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If anyone obsesses over the 1985-1986 championship team, it’s me. I admit it. Just look at this blog. But it is reassuring to know that when asked to reflect on his 12-year-career, Bird tends to focus on that team as well.
In an article written by Mark Murphy in today’s Boston Herald, Bird is asked what he thinks about the New Three. Number 33 said it takes a village, calling out his own Big Three off the bench:
“Our second unit really pushed us in practice,” Bird said. “They were good. (Bill) Walton, Scottie (Wedman) and Jerry (Sichting) were all top notch players. And all of them were willing to sacrifice to do what was best for the team.”
I take comfort from the fact that Bird, too, focuses on the 1985-1986 championship team as a point of reference. The 1981 team had four dependable role players off the bench, including Kevin McHale, while the 1984 team had three.
But the 1986 bench had swagger. Just by standing up, walking over to the scorer’s table, stretching their arms, and getting ready to check in, Wedman, Walton, and Sichting could demoralize a team even before they stepped on the court.
“You mean I’ve been out here getting my butt kicked by Bird, Parish, and DJ for 10 minutes, and now these three are coming in fresh?”
There numbers are eye opening.
Walton averaged 7.6, points 6.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.33 blocked shots in 19 minutes a game. He also shot .562 from the field, while Sichting shot .570 from the field and an astonishing .924 from the stripe. All Scott Wedman did was step in for McHale when he went down for 14 games with an injury, and immediately help the Cs go on a win streak that included crushing the Lakers in the forum.
Hats off to the Unsung Big Three.
In an article written by Mark Murphy in today’s Boston Herald, Bird is asked what he thinks about the New Three. Number 33 said it takes a village, calling out his own Big Three off the bench:
“Our second unit really pushed us in practice,” Bird said. “They were good. (Bill) Walton, Scottie (Wedman) and Jerry (Sichting) were all top notch players. And all of them were willing to sacrifice to do what was best for the team.”
I take comfort from the fact that Bird, too, focuses on the 1985-1986 championship team as a point of reference. The 1981 team had four dependable role players off the bench, including Kevin McHale, while the 1984 team had three.
But the 1986 bench had swagger. Just by standing up, walking over to the scorer’s table, stretching their arms, and getting ready to check in, Wedman, Walton, and Sichting could demoralize a team even before they stepped on the court.
“You mean I’ve been out here getting my butt kicked by Bird, Parish, and DJ for 10 minutes, and now these three are coming in fresh?”
There numbers are eye opening.
Walton averaged 7.6, points 6.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.33 blocked shots in 19 minutes a game. He also shot .562 from the field, while Sichting shot .570 from the field and an astonishing .924 from the stripe. All Scott Wedman did was step in for McHale when he went down for 14 games with an injury, and immediately help the Cs go on a win streak that included crushing the Lakers in the forum.
Hats off to the Unsung Big Three.
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