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“Hey Michael Jordan, take off the Jordan 11s and wear your old shoes!”: When the Bulls legend silenced a heckler following a lackluster first half against the Cavaliers

Samir Mehdi
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“Michael Jordan Scored More Than Half of his Team’s Points in His Last Game as a Bull”: MJ's 45 points in 1998 NBA Finals Saved Him From His First-ever Game 7

A heckler once yelled out to Michael Jordan that he should take off his ‘Concord 11s’ during a game against the Cavaliers after a dismal first half. 

Michael Jordan is widely regarded is the most competitive athlete to have stepped foot on NBA hardwood in the history of the league. There are countless stories that feel like tales as we get further removed from them, that showcased just how maniacal the Chicago Bulls legend was when it came to having the drive to win. 

The game was, at times, so easy for Michael Jordan that he would make up scenarios in his own head to help motivate him at times. Sure, he had a relentless drive to be the victor at any moment but being at the top for seasons on end could get a tad bit boring.

Also read: “Could not guard a 40 year old Michael Jordan so I went to the locker room”: When Grant Hill had the Wizards superstar score 20 on him in the first quarter, leading him to quit the game

An example of just how maniacal he was would be the time he made up the story of LaBradford Smith telling him, “Good game, Mike,’ after torching him for 37 points while Michael only shot 9-27 from the field. Jordan would hilariously reveal later on that he made it all up for extra motivation. 

Michael Jordan shuts a Cavaliers fan up after he disses his Jordan 11s. 

Michael Jordan in November of 1995 was coming off a disappointing postseason loss to Shaquille O’Neal and the Orlando Magic. Simultaneously, Nike had released his new, Jordan 11s. The black and white colorway is usually referred to as the ‘Concord 11s’. 

Also read: “Tracy McGrady was the first person to score 50 points on me”: Carmelo Anthony talks about having to match up against the Magic legend

Combine the disappointment of losing in the Playoffs for the first time in about half a decade with a fan calling your newest line of shoes trash, and you you’ve got yourself a classic Michael Jordan game on your hands. 

The fourth game of the 1995-96 season saw Jordan and the Chicago Bulls visit the Cavaliers and at the half, the 3x champ at the time had merely 6 points. During this first half, a particular fan was yelling out things like, “Hey Michael, you were better with your old shoes,” and “Take your shoes off!” 

Now, it doesn’t take much to get Michael Jordan going. As expected, the trash talk was just more ashwood added to the fire that was ignited within him. He scored 23 points in the second half, secured the come from behind victory, and pointed at the fan while doing it all, almost like saying, “This was all your fault.” 

About the author

Samir Mehdi

Samir Mehdi

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Samir Mehdi is a senior strategist for the NBA division at The Sportsrush. Ever since he was 13 years old, he’s been obsessed with the game of basketball. From watching Kobe Bryant’s highlights on YouTube to now, analyzing and breaking down every single game on League Pass, Samir’s passion for the game is unwavering. He's a complete basketball junkie who not only breaks down current games but also keenly watches ones from the 60s’ and 70s’ while also reading comprehensive books on the history of the league. Samir’s life revolves around basketball and he hopes that shows in his work. Aside from work, he loves to spend time in the gym and with his friends at social gatherings.

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