15. The jaw-dropping transition sequence
There’s something about this play that’s just stupefying.
When Jordan comes up with the steal and starts to lead the fastbreak, you know what’s coming. Sure, he might surprise you and kick out to one of the guys filling the lane on the break, or maybe he’ll pull it back and set up the halfcourt offense. But 99% of the time, he’s laser-focused on the rim and how to put the ball in it.
There’s a common saying in basketball that most people have heard if you’ve played: The most dangerous man is the man with the ball.
Normally that applies when there’s one defender tasked with guarding two people. First, take care of the one with the ball. In this instance, though, the Charlotte defenders clearly felt that Jordan was dangerous enough with the ball that both defenders (despite it being a two-on-three in favor of Chicago) were focused on him.
Jordan took care of this problem. Not by passing it to a teammate, though. He took care of it by breaking down the first defender with a devastating in-and-out dribble and then cocking the ball back and punishing the second defender for trying to meet him at the rim.
This play will never get old.
14. The finger wag at Dikembe Mutombo
This has to be one of the most beautiful, disrespectful plays in NBA history – right next to AI’s stepover.
Similar to AI’s stepover, though, it isn’t the actual play that’s jaw-dropping, it’s the reaction.
Iverson’s step-back crossover and made jumper were impressive but not nearly as impressive as some of the other crossovers he’s done or shots he’s made. But the fact that he stepped over his defender (let’s take a quick moment to appreciate Ty Lue for falling down) made that moment incredible.
For Jordan, his dunk on Dikembe Mutombo wasn’t anywhere near as impressive as some of his other dunks. It was just a good poster — nothing else. But the fact that it was on Mutombo, who’s known for blocking shots and subsequently wagging his finger, makes it better. Jordan then proceeded to wag his finger at Mutombo before getting back on defense, making this play downright legendary.
MJ dunked on the man and then used the man’s own signature celebration to taunt him. Even Phil Jackson loved it.