Bobby Phills on Michael Jordan calling him his toughest defender ever: 'I used to get caught up in the emotion of playing against him'

The "Jordan Stopper" label was reserved for a select few players who have managed to successfully slow down the legendary Michael Jordan. One notable member of this exclusive group was the late Bobby Phills, a fact Jordan himself once alluded to, describing Phills as "the toughest defender he had ever faced."

In May 1998, Bobby reflected on this high praise and shared his insights on what made him such a formidable opponent for the Chicago Bulls legend.

"There are a lot of distractions that go along with playing against Michael, and I'm pretty good at blocking those out. When I was younger, I used to get caught up in the emotion of playing against him, but now I just try to keep my composure," remarked Phills, per Greensboro News and Record.

A defender's triumph

When it comes to outstanding defenders, receiving recognition from top offensive players is a significant validation. Phills, who played in the NBA from 1992 to 2000 with a short period overseas in 1993, got just that from one of the greatest offensive players ever, Jordan.

"There's respect there for the way I play defense–he's told me that before," he said.

MJ, who claimed the scoring title an impressive 10 times, wasn't one to hand out compliments easily, especially to his rivals. However, Jordan likely recognized that anyone capable of even slightly disrupting his game was exceptional on defense, so he made an exception to praise Phills.

In 1996, the 6'5" shooting guard received recognition from the league as well, earning a spot on the All-Defensive Second Team.

How Phills contained "His Airness"

When Bobby talked about the "distractions" of guarding MJ, he mentioned that instead of concentrating solely on the game, "all eyes" were on their personal matchup. Yet, every now and then, the former Southern Jaguar managed to rise to the occasion, just like he did on April 9, 1995.

Back then, during a narrow one-point victory for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Phills recorded two blocks and two steals, successfully limiting the NBA superstar to a disappointing 9 out of 26 shooting—one of Jordan's worst performances that season.

About two years later, the late Louisiana native shared some insights on what helped him contain "His Airness" from time to time.

"I think I'm about as strong as he is, and I move my feet pretty good," Bobby remarked, later adding, "I don't back down, that's the most important thing. That along with overall effort and hard work."

The 1991 draft pick also acknowledged the need to match MJ's energy and enthusiasm, noting that during the playoffs, the five-time MVP often elevated his game, making guarding him even tougher.

Unfortunately, fate took away his chance to take on that challenge. At just 30 years old, Phills, who was with the Charlotte Hornets at the time, tragically lost his life in a car accident in January 2000.