The latest episode of “Winning Time” season 2, which premiered on August 20, 2023, on HBO, offers an intimate look into the formative years of former Celtics star Larry Bird’s life, shedding light on his journey to becoming the legendary figure he is today. The episode delves into Larry’s beginnings as a college basketball player and addresses the tragic death of his father, Joe Bird (Sean Patrick Small).
“Winning Time,” helmed by Max Borenstein and Jim Hecht, is inspired by Jeff Pearlman’s book “Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s.” The show chronicles the iconic Showtime era of the Los Angeles Lakers, commencing in 1979.
In episode 3 of the new season, Larry Bird’s challenges on his path to success are highlighted, including his departure from Indiana University and the heartbreaking suicide of his father a year after his parents’ divorce. The episode shines a poignant spotlight on the early struggles faced by the Celtics legend, with particular emphasis on his father’s battle with alcoholism and depression.
The narrative unfolds with Joe Bird’s unwavering self-criticism when Larry decides to leave university and return home in 1974. Amid this difficult time, Joe’s somber prediction that Larry would fare better without him underscores their strained relationship. Tragedy strikes the following year when Larry receives news from a friend and a police officer while shooting hoops – something has happened to his father.
The heartrending episode further portrays Larry’s arrival at Joe’s modest home, where he is met by a grim scene involving police officers and his father’s lifeless body alongside a firearm. ESPN reported that Joe Bird died by suicide in February 1975.
Sports Illustrated adds that Joe’s struggles with alcoholism had spanned several years by the time of his death, exacerbated by post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from his service in Korea during his time in the army. By then, Joe, aged 48, was grappling with severe depression and financial hardships.
The show also sheds light on Larry Bird’s family’s financial challenges, including their lack of resources during his high school years, as portrayed in the episode. The Celtics legend’s parents often failed to attend his games, perceiving basketball as a secondary pursuit. Notably, Joe Bird was even called to attend one of Larry’s games in progress, a remarkable occasion when he scored 54 points to break a county record.
Recalling this memory, Larry Bird reflected on the significant night, revealing:
“One night I had a great game going. I had over 30 points in the first half, and people were thinking I was going to break the Orange County record. My dad was at home. He didn’t attend many games.” “Well, my uncle called him at halftime and said, ‘You better come down here. Your boy is going to do it tonight.’ We didn’t have a car, but he walked over. I ended up with 54 points and 38 rebounds.”
As “Winning Time” continues to provide insightful perspectives on sports icons’ personal journeys, this episode captures the essence of Larry Bird’s early challenges, his relationship with his father, and the factors that shaped his path to greatness.
Categories: News
Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn
