Guarding Michael Jordan wasn’t an easy task. Former Phoenix Suns star Kevin Johnson’s hilarious narration of his guard assignment serves as proof in the pudding.
The three-time NBA All-Star recalled the time he was asked to guard the Chicago Bulls legend when the two teams faced each other in the 1993 NBA Finals. It was a solid run for the Suns in the regular season, but the last stage was against an electric Jordan and the Bulls.
Kevin Johnson Relives Guarding Michael Jordan in the 1993 NBA Finals
Speaking on the “Byron Scott’s Fast Break” podcast, Johnson was asked about the 1993 NBA Finals and the toughest assignment of his career. His story left Scott and Jay Wagers in stitches.
“Dan Majerle, a great defensive player, guarded Jordan in the first two games. Jordan averaged 45, and we were down 0-2, and we had home court,” Johnson recalled. “We go to Game 3, and Paul Westphal, our head coach, says, ‘Kevin, we trust you. You’re gonna guard Michael Jordan.'”
MORE: 10-Time All-Star Details How Victor Wembanyama` Has Been ‘Nothing Short Of Remarkable’
The assignment left Johnson stumped. “I’m thinking this doesn’t even make sense,” he continued. “The best defensive player can’t guard Michael Jordan.
“How in the world are you going to put me on Michael Jordan? I didn’t know for sure if it was real till before the game when you put the matchups on the chalkboard.”
“I’m just praying, ‘Dear Lord, please don’t put my name next to Michael Jordan.’ You just hope he doesn’t put my name next to him. When he did, I was like, ‘Oh my god.'”
It didn’t help Johnson’s case that he was already in the middle of a dismal series. He had collectively managed to put up 15 points in Games 1 and 2. The pressure now was squarely on his shoulders to not just get some offensive momentum but also to contain one of the most lethal shooters in the league.
While the attempt to slow Jordan down wasn’t exactly a successful game plan, the Suns bounced back to win two of the next three games. But it wasn’t enough as the Bulls won Game 6 to win the NBA Finals, 4-2, to clinch their first three-peat. Try as he might, Johnson could do little to halt Jordan’s scoring charge.
MORE: NBA Champion Declares Luka Dončić ‘Already in the Top 10 Greatest Offensive Players’ He’s Ever Seen
As for Jordan, it was an incredible series, averaging a whopping 41.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. The aftermath of the third championship for him and the Bulls saw the icon retire and return to the sport in 1995. He switched sports, picking up the baseball bat instead.
After a hiatus, he famously returned to the NBA and led the Windy City for their second three-peat. In what was a dampener, the ’93 run was also Johnson’s last NBA Finals of his career. He ended his six games with 17.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 6.5 assists.
