Michael Jordan once devised ultimate strategy to counter Larry Bird’s trash-talking

Michael Jordan, in his 19-year NBA career, not only positioned himself as the arguable GOAT of the game but also left a wreckage in his wake. His imposing play, coupled with unmatched competitiveness drove him to the pinnacle of the NBA food chain. To top it off, his trash-talking was enough to petrify his competition on the court.

But not everyone is a run-in-the-mill opponent. A certain NBA legend stomped on the hardboard as a much more menacing trash-talker in the game. The legend in question is none other than Larry Bird. Bird’s sharp tongue was so sinister, that even the Black Jesus thought twice about crossing paths with him in the lingual battle.

Michael Jordan’s gameplan to defeat Larry Bird

During Michael Jordan’s illustrious NBA career, if there was one thing that could get under his skin on the court, it was Larry Bird’s trash-talk. Despite Jordan’s exceptional skills, his confidence seemed to waver when facing off against the Boston Celtics’ number 33.

He knew his chances were slim if he gave in to Bird’s mind games and reacted, so he learned how to deal with “the Hick from French Lick.” Jordan understood what he needed to do when he was facing Larry. MJ knew he had to remain calm and told his teammates to follow suit.

Rafi Kohan wrote about the incident in his book ‘Trash Talk: The Only Book About Destroying Your Rivals That Isn’t Total Garbage’, “When the baby-faced B.J. Armstrong first joined the NBA, Bird took a run at him by saying, ‘I can’t believe they’re letting kids from junior high into the NBA.'” As Armstrong was about to respond, he was stopped in his tracks by Michael Jordan.

Jordan made it clear to his teammates that no one should say a word to the 3-time NBA Champion. “Not a single person. Not one word. No one talk to Larry Bird,” said Jordan, to which Bird replied, “C’mon, Michael. Let these guys get involved in it. Come on.”

Though his trash talks bothered Jordan a lot, he never took any offense or showed any sign of retaliation.

Michael Jordan lauds Larry Bird as greatest NBA trash-talker

Michael admitted that the Celtics legend was one of the greatest trash-talkers in his knowledge and he learned a lot from him. Talking to The Athletic, the 5-time NBA MVP once said, “Larry Bird is the greatest trash-talker and mind-game player of all time. He taught me everything I know about getting in folks’ heads.”

In the 9th episode of Jordan’s docuseries “The Last Dance”, Michael could be seen trash-talking with Larry in the hallway.

Bird used to fuel himself and get an advantage over his rivals by chirping a lot during the games. In an interview with NBA Top Shot, the Celtics forward explained that he did the trash talks not to demean anyone, but it was more of a fun thing.

Besides being one of the greatest trash-talker as confessed by Jordan and Larry’s teammates, he was also a remarkably gifted player and one of the greatest sharpshooters. Throughout his 13 seasons in the Celtic as a forward, he had maintained consistency. To honor “Larry Legend” the Celtics retired his jersey when he announced his retirement.