SPOILER ALERT: Episode 3 of HBO’s “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty” Season 2 Breakdown

Lakers’ Spirits Sink Further After Playoff Loss

After being unceremoniously bounced in the first round of the 1981 NBA playoffs, the spirits of the Los Angeles Lakers sink even further in the cold open of this week’s “Winning Time.” Unable to defend the championship, the team can only seethe in their living rooms as they watch the dreaded Boston Celtics take home gold. But the indignity doesn’t stop there. The newly crowned champs don’t just snag the title from the Lakers; they practically hijack the HBO series for an episode.

Flashbacks to Larry Bird’s Story

While the Los Angeles organization licks its wounds, a series of flashbacks interrupt the aftermath, stretching the frame to widescreen and sending viewers to 1970s Indiana, telling the story of a young man named Larry Bird (Sean Patrick Small) who went up to Boston to become a Lakers killer. Compared to the seediness and glamour that’s been the bread and butter of “Winning Time,” these tangents possess a more modest, focused tone that matches Bird’s undaunted constitution.

Bird’s Journey After His Father’s Suicide

After the suicide of his father upends Bird’s life, an assistant coach at Indiana State University discovers the young player’s talents and implores him to return 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?” Small says, speaking with Haber Tusba. “He’s pushing away that thing that he thought was the reason for the tragic loss of his dad,” Small says. “Dropping out of Indiana University and coming back home, it was in that period where that’s always in the back of his mind: ‘Was I the reason that my father committed suicide?’”

Red Auerbach’s Influence on Bird

A final flashback reveals how Celtics general manager Red Auerbach (Michael Chiklis) ultimately convinced Bird to go pro. The organization’s mastermind had taken a risk by drafting Bird as a junior, setting aside an unprecedented rookie salary to bring him to Boston a year later. Though Bird plays hard-to-get at first, Auerbach cuts the small-talk and speaks directly to the young player’s core principles: “You don’t love winning so much as you hate to lose. You’re a Celtic.” A dynasty is born.

Interview with Sean Patrick Small and Michael Chiklis

Speaking together with Haber Tusba before the SAG-AFTRA strike, Small and Chiklis discussed bringing Larry Bird’s origin story to the screen — and why the Celtics maybe aren’t such bad guys.

Sean Patrick Small’s Vision for Bird’s Story

Small shared that he had previously optioned his own Larry Bird project before being cast in the series. He was able to bring elements of that original vision into this season’s episode. He mentioned that the flashbacks allowed him to explore Bird’s younger years and show a more youthful and energetic side of the character.

Playing Red Auerbach

Chiklis discussed finding the balance between being a straight-talking businessman and having a warm, guiding undertone in his portrayal of Red Auerbach. He explained that great coaches often have a paternal, fatherly instinct towards their players and genuinely care about their success. He emphasized the bond and love that Auerbach had for his players and how he saw the potential in Bird to flourish under the Celtics organization.

The interview concludes with Small expressing excitement about the scene between Bird and Auerbach, which he hasn’t seen yet, but anticipates it will showcase the respect and empathy between the two characters.