“We Let Him Down”: Michael Jordan Used His Cigar Addiction and $200,000+ Ferrari to Mentally Beat His Opponents Before the Game Began, Claimed NBA Hall of Famer

Published 09/06/2022, 10:00 AM EDT

The name Michael Jordan resonates closely as a ruthless competitor. Winning six championships and as many Finals MVPs, His Airness walked his career as a winner. After every ring, a tradition to pull out his favorite cigar created a culture in the NBA. However, that isn’t the Hall of Famer’s only favorite hobby. It got to a point the basketball phenom was smoking six cigars every single day, even before NBA games.

Earning millions from his NBA career, Jordan has owned some expensive toys in his garage. Notably, having keys to four different Ferraris, his luxury car collection is among the best. Coming into the arena with one of his supercars, MJ was ready to dominate. Likewise, during his 1997 battle against the Washington Bullets, the five-time MVP gave them the best of both worlds.

NBA legend Chris Webber spoke about the time the Chicago Bulls scoring machine torched his opponents after being let down by the challenge.

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Michael Jordan rolls in with brutal intentions

In 1997, the Washington Bullets faced four-time championship-winning Bulls in the first round. Chicago dominated the series ending the matter and with a 3-0 sweep. Right before Game 2, Jordan met up with the Bullets team. Parking his Ferrari and having a cigar he was curious to know who is guarding him. Knowing Calbert Cheaney was the one, the five-time Most Valuable Player was disappointed.

Michael Jordan Splashed His Net Worth to Buy Seven Cars but Only Kept One Mercedes for Himself

Webber said: “Jordan parks his Ferrari. We get off the bus and he’s smoking a cigar. Before the game. He’s like, ‘Who’s going to check me?’ We let him down and all pointed at Calbert.”

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We've heard variations of this story. Here's Chris Webber on Open Court
"Jordan parks his Ferrari. We get off the bus and he's smoking a cigar. Before the game. He's like, 'Who's going to check me?' We let him down and all pointed at Calbert." pic.twitter.com/TorOvpEezr
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) April 27, 2022

What followed was the demolition of the eight-seeded Bullets. Michael Jordan showed off his true power. Going off for another staple 50-point performance, MJ did it with efficiency. Webber and Cheaney both combined fell 8 points short of Jordan’s tally of 55. The Bulls edged out in a close 109-104 victory to take a commanding lead in the series.

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Watch this story: 10 Things Chicago Bulls Legend Dennis Rodman Can’t Live Without

After the first-round sweep, the Bulls and Jordan went down a much familiar path to the NBA finals. Yet another masterclass from Black Jesus put up a fifth rafter for the Bulls. And the journey wasn’t over just yet.

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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.

“We Let Him Down”: Michael Jordan Used His Cigar Addiction and $200,000+ Ferrari to Mentally Beat His Opponents Before the Game Began, Claimed NBA Hall of Famer

Michael Jordan rolls in with brutal intentions

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