How to Slow Down Michael Jordan? NBA Veteran Unveils Anecdote on Guarding the ‘Unstoppable’ Bulls Legend

How to stop Michael Jordan? This was the exact question on all his opponent’s mind as he kept breaking one record after the other. Michael Jordan’s gravity-defying dunks have been etched in the collective memory of fans. But it was his competitiveness that captivated and equally intimidated his rivals.

The former Utah Jazz player is a witness to His Airness’ power play. The legend once dished out some tricks and techniques he used while battling against his Airness. While his efforts were in vain, the story was fascinating.

Let’s listen to his entire story to find out more about how the 60-year-old guarded the GOAT.

Was Jeff Hornacek successful in his mission to slow down Michael Jordan?

The 1x NBA All-Star, in an interview with his daughter Abby Hornacek, narrated his game against Jordan in the 1997 and 1998 NBA finals. He shared how he used numerous strategies and techniques to beat the 6x champion. However, the Chicago Bulls legend was too smart to be defeated by those techniques.

MJ averaged 32.3 points in the Bulls’ 1997 match against the Utah Jazz, while he dropped 33.5 points in the 1998 rematch. Hornacek finally admitted, “Your little pushes on him may have gotten him off balance a bit but not enough to… He’d go in the post and shoot a fadeaway, turn-around jump shot that kind of became his real move that was impossible to stop. You weren’t going to stop that shot.”

The 60-year-old also tried to make him shoot jumpers, but by that time, Jordan was great with midrange. One of the tricks was also not to make him mad. However, just as the fans remember him, the Champion was too good. As Hornacek recalls, Jordan’s competitive nature never let him lose.

Jeff Hornacek talks about Michael Jordan

During the same show, the NBA veteran spoke about the factor that drove Jordan and the Bulls to the victory. He shared how winning championships back-to-back was not that easy. Besides the game, one needs inspiration to fuel up their spirits. Speaking of Jordan, the legend shared, “With Michael, it’s a competitiveness, his ruthlessness.” 

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He added, “He was playing it full out because he hated to lose. And I think those traits are what made him the superstar he was.” It was not surprising to hear Hornacek fail against Jordan. However, it was another intriguing facet of the legend’s career. 

Can you think of any weaknesses of Michael Jordan? Do let us know in the comments.

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