The day Larry Bird and Julius Erving collided

Good year, bad year, we witness conflicts on NBA floors, and last season there was Amen Thompson and Tyler Hero who turned the floor into tatami. On November 9, 1984, at the Boston Garden, spectators witnessed one of the most famous battles in history, pitting two of the best players of the era against each other, Larry Bird etc Julius Ervingin a clash between the current champion and its runner-up in the East, Philadelphia.

It’s only the beginning of the season, but the game smells of brimstone as it pits the last two reigning champions against each other. And Bird (age 28), still as quiet as ever, delivers a few barbs as the Celtics pounce. Legend has it that Bird cheated Erving (age 34) on his point count…

Julius Erving gets upset and interferes with Bird at the end of the 3rd quarter. The two fight, and Bird ends up on the ground. But what happens next becomes epic. Doc Charles Barkleythen a rookie, and Moses Malone holds Bird, Julius Erving gives him a few rights. What follows is an unforgettable melee in which 18 players participate!!!

https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=kKsrsMfRhvUg

« There was a foul on Larry. He didn’t like the whistle so he was very angry with the referee” Erving would recount thirty years later.He fell to the ground, and was somewhat trampled. He was in front of his bench and there was a moment when he wanted to give me one. This was very unusual as we had done commercials for Converse and Spalding together and everything was going well between us. »

Apparently, Dr. J didn’t give up. ” I reached out to push him away, and it ended up on his neck. So it was unintentional. I didn’t want to grab him by the neck. I hit him in the chest, my hand slipped. The next thing I remember is the skirmish. »

“I’ve always fought with my brothers, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love them”

Upon arrival, the NBA will hand out $30,500 in fines, including $7,500 to Bird and Dr. J alone. A record for that time. On the other hand, there is no suspension! We could then even leave our bench and invite ourselves to fight…

A month later, they will meet again at the Christmas poster with a David Stern worried about his first weeks at the helm of the NBA. Before the break, Dr. J. will make the first move to Byrd to calm things down. “The dispute is behind us”Erving will say. “The two teams will play four more times, not counting the playoffs. And both teams want to play, not start a gang war or repeat what happened. We don’t need that.”

For his part, Larry Bird will use a nice formula. “I’ve always fought with my brothers, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love them.”

Last season, Erving returned to this famous photo that remained for posterity. ” This photo is not verified by any of us », says the former Sixer. « She’s still there, but we don’t glorify this moment because basketball is not a fight. »