There weren’t many teams that managed to beat Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the 90s’ during their run, but the Orlando Magic, led by a young Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway, are one of the rare ones to do it. It was an unbelievable experience for a young Shaq, as he shared what MJ taught him at that time.

Overcoming the GOAT

When  retired for the first time in 1993, the NBA’s landscape opened completely.

The Rockets would take advantage of the opportunity and win in 1994, but Michael couldn’t stay away from the game too long.

Jordan would return near the end of the 1995 regular season and instantly make the Bulls the team to beat again. But on his path back to the Finals, MJ and the Bulls would come across a heavy task.

The Orlando Magic, led by a young , Penny Hardaway, and a supporting cast full of quality players like Horace Grant, Nick Anderson, Dennis Scott, etc.

The Bulls might have been the favorites, but the Magic had them on the ropes, and they could feel it. Shaq explained how he was terrified of MJ and the possibility of getting dunked on:

“Before the game, I was terrified, but to relieve pressure off that, I ain’t gotta guard him.

Jason Kidd Reveals The One Key Factor That Helped Luka Doncic Dominate Upon His Arrival In The NBA

Jason Kidd praises Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
After Luka Doncic’s stunning three pointer in the Game 2 win of the Dallas Mavericks, Kyrie Irving said that he was not surprised as Luka is built to play like this. As the Mavericks are heading to the NBA finale, head coach Jason Kidd indirectly echoed Irving’s words.

Kidd attributed Doncic’s ability to perform on the big stage to his early career experiences.

“It goes back to him with Real Madrid. Just being on the biggest stage at the age of 15…He is special. He’s one of the best players in the world, and again, he loves the competition,” Kidd said.

Before playing in the NBA, Doncic stunned basketball fans with his prowess in the European League. He kicked off his basketball career with Real Madrid Baloncesto.

Meanwhile, his exceptional performance has been pivotal in the Mavericks’ playoff run, where they overcame home-court disadvantage in every round. He has been the hero of the series, earning the Western Conference Finals MVP after averaging a team-best 28.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists in 17 postseason games.

Doncic leads the NBA in assists per game (8.8) and total assists (150), outpacing the next player by 27 assists. He has recorded eight games with 10 or more assists, the most in the league, including an astounding 13-assist performance in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.
Luka Doncic's playoff recordLuka Doncic (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
The 2024 playoffs saw the Serbian star rank first in points, rebounds, assists, steals, field goals made, three-pointers made, and free throws made. His all-around excellence has not only led his team to success but has also placed him in elite company. The 25-year-old Mavs’ star is the ninth player in NBA history to average 30 or more points per game in a series win against the top-ranked defense.