From 1985 to 1987, Bird relished in his best three seasons, all in a row. Not one, though, was better than his seventh, when he averaged 25.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 6.8 assists in 38 minutes.

While leading the league with 89.6% shooting from the line, Bird yielded NBA bests in win shares (15.8) and win shares per 48 (.244). He also won his third regular season MVP, second Finals MVP, along with his third and last NBA title.