Michael Jordan was a vicious competitor. Manically trying to find an edge on his opponents, even the aura around him was frightening. His so-called ‘killer’ mentality never diminished. It didn’t matter if he was a young highflyer on the Chicago Bulls or a seasoned veteran on the Washington Wizards, His Airness was always on the hunt. One such incident was brought to light by a former NBA star who had to endure the excellency of MJ.
However, just moments later, a three-time All-Star boasted about putting the six-time champion in his personal hell. The incident was a rare occurrence when Jordan didn’t have any answers.
The competitiveness of a 40-year-old Michael Jordan
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During the most recent episode of ‘Gil’s Arena’, the host Gilbert Arenas had a few of his friends over. Former players Kenyon Martin and Brandon Jennings were on the couch, sharing their NBA stories. They began with the times they were embarrassed and beaten down by a single entity. For Martin, he had to face Michael Jordan when he was 40. However, age is only a misdirection since Jordan dropped 40 points on the defensive stalwart.
“I got some of that MJ 40-year-old work with the Wizards. You know, I’m eager its Mike. I know he ain’t that Mike, but it’s Mike. I’m pogo sticking like a mo*********r, he pump faking the hell out of me stepping through, jabbing my a**. I’m just like all over the place. I think he had like 40,” he said.
Not only was His Airness carving up Martin, but he still had the vintage fire to talk trash all while rendering his opponent powerless. The former Denver Nuggets forward had a “long night” after Jordan recognized him wearing a back brace. As the 45-year-old recalls it, Michael Jordan went “dead at me”.
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It was a testament to the everlasting prowess of Michael Jordan. Yet there was a time he fell when at the edge of his career.
Arenas boasts his Jordan story
The disappointing result came against the host of the show, Gilbert Arenas. Still young and raw with the Golden State Warriors, Agent Zero would introduce himself to Washington by demolishing Jordan. “I gave that f****r a 41,” Arenas states.
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Both he and Antawn Jamieson ate up the Wizards like it was a varsity game. Arenas ended up with 41 while his counterpart added 37 to maul Jordan and Washington. According to Arenas, it was the reason the rival franchise came to recruit him.
“That’s what got me paid. They see what I did to MJ,” said Agent Zero.
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For MJ, he never got the opportunity to exact revenge. Maybe he always held a grudge against Arenas, patiently waiting for his moment to strike back. Eventually, Arenas joined the Washington Wizards in 2003, the same season the franchise fired Michael Jordan.
While he was evaded of an opportunity to play with Black Jesus, Arenas can always boast about his coming-of-age game against Michael Jordan.