Boston Garden became a furnace on June 8th, 1984, as the thermometer on the court reached a scorching 98 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the stifling heat seemed to invigorate Larry Bird, who delivered a performance for the ages. Bird dominated the Los Angeles Lakers, shooting an incredible 15-for-20 from the field and pouring in 34 points to lead the Celtics to a crucial 121-103 victory in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
The win gave Boston a 3-2 series lead, putting them one win away from their 15th NBA championship. While the Lakers wilted under the oppressive heat, Bird thrived.
“I love to play in the heat,” Bird declared after the game. “I just run faster and create my own wind.”
His relentless energy and pinpoint shooting proved too much for the Lakers to handle. Bird’s performance wasn’t just about scoring. He also grabbed 17 rebounds, showcasing his all-around brilliance.
