It’s one of the most famous rivalries in professional sports: Michael Jordan against Larry Bird. It was a professional basketball rivalry that sent shockwaves through the entire league.
The two basketball greats are mostly compared when it comes to their stats. Read on to find out more about the Michael Jordan vs Larry Bird rivalry, and how the two players stack up in head-to-head stats and overall records.
Let’s get this started!
Scoring Stats
When looking at the scoring stats of Michael Jordan and Larry Bird, the comparison tells us that Michael Jordan was the superior scorer. During his 15-year career in the NBA, Jordan averaged 30.1 points per game, while Bird averaged a still impressive 24.3 points per game throughout his 13-year career.
Assists Stats
Jordan averaged 5.3 assists per game for his career, while Bird’s career average was 6.3. Furthermore, Larry Bird was ninth all-time in assists with 6,881 compared to Jordan’s fifth place with 5,633. From 1980-1991 when both players had their most successful seasons, Bird’s best assist season was 10.5, while Jordan’s was 8.0.
This difference in stats for assists showcases the different primary styles of these two iconic players. Michael Jordan was undoubtedly a great passer, but he didn’t have the same knack as Larry Bird for working within the offense to create opportunities for others.
Rebounds Stats
When it comes to rebounds stats, their records stand out. Michael Jordan recorded an average of 6.2 rebounds per game throughout his career. He had a peak season in the ’87-’88 season when he registered an impressive mark of 8.0 boards per game.
Meanwhile, Larry Bird recorded an average of 10.0 rebounds per game throughout his career. He had a career-high of 12.8 rebounds per game in the ’86-’87 season. Both players have been incredibly effective on the rebounding front, making it truly difficult to settle on who was the superior player when it comes to the rebounds stat.
Steals Stats
Jordan averaged 2.3 steals per game, and Bird averaged 1.7 steals per game. Not only did both players make securing the ball an art form, but they also often used it to ignite a quick fast break to provide an offensive spark.
Jordan and Bird both topped the league in steals for multiple seasons, with Jordan leading the league in steals a total of 8 times, and Bird leading the league in steals three times. In total, Jordan compiled 2,514 steals over his 15-year career, while Bird managed to record 1,556 steals over his 13-year career.
If all these stats are interesting to you and you are excited to look into other players, start finding out when does basketball season start. You’ll be on your way to even understanding how valuable these stats could be.
Compare Michael Jordan vs Larry Bird Stats
Overall, Michael Jordan and Larry Bird are two of the greatest NBA players to ever play the game. While their stats certainly differ, they both had immense success in the league. With their competitive spirit and the success they enjoyed on their respective teams, it’s clear they are historically two of the greatest competitors the NBA has ever seen.
To truly appreciate their greatness, take the time to read the comparison of Michael Jordan vs Larry Bird stats and appreciate all the legacy they have left.
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