30 years ago today: Bird wins 3rd straight MVP

Few players in NBA history have constructed a more dominant stretch of basketball than that of Larry Bird in the mid-80s.

On May 28, 1986 - 30 years ago today - Bird collected his third straight MVP award, joining Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to accomplish the feat.

Although his scoring output dipped slightly from his previous campaign, the 6-foot-9 small forward continued to put up gaudy numbers for the Boston Celtics in 1985-86, averaging 25.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists on 49.6 percent shooting.

While Bird earned the award for his regular-season play, "Larry Legend" was even better in the postseason, averaging close to a triple-double as the Celtics cruised to their second championship in three years.

Bird's 1985-86 MVP also marked the final one of his career. He retired just six years later.