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“Hey Magic Johnson, you want to win this?”: A competitive Michael Jordan called out Lakers legend for his casual demeanor during a charity game

Arjun Julka
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"Hey Magic Johnson, you want to win this?": A competitive Michael Jordan called out Lakers legend for his casual demeanor during a charity game

When Chicago Bulls legend, Michael Jordan, called out Magic Johnson for not taking a charity scrimmage seriously.

Michael Jordan’s incredible competitive zeal is no secret. The 6x NBA champion took every minute on the hardwood as a challenge, exhibiting an unparallel work ethic.

MJ’s unfathomable competitive nature extended beyond his NBA career. Whatever the activity be, Jordan always wanted to cement himself at the top position, which was evident even in his hobbies such as playing cards and Golf.

During one of Magic Johnson’s charity games, MJ didn’t appreciate the casual manner in which Magic approached the game. Jordan would later question Magic’s mindset towards the game that would have  the latter say,

“Oh, Jesus Christ, he means it.”

Also read: “Is Rich Paul going the David Falk route after LeBron James retires?”: A look into how Michael Jordan’s agent lost his influence in the NBA after Bulls legend’s retirement

According to celebrity Rob Lowe, who served as a coach during that tense situation, Magic was seen having fun and playing around during the time-outs, something the highly competitive Jordan didn’t appreciate.

Michael Jordan sets the tone for Magic Johnson during a charity game

Jordan’s competitive nature wasn’t immune to a charity game as well. The 10x scoring champion was visibly agitated with his teammate Magic Johnson’s playful nature during the match.

The match seemed more of an offensive contest as nobody during the game seemed bothered to defend. Something similar to the All-Star games. However, the former DPOY was in no mood to take it easy and took a jibe at Magic for not being locked in during the game.

Lowe, who was the celebrity coach during the game, decided to call a time-out during the finals minutes of the game. Though Lowe didn’t say much, knowing the people there knew their job better than him. However, Jordan had some words to say to his teammate Magic Johnson.

According to Lowe,

“Karl Malone was on the team, Mark Jackson was on the team, I mean everybody, and I had nothing to say, of course,” the actor explained. “And I looked over, though, at Michael, and he was pissed. And he looked at Magic. You know, Magic’s being his Magic self, having a good time. I think the score was 240 at that point, no one played any defense, and Michael was like, “Hey man, you want to win this?’’ And, all of a sudden, you could see a lightbulb go off, and Magic said, it was like, ‘Oh, Jesus Christ, he means it.'”

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Though MJ and co lost the contest 203-202, the 6x Finals MVP had an incredible 54-points during the game.

Also read: “Kyrie Irving and James Harden deserve mentions on this list”: Mike James believes Nets stars are alongside LeBron James and Michael Jordan on Mt Rushmore of most skilled scorers

This is not the first time the Bulls legend took a charity game seriously. In 1988 the 14x All-Star took part in the Kenny Rogers Classic Weekend and treated the game like any other, showcasing all his skills and claiming victory over the opposition squad 22-20.

About the author

Arjun Julka

Arjun Julka

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Arjun Julka is a NBA author at The SportsRush. Basketball isn’t just a sport for this 26-year-old, who hails from Mumbai. He began watching the sport after stumbling upon a court in his society, helping him identify an undiscovered passion for the game of hoops. Now an ardent fan, Arjun supports Stephen Curry and the Warriors but also enjoys watching Giannis Antetokounmpo own the paint. When it comes to the GOAT debate, the TSR author feels LeBron James is yet to receive a lot of his due but cannot deny marveling at Michael Jordan’s resume.

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