After his first Finals win, Bird was looking to make it two in a row the very next year, and he picked up his play to show it. In 77 games and 38 minutes per contest, he averaged 22.9 points, 10.9 rebounds and 5.8 assists en route to a third straight All-Star Game for which he took home MVP honors.

Throughout the season, Bird averaged .205 win shares per 48 and amassed 12.5 all total. For his efforts, Bird placed second in MVP voting behind winner Moses Malone.