Mavericks' Klay Thompson Praises Celtics Legend Larry Bird

Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson recently expressed high admiration for NBA legend Larry Bird, calling Bird the "GOAT" and sharing highlights of his career on Instagram. Bird, a three-time league MVP and three-time 3-Point Contest champion, reciprocated the respect by naming Thompson as one of his favorite current players, marveling at Thompson's scoring efficiency. Both players are celebrated as some of the greatest shooters in NBA history, with Bird known for his smooth jumper in the 1980s and Thompson for his role in the modern "Splash Brothers" alongside Stephen Curry. Despite Thompson's scoring decline following injuries, he remains a vital floor spacer for the Mavericks and continues to demonstrate confidence in his shot, recently going viral for making 72 consecutive shots in a workout. Thompson's tribute highlights the evolution of perimeter shooting in the NBA and the mutual respect between two iconic shooters from different eras. Larry Bird's legacy endures as a Boston Celtics legend who led the team to three championships and maintained remarkable all-around stats during his career.