Basketball

Michael Jordan vs. Gary Payton in the 1996 NBA Finals

 

‘The Last Dance’ featured several raw, earnest reactions from Michael Jordan. Episode 8 may have had possibly the best look at MJ’s competitiveness yet.

The episode focuses in the 1996 NBA Finals between the Chicago Bulls and the Seattle SuperSonics, detailing how they won two straight games after Defensive Player of the Year Gary Payton decided to guard Michael Jordan.

Payton said that his defense in games 4 and 5 tired and “took a toll” on Jordan. “The Glove” told the filmmakers that his idea was to tire out MJ and that he wished he had guarded him sooner before the SuperSonics went down 3-0 in the series. Payton said that his physical defense got to Jordan.

In an effective move, the filmmakers showed Jordan watching Payton’s comments. MJ gave a look of disbelief, then a hilarious, earnest laugh to dismiss what Payton stated. Jordan then said:

“The Glove. I had no problem with The Glove. I had no problem with Gary Payton.”

‘The Last Dance’ spent a lot of time registering Jordan’s competitive nature and occasional ruthlessness. The documentary also covers how Michael Jordan took any slight to motivate himself. Before the 1996 Finals, MJ said that he was fueled by SuperSonics head coach George Karl ignoring him when he said hi to him in a restaurant.

The Bulls went on to win the 1996 NBA Finals in six games. Michael Jordan averaged 27.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 42.0 minutes, shooting 41.5 percent from the field. MJ was named NBA Finals MVP.

The filmmakers of ‘The Last Dance’ also showed Jordan a video of Isiah Thomas explaining how he regrets that some of his Pistons teammates walked off the floor without shaking the Bulls’ hands in Game 4 of the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals.

Jordan, who had final word on all subject matters in ‘The Last Dance,’ completely dismissed Thomas’ explanations, he even said that it was all bullshit before watching what Thomas had to say. MJ then added: “you can show me anything you want, there’s no way you can convince me he wasn’t an asshole.”

This obviously shows that MJ truly hates Thomas and those Pistons teams, though he later played with Dennis Rodman, John Salley and James Edwards.

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Champions League, World Cup and many more.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Valencia pleads with La Liga for postponement of game against Real Madrid

Valencia have pleaded with the La Liga authorities to postpone its match with Real Madrid… Read More

October 31, 2024

Dubois gets permission to face new challenger

Daniel Dubois has been given the go-ahead from the International Boxing Federation (IBF) to fight… Read More

October 31, 2024

Manchester United faces a brick wall ahead of Amorim’s appointment

Manchester United has seen their attempt to appoint Rúben Amorim as Erik ten Hag's successor… Read More

October 31, 2024

Randal Kolo Muani set to leave PSG

Reports have emanated from France that Randal Kolo Muani could leave Paris Saint-Germain for as… Read More

October 31, 2024

Dortmund chief Sebastian Kehl drums support for Nuri Sahin despite early season woes

Nuri Sahin has come under fire after Borussia Dortmund's start this term, but has received… Read More

October 31, 2024

Chet Holmgren Shines as Thunder Defeat Spurs, Besting Rival Victor Wembanyama

In an early showdown between two of the NBA’s most promising young big men, Chet… Read More

October 31, 2024