'Why are you wearing jeans right now?': Behind the scenes with Sean Patrick Small as Larry Bird in HBO's Winning Time

After a season of ups and downs in the NBA playoffs of 1981, HBO's "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" brings us a fresh view into the iconic rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics. This week's episode doesn't shy away from bringing us an intimate look at a young Larry Bird and the man who turned him into a Celtics legend.

“You don’t love winning so much as you hate to lose. You’re a Celtic.”

These words spoken by Celtics' general manager Red Auerbach (Michael Chiklis) perfectly encapsulate the indomitable spirit of Larry Bird. As reported by Variety, the episode dives into the past of the young player, weaving a complex tapestry of tragedy, perseverance, and unparalleled dedication to the game. "Nobody gets to be as great as you are at this thing unless they love it. Why are you acting like you don't?" speaks an assistant coach at Indiana State University, resonating with Bird's passion for basketball.

The episode switches from the glitz and glamour that typically surrounds the Los Angeles Lakers to a more modest and focused tone that mirrors Bird's humble origins and determined personality.

"Boston is better!" - Crafting the Celtics' Legacy

But this is not just about Larry Bird. Michael Chiklis, playing the enigmatic Auerbach, brings his flair and finesse to the portrayal. “What’s the best way for me to get him to come to us? It’s not just for my own self-interest, but also for him. I believe I can get him to flourish here. I believe that he really is a quintessential Celtic,” Chiklis explained, painting a picture of a man who truly cared for his players and his team.

Sean Patrick Small, donning the persona of Larry Bird, expressed his own connection to the character, revealing how he could bring his original vision into the series. "Being able to peel those layers back, and then show why those layers of hardness were added to the character, it all came together in such a profound fashion," Small said, capturing the essence of a young man navigating through adversity.

"I can't wait to see that. That worked in the room," Chiklis commented on the production. And indeed, it worked on the screen too.

In exploring the psyche of Larry Bird, HBO's 'Winning Time' not only provides an intimate look into the life of a basketball legend but also adds a deeper dimension to the Lakers-Celtics rivalry. Whether you're a fan of the Sith lords of the show or rooting for the 'evil empire,' this episode crafts a memorable tale that resonates well beyond the court.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)