There has never been a play like this since. No NBA fan would bother arguing this. He took an open but nevertheless long 2. He knew he missed it. He had a knack for early recognition. You can see similar talent on the last shot of the '88 3-point contest. it's a combination of that recognition, the athleticism to get to the rim from just inside the arc before the ball hit the ground, the intelligence to know where the ball was going to bounce and where to run to, and the coordination to redirect the ball into the basket despite being behind the glass and using his off-hand. Remarkable and literally unparalleled.

To me, that play didn't show athleticism and it wasn't something that can be taught. It showed Bird's high basketball IQ in how well he could read angles to be in the right position. That's why he was always in double digits in rebounding with little athletic ability. He was the highest basketball IQ and most well conditioned player (he could play 40+ mins nightly and never be winded) that I've ever seen play basketball.

Everything you're ever taught about following your shot to the basket, was put on film by Larry Bird!!!

That play also reinforces the importance of "blocking out" -- if the defender (Robert Reid) prioritizes keeping the shooter away from the rebounding action over chasing the ball, then LB doesn't get his hands on that ball.

I saw that play happen live, and thought at that moment, it was the greatest play of all time...agree with Red

I saw it as well. Awesome.

That play still makes me warm and fuzzy. Bad ass play.