larry isn’t buying any of it. He sees what LeBron is, and what he can be.”
Now, James has climbed all the way to the second spot in the all-time scorers’ list and has piled up nearly every single accolade an NBA player could achieve. Clearly, Bird’s eye for talent didn’t fail.

NBA Rumors: This is why Larry Bird never traded for LeBron James' teammates

NBA Rumors: This is why Larry Bird never traded for LeBron James' teammates - Bolavip US

Larry Bird, Damian Lillard, <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/michael-jordan-t85627" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Jordan</a>,<a href="https://us.bolavip.com/kobe-bryant-t127173" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Kobe Bryant</a>, <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/lebron-james-t92259" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeBron James.</a> They have plenty of things in common. They’re some of the greatest scorers to ever set foot in a basketball hardwood, they dominate opposing defenses in the <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/nba-t19117" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a>, and they have a huge feel for knocking down the biggest shots you’ll ever see. Regardless of what their doubters may or may not think about them, they’re just clutch. They were born with that gene, and you know they will take and make the last-second shot.
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Throughout the course of history, we’ve seen countless players dominate in the clutch. Their defender knows that they’re going to pull up when the clock is nearing zero, yet they can’t do anything to prevent it.
Being a clutch player is not for everybody. Those cold-blooded stars prove to be on a whole new level when their team needs them the most. Today, we’ll let you know about the most clutch players in NBA history.
Honorable Mentions: Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Allen Iverson, Joe Johnson, Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki

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<h2>5. Larry Bird</h2>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210215_BUS_168563_larry_bird.jpg_22993414_51187489.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Larry Bird. (Getty) </figcaption></figure>
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Larry Bird, also know as Larry Legend, wasn’t the one to shy away from a big moment. Considered by some as the greatest shooter of all time, there was no stopping him when the clock was running down.
Bird knocked down 18 game-winners throughout his career. Perhaps the most impressive part of this is the fact that he actually told his rivals what he was going to do before sinking the shot right in front of them.
<h2>4. LeBron James</h2>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210215_BUS_168563_lebron_james_1.jpg_22993414_f2bbd397.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> LeBron James. (Getty) </figcaption></figure>
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LeBron James is one of the most polarizing players of all time. His critics came he’s not clutch due to his well-documented struggles from the charity stripe, even though stats prove that he’s one of the most reliable guys when it comes to defining a game.
Thus far, The King has knocked down 21 game-winning shots throughout his career. Moreover, the way he takes over games for the last two minutes is almost unprecedented. Love him or hate him, stats don’t lie.
<h2>3. Damian Lillard</h2>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210215_BUS_168563_damian_lillard_1.jpg_22993414_cace93a4.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Damian Lillard. (Getty) </figcaption></figure>
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Once it’s all said and done, Damian Lillard might as well become the most clutch player of all time. He’s already knocked down multiple series-ending shots. There’s a reason why they call it Lillard Time.
As a matter of fact, Lillard leads the whole league since 2012-13 (his rookie season) with 33 shots to go ahead or tie in the final minute of a game, including the playoffs. He was born for those moments.
<h2>2. Kobe Bryant</h2>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210215_BUS_168563_kobe_bryant.jpg_22993414_109a8f65.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Kobe Bryant. (Getty) </figcaption></figure>
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Kobe Bryant was the ultimate cold-blooded assassin. Everybody on the building knew that he wasn’t going to give up on a chance to ice the game, yet not even the best defenders on earth could stop him.
Bryant knocked down 7 game-winning shots in one season alone and he holds the record for most of those shots in NBA history with 36. The Black Mamba was the fiercest competitor night in and night out.
<h2>1. Michael Jordan</h2>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210215_BUS_168563_michael_jordan.jpg_22993414_b6c5a0e1.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Michael Jordan. (Getty) </figcaption></figure>
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While Michael Jordan may not lead the list of game-winning shots, he sure hit the biggest of all time. His 6-0 flawless record in the Finals includes perhaps one of the most iconic buckets in NBA history, ‘The Shot’ over Bryon Scott to beat the Utah Jazz in the NBA Finals.
Jordan was the greatest scorer to ever do it and knocked down 25 game-winning shots over his career, including 9 buzzer-beaters. When the money was on the line, you could always trust His Airness to get the job done.

Larry Bird