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via Imago
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![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-design-2023-09-30T201520.840.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
Image Courtesy: Imago
Michael Jordan‘s fifteen-year-long career in the NBA is filled with controversies and accolades. However, one significant controversy that has received mixed reactions from fans and analysts is his last shot against Bryon Russell and the Utah Jazz. “The Shot” MJ executed 25 years ago secured him his sixth and final championship title. However, many put an asterisk on the incredible feat, claiming he got away with an offensive foul after he pushed off Bryon Russell. But just as the controversy was starting to die down, Luka Doncic‘s recreation of the storied moment sparked fresh accusations.
Luka Doncic emulates Michael Jordan’s “Last Shot”
Luka Doncic has established himself as one of the most unguardable players in the league. He recently solidified that position after he sent the assistant Dallas Mavericks coach flying to the ground after a brutal step-back crossover. In the video, assistant coach Darrell Armstrong was guarding the Slovenian phenom, which did not fare well for the vet, who was seen limping afterwards. The 55-year-old dropped to the ground as Doncic drove hard to the right, stopped abruptly and crossed the ball back to his left hand. The push-off, however, drew comparisons to Michael Jordan’s controversial ‘push-off’ shot in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals.
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Luka destroyed Coach DA’s ankles 😭😭😭#MFFL pic.twitter.com/SnhEZF1iBR
— MFFL (@Mavs_FFL) September 29, 2023
The former Nets guard took to Instagram to weigh in on the ‘The Last Shot’ debate. He wrote, “Bryon Russell I Know How You feel Now When Jordan Push You Off For The Game Winner.” He further added, “Offensive foul” accusing MJ of the push-off and discrediting his final championship run. In the next story, he hilariously compared Luka’s crossover to MJ’s and added, “Luka and Jordan Both Push Off.”
Michael Jordan denies the “push-off” allegations
The controversial game-winning ‘shot’ is also Jordan’s last shot as a member of the Chicago Bulls. With 5.2 seconds left on the clock, MJ executed a 20-footer to lead the Bulls to an 87-86 victory against the Jazz. The polarizing shot has split the NBA community into two sides. While some believe that MJ should have gotten an offensive foul for the push-off, others say that the push-off was a slight tap and not worthy of a foul.
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However, the GOAT himself chimed in on the discussion to settle it once and for all. In the final episode of the 10-part documentary “The Last Dance,” the Bulls superstar revealed, “Everybody says I pushed off. Bulls**t. His energy was going that way. I didn’t have to push him that way.”
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After an underwhelming last season, it looks like the Luka Doncic-led Dallas Mavericks are all geared up for the upcoming season.
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