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Michael Jordan Once Revealed He Cried When The Bulls Lost Games On Purpose

Samir Mehdi
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"Everyday, I Demand More From Myself": Michael Jordan Once Shared His Secret To Becoming the GOAT

Michael Jordan claimed he had tears running down his face when he realized that the Bulls were losing games on purpose 

Michael Jordan came into the NBA from a strict program run by Dean Smith at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. With him being the leader of such a prestigious team, MJ was used to giving it his all every single game to try to capture the NCAA Championship. 

However, when he got to the league, he did so on a losing team. The Chicago Bulls picked him 3rd overall in 1984 and by the end of the ‘85 season, Jordan had turned the franchise around. 

What was known as a ‘travelling cocaine circus’ was now known as a squad that was gunning for a Playoff seed. Despite finishing with a losing record of 38-44, the Bulls actually made the Playoffs in MJ’s rookie season. 

The way in which they made the postseason however, was what irked Jordan.

Also read: “Michael Jordan Almost Signed With the Mavs”: Mark Cuban Reveals How He Almost Changed the Course of the GOAT’s Career

Michael Jordan cried when he found out the Bulls were losing games on purpose 

Towards the end of the season in 1985, the Bulls were somehow in the mix of Playoff teams in a top-loaded Eastern Conference. Going into a game against the Atlanta Hawks (2nd to last game of the season), Kevin Loughery, Bulls head coach, decided to bench Jordan early on. 

He was initially confused by this but later realized that this was done so because the Bulls were trying to position themselves for a lower seed. This would get them a match-up against the second-seeded Milwaukee Bucks who were a much better draw then the veteran Celtics or Sixers. 

Upon realizing this, Jordan broke down in tears. It was in this moment that he figured out that the NBA was a business. Instead of playing his usual 38+ minutes a night, that night he would play merely 36. This would certainly make a difference. 

The Bulls lost that game and would draw the Bucks in the Playoffs. 

Michael’s competitive drive saw him go at the Bucks 

Michael Jordan hated losing regardless of what type of game he was involved. Whether it was a meaningless regular season bout or Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Jordan brought that same level of intensity night in and night out. 

Against the Bucks in his rookie season, the Bulls would lose in 4 games in the first round. Jordan would drop 23, 30, 35, and 29 in each of those 4 games. Sidney Moncrief and company would prevail however.

Also read: “I Wanna Go to Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse”: Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Cousin Jokingly Offered to Pay for Javier Mendez’s Dinner With the Ex-UFC Champion’s Credit Card

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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