February 19, 1985
BIRD BREAKS LOOSE
He was like George C. Scott or Marlon Brando refusing an Oscar. He was like Ted Williams refusing to tip his cap. He was like Lyndon Johnson announcing, "I shall not seek, and I will not accept the nomination of my party for another term as your president."
Showing posts with label Quadruple Double. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Quadruple Double. Show all posts
12.27.2007
A Memorable Bird West Coast Outing
February 19, 1985
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
Unveiling all of his gifts, Bird painted a mosaic masterpiece in the Salt Palace. He came within one steal of registering the second quadruple-double in NBA history (Nate Thurmond has the only one), but dismissed it as a trivial pursuit.
In 33 minutes covering three quarters, Bird scored 30 points with 12 rebounds, 10 assists and 9 steals. Almost anyone else would have gone for the glory, but the job was done. During the fourth quarter, Bird was informed (by Jones) of his chance to etch his name into the books. But he said, "No."
He didn't need the plaque. The Celtics led, 90-68, at the end of three and his job was done. Padding the stat line would have only tarnished the achievement.
Bird's first quarter alone qualified for canonization. He shot 71 percent, scored 12 points, snatched 9 rebounds, dished off 5 assists and stole the ball 4 times.
"I already did enough damage," said Bird. "Why go for it, when we're up by 30? If it mattered, I'd have been out there trying to get it, but it wasn't no big deal. We came in here wanting to win the ballgame and we did. Now it's time to go on to the next game."
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
Unveiling all of his gifts, Bird painted a mosaic masterpiece in the Salt Palace. He came within one steal of registering the second quadruple-double in NBA history (Nate Thurmond has the only one), but dismissed it as a trivial pursuit.
In 33 minutes covering three quarters, Bird scored 30 points with 12 rebounds, 10 assists and 9 steals. Almost anyone else would have gone for the glory, but the job was done. During the fourth quarter, Bird was informed (by Jones) of his chance to etch his name into the books. But he said, "No."
He didn't need the plaque. The Celtics led, 90-68, at the end of three and his job was done. Padding the stat line would have only tarnished the achievement.
Bird's first quarter alone qualified for canonization. He shot 71 percent, scored 12 points, snatched 9 rebounds, dished off 5 assists and stole the ball 4 times.
"I already did enough damage," said Bird. "Why go for it, when we're up by 30? If it mattered, I'd have been out there trying to get it, but it wasn't no big deal. We came in here wanting to win the ballgame and we did. Now it's time to go on to the next game."
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