Jun 4, 1997; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan goes to the basket past Karl Malone in game two of the 1997 NBA Finals at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Anne Ryan-USA TODAY Anne Ryan-USA TODAY via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Michael Jordan Graciously Awarded Karl Malone Secondary MVP In 1997

Originally posted on Back in the Day NBA on SI
By Shandel Richardson | Last updated May 23, 2025 9:29 AM ET

Hall of Famer Michael Jordan was known as an ultimate competitor who hated to lose.

But also knew when to give credit. That was the case when he lost to 1997 regular season MVP award to Utah Jazz star Karl Malone. Despite having better stats and more wins, Jordan finished a close second.

"Because of the opinions of others, they chose to give it to a guy who's been in the league just as long as I have and been just as consistent and on a team that's been just as successful this year, I can't gripe with that," Jordan said in an interview with NBC's Ahmad Rashad. "I can't have any jealously or animosity toward Karl Malone. Even though I may have had a good season, certainly from a stats standpoint, it wasn't my best season. But as long as I'm consistently thought of an MVP, I'm happy with that."

Michael Jordan's reaction after Karl Malone being selected as the 1997 MVP over him:

"I can't have any jealousy or animosity towards Karl."

Couple seconds later:

"Yeah Karl, you won the MVP this year. THIS IS THE MVP OF THE FINALS."
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— OLDSKOOLBBALL (@oldskoolbballx) May 22, 2025

Jordan chose to take a different route instead of pouting. He viewed it as fuel when the Chicago Bulls played Malone and Jazz in the NBA Finals. Jordan led the Bulls to a 4-2 series victory, taking home Finals MVP honors. It was his fifth title of the decade. The Bulls also defeated the Jazz the following year, completing a second string of three straight championships.

"I'm the ultimate competitor," Jordan said. "I add that to the challenge that I'm presenting to myself ... Sure, I have an individual challenge that, `Yea, Karl, you won MVP this year. This is the MVP of the Finals. This is the leader of your team to the ultimate goal."'

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This article first appeared on Back in the Day NBA on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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