“I Didn’t Know I Could Do That Because of What Happened a Day Before”: Dr. J Recalls Dunking on Larry Bird in the Finals Against the Celtics
In a rare and revealing moment, basketball legend Julius Erving, known to fans as Dr. J, shared a personal story about one of the most memorable plays of his career: the time he dunked on Larry Bird during the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. Erving, famed for his incredible athleticism and electrifying plays, disclosed that the spectacular dunk almost didn’t happen due to events that took place just a day before the game.
The year was 1982, and the Philadelphia 76ers were up against the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. It was a highly anticipated showdown, with Erving leading the 76ers against a Celtics team featuring the formidable Larry Bird. The series was intense, showcasing some of the finest basketball of the time.
Dr. J reminisced about the build-up to his unforgettable dunk in a recent interview. “The day before that game, something happened that really shook me up,” Erving began. “I had a personal issue that left me emotionally drained and questioning whether I could bring my best the next day.”
Although Erving did not go into detail about the incident, his words highlighted the gravity of the situation and the effect it had on his mindset heading into the pivotal game. The emotional burden left him uncertain about his ability to perform at his usual high level, let alone execute one of the most iconic dunks in NBA history.
“Going into the game, I wasn’t sure if I could do what was needed. I was still processing what had happened, and it took a lot of focus to get my head in the right place,” Erving continued. Despite these doubts, Erving managed to channel his energy into his performance, using the game as a way to push through his emotional turmoil.
During the game, Erving saw an opportunity. With the ball in his hands, he made a swift move towards the basket, launching himself with an incredible burst of energy and skill. What followed was a powerful dunk over Larry Bird, a play that would be etched into NBA history. “I didn’t know I could do that because of what happened a day before,” Erving confessed. “But in that moment, everything just clicked. I jumped, and it felt like I was releasing all the doubt and frustration from the previous day.”
The dunk not only showcased Erving’s physical abilities but also his mental resilience and determination. It was a defining moment in the series, symbolizing the tenacity that Dr. J brought to the court. “That dunk was more than just a highlight. It was a way of overcoming the adversity I had felt leading up to the game,” Erving reflected.
Although the 76ers eventually lost the series to the Celtics, Erving’s performance and that iconic dunk against Bird remained a highlight of his celebrated career. It became a symbol of his ability to overcome challenges and perform at his best, even when faced with personal difficulties.
Fans and fellow players have long admired Dr. J for his extraordinary talent and the impact he had on the game of basketball. His account of the dunk against Bird adds a layer of depth to the story, showcasing the human side of a legend who, despite his seemingly superhuman abilities on the court, dealt with the same doubts and challenges as anyone else.
As Julius Erving looks back on his career, moments like these highlight his legacy as not just a basketball player, but a resilient and inspiring figure who overcame obstacles to achieve greatness.
