John Starks, New York Knicks
The New York Knicks were the Bulls’ primary Eastern Conference competitors for the years 1991-1996. Both teams knew a great deal about each other. As he struggled with MJ and the Bulls, John Starks had his highs and lows, but he always came in prepared. One of the most contentious ones was the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals. With a dunk, John Starks ended Game 2, while Michael Jordan returned for Game 3. MJ hit John with an elbow and swatted back at the other guy. Soon, there was a shoving match, and Starks repeatedly screamed, “You wanna go, Mike?”
John Starks, New York Knicks
Gary Payton, Seattle SuperSonics
Gary Payton was one of the most legendary trash speakers in the league, even during his days as a newbie. In one of the Seattle SuperSonics preseason games, Michael Jordan quickly got tired of the rookie’s trash-talking to the point where he screamed, “Leave the f—ing rookie, to me.” The annoyance of Jordan did not go unnoticed, and when Phil Jackson sensed the irritation of MJ, he called Michael Jordan, who lit up Payton, for a few plays in a row. This competition was even carried through to the 1996 NBA Finals. During a TV timeout, the two basketball players went face-to-face at mid-court halfway through Game 2. These players went as far as shouting at each other, and it was necessary to involve their teammates. MJ had the final laugh, as usual.
Gary Payton, Seattle SuperSonics
