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Michael Jordan

Gary Payton on Michael Jordan’s laugh in The Last Dance: “I wouldn’t respect him if he said I stopped him.”

Michael Jordan vs Sonics in 1996 Finals
Jun 1996; Seattle, WA USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan shoots over Seattle Supersonics guard Hersey Hawkins (33) during the 1996 NBA Finals at Key Arena. Mandatory Credit: MPS-Imagn Images

The famed 2020 documentary on Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, titled ‘The Last Dance,’ had many great moments. From the line where Jordan said, “It became personal with me,” to MJ’s security guard, John Michael Wozniak, shrugging after beating him at pitching quarters.

 

Related: Reggie Miller wants to fight Michael Jordan: “I probably would take a swing on Mike if I saw him”

One of the other big talking points was when former Seattle SuperSonics point guard Gary Payton stated he “made it tough” for Jordan in the 1996 NBA Finals.

Jordan ironically laughed and stated he “had no problem with Gary Payton.” Most believed Payton would be upset at Jordan for laughing him off, but The Glove sees it in another way.

“It’s his doc, it’s his thing,” Payton said. “I wouldn’t even respect him if he would have said I stopped him or whatever. Because that’s not what he’s supposed to say because he’s Michael Jordan. So, that’s just nothing but respect, and I respect him for doing that. I didn’t have no problems with that.”

So, who’s to believe? In the first three games where Payton was not the primary defender, Jordan averaged 31.0 points per game. In the three where The Glove switched on to him, MJ’s average slipped to 23.7.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if Payton had any effect on Jordan. In the end, MJ’s Bulls won the title and Jordan was named the Finals MVP…

How’s that for a last laugh?

About the Author Published May 1, 2025

TITAN FREY

Titan Frey is a dedicated father to three wonderful children, whom he takes immense pride in. His passions include reading, writing, basketball, both playing and watching, and playing chess. Titan spent five years working as a journalist for the basketball website fadeawayworld.net, where he served as editor-in-chief for four and a half years. One of his most notable achievements was interviewing Chuck Cooper III, the son of Chuck Cooper, the first African American ever drafted by an NBA team, and writing a biography that has been praised as the most definitive article about Cooper’s legacy. Titan is the author of more than ten novels and the screenwriter of three produced short films. His newest young adult novel, Echoes of the Hardwood: Braxton Foxworthy’s Time‑Travelling Book Report, blends basketball history with heartfelt storytelling and is now available. Order here: https://a.co/d/bo7BYz1

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