Charles Barkley relates a story about Michael Jordan’s 1992 competitiveness in a mediocre game against Puerto Rico.
Numerous anecdotes exist regarding Michael Jordan’s intense rivalry.
Charles Barkley, a Hall of Famer, just offered one of the best. Barkley recounted an incident at the 1992 Portland Tournament of the Americas while appearing on the TNT “Steam Room” podcast. It was a warm-up before the renowned Dream Team left for the Olympics in Barcelona.
Barkley went golfing with David Robinson, Chuck Daly, and Jordan. Jordan had a game later that day versus Puerto Rico, but he chose to play another round by himself.
Barkley remarked, “I knew Michael Jordan was crazy at this point.” “I’ve never seen someone as competitive as Michael in my life.”
Daly gave out defensive assignments prior to the game. Robinson, Barkley, and Scottie Pippen all acknowledged receiving theirs. Jordan declined to cover the Puerto Rican shooting guard when Daly tried to encourage him to do so because he preferred to protect the point guard.
“I declared, ‘I have the point guard.'” Barkley remembered what Jordan had said to Daly. “I’m going to get him because he said some [expletive] about me in the newspaper.” Looking around, we think, “This little kid is going to get into trouble.” He played 36 holes and is guarding this guy like it’s Game 7, which is just incredible.
Jordan dominated the game, scarcely allowing his opponent to take a shot as the USA triumphed 119-81.
Here, at 50:44, you can hear the specifics.