1981 NBA Playoffs: That Cinderella Season Part 3: Cedric 'Cornbread' Maxwell Becomes MVP

Check out: Part 1 - https://youtu.be/u2w_MdygIHE Part 2 - https://youtu.be/I_4n52KeU2g Just as Larry Bird was dubbed very early in his career as "Larry Legend," that moniker would follow him every time he's lace up his converse. But it was in this houston series, when the 23 year old Bird faced the discomfort of swarming defense that when his shot doesn't fall, he can still contribute and lead his team to victory. In the first 3 games, Bird would uncharacteristically turn the ball over nearly 5 times per game and shooting just 40% from the field. Where The Bird-man seemed lost on offense he certainly wasn't on defense. Bird dominated the boards, absolutely crucial when playing against the rebounding machine in Malone. Bird would also tally ELEVAN STEALS through first 3 games. Max was about to take over. The celtics were determined to avenge their game 2 loss. Games 3 and 4 in Houston had the Celtics on lock down defensive. In game 3, Del Harris squad could only muster 32 first half points. The physicality was 1980's bully ball at its best. In game 3, the Celtics would blow out the Rockets by 20 in the Summit. Houston could only connect for 71 points as the rough and tumble style of play swung in Boston's direction. Tiny Archibald and Robert Parish continued to be a no factor in game 3. Larry Bird particularly struggled, connecting on only 3 of 11 shots. As was the case with Houston's role players in Boston, in game 3, it was Maxwell and Chris Ford who carried the weight of the offense. Maxwell in particular, had voiced his displeasure with his teammates after game 2. Max stepped up to the occasion in games 3 and 4, he'd score 43 points and grabbed 28 rebounds. But Larry Bird's single digit scoring in Houston caught up with Boston as they'd split again. Now back to Boston for the pivotal game 5. Larry Bird's scoring slump would continue as he averaged less than 10 points in games 3, 4, and 5. Added to Bird's struggles was the smothering defense of Robert Reid. Maxwell would undoubtedly pick up the slack but in 2021, Max would explain why this tough series for Larry Bird, started his path to becoming a legend. The Celtics faithful had been here before but, in Max's first 2 season, the franchise would hit only their second rebuild period since Red Auerbach arrived in 1950. Maxwell knew his time to win it all was now. Behind Cornbread's hot steak, the would decimate the Rockets in game 5. Boston Garden erupted, sending off their Celtics to close out the series in Houston. Fans would've loved to win it at home to add another Garden party to the franchise's mystique. But having seen the resiliency of the Rockets, no one wanted a game 7. The Celtics had to close it out in game 6, and they'd slam the door shut on the Rockets cinderella season. Behind another clutch performance from Mad-Max in game 6, Larry Bird came alive, and fly he would. This series was all over and Boston was once again the World Champions. Cedric Maxwell received all but 1 vote and was named the Sporting News NBA Finals Most Valuable player. While some fans disagreed with the media selection of Maxwell as the winner of the MVP award, on his retirement ceremony in 1993, Larry Legend himself declared Max the key to their 1981 title, validating Cedric as the true MVP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices