WATCH: Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen Saved Shaquille O’Neal from a Raging Dennis Rodman

NBA fans across the world often claim that the NBA is not as physical anymore. Even though the LeBron James- Isaiah Stewart brawl shows otherwise. Since a brawl like that does not occur as often as it used to in the 90s era. Apparently, near-fight moments and heated exchanges were a common occurrence in the 1990s. Even Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls almost became the perpetrators of unthinkable aggression on the court.

Arguably the greatest team assembled of all time, the Chicago Bulls in that era also lost their cool a few times. From Jordan’s trash-talking to Pippen’s aggressive dunks, the 90s era basketball had it all.

However, the one untamed lion on the Bulls roster who is unforgettable was the great Dennis Rodman. And for all the aggressive rebounding he was responsible for, it was an eventuality that he would get involved in a fight. And this one time, he almost poked the wrong bear, Shaquille O’Neal.

The time Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen rescued Dennis Rodman

In a game where the Chicago Bulls faced the Los Angeles Lakers, things got heated between Rodman and Shaq. Afterall, Shaquille O’Neal was having a tough time on the court. He had 4 points in the second half and overtime included that day. Moreover, 0 points when he was guarded by Dennis Rodman.

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Rodman was on lockdown defense mode that day. And this eventually got to Shaq. On a rebound off a shot, when Chicago called a time out, the play was not over in Shaq’s head. He reached for the ball and triggered this brawl. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen had to rush in to almost clothesline tackle Rodman away from Shaq. While this is not a comment on who would’ve beaten whom, but clearly in terms of size, Shaq had the advantage.

However, if it were not for Jordan or Pippen, Rodman would have likely not backed down at all. As much as we know Rodman, he might even argue that he could stand up to Shaq in a fight. Needless to say, Rodman’s defense got the best of Shaq. Shaq was so enraged that he even admitted post-game that he was willing to get suspended to fight Rodman that night. That is a big compliment coming from one of the most dominant centers in NBA history.

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