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Do Brad Daugherty and Michael Jordan Have a Long Standing Rivalry?

Published 02/27/2023, 8:30 AM EST

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Michael Jordan welcomes competition without any thought. It’s the feeling of coming on top that brings his most lethal. We saw his finest in the NBA. However, his competitive fire burns in every aspect of life. The feeling almost consumes him blindly. The Hall of Famer even bought the Charlotte Hornets and began his own NASCAR team to continue experiencing the volt of victory. And only recently, he ignited an old rivalry once again with former NBA center Brad Daugherty.

The Cleveland Cavaliers legend has his own NASCAR team. Turning his love for racing into a business, he began JTG Daugherty. In the last event, he rose into history. Daugherty became the first black owner to win the NASCAR. He was on cloud nine after the conquest. But it also sparked an old rivalry with an NBA rival.

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Right after his win, Daugherty got a test from Michael Jordan. Trash talk began right off the bat. But this wasn’t the first time they met as opponents.

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Daugherty and Michael Jordan had been rivals since the NBA

Brad Daugherty was a spearhead talent in Cleveland. Before LeBron James, this revolutionary center was a crucial piece in their being a playoff team. Stars such as Mark Price and Larry Nance made the Cavaliers an Eastern Conference. However, they never could get past one hurdle. That was none other than the Chicago Bulls.

READ MORE-Michael Jordan Might Have to Settle an Expense of More Than $16 Million After His NASCAR Team’s President Makes a Public Statement

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In Daugherty’s five trips to the postseason, Michael Jordan faced off four times, according to Fox News. Each time, His Airness prevailed. Way before they rose as a dynasty, MJ torched the Cavs. In 1988 he would average 45.2 points in the 3-2 series win against Cleveland. Moreover, their contests also saw the six-time Finals MVP hit the iconic ‘Shot’ in 1989. The Cleveland Cavaliers had the talent, they didn’t have a Michael Jordan.

Daugherty played on either side of the floor. The star Cleveland center averaged 19 points and 9.5 rebounds for his career. Standing in front of Jordan wasn’t ever enough.

But now, a whopping three decades later, he is willing to take his shot.

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The rebirth of their rivalry

Jordan, the owner of 23XI was among the first to reach out to Daugherty. The Cavaliers center had just won the NASCAR event. Unshockingly, MJ didn’t drop his typical antics. The two have already accepted each other to be rivals. They even trash-talked almost immediately after Daugherty’s win.

This contest is only just beginning. This duo battled it out on the hardwood for nearly five years. Thirty years later, Michael Jordan and Daugherty are hungry to do it again. Only this time, it will all be decided on the tracks.

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Watch this Story: Bubba Wallace Reveals Unheard Reservations About Accepting Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan’s Offer

Starting 1-0 against His Airness, do you think Brad Daugherty will beat out the Chicago Bulls legend? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar

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Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He is a student studying at NM College in Mumbai, aspiring to pursue sports management to follow his love for sports. Anuj started following the NBA last year, and he loves to combine his passion for writing with his understanding of basketball.
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Edited by:

Jayant Chhabra