Michael Jordan played cards till 8 AM in the morning and dropped 50 points against Knicks

Mark Jackson's plan of tiring out MJ never came to fruition.

Michael Jordan played cards till 8 AM in the morning and dropped 50 points against Knicks

Mark Jackson and Michael Jordan

Mark Jackson, a former NBA player, recently shared a story about his rookie season encounter with NBA legend Michael Jordan. Jackson was drafted by the New York Knicks in 1987, just as ‘His Airness’ was entering his prime in the league.

Jackson recalled on Gil’s Arena a night when he was benched and received a call from Michael Jordan to hang out and play cards. He thought he would tire the six-time NBA champion out ahead of his and MJ’s teams matchup to gain an advantage by keeping him up all night, but little did he know that was Jordan’s norm.

I never told this story. I was benched, so we’re playing the Bulls, so I get a call the night before and we’ll play some cards and hang out whatever, just chill… So, I’m playing cards, I’m doing my job, I’m gonna keep him up all night. We playing cards all night. I take a quick nap, gotta hit the road, game in the Garden. I’m sitting on the bench, I am tired. I’m sitting there like, 'This dude got 50. How is this dude still surviving?' But he did it to everybody and every single night.
Mark Jackson said on Gil’s Arena Show

Despite barely sleeping, MJ scored 50 points in the game, a moment that left Mark Jackson in awe. Furthermore, the former Chicago Bulls player, B.J. Armstrong, had revealed that Jordan’s sleep habits were a regular occurrence, as he would often stay up late at night to play cards or engage in other activities.

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Armstrong also praised Jordan’s intense practice habits, saying he had never seen anyone work as hard as the GOAT. He couldn’t understand how someone with such a lifestyle could maintain a body that wouldn’t stop.

Mark Jackson asks for caution in Anthony Edwards-Michael Jordan comparison

Anthony Edwards’ impressive Game 1 performance against the Denver Nuggets in the ongoing NBA playoffs had led to comparisons with Michael Jordan. However, Mark Jackson was quick to caution against rushing to label him the next MJ.

Before you get to the exit that says Michael Jordan, you got to pass an exit that says Kobe Bryant. So, what are we jumping to? He's Ant Edwards. The guy has won one playoff series in his entire life. Let's slow down, pump the brakes, enjoy the ride, because he's on his way to doing special things.
Mark Jackson on the 40th episode of his podcast ‘The Mark Jackson Show’

Furthermore, Jackson notes that Anthony Edwards has only won one playoff series in his young career and advises fans to “pump the brakes” and let his career unfold before making such lofty comparisons. He also pointed out that Edwards has a killer mentality similar to Jordan and the late Kobe Bryant, which was indeed on display in Game 1.

Despite not being known for his acrobatic high-flying abilities like His Airness, Ant-Man’s performance has shifted the odds in the playoff tie between the Timberwolves and the Nuggets. And although the Nuggets have found a way back to equal the series, the comparison won’t stop coming. 

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