Why did Rick Fox recalls witnessing an injury-riddled Larry Bird drop a 49-point triple-double in his farewell season
While LeBron James has reshaped perceptions of longevity and sustained excellence in the NBA, this wasn’t the case in the ’80s and ’90s. During that era, most athletes typically concluded their careers by their mid-30s, and Larry Bird, who battled persistent injuries in the latter stages of his career, fell victim to this reality.
However, despite constant injury woes, the Indiana native delivered one of his finest performances in his farewell season, which amazed rookie Rick Fox.
Larry Bird’s win 49-point triple-double
After a two-month-long absence from an ailing back injury, the three-time MVP returned to the court on March 1. Then, on March 15, during the Boston Celtics’ game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Bird decided to deliver one of the most endearing and captivating performances, reaffirming why he will always be on the best to grave the NBA hardwood.
In an epic contest where five Trail Blazers shot more than 50% from the field and stretched it to double OT, Bird was unstoppable with his 49 points on 19-of-35 shooting from the field, along with 14 rebounds, 12 assists, and 4 steals in 54 minutes. Leading the Celtics to a 152-148 win, Larry Legend recorded his 59th triple-double.
While speaking on The Dan Le Batard Show, Fox reflected on witnessing Larry’s resilience. Despite grappling with a nagging back injury, Bird tenaciously held onto his influence in the game, leaving a lasting impression on the 6’7″ small forward.
“I was Larry’s rookie, so I got to see him actually fight through a back that was falling apart,” Fox said. “Forget one leg, he was on half-a-back. And I think to even get ready for that game he must’ve run around the Boston Garden just trying to loosen it up. And then he went for a triple-double.