Michael Cooper Breaks Down Defending Larry Bird in his Prime
Published 2023-03-12
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In this video segment from Showtime Podcast with Coop, Michael Cooper's defensive strategy against Larry Bird in his prime.
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Michael Cooper was one of the best defenders in the NBA during the 1980s. He was known for his versatility, quickness, and defensive intelligence. When he faced off against Larry Bird, he knew that he had a tough challenge ahead of him.
Cooper's defensive strategy against Bird was to use his length and quickness to disrupt his rhythm and limit his scoring opportunities. He would use his long arms to contest Bird's jump shots and force him to take more difficult shots. Cooper also played physical defense, bumping and jostling with Bird to throw him off his game.
Another key part of Cooper's strategy was to deny Bird the ball as much as possible. He would use his quickness to stay in front of Bird and prevent him from getting open looks. Cooper was also adept at reading Bird's movements and anticipating his next move, which helped him stay ahead of the play.
Cooper's defensive efforts against Bird paid off, as he was able to limit Bird's scoring and frustrate him on the court. In fact, Bird once said that Cooper was the best defender he ever faced in his career.
Overall, Cooper's defensive strategy against Bird was to use his length, quickness, and defensive intelligence to disrupt Bird's rhythm and make it difficult for him to score. His efforts were successful, and he is still remembered as one of the best defenders of his time.
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All Comments (21)
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This segment is from the Michael Cooper Showtime #Lakers Podcast. Watch full episode here: ____ Sub on Apple podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-showtime-podcast… or on Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/0q58PdBd256PEDwENzQAS0?si=Gb…
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Lifelong Celtic fan who every time I hear Cooper talk , my admiration for his greatness grows. His appreciation of what made the game great and great players even greater makes listening to a player of his caliber, sheer gold. Cooper was one of a kind as was his greatest opponent Bird.
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Cooper had great insight of the game. He tells the stories so well.
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As usual Coop is pure class. He doesn’t like Larry, but respect greatness. Coop is an all time elite defender. I always liked Coop.
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The respect shown here by Coop was reciprocated by Larry - the definition of professionalism. My hat has always been off to the Lakers and Celts for the mutual respect. Great teams!
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Respect to Cooper. He's a genius at BB analysis.
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Coop very objective. Great to be able to see the game through his eyes.
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I have always been a HUUUUUUUGE fam of Michael Cooper. He never took a second off in any game. A great defender and a decent shooter who could pop 3s in big spots. A classy, humble good guy. The NBA could use 50 like him today.
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Much respect Mr. Cooper, you explained the “chess match” I didn’t know existed. Makes me respect Larry Bird all that much more. It also helps me truly understand when I heard, “Jordan made you look slow but Bird made you look stupid.” I don’t remember which player said it.
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I have to say; Michael Cooper seems like a gentleman.
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Luv ya coop. I couldn’t say that in the 80’s but we can finally put down the sabres. You, Magic, Bird, Andrew Tony, Dr J helped make the 80’s what it was. I could list dozens of players. Thanks for the memories and what many consider the best and toughest decade of hoop.
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Michael Cooper should be in the Hall of Fame. 🏀
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Back then the Knicks were my team, but I also liked the Celtics. I know not supposed to be that way but bird made me a Celtics fan. Now Michael Cooper. Highly underrated player always noticed his great play & my hats off to him.✌🏽☮️🤲🙏
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The love and respect for each other that's Awesome!! Larry Bird loves Michael Cooper as much as Cooper loves Larry. Best ERA EVER imo
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Watch at 1:28 - Bird throws a bounce pass between Michael Cooper's legs. Bird loved to do that - watch his highlight videos and you'll see that he did it quite often. It was one of his favorite moves.
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Man I hated all these Lakers as a kid, a lad from Indiana, a die hard Larry Bird fan, a Celtic fan …. These Laker interviews are amazing, Coop is a genuine dude, I LOVE him
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The sheer eloquence of Mr. Cooper is really refreshing, he calls em like he sees em and appears not to have taken the tension of these series too seriously. What entertainment they provided.
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My favorite player of ALL time!!! Love me sum Michael Cooper, these kids don't know who Cooper is! 5 Championships with the showtime Lakers! Cooper best dang defensive player period! Met Coach at Los Angeles Southwest College, when he was coaching the LA Sparks, very cool dude! Cooper jumped out the gym , never flashy, did his job! They better ask somebody bout that Coop-O-loop! 😮
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Coop would have fit in as a Celtic
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As a celtics fan I've got to say Michael Cooper was respected.
