'That's why our first championship was a little sweeter' - Michael Jordan on why his first NBA Championship was his favorite

Before Michael Jordan attained GOAT status, he was heavily criticized for being a ball hog and seemingly lacking faith in his teammates. Though Mike entertained fans with his high-flying acrobatics and offensive outbursts, the Chicago Bulls failed to snag that elusive Larry O'Brien trophy. As the franchise star, critics inevitably blamed the "Black Cat."

Fuel to the fire

MJ heard all the harsh criticisms hurled at him. He used them as motivation to become stronger, better, and faster. It was in his mind when the Bulls finally defeated the Detroit Pistons Bad Boys in the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals via a 4-0 sweep.

As the Bulls defeated the Magic Johnson — and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar-led Los Angeles Lakers, those aspersions continued to power "His Airness" and the Bulls. As such, that first NBA Championship in 1991 was their most prized victory.

"You had all your media naysayers: 'Scoring champion can't win an NBA title.' 'You're not as good as Magic Johnson," MJ said. "Not as good as Larry Bird. You're good but you're not as good as those guys.' I had to listen to this every day. That's why our first championship was a little sweeter."

Sam Smith, the legendary sports writer who covered Jordan's rise, understood the shooting guard's elation when he won his first chip. It was indelible proof that Mike wasn't just a great individual player, but he could guide teams to the gold.

"It was tremendous joy," Smith said. "That locker room was the most joyous it ever was in any of those championships, by far, because they'd finally achieved [a championship]. I remember covering the team in the late eighties, where in the newspapers, people were writing columns routinely that Jordan could never win. That you can't win with Jordan."

Madhouse

Phil Jackson recalls entering the locker room and finding everyone celebrating and spraying champagne all over the place as if it were a madhouse. Will Perdue, a third-year man out of Vanderbilt, was so happy that he didn't know how to take it all in.

"(When the game ended,) I just remember we're jumping up and down, we're running around the floor. You're almost not sure what to do," Perdue said.

However, amidst all the chaos, jubilation, confusion, and sighs of relief in the Bulls locker room, a moment stood out featuring MJ and the Larry O'Brien trophy. It's a singular moment that has stood the test of time, and which many claim one of the greatest heartfelt moments in Jordan's career.