Breaking : Shawn Kemp reportedly drops a bombshell on Larry Bird ending in a controversial statement causing a huge traffic among Bird Fans Worldwide.

Perhaps it was Kemp’s welcome to the NBA moment. On December 13, 1989, the Sonics traveled to Boston to play Bird and the Celtics. Boston’s championship dominance in the 1980s was ended. Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish were past their primes after winning three championships in a decade.

Despite back, elbow, and foot ailments, Bird remained motivated. He still had confidence. Kemp entered the NBA as a hyped rookie, having been taken with the 17th overall choice in the 1989 NBA Draft. Kemp, an athletically skilled player, went on to become a six-time NBA All-Star.

Kemp was given time to adjust to life in the NBA. That changed in Boston when he was forced to guard Bird, even if only for a few minutes.

“We got to Boston that night, and (Xavier McDaniel) had some knee pain,” Kemp explained in a 2024 visit on the “All the Smoke” podcast. “I was thinking, it’s not a good time for you to get knee discomfort.

“I look in the mirror and think, yeah, I’m about to throw this (expletive) tantrum out here tonight. Before the game, I was rubbing my hands and looked at (Bird), as if I was going to get your ass, man.

“That morning, they came out with a USA Today article, and it said that Larry didn’t have it no more. So, he came out that night to make a statement. Before the game, he just shook his head and told me, ‘Man, it’s going to be a (expletive)-up night for you.’

Bird ended the night with a 40-point triple-double. He recorded 40 points, 10 assists, and 11 rebounds.

Kemp Said He Earned Bird’s Respect During the Game