Robert Parish Says He Also Would Have Punched Larry Bird If He Was Julius Erving: “If You Heard What Larry Said To Him, You’d Understand Why."

Robert Parish, who was part of those Celtics, recently opened up about that incident, claiming that Larry Bird often crossed the line with Dr. J, which is why Erving exploded and hit him in the face. Talking with Steiny & Guru on 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, Parish recalled that Erving had a terrible game the night of the fight. 

“He had probably one of his worst basketball outings ever at the most inopportune time,” Parish said. “Larry constantly reminded him of it.”

While Larry had 42 points, Dr. J only scored 6, something that Bird used against him to make him mad. He added more of his infamous trash-talking until Erving couldn't take it anymore and attacked Larry Legend. 

“If you heard what Larry said to him, you’d understand why,” Parish told the hosts about Erving losing his cool. “And we all know Larry is legendary at trash-talking.

“Oh, man, the trash-talking. Oh my goodness. I would’ve threw a punch if it was me.”

Nobody actually knows what was said at that moment, even though one referee claimed he knew what Larry told Dr. J. Parish didn't reveal any of that out of fear to do some damage to the show. 

“You guys wouldn’t be on the air anymore,” he laughed.

This is a big mystery that won't be solved anytime soon. It's been almost 40 years since that happened and neither Larry nor Julius have intentions of addressing something they moved on from the next day. Parish's words, however, can make people curious to know what was the last straw for Erving during that November 9 game.