Larry Bird ponders on the 1988 Three-Point Shootout had he missed the Moneyball: "I just knew I had to make shots"

Bird admits he would have been embarrassed had his game-winning Moneyball attempt failed to go in at the 1988 NBA Three-Point contest. Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird made his mark as one of the deadliest shooters in the NBA. 

He had a wide array of offensive tricks under his sleeve, although his three-point shooting stands out because he was one of the first players to fully utilize it to his advantage. Ironically, Bird admits that when he entered the league in 1979, he was not known as an elite shooter. 

He had to work on his shooting, and it just so happened the same year the three-point line was introduced. Mastering the three-point shot As most know, Larry Legend's hard work paid off. He turned out to be one of the deadliest shooters of the game and put that in full display when he took part in the NBA Three-Point shootout from 1986 to 1988. 

The 1980 Rookie of the Year reigned as the Three-Point contest for three consecutive years, fending off anyone who tried to outshoot. However, his last one was something to behold. 

In the 1988 edition of the event, Bird needed to sink the last 'Moneyball' to retain his title against Dale Ellis, who was representing the Seattle Supersonics at the time. 

The Hick from French Lick was a bit cocky at that time, confident he would successfully win his third-straight title. His last shot was memorable, not just because it went in, but because he put up his finger even before it hit its mark.