Who Is Better
Who is better, Michael Jordan or Larry Bird?
This question summons a heated debate in the basketball world. There have been many arguments and opinions. Many people say that it is impossible to compare them. They are two of the greatest basketball players of all time.
In comparing these two extraordinary athletes, I first examined the statistics of both players, which proved to be very interesting. Larry Bird won the battle in the free throw category with an all-time average of 89%, while Jordan’s average was 84%. Larry also came out on top in the three point category with a life time average of 38% to Michael’s 33%. Rebounds per game also leaned in Larry’s favor with ten, to Jordan’s six. Assists is another category in which Bird edged Jordan, with six a game for Larry, and five for Jordan. These awesome athletes tied in the steals per game category, with two each. They also were virtually identical in blocks per game, with life time averages of .89 per game for MJ, and .87 per game for Larry. Michael Jordan leads in all-time shooting percentage with 51%, compared to Bird’s 50%. When you look at this statistic, it is important to remember that Bird played in an era without the high percentage slam dunk. Michael Jordan made the slam dunk famous, which helped his shooting percentage tremendously. Points per game is a major category in which Michael Jordan had a decisive edge over Larry Bird. Michael Jordan averaged thirty-one points per game for his career, while Larry Bird averaged just twenty-four points per game. Michael Jordan won six championships during his NBA career, twice as many as Larry Bird, who won three championships during his professional career. Jordan is a five time regular season most valuable player and a six time NBA finals most valuable player. Larry Bird is a three time regular season most valuable player and a two time NBA finals most valuable player.
Larry Bird and Michael Jordan played two different positions, making it extremely...
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