Michael Jordan: The Highlights That Changed Basketball Forever

[@jacksmith4460]

IMO his best asset is massively underrated, his footwork. His Footwork is absolutely incredible for a guy of his height, its the foundation that every Jumper , every dunk , every lay up is based off (that and hang time). He does not get enough footwork credit. I play Football(Soccer) and have done since 2 years old, so I know a little something about footwork

[@thenakedtruthri]

Jack, I think that is a fantastic perspective and comparison to soccer for footwork. You're so right. He had the handle and the foot work to dazzle you. NBA players would do well to incorporate some soccer drills into their practice/training.

[@scottb3034]

He took inspiration for it from Hakeem Olajuwon who played soccer first and said that's where he got HIS from.

[@adublbeatz8656]

I heard Vernon Maxwell say, " Once Mike perfected that turn-a-round jumper, it was over. He was already a problem, but that move was nearly unstoppable".

[@TheMixedPlateFrequency]

Man, watching MJ and the NBA back then was so awesome.

[@thenakedtruthri]

So true. I wish the younger generations could go back and watch 80's ball. Golden age!

[@redscorpion9325]

Facts especially on my old Tube Tv with hanger Antenna

[@tonysanders1299]

I Must Saw This Mixtape 100 Times & Its Never Get Old. I Grew Up Watching Larry Bird He Was Just Amazing With His Killer Instincts & All Around Game. I Watched Magic Johnson He Made The NBA So Much Fun To Watch. Then Michael Air Jordan Join The League. He Made Me Say, "OMG A Million Times!!" Mike Had Everything U Can Imagine & Done It On A Efficient Level & Given The World The Greatest Show imaginable. That's Why Decades After Retirement He's Still My #1 My G.O.A.T.

[@thenakedtruthri]

It was a different breed of player and a different game back then. Great comment Tony! Thank you.

[@petragrevstad2714]

Mike was a superb defender. There’s a great video of his defensive skills.

[@thenakedtruthri]

He was a terrific all around player, and yes, a lockdown defender. He and Pippen could lock down just about anyone. Thanks Petra!!

[@ingobordewick6480]

@@thenakedtruthri Ask Toni Kukoc about gettin shut down by Pippen and Jordan. "It was hard to run down the court without the ball, and with the ball...." LOL

[@PACO0128]

Probably was the best reaction I’ve seen. Jordan Voyager reaction is a must, also Jordan best defender ever.

[@thenakedtruthri]

Thank you flor the comment my friend. I will absolutely look into the other vids as well. Someone else mentioned the best defender video too. I'm on it.

[@jasperlbrimagejr4954]

Im from Dorchester and Roxbury in Boston, ma and yes im 60 growing up on the celtics and larry legend as well but micheal was the total package and defense did you forgot the steals and blocks he had against us because i remember it very well

[@thenakedtruthri]

Agreed Jasper. Michael was a problem, and Larry knew it early on. We all know Larry's famous quote that "it was God disguised as Michael Jordan".

[@redhotmamakennels7738]

MJ was indefensible from day one and he always could shoot from the midrange…there’s a reason he’s an 83% free throw shooter

[@thenakedtruthri]

Those that have the ability to do anything on court (rebound, assist, shoot, defend, etc) are generally the hardest to guard. You must respect every aspect of their game. =)

[@alonzocoyethea6148]

It's How Jordan became such an icon that wows me just as much as his play! No one wore the baggy shorts before he did, shaved his head, Made more $$ from endorsements than basketball, Wore an earring, stuck out his tounge while driving, or take fines from the NBA for wearing his own shoe (Nike happliy paid them--it was the best marketing they could've got. When his ariness signed with them, a share was only $8. By the time he retired from the Wizards, it was $938.00.)

[@thenakedtruthri]

It started with Larry and Magic, but MJ took it worldwide in regards to endorsements, fame, ,etc. Great comment!

[@broadwaykillz2683]

Yes sir watching greatness that was real basketball back then and yes would like to see more of your mixtape videos

[@thenakedtruthri]

Thanks for the kind remarks Broadway. More are coming!!

[@davidfortuin4146]

Mike is a once in a generation talent, to this day there's yet to be a b-ball player to surpass him the closest was the late great Kobe Bryant who recognize the G. O. A. T and thus modeled his game after MJ.

[@thenakedtruthri]

Agreed David. Generational talent for sure. Athleticism, the drive, the determination, the work ethic. Kobe is right there.

[@tonys2473]

The voyager tape truly gives you a view of his greatness! Well worth the look.

[@katrinachavez3533]

Did you say not fair? That was the Air Jordan with hair. The athleticism was like nothing I had seen before or after him. And you're 100% correct. Once he mastered the midrange game he was unstoppable like that grizzly William Perry in the backfield on 4th & inches. If the greatest perimeter defenders all-time (Moncrief, Alvin Robertson, Rodman, Michael Cooper, Dennis Johnson, Dumars, Payton, Pippen-in practice) couldn't contain him I doubt anything I do would cause him duress. The guy was jaguar quick. If you play him tight he'll go right by you and put your big on a vintage poster. Best thing to do is give him space and hopefully he's off from the perimeter that game. That's the only chance you have.

[@thenakedtruthri]

Absolutely stellar breakdown Katrina. Can't add much more to that other than I totally agree!! And a Refrigerator Perry reference too! Bonus!

[@benjaminrowlett6960]

To answer your question about how you defend Jordan... "You can't." But, I suppose I would try to limit the dunks and layups. Make him beat me from deep. I would TRY, anyway. ...also. I like your reaction style. You earned a subscriber.

[@thenakedtruthri]

Thank you Benjamin. Appreciate it. I agree. If Mike had a "weakness" it would be his deep shooting. I would just dare him to make those shot. If he does, oh well, that's Mike. lol

[@benjaminrowlett6960]

@@thenakedtruthri - agree. Also, I am a fellow New Englander. Go Pats, Celtics, Bruins, and Red Sox.

[@terrywags982]

I’m from Chicago. I was twenty years old when the bulls drafted him. I saw every game he played . I can imagine it was like people watching babe ruth play for the first time or wayne Gretzky or Muhammad Ali. Simply unstoppable!

[@michaelklein8598]

To me MJ is the most skilled basketball player ever. You should check out MJ on his first Olympic team playing against the NBA all-stars, even then he was the best player on the floor. That’s where the Legend begins. 🦄

[@russelturner5771]

MJ'S the 🐐 but 🐦 was one stone ❄ dude & this is coming from a diehard Sixer fan from back in the day. Those Cetic/ Sixer playoff battles were classic. Rivalries like that are nonexistent in today's NBA. On attempting to guard MJ, you would have to try to keep the ball out of his 🖐 & double team him then 🙏.

[@thenakedtruthri]

Thanks for the comment Russell. 80's was a Golden Era for ball. Cheeks, Dr. J, Barkley, Moses, etc. 76'ers were tuff man. Totally agree with the MJ assessment too. Deny best you can, if he get the ball, PRAY. lol

[@russelturner5771]

@@thenakedtruthriI concur. The Eighties with the 🐦Magic rivalry, The Dr. Young MJ & others was the Golden era of 🏀. This era just can't compete.

[@rawbellco49]

Jordan has a large arsenal, almost impossible to defend.

[@thenakedtruthri]

Absolutely agree. Total package.

[@markjeff3838]

MJ got so many Bodies....He needs to be to be in prison 😂😂. Freakishly competitive and never cheated us on WGN. Miss this man playing basketball. The reason I EVER started watching sports. GOAT forever!!!

[@deanchamblin2160]

MJ did beat Bird when he was on the Olympic Team in 84 when they played the teams from the NBA. I'm a Bird fan as well and he was a beast.

[@thenakedtruthri]

Sweet point Dean. Bird got his first taste of what was to come.....

[@ShyAnn24]

I respect you not dogging on MJ just bc he isn’t your favorite player. There’s a lot of KZbinrs whom have alternate favorite players depending on the era in which they grew up, refusing to give MJ his credit. Using excuses like his attitude or cockiness to move him down a couple of pegs. I grew up watching the Chicago Bulls and they were a phenomenal team in their own right. Just bc the MJ highlights don’t show much of him in the role of passing and playing defense doesn’t mean he didn’t. I watched the entire Bulls team gel like no other. I remember not only Jordan but Pippen, Rodman, Kukoc, Kerr, Grant and more being a unified team all contributing to their champion wins! Jordan just happened to be the lead scorer. Jordan is a well rounded player with tremendous talent whether you like him and his style of play or not! 🏀 Anyone doubting this should check his stats. According to that, he comes out on top and those are just undeniable facts. He doesn’t have to be anyone’s favorite but he is due that respect.

[@christopherking4932]

It may sound crazy but I'm not guarding Jordan at all, literally letting him score as much as he wants and I'm double teaming everyone else. He might still be the only player ever to find way to win regardless. But I'm taking my chances on guarding all his teammates and not letting them beat me, if he finds a way to beat by himself, so be it.

[@thenakedtruthri]

Doesn't sound crazy at all Chris. I'm thinking many teams actually tried this strategy, and still lost. I with you. Try to shut down everyone else and if Mike beats ya, so be it.

[@christopherking4932]

@@thenakedtruthri appreciate the kind response, I just personally have not seen anyone completely ignore any player, let alone a hall of fame caliber and even further the greatest basketball player of all time. Someone was always on him, to may knowledge but I haven't seen every game he played in.

[@DavidLopez-hl2mx]

I been on a MJ reaction thing all weekend.

[@dannysarco6743]

The first part of my defensive plan is to decide how I want him to score. I know I will not be able to stop him, so how do I want to look on his highlight reels? I'd put 2 or 3 feet between him and me and let him beat me with jumpers. It's less embarrassing than getting smoked off the dribble. The only way I could stop him wouldn't be legal, and it would probably be a felony. Oh, and every time he made a shot, I would say, "Nice shot Mike".

[@thenakedtruthri]

I love the comment. So right. I'd do the same thing. Beat me hitting jumpers and I'll take my chances. Other than that, I have to mug ya. lol

[@MAJESTIC-ODDBALL]

I enjoyed your reaction, and comments toward the video my guy, great job. I got Mike as the G.O.A.T. for sure, and I have Larry Legend as the best small forward ever in my opinion.

[@marshalljankins4526]

Great reaction. Check out "Jordan One of the best defenders ever"...

[@thenakedtruthri]

It's now on the list. Thanks Marshall. Keep 'em coming!

[@marshalljankins4526]

@@thenakedtruthri : Cool. Great job.

[@warrenbfeagins]

He was indefensible THEN. In today's game, there's nothing you could do other than deny him the ball as much a possible.

[@Tcheera]

Haha - so I'm Gen X. My dad was always a Larry fan and I was a MJ fan, so we'd argue, but I think we've both grown to appreciate both players a lot. As to your question about how would I defend MJ? Probably like Charles Barkley on that dunk where he just noped out and ran away or in the goofs of current NBA when they make fun of players who just sit on the other end of the court watching on defense. Honestly when I see youngins react to his tapes not all but a lot will talk about how much the other players must have sucked since he makes them look so bad by comparison on a lot of highlights -- but that's because in highlights they're not showing lowlights of him being knocked to the ground literally so much and how close so many of the games were. And he was SO damn fast, and jumped so high, so in comparison? Yeah a lot of the other players did look worse when he would blow by them and made it look easy -- but I don't think the league was weak at all in the 80s and 90s -- there were a lot of players I loved watching back then, and I think there are still plenty of mediocre players in the league today (if you're comparing them to MJ of course). Not everyone can be that great -- in fact we don't know yet if anyone can be that great at everything. Sometimes someone comes along like a Serena Williams, a Michael Phelps, a Simone Biles, and they just suddenly change the way a sport looks in comparison to everyone else. Jordan was that guy at the time and there have still been some great players since him but I don't think anyone has hit the NBA with the level of shock and awe since him. I do think if our genetics aren't destroyed though that eventually another person will come along and be freakish. Like if Giannis hadn't been malnourished, who knows?? And now thanks to his legacy basketball is worldwide too, so I think we'll see some new mutants come out. But yeah people who think that players just were bad back then -- nah, no one could guard him today either. They'd just be watching him in awe the same way they did back then haha.

[@thenakedtruthri]

Shiela, all I can say is epic comment. Very very well said. I appreciate the time you took to write it. 😊

[@Tcheera]

@@thenakedtruthri I type 120wpm, so honestly a lot of times it takes me longer to write shorter comments haha -- but thanks, and thanks for the vid!

[@nashmcintosh333]

“How would you defend Micheal Jordan?” I would have poisoned his pizza. Unfortunately though, Utah already tried that, and even that didn’t work. Ummm…… I got nothin. 🤷‍♂️

[@thenakedtruthri]

LOL.....Utah did try that for sure. MJ was one of those that could play at an insane level sick, hurt, etc. Incredible competitor.

[@ejz372]

Hard to defend. You give him too much space, he will shoot and make it. You don’t give him space or guard him closely, he will use his quickness to get to the basket. You send two or three people to guard him, he will eithet shoot, drive to the basket or pass to an open teammate. Great thing about MJ is he can go to either side of the basket. Try to block his fadeaway and you’ll probably foul him. What also makes it extremely difficult to guard him is he gives you different looks everytime. Even if his shots aren’t falling in, he’ll find a different way to get points like going to the basket more for higher percentage. When he drives to the basket, he can dunk or show you different varieties of acrobatic layups.

[@chris20874]

Hey if you like Larry then respect Larry...He said it wasn't MJ playing it was God wearing an Michael Jordan suit. But that young MJ got hurt his second season. Came back his 3rd season and averaged 37.1 points a game. And people talking about his defense so he came back the following year (4th year) and only averaged 35 points but won defensive player of the year and mvp etc. Oh yeah the game MJ put up 63 points on Birds team which had 5 hall of famers on it. But I'm not a basketball fan.

[@thenakedtruthri]

All very good points Chris. Jordan is a generational talent for sure. It's easy to get enamored with the offensive ability, but MJ was a lock down defender. Then couple him with Pippen and Rodman, geez!

[@rgjerde53]

Who else was the top offensive player, and the best defensive player in the same year? He was a great passer too -- he just didn't do it as often as some -- since he usually had the better shot. Forgot about the steals and blocks -- which he was also great at.

[@chris20874]

Another thing about this mix tape is the last like 7 highlights are from 2 years where he was MVP one year and MVP runner-up the other year. Won the scoring title both years. First team all-defense both years. Won the championship both years and was mvp of the championships both years. And they have 7 highlights??

[@thenakedtruthri]

I think if they did a true mixtape of Larry's highlights, it would be hours long. lol

[@jeffreystone22]

I feel spoiled to have my first favorite player as Dr. J as a 10 year old in 1976, then Bird and Magic come along and wow me as a teenager, then MJ spoiled me for the rest of my life. I thought LeBron might be something special, but he quit trying to get better after leaving Miami. The only time I really enjoy watching today's NBA is if it is Durant or Golden State. It's too soft and not as competitive.

[@JP-wu8ek]

best defensive guard ever

[@thenakedtruthri]

Definitely one of the best for sure. 9 All-Defensive First Team selections. Only Kobe, KG and the Glove (Gary Payton) have as many I believe. Thank you for the comment!!

[@TheIcemanthomas]

@@thenakedtruthri don’t forget Walt Frazier, Dennis Johnson, jerry west, Chris Paul, j Kidd, and the great Sidney moncrief as well

[@jnewbypencilart3642]

In all fairness Jordan was a rookie and literally just got in the NBA with nothing but bombs on his team opposed to Larry bird, and the Celtics that had five Hall of Famer‘s on his team. It was literally just Jordan against all of those guys for the most part, but I do agree with you. Lari is amazing and probably in my opinion second to Jordan. into the NBA and wasn’t the season prime Jordan, yet when he face Larry Bird, the Celtics literally only lost two games and Jordan still put 63 points on them.

[@SkinnyHardawayESQ]

Gotta put context on MJs playoff record vs Bird. Bird had 4 other HOFers on his team & at one point was considered the best ever. MJ meanwhile was a 1 man show dragging a bunch of drug addicts around as the 8th seed. Once MJ got better, Bird's back gave out. Had Bird been healthy, MJ would have gotten Bird definitely. Good video

[@thenakedtruthri]

We all know that ultimately this is a team game. Absolutely Bird had a better team during the MJ early years, no doubt. But that's what makes it all fun. 86 Celtics vs. 95-96 Bulls (72-10) would be epic! Thanks Anthony!

[@HardParking]

There is an insane one called Jordan Voyager

[@thenakedtruthri]

Hi Jhae! Someone else mentioned this one as well. It's on the list!

[@glennallen239]

My Top Three are #1 Michael Jordan #2 Larry bird #3 Magic Johnson. Please react to the time a non NBA Michael Jordan dominated NBA All-stars!

[@thenakedtruthri]

Hi Glenn! Thank you for the recommendation. I'll check it out. Can't complain about your top 3.

[@donnaislam2829]

Great 👌 reaction

[@thenakedtruthri]

Thanks so much Donna. Hopefully they get better and better as we grow. Appreciate you!

[@davidk8509]

I'm coming back here to watch this for a second time. Let me say this, not because I am a Bulls fan and a Jordan nut, but I'm being honest in saying, I don't watch too much NBA these days cause the game is so soft and all of the three point shooting in which I get math wise, but honestly, this game today is lucky MJ wasn't playing. If this man shot alot of 3's because he had too, Omg. With his dense and such. He'd probably break almost every record in the book. Also, remember, this guy retired for basically 2 seasons and still came back and won 3 more.

[@worldlfree]

How would I defend Michael Jordan? I’m 40 and I hoop in LA Fitness, I like to defend by being tough and forcing guys into tough shots but with guys like Michael and Larry, you can think you’re forcing them into something, into tight situations but reality there isn’t a spot on the court where they can’t eat you up, those guys are too crafty and are masters for a reason…

[@thenakedtruthri]

Very well said!! When a great player has command of the entire game, how do you defend that? Try you best to deny, and hope for an off night.

[@scottb3034]

The NBA could really use MJ, Magic and Larry back right about now. Or to go back to this time. Also if I was defending I'd play off and force the jumpshot. Even though he can make them he was a much better finisher and he can't go to the FT if he is jump shooting. If he beats me going 15-25 all jumpshots fine but going 17-23 on drives and 11-11 FT is more problematic, plus his slashing game also allows him to get his teammates involved easier because it crashes the defense. So basically play the lesser of two evils.

[@darrellbanks6911]

Never best Larry bird? Larry bird Celtics are 23 and 11 vs mjs bulls regular season... He never best him in a playoff series( which was twice) 0 and 6...Larry bird in those 23 matchups averaged 27 Jordan 34... Playoffs Larry 27 mj 30 just putting a lil context to it

[@MicroWave233]

Im a larry bird fan but we have to be honest about those playoffs matchups. His team was terrible in the 80s until the late 80s when pippen and horace and team as a whole improved. In 87 jordans best teammate was oakley, you seriously expect oakley to be much help on offense? Not to mention guys like sellers underperforming, so mj had to carry the team.

[@thenakedtruthri]

Well said Darrell. The established superstar up against the up and coming superstar. Great basketball. Thank you for the comment!!

[@thenakedtruthri]

Great point@@MicroWave233 . No matter how great the individual superstar is, it's still a TEAM game. Thank you for the comment!!

[@MicroWave233]

@@thenakedtruthri very true but my point is you can only do so much with the talent around you, people like to remember mj as been selfish in his early years but ive watched many games, he was always a team player, especially in his rookie year where he led the team in 4 of the 5 major stat categories. Its just his star teammates either werent talented enough or worked hard enough or were having their game diminish from drug abuse (orlando, quinton daily, etc.). Its like trying to do a group project but your grouo members dont wanna put any effort, so you are stuck doing the heavy lifting work.

[@redhotmamakennels7738]

@@thenakedtruthriCeltics had 5 hall of famers on that team…Swap teams and Larry never wins anything.

[@kratoscallofduty]

I was a big fan of Larry Legend back in the day, but even he called MJ "God".

[@robkroll9365]

To answer your question. There was no way to defend him. Nothing you could do.

[@thenakedtruthri]

I think we can probably say that about all of the greats. Thanks for the comment Rob!! Aprreciated.

[@davidk8509]

If MJ wanted to do anything he wanted, he did it. He is the bestathlete, most determine player I have ever seen. He;d average 40 or more in the league today. Remember, he played in a more physical era.

[@thenakedtruthri]

Absolutely agree. With the focus on the 3 in today's game, and lack of physicality, Jordan could average 45-50 anytime he wanted.

[@davidk8509]

@@thenakedtruthri Jordan said in an interview, he could of develped a 3 ball if he needed too. I don't doubt it. He still wasn't a bad 3 shooter.

[@giannirandolph2986]

10 scoring titles,no one person stops Jordan,need some help!

[@thenakedtruthri]

Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and send in those comments!!

[@murrayestreich2403]

Can you react to Michael Jordan defying gravity. It shows all of his skills. Cheers

[@thenakedtruthri]

Hi Murray. Thank you for the suggestion. It's on the list!!

[@murrayestreich2403]

@@thenakedtruthri Thanks mate from Australia

[@mykellagarde2271]

nobody can defend jordan even mj defence cant stop mj offense!!!

[@thenakedtruthri]

Interesting take Mykel. Hmmmmm......could MJ defend MJ? That's a head scratcher!!

[@Joker-bc9po]

I’d have to do some illegal stuff to defend MJ 😂 , so probably just let him beat me with jumpers so I don’t end up on a poster or in jail lol

[@ingobordewick6480]

Oh, I forgot, for defensive highlights, check this one out... kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5uon4ZmeZxgeqc

[@thenakedtruthri]

I'm on it Ingo. Great suggestion. =)

[@rgjerde53]

Also forgot to mention. 3 pointers weren't as important back then -- but if he wanted to be, he would have been the best 3-point shooter too. You just had to tell him that he wasn't a good 3-point shooter, and he would do whatever it took to prove you wrong. I've said it before -- these videos are great, but you could do a career highlight film from every game he played. He never took a night off.

[@TheClarkAvenue]

Looks like Jordan scored 30+ points on Larry Bird 24 times, but lost to the Celtics 23 times. Is it fair to say that Jordan never lost to Larry Bird???

[@thenakedtruthri]

This is the beauty of the debate. We all want to make it a one on one, win-loss debate between 2 players. But it's a team game, and Larry had the better team at that point. Jordan's individual heroics couldn't overcome the collective.

[@TheClarkAvenue]

@@thenakedtruthri I agree Celtics dominated. Fundamentals were outstanding. I'm a Jordan fan as it shows, but we have mad love for Larry back in my hometown Indianapolis. He deserves all the respect. The man is bad! Many reasons why individually Jordan is the best NBA basketball player ever. In my opinion of course.

[@AniMalcolmTheLibetarianNerd]

Yes, the Bulls never beat they Celtics in the playoffs. But, Mike beat Larry as a player practically every game. Bird called him God in sneakers.

[@davidhenderlong6639]

Sorry even if I was as good as the glove I would say bench me coach he is just to damn good 😂😂😂😂😂

[@thenakedtruthri]

Funny David. There are stories of some players doing just that. I gotta guard Larry tonight? Oh, my ankle doesn't feel right coach. I love the Glove, GP. He has mad respect for Larry, and knows he is one of the greats.

[@deJuanX]

Defending Mike, pray for one of his relatively few off games...that's it💯

[@halfshot253]

Saying MJ never won against Larry is entirely false my good sir. So let's put a little context. They met twice only in the playoffs. In 85, Mj coming from a foot injury and had not played 90% of the regular season and 86. This year, Larry has his best Celtics team ever. But in the regular season here's how they fair. We have to stop this notion of Lebrick's super fans (Nick and Shannon) who runs this silly narrative all the time. 1984 Season - Jordan's Rookie Season Best team mate - Corzine and crackhead Woolridge 11/9/84 - Boston win @ Bulls - 125-105 - Best player - C. Maxwell - 30 pts 12/22/84 - Chicago win @ Boston - 110-85 - Best player - Jordan - 32 pts - 12 TRB 1/19/85 - Boston win @ Chicago - 111-108 - Best player - Jordan - 36, Bird 11 2/5/85 - Chicago @ Boston win - 106-110 - Best player - Jordan - 41 pts, 12 TRB 2/22/85 - Chicago @ Boston win - 105-115 - Best player - Bird - 34 pts 3/6/85 - Boston @ Chicago win - 104-107 - Best player - Jordan - 33, Parrish 13 pts 1985 Season - Jordan coming from foot injury with playing time limit - missed 64 games out of 82 Lost to Celtics in the playoffs 0-3 More reference at www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1986.html So technically a lowly Bulls team did managed to hold their own against the world champs in the reg season and even blowing them up. In the playoffs, yes. In the regular season no. Jordan outscored Bird individually in most of their games.

[@thenakedtruthri]

This is why it's a TEAM game. Agreed, Celtics had the better team. But fun to tweak everyone. They faced each other a total of 34 times in NBA games. Larry Bird has a 23-11 winning record over Michael Jordan, including a 6-0 record in Playoffs.

[@realartist_eric2365]

You should react to his rare video. It's better and shows his whole skill set.

[@SpinningToWin]

I realize it wouldn't be terribly uplifting but as a fellow New Englander and old enough to have gotten to watch him play I would love to see you do a reaction to the Reggie Lewis story

[@saiwaqa2573]

How would i defend Jordan? Take a sick day and leave it up to my replacement lol Nah for real i would try to force him left. I don't expect to succeed. Only way to try to slow him down is with the whole team.

[@sarahhaakenson5330]

I wonder if Jordan would have been as good as he was if he hadn’t played with players like Bird, Magic, Olajuwon, and a couple others. What do you think?

[@thenakedtruthri]

Great question. I think it would certainly have been a different Jordan. Goes to the old proverb, “You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another.” ‭‭ In this case the Greats sharpen the next Great. And what better "steel" then Larry, Magic, heck the whole Dream Team to get sharp??

[@electric8668]

This tape is a little misleading. Given all of Jordan's great dunks shown one might think that's all he could do when that's far from the truth. Great defense of course offense & clutch shooting. But Jordan never has gotten the credit he deserves for his handles. Dude is without question is Da GOAT.

[@thenakedtruthri]

MJ had handles as far as I'm concerned. There's a video clip of MJ dazzling Larry Legend with his handle.

[@axlslak]

interesting question. how would you defend against jordan. you wouldn't. would be pointless. u would block pip, and his second choice. you wouldn't actually try to contain jordan, but his team-mates. which sounds easier said than done. they were conditioned in practice to serve him.

[@redtesta]

i would push him to the help side. Never leave his side. But it would be for not... lol Get the video of jordan and its all his defense.

[@jamieking007]

FIRST OF ALL U SAID HE NEVER BEAT LARRY BIRD 😂😂😂..HE NEVER BEAT THE HALL OF FAME TEAM THAT BIRD WAS ON…IS MORE LIKE IT.

[@thenakedtruthri]

James. Absolutely agree. This is why it's still a team sport. Jordan would pop for 60, and still lose. Once he got some pieces around him, we saw the result......

[@irissanders7487]

You cant guard the unguardable

[@Bignastydog]

So do ya'll think mj would have had more or about the same tiles if he was drafted by the blazers

[@thenakedtruthri]

Great question. With a duo of Clyde the Glide and MJ as the cornerstones, and with other solid starters, they would have been almost unstoppable.

[@Bignastydog]

@@thenakedtruthri we would see Drexler even higher

[@HallKevinA]

How would I defend Jordan? ASSUMING I would be skilled and athletic enough to even keep up with him, I would try to keep the ball out of his hands… otherwise when he gets the ball … prayer and hope that God is a Lebron fan LOL

[@athens_1psvr31]

How would I defend Jordan? I’d be wearing Depends and be jittery annoying.

[@andybilakshow260]

BU🤔That you? What happend man?🤨

[@whenisdinner2137]

The only reason Larry Bird never lost to Michael Jordan in the playoffs is because Larry broke his back before Michael Jordan got any help

[@jasonmardoniomeza1711]

Didn't MJ always have a very good shot? He could always use his posy moves and that turn around jumper fade away but it's just he used those things more as he got older. Hmmm....I could be wrong.

[@thenakedtruthri]

He actually had a very good midrange game. Didn't feature it as much when younger. From say his mid career on, arguably the best all time at the midrange game. And yes, he developed a nice post game in his later years as well. He transformed as the NBA changed to guard him. The "Jordan Rules". Great comment!!!

[@jamesmitchell3615]

Yes, I agree once MJ mastered the mid-range and post game, that was all she wrote for the NBA forever!! The only way to defend MJ is to sag off him, and make him an uncomfortable jump shooter on the perimeter as much as possible. Then trap him with a shadowing(not fully committing) double team. Make his teammates beat me, just not him!!

[@redhotmamakennels7738]

He had that when he entered the league, there’s a reason Bob Knight called him the greatest basketball player he ever saw before MJ stepped foot on an nba court

[@thenakedtruthri]

Fantastic analysis James. I agree. You make him hit jumpers and try your best to simply deny him the ball. And pray he has an off night. lol

[@thenakedtruthri]

Jordan definitely had the whole package. Once he got adjusted to the NBA, realized he could dominate, it was over. Thanks for the comment Red Hot Mama!!

[@katrinachavez3533]

@@thenakedtruthri Deny him the ball? Good luck with that! The guy's stamina is legendary. Remember The Shot vs Cavs? The guy had played majority of the game - hard at both ends, and he still had the energy to shake two defenders (Ehlo and Nance Sr.) and get plenty of lift on jumper at the end of game.

[@wileyhenry3990]

Deny. Deny. Deny. He's going to get his. Your best bet is to get into the passers head. Make him think about the turnover.

[@thenakedtruthri]

Wiley, totally true. The Greats will find a way to get theirs. All you can do is contest, play hard, and hope for an off night. lol

[@timmy1tap678]

How would I defend MJ?? Hmmm..12g buckshot to the kneecap maybe ? Be my best shot I think..

[@thenakedtruthri]

LOL......too funny. But you're right. But I still think he could jump over most with just the one leg. ha!

[@timmy1tap678]

@@thenakedtruthri haha damn..thought I had come up with a way that'd work for sure!! But I think you're right!!

[@sh0964]

Double team him everytime he touches it. make someone else beat you.

[@TheHelixballerone]

Bird, as great as he was, only had a limited skill set. Mind game, superior shooting and passing. So, I don’t understand why your looking for the video to show you more of MJs skills. Mike had more skills then Larry Bird Defense being one of them.

[@thenakedtruthri]

Are we talking Skills or Athleticism? Two totally different categories. The big 5 Skills of Basketball are: Shooting, Dribbling, Rebounding, Defense and Passing. Larry is a better shooter, no question. Not scoring, shooting. I would give the edge to MJ in dribbling. Larry wasn't dazzling defenders with his handle. Larry got you with the pump fakes, jab steps, etc. Rebounding is Larry all day. Averaged 10+ for his career. Jordan 6+. Taking into consideration different position, height, etc. MJ of course takes Defense. A supreme one-on-one defender. But Larry had excellent hand/eye coordination, could read passing lanes, and had great anticipation. He was a good TEAM defender, but not locking anyone down one on one. Passing, Larry was elite, period. Could create easy buckets for his teammates, saw the game 2 plays ahead. MJ was a very good passer, but not on Bird/Magic/Cousy/Stockton level. Now if we are talking sheer athleticism - Jumping/Speed/Stamina/Coordination/etc, well overall MJ would take it for sure. But Bird was no a bum "athlete". Yes, couldn't run the fastest or jump the highest, but his supreme Stamina, Hand-Eye Coordination, made up for some his other lacking physical skills. What they BOTH had was a burning desire to WIN, be the best and compete against the best. Basketball IQ's through the chart. Larry is my all time starting SF MJ is my all time starting PG

[@TheHelixballerone]

@@thenakedtruthri were talking Skillset. Athleticism… no comparison

[@boombomcontur-qm3wm]

I like Larry 2 his my top 2 but Just accept the facts mj is way better than bird.. Don't fool your self.. Lol😂

[@williamhunt1643]

Have people forgotten that MJ has beaten Larry Bird on USA vs NBA? He was in college too. Earlier Jordan's career the Bulls team were so weak. It shows NCAA all stars vs NBA all stars with a decent team Jordan was able to beat Bird in NBA all stars team. 🫢

[@timmys8823]

He's beat bird, just not in the playoffs or finals. Wouldn't have gotten to the playoffs or finals in 1990-1991 season to win the ring if he kept losing to a team like the Celtics, so you might want to rephrase that shit.