“Michael Jordan played cards for 9 hours to win his money back”: When the GOAT showed his competitive spirit against Kendall Gill while gambling

One of Michael Jordan’s most iconic poster dunks came against the Brooklyn Nets. Kendall Gill, who was on the receiving end, is now telling the tale.

The 15-year NBA journeyman played 6 of his years with the New Jersey Nets. As a 6’5″ guard, he was often matched up with Michael Jordan on defense. Circumstances like these can naturally lead to some personal lowlights, as Gill found out the hard way.

“I probably get in the ring with MJ because he dunked on me one day in the playoffs and I don’t know if you guys saw The Last Dance, but he dunked on me in the playoffs.”

This is the clutch steal and dunk by Michael Jordan in question:

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Michael Jordan gambled 9 hours to win his money back: Kendall Gill

Despite his rivalry, Michael Jordan was a very personable friend. And yet, he couldn’t help but display his obsessive competitive spirit even in the most innocent of circumstances.

“All that stuff about MJ is true, man, about how his competitive spirit, he’s a friend of mine. I remember one day, we were playing cards at my house, and I was beating him out of his money, we playing tough.”

“And it was about 11 o’clock at night. This dude would not leave my house until he won his money back. He ended up leaving my house at 7:30 in the morning.”

MJ is a nice guy. Good guy, you love him, you know, but he just turned into a different animal when he’s competing at something. And I think to answer your question, that’s the only time that he gets really intense is when he’s competing at something.”

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Jordan would go on to win his 6th title in 7 tries by the end of that playoff run. The lasting image of his Bulls career will forever be that of his last shot in their colours. But moments like these deserve their own special mention, as Kendall Gill would richly agree.