Between 1982 and 1984, James Worth had a successful career. As a result, the former Los Angeles Lakers star had the unique opportunity of playing in one of the most NBA rivalries, against Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics, as well as beginning Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls dynasty. Big Game James' timeline gives him a unique perspective on the two legends, but the one he considers toughest might surprise you.
Jordan established himself as one of the league's most dangerous scorers, and his explosive athleticism made him something different in his time. Mike would be unstoppable, even if Jordan rules in place of "Bad Boy" Pistons.
Despite MJ's physical abilities, Worthy stated that he prefers to defend His Airness than Larry Legend.
In the NBA Finals, James Worthy faced Larry Bird of the Celtics and Michael Jordan of the Bulls.
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In the 1980s, James Worth was an integral part of the Lakers' legendary rivalry with Larry Bird and the Celtics. In the 1990s, he also helped pass the torch to Michael Jordan and the Bulls.
Worth's first trip to the NBA Finals is likely something he wishes he had forgotten. He's still angry about it, actually. Byrd and the Celtics tied the series after the former Lakers forward made a terrible trade at the end of Game 2. After that, Boston won seven games in a row.
However, LA got the last laugh.
In 1985, the Lakers defeated the Celtics, and again in 1987. The Celtics eventually lost the Eastern Conference title to the Pistons, as Byrd and the rest of the team were unable to defend their title. He struggled due to late-career injuries. LA, on the other hand, was not done yet. In 1988, Worthy won the Finals MVP and earned the moniker "Big Game James" after a ridiculous 36-point triple-double in a win over Detroit.
In 1989, the Pistons shocked the Lakers, and the Lakers failed to make the finals the following year. In 1991, the Lakers returned to the NBA's flagship program, but were pitted against the Bulls squad led by Michael Jordan, which refused to give up.
Worth's final final loss to the Bulls was, in some ways, the beginning of the end. In 1992, he was named in their final All-Star team, but played only 54 games. The next two seasons saw a significant reduction in playing time and the Hall of Famer retired in 1994.
Despite this, Worthy was lucky enough to see Bird and Jordan at their best. Surprisingly, he thought that Hick was a greater defensive threat than French Lick.
Any day of the week, Worth would rather defend Jordan than Bird.
In 2009, James Worthy (L, L) and Michael Jordan (L, R) took part in an NBA game; Qualified Guard Larry Bird in the 1987 NBA Finals | Streeter Lecca / Getty Images and John Tlumkey / The Boston Globe via Getty Images
When it came to choosing between Michael Jordan and Larry Bird as a more difficult cover, James Worth didn't have to think twice.
Qualified on ESPN's Sports Century on Bird (h/t YouTube) stated that he would rather defend Jordan than Bird. According to Big Game Gems, Bird's basketball IQ requires defenders to attack him systematically, not instinctively.
"I'd rather defend Michael Jordan than Larry Bird because when you're guarding [the bird], you have to play the game as a thinker." You have to gain access to his psyche. Larry wasn't particularly quick, and he couldn't jump very far, but he had some sleepless nights.
—Source: ESPN Sports Century, James Worth on Larry Birdie
Bird has the ability to make a difference in the game, even if he doesn't score. With 59 triple-doubles, he is in ninth place all-time. However, as Larry Legend admitted, he could have accumulated even more if he wanted to.
Bird was one of the most dynamic players in NBA history thanks to his excellent all-around abilities, as well as his anticipation and hand-eye coordination. However, is it possible that Worth is exaggerating Jordan's offensive abilities?
mike could do it all
According to James Worth, Larry Bird's security was like a chess match. On the other hand, defending Michael Jordan was a lot of fun. Worth only needs to remember the 1991 final to understand this.
At both ends of the series, Jordan eliminated LA. He scored 31.2 points on 55.8% shooting, adding 11.4 assists, 6.6 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 1.4 blocks to his stat line. The money also removed the charges of taunting, implying that the purple and gold are being psychologically destroyed.