Bird-like

[Mike Dynon <mdynon@ix.netcom.com>]

In Larry Bird's second pro game, at Cleveland, the Celts rebounded a
Cavs' miss and the outlet pass was thrown to Bird near midcourt. Bird's
back was to the basket where the Celtics were shooting, but in one
motion, without looking, he volleyballed the pass over his head to a
cutting teammate for the easy hoop. Even before he got the ball, Bird
knew where his teammate was, and then had the ability and smarts to make
the right pass for the situation.

I remember that episode clearly because I knew at that moment that Bird
was an extra special player. It came to mind tonight because Pierce made
a similar move that might mean he really is a man of destiny, too.

If you missed the game, this sequence will no doubt be on the
highlights. Pierce was harassing Outlaw's dribble near halfcourt, and he
bothered him so much that Outlaw stumbled to one knee. Walker bolted
over to double-team, and deflected Outlaw's desperate pass. Pierce
grabbed the ball off the floor with his back to the basket where the
Celts were shooting. In one motion, without looking, he flipped the ball
over his head to Walker, who had taken off. Toine handed it to Mercer
for the two-on-none dunk.

In my 30+ years of watching the Celts, I haven't seen many rookies who
possessed the talent, intelligence and poise to pull off that pass. Bird
did, and now Pierce does. You may want to remember that when anyone asks
you just how good this kid is.
--
Mike Dynon
North Kingstown, RI