On this date in 1981, Larry Bird made what Red Auerbach called the greatest play he had ever seen

📽 The Dynasty Renewed.

This was in the NBA Finals no less, during Game 1 versus the Houston Rockets. Early round series were shorter then, but the Finals the first week of May still sounds pretty wild. The Boston Celtics would go on to defeat the Rockets 4 games to 2 for Larry Bird's first of three NBA championships. Don't worry the Rockets would have a chance to avenge the Finals' loss five years later...

Of course the Celtics would win that one as well 4 games to 2. Bird obviously was no athletic freak, but young Larry Bird would have some pretty surprisingly athletic drives and finishes.