In the world of the NBA, a team is not just a collective of good players but a representation of their city or state. This representation is what creates healthy competition within the league and it becomes a treat to watch. However, there have been a few legends of this game who have transcended the limits and have become the fan favorite across the league. Recently, acclaimed Hollywood actor Matt Damon, while promoting his new movie, Air, explained how Michael Jordan became ‘bigger than the game’ itself. Damon, who grew up as a Boston Celtics fan, decoded why Jordan was the representative of every American.

Not the LA Lakers or Boston Celtics, Matt Damon reveals why he was more interested in watching Michael Jordan live

The actor was recently on the Late Night with Seth Meyers show to promote his upcoming movie. The movie is based on the landmark deal that Nike did with a rookie at the time, Michael Jordan. On the show, Damon was asked about whether he rooted for Jordan at a young age, even though he was a Celtics fan. Damon said that Jordan was excluded from that category, as he was “bigger than the game.” The Academy Award winner also talked about watching the Chicago Bulls live.

He said, “I did [watch MJ live] because my dad had tickets through his work.” He recalled the LA Lakers and Boston Celtics tickets not being offered to everyone in the 80s. Damon said that because of the legendary rivalry between the two teams, “the Lakers tickets were not offered.” The Magic Johnson-led Lakers were intense rivals of the Boston team. The only other option that his family went for was the Chicago Bulls games. He explained that this was “just to say that we saw him live” because Jordan “transcended the game.”

Matt Damon also added that the Bulls “became kind of America’s team” and that it was just exciting to watch them play.

Read More: Nike Earns $3 Million Every 5 Hours from $1.7 Billion Worth Michael Jordan, But Couldn?t Replicate It for Billionaire LeBron James

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are presenting the movie Air

Based on the era-defining deal that Nike struck with Michael Jordan, the movie was released in theatres on April 5th. It has opened to a good response from the audience and critics alike. The movie has been rated 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and has a 7.8 rating on IMDb within its first few days of release. Ben Affleck has directed this movie, and he features alongside several other notable actors from the industry. The movie features Affleck, Damon, Viola Davis, Chris Tucker, and Jason Bateman in important roles.

Have you seen ‘Air’ yet? What are your thoughts about the movie? Tell us in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Michael Jordan, Shaquille O?Neal, And Other NBA Stars Breaking Backboards With Insane Dunks