Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan have one of the greatest rivalries in sports history. The best part was that they were best friends while playing together and fiercely competed against one another. Although their bond has since deteriorated during their retirement, it is always enjoyable to reflect on their on-court conflict. There could have been no greater model than after Game 3 of the NBA Finals when Barkley’s Phoenix Suns crushed Jordan and the Chicago Bulls 129-121 in triple extra time. In the seven-game best-of-seven series, the Suns came within 2-1. It was one of Jordan’s worst postseason contests. He scored 44 points, but only made 19 of 43 field goals. In the interview following the game, Barkley mentioned the team’s poor shooting performance in a funny way. Barkley exclaimed, Michael Jordan shot the ball multiple times! That is unbelievable, god. He will ice his elbow, as well!” The remark seemed to spur Jordan. In Game 4, the Bulls won 111-105 to take control of the series with 55 points, eight rebounds, and four assists on 21 of 37 shooting. Although the Suns won Game 5 in Chicago, the Bulls won Game 6 in Phoenix on John Paxson’s last-second 3-pointer. It capped Jordan’s first of two three-peat performances, adding to his impressive legacy.
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