Michael Jordan vs Larry Bird
Michael Jordan and Larry Bird were contemporaries, their careers overlapping for 8 seasons. On the floor, Michael Jordan was the higher-volume scorer (30.1 points per game to 24.3); Larry Bird created more for others (6.3 assists per game to 5.3); Larry Bird controlled the glass (10.0 rebounds per game to 6.2). Michael Jordan holds the edge on accolades — 5 MVPs, 6 championships, 6 Finals MVPs and the #1 all-time ranking to Larry Bird's #10.
Career averages
| Michael Jordan | Stat | Larry Bird |
|---|---|---|
| 30.1 | Points / game | 24.3 |
| 6.2 | Rebounds / game | 10.0 |
| 5.3 | Assists / game | 6.3 |
| 2.4 | Steals / game | 1.7 |
| 0.8 | Blocks / game | 0.8 |
| 49.6% | Field goal % | 49.4% |
| 28.0% | 3-point % | 34.6% |
| 83.3% | Free throw % | 88.5% |
| 56.9% | True shooting % | 56.5% |
| 1,072 | Games played | 897 |
Advanced metrics
Advanced stats aren't available for Michael Jordan.
Advanced stats weren't tracked in Larry Bird's era.
Playoff averages
| Michael Jordan | Stat | Larry Bird |
|---|---|---|
| 33.5 | Points / game | 23.7 |
| 6.4 | Rebounds / game | 10.3 |
| 5.7 | Assists / game | 6.5 |
| 2.1 | Steals / game | 1.8 |
| 0.9 | Blocks / game | 0.9 |
| 48.8% | Field goal % | 47.1% |
| 34.3% | 3-point % | 31.6% |
| 83.0% | Free throw % | 88.5% |
| 179 | Playoff games | 164 |
Accolades
| Michael Jordan | Stat | Larry Bird |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | MVP awards | 3 |
| 6 | Finals MVP | 2 |
| 6 | Championships | 3 |
| 13 | All-Star selections | 10 |
| 10 | All-NBA 1st Team | 9 |
| #1 | All-time GOAT rank | #10 |
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