Larry Bird was known for his exceptional basketball skills, and one of the players he used to school on the court was none other than the legendary Michael Jordan. This article delves into how Bird was able to dominate Jordan during their encounters.

Bird and Jordan faced each other multiple times during their careers, and it was evident that Bird had the upper hand in their matchups. Despite Jordan’s immense talent and skill, Bird seemed to have a deep understanding of Jordan’s playing style and was able to exploit his weaknesses.

One of the factors that contributed to Bird’s success was his meticulous study of Jordan.

Bird would watch Jordan’s games and observe his moves closely, analyzing every aspect of his playing style. This allowed him to anticipate Jordan’s moves and positions on the court, giving him a significant advantage during their matchups.

Another reason for Bird’s dominance over Jordan was his ability to mentally get in Jordan’s head. Bird had a unique skill of trash-talking and using psychological tactics to rattle his opponents. He would constantly provoke Jordan, testing his patience and pushing his buttons. This often led to Jordan becoming frustrated and losing focus, ultimately affecting his performance on the court.

Bird also had a superior basketball IQ, which enabled him to outsmart Jordan strategically. He would use a variety of moves and tricks to confuse Jordan, making it difficult for him to defend against Bird’s offensive plays. Bird’s ability to read the game and make quick decisions allowed him to exploit Jordan’s weaknesses and create scoring opportunities for himself and his team.

Furthermore, Bird’s physicality and toughness played a crucial role in his domination over Jordan. Bird was not only a skilled shooter but also a fierce competitor who would never back down from a challenge. He would use his strength and size advantage to outmuscle Jordan, constantly pushing him out of his comfort zone and disrupting his rhythm.

In summary, Larry Bird’s success in schooling Michael Jordan can be attributed to his comprehensive understanding of Jordan’s playing style, his mental tactics to unsettle him, his basketball IQ, and his physical prowess. Bird’s ability to exploit Jordan’s weaknesses and create opportunities for himself ultimately led to his dominance over the legendary player.