Did Larry Bird score 40 points in jeans and shirt? Fact-checking claim in viral ‘Winning Time’ clip

The truth behind Larry Bird’s denim performance in HBO’s Winning Time.

Did Larry Bird score 40 points in jeans and shirt? Fact-checking claim in viral ‘Winning Time’ clip

Larry Bird (image via Mark Brown/Getty Images) and Sean Patrick Small in Winning Time season 2 (Image via Warrick Page/HBO)

The basketball world is no stranger to urban legends, and the most recent one created from HBO’s hit show “Winning Time” has sparked widespread interest. The legend suggests that Larry Bird, one of basketball’s greatest, showcased his skills by scoring a staggering 40 points in practice at Indiana State’s gym. What’s so intriguing about this story? Bird allegedly did this while wearing jeans, boots, and a flannel shirt.

While the narrative has garnered widespread attention, a deep dive into the sources that inspired the HBO show suggests the tale might be just a tale. Jeff Pearlman’s book “Winning Time,” upon which the series is based, does not touch upon any instance of Bird wearing denim for a practice session.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z76liPf7o-4&t=8s

However, Bird’s casual attire has always been a part of his legend. Infamously, he was once photographed playing golf in jeans, work boots, and a mesh hat. In addition, Bird accepted his 1984 MVP Award dressed in sharp contrast to the others in the room, who were all dressed in luxury suits.

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Larry Bird’s journey from struggle to stardom

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Larry Bird (image via Getty Images)

Before his rise to NBA fame, Larry Bird’s journey to basketball stardom faced numerous challenges. After a brief stint at Indiana, Bird dropped out and practiced with the Northwood Institute team, a trip cut short after just six weeks.

At a point when college seemed a distant dream, Bird was working in a restaurant and playing basketball with its kitchen staff. That’s when Indiana State Assistant Bill Hodges discovered him, as per a 2021 report by The Indy Star.

Frustrated by persistent college recruiters, Bird was initially hesitant to meet Hodges. Hodges hides behind bushes near the basketball hoop in a strategic move, only to approach Bird with a compelling story. He spoke of a highly talented friend who remained unrecognized due to his absence from college, indirectly hinting that Bird could share a similar fate.

This conversation became the turning point in Bird’s career. Two days later, Hodges returned to French Lick to find Bird ready to embrace college basketball again. Committing to Indiana State, Bird’s trajectory changed forever, opening the door for his illustrious career as a 12-time All-Star, Hall of Famer, and three-time NBA champion.

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