MICHAEL JORDAN is widely regarded as the GREATEST basketball player of all time. With six championships, five MVP awards, and six Finals MVP awards to his name, His Airness was known for his incredible competitive drive and penchant for delivering clutch performances.

But even the GREATEST can be left in awe by another sports icon. And for Jordan, that icon was none other than LARRY BIRD, his longtime rival and fellow basketball legend.

The year was 1988, and the NBA was hosting its annual All-Star weekend, a celebration of the league's brightest stars. It was a time for the best of the best to come together, show off their skills, and compete in various contests.

Among the many events, the three-point contest had grown in popularity, with fans eager to see who could emerge as the greatest shooter in the league. And this particular year, the contest had all the makings of a shootout for the ages.

So, who would emerge victorious in this battle of the sharpshooters? It turned out to be none other than LARRY BIRD himself, who was so confident in his abilities that he didn't even bother to take off his warm-up jacket.

That's right; the Hick from French Lick walked onto the court, looking like he just stepped out of a pickup game at the local park. But as he began to shoot, it became clear that this was no ordinary shooter.

Bird's form was effortless, his release smooth, and his results deadly accurate. He drained shot after shot, making it look like he was shooting free throws rather than competing in a high-pressure contest.

The crowd watched in awe as Bird sunk three-pointer after three-pointer, his confidence growing with each successive make. And by the time the dust had settled, there was no doubt who the real champion was.

Larry Bird had emerged victorious, taking home the three-point contest trophy in convincing fashion. And as for Michael Jordan, he was left to ponder the incredible performance he had just witnessed.

'It's hard to shoot after Bird,' Jordan would later say, admitting that he had been left in awe by his rival's display. It was high praise indeed, coming from the likes of Jordan, and a testament to the enduring legend of Larry Bird.

Even today, more than three decades later, Bird's performance that night remains the stuff of legend, a reminder of the incredible shooting prowess that made him a hero to so many basketball fans.

And for those who were lucky enough to watch it live, it was a truly unforgettable experience, a chance to see greatness in action and appreciate the talents of two all-time basketball legends.