Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan was a ruthless competitor who was able to take any slight or challenge and use it as motivation to dominate on the court. Because of this, very few dared to step up to His Airness for fear of retaliation or embarrassment. However, one fearless young man dared to cross Jordan over not once but twice in a single play - Allen Iverson.
During a regular season game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Chicago Bulls on March 12, 1997, Iverson made his mark as a rookie by pulling off an incredible double-crossover move that left Jordan stumbling and out of position.
Decades later, Jordan told Iverson that he still hadn’t forgotten about that little stunt that shook the NBA world.
Chilling in Charlotte
Long after the pro careers of both Iverson and Jordan had concluded, the two basketball icons had a chance to catch up and reminisce about their legendary encounter. As they sat in Jordan’s space while watching a Hornets game in Charlotte, North Carolina, the topic of that fateful game came up.
“I went to a Charlotte Hornets game. He had me come in. We in the back, me and him; I'm sitting back, drinking, and reminiscing. I was like, 'Man, I love you!' And he was like, ‘You don't love me, you little b***h. You wouldn't have fu**ing did me like that.’ And everybody in the room burst out laughing,” Iverson shared.
Sizing the GOAT
A huge part of what made Iverson do so well despite his small frame was his fearlessness. The former Hoya didn’t have the luxury of being 7 foot tall and weighing 300 pounds like Shaq, but he made up for it with his drive and tenacity on the court. Most of all, he didn’t back down from anyone, not even a legend like Jordan.
“If I got the opportunity that, I was gonna try my move against the best player that I've ever seen play the game, and I'll never forget the moment, obviously. Phil Jackson said: 'Michael on the switch!' And he stepped out,” Iverson narrated of that fateful sequence.
“When I tried the little one, and he bit on the little one, that's when I said,' Oh, he in trouble,’” Iverson added.
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