While Jordan is writing his name in the record book, forward Larry Bird is quietly orchestrating a Celtics victory. In the end, it will be Bird's ability to bring himself and the entire Celtics team to progressively higher levels of play that will be the true difference. It is phenomenon that can be described as the Bird Effect. The game is in its second overtime period. Fatigue is showing on the faces of the players.
Normal shots become Herculean efforts.
It is the time in a game when most players prefer that the ball be anywhere but in their hands. The Celtics are clinging to a 133-131 lead in the final minute of the game. As the Bulls come down the court, Jordan somehow becomes wide open 12 feet from the basket. Robert Parish, the Celtics center, gathers in the rebound and throws it to Larry Bird. In a game dominated by sheer grace and speed, Bird appears to lack both.