Larry Bird did not back down from speaking his true feelings, even if it was against the NBA Commissioner. This is in reference to rumors from 1984 about David Stern allegedly telling a fan that the NBA Finals needed to go the full seven games.
Heading into Game 6 of the 1984 Finals, the Boston Celtic s had the opportunity to finish off the Los Angeles Lakers. However, Bird heard from a friend that Stern believed a seventh game was needed. This incensed the Indiana State product, believing the NBA Commissioner should not be issuing such statements.
“When you hear the Commissioner say things like that, you know you have to play 10 times harder to win,” Bird said back then via the New York Times. “He shouldn’t have said it. It was uncalled for.”
Was Stern’s statement authentic?
Overall, the alleged comment was considered plainly rumors. David opted to stay mum, and it was never authenticated. However, considering the state of the NBA at the time, it made sense. Seeing a classic Lakers vs. Celtics game go the whole route would mean more revenue for the league.