“Nothing Less Than Destroy”: How a Small Pre-Game Incident Led Michael Jordan to Completely Demolish His Opponent
Follow Us
The 1992 NBA finals Game 1, popularly known as the ‘Shrug Game’, has an interesting backstory. Portland Trail Blazers were up against the defending champions, Chicago Bulls. Prior to the finals, media and analysts drew comparisons between Clyde Drexler and Michael Jordan. But the latter proved his worth in the very first game.
Clyde Drexler, Trail Blazers shooting guard, was right behind Michael in the MVP race that season. Chicago Bulls was desperately trying to maintain their newfound respect in 1992.
It was clear how Michael disliked him being placed next to Clyde in terms of his game. And he’s Michael Jordan. He possesses that competitive spirit from the beginning. He wanted any basis of comparison to vanish between him and Clyde.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In order to show his worth, Michael played an exuberant game at the start of the series itself. The ‘Shrug Game’ is still known for the finals record-breaking bonanza that the legend displayed.
Against Clyde ‘The Glide’ Blazers, Jordan hit six three-pointers in a row to make an NBA finals record. Moreover, he had 35 points in the first half of the game itself. Michael was on a roll. And the reaction that followed his spilling 3s was just a simple shrug on his end.
“Nothing less than destroy” Michael Jordan beat Clyde far more exotically than expected
David Halberstam mentioned in his book, ‘Playing for Keeps: Michael Jordan and the World He Made’ about the fiery 1992 finals game. “He (Michael) set out to do nothing less than destroy, not just Portland, but Drexler as well.”
Clyde’s teammate, Danny Ainge, also talked about this after the game. David added that to his book. “If it was not personal, it most certainly looked that way. Jordan barely let Drexler touch the ball on offense. Ainge sensed that it was as if Jordan had taken all those newspaper articles and television stories about Drexler as nothing less than a personal insult. It was like watching a killer on the court.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Shaq Makes Big Claim That Can End LeBron James’ Future With Lakers After Nuggets Series
April 17, 2024 06:48 PM EDT
Possible Shohei Ohtani Ban From MLB Has Shaq Questioning $700 Million Contract
April 16, 2024 05:20 PM EDT
Why Is Gabbie Marshall Not Invited to the 2024 WNBA Draft Despite Graduating From Iowa?
April 13, 2024 06:21 PM EDT
Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer
March 16, 2024 06:41 PM EDT
7’4 Victor Wembanyama, Accused of Disrespecting Knicks Star, Gets MVP Shout-Out From Unbothered Jalen Brunson
April 19, 2024 02:58 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Chicago Bulls won that game on a high with a 122-89 score at the end of the game. Jordan said in the post-match interview, “Shots started dropping from everywhere.” Jordan definitely took it personally and he himself has accepted that. He badly wanted to excel more than Clyde and show the viewers that nobody is greater than him.
The two were part of the ‘Dream Team’ together in the upcoming Olympics.
“Jordan did not pass up the opportunity to talk some trash as he brought the ball upcourt. ‘Didn’t I just kick your ass?… Anything here look just a little familiar?… Think you can stop me this time, Clyde?… Better watch out for the threes, Clyde.'” David Halberstam wrote in his book.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“King of the Jungle”: Former Teammate Has a Unique Take on the LeBron James – Michael Jordan Debate
Written by: