Patrick Ewing revealed that Bulls legend Michael Jordan constantly reminds him of losses
Patrick Ewing and the New York Knicks were highly successful from his debut year in 1985 to when he left the city in 2000. One of the biggest humps they struggled to get over? The same one that most teams struggled with — Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.
Jordan went 30-13 all-time against Patrick Ewing, including splitting the four games they played when Ewing was playing for the Orlando Magic and Jordan for the Washington Wizards (28-11 if you don’t count their careers after their original teams).
Ewing is undeniable. He’s a Hall of Fame player, an 11-time All-Star, 7-time All-NBA, and 3-time All-Defensive Team member. All this after becoming the first overall pick, Rookie of the Year, and first-time All-Star in 1986. His rivalry with Jordan and the Bulls was one for the ages.
Michael Jordan constantly reminds Patrick Ewing Knicks never beat the Bulls
Jordan had the best of Ewing and the Knicks most often, though.
According to Ewing, Jordan won’t let him live losses down. Speaking to Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles on the Knuckleheads podcast, Ewing said:
"“This man has been beating me for a lot of years. And he definitely lets me know it every time I see him he lets me know it that, ‘you have never beat me.’”"
While that’s not entirely true (Ewing and the Knicks had the best of Jordan 11 times) Jordan was dominant in their matchups. Compared to Ewing’s 22.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, Jordan averaged 32.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game.
Ewing’s shooting percentage in those matchups (48.5 percent) was bested slightly by Jordan’s (49.2 percent).
Jordan scored 50+ against Ewing three times. Ewing got above 40 once.
Of course, if Jordan is talking winning playoff series, he’s absolutely right. Jordan and the Bulls bested the Knicks four times in the NBA Playoffs throughout Jordan’s reign, but it was always a battle against the Knicks for Chicago.
Ewing, who mentioned hasn’t watched much of the Jordan documentary, respects and admires all that Jordan has done for the game.
"“He’s a great player. He’s a leader, he’s a self-motivator, and he tried to motivate bis team. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to beat them,” Ewing said."
As far as deeming him the GOAT, Ewing wouldn’t go that far, but he would say that Jordan is unequivocally the best player from his era.
"“There’s nothing to say. He’s one of the best players to ever play this game, he’s the best player that played in my era.”"
Ewing is one of many players that couldn’t get past Jordan over the years.