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Dennis Rodman’s Dominance and Scottie Pippen’s Migraine Was the Start of Michael Jordan’s Relentlessness

Published 12/05/2022, 7:10 AM EST

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While playing on the court, Michael Jordan had no competition in the entire league. A legacy that is almost impossible to repeat in the NBA, Jordan has his name etched in golden words in the history of the NBA and Chicago Bulls. No doubt MJ had a champion mindset. But where did he get it from?

The Jordan Rules was authored by Sam Smith who zoned in on the 1990-91 season for the Chicago Bulls. It documented the team and its hero, Michael Jordan, and their first-ever NBA championship under him.

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According to Smith, it was Scottie Pippen’s infamous migraine on game 7 that bolstered Jordan to take center stage. Even Pippen confessed much later on that, “there’s always a little bit of regret” with that incident. Game 7 was between the Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls. The Pistons won in the Eastern Conference finals 93-74.

Before Dennis Rodman teamed up with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, he played for the Pistons. Smith believed that the way Rodman wielded his physicality led to a certain level of dominance on the court. Many claimed that it was key for the Pistons to lap up their two championships.

There were other problems looming around with the lineup. This compelled Jordan to be a “relentless star talent“.

But a few years later, the trio paved the way for some great, iconic games. So much so that Dennis Rodman himself said, “You got the greatest basketball player on the planet, the second greatest in Scottie Pippen, and then you got the devil.

How relentless was Michael Jordan in his pursuit of success?

Michael Jordan changed the landscape of the NBA. With 6 championship rings, 5 MVPs, 10 scoring titles, 14 All-Star honors, and countless records, Jordan has truly reigned the game of basketball. His Airness’ impact is so much and so deep, it is unimaginable to measure its lengths and breadths.

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Not only did he push his Bulls’ teammates, but he also pushed himself. It was clear, even for Sam Smith, that Jordan wanted to make himself “an independent player”. It seemed like Jordan wanted to make himself so competent that he was a one-man army by himself.

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His competitive nature brought out another level of focus and determination as well. When talking about Sam Smith, the veteran sports writer detailed Jordan’s drive professionally and personally in the book.

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Watch This Story: Every NBA Star Pays a Michael Jordan Tax to This Day Which was Started For a Lakers Revenge in 1991

What is you take on Pippen and Rodman being on the bright side of MJ? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Written by:

Rekha Joly

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Rekha Joly is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports. She earned a triple major in English, Journalism, and Psychology from St. Joseph's College, Bangalore.
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Edited by:

Abhishek Kumar