Some Thoughts On Episodes 7 & 8 Of The Last Dance
Payback is a motherfucker.
Jamie Mah @grahammah
These two episodes are by far the best of the lot. Some poignant moments emerge as we see a myriad of emotions pop out. From Michael winning his fourth championship on Father’s Day to his defence of how he motivated his teammates. It’s excellent theatre.
These two instances don’t even factor in the craziness of Scottie Pippen asking out of a final play — during a playoff game! Just because the final sequence wasn’t designed for him. Could you imagine how massive this story would be today had Kevin Durant done the same thing? The media have torn him to shreds.
Then there’s the Orlando series. How it motivated Michael. The pickup games during the summer in Los Angeles while filming Space Jam. Why isn’t there more footage of these? The competitive aspect of seeing opponents call their own fouls — against Michael Jordan! — would have been riveting Tv for this kid.
Anyways…
Here are some of my thoughts on episodes 7 & 8.
Phil made the wrong call.
Michael admits it as much in one of the earlier episodes. The fact of the matter is, the 1994 Chicago Bulls were Scottie’s team. He plays so well, he nearly wins the league MVP. The Bulls win 55 games. We can’t lose sight of how amazing this is. It’s a testament to his leadership. How he kept that team together. I mean, think about it? You lose your best player and still remain relevant? Impressive.
Ironically, it’s sad in a way to wonder how this Bulls team’s play eerily correlates to what we were witnessing this year from the Toronto Raptors. After winning last year’s championship in one of the most remarkable playoff runs ever, they too lost their best player but somehow stayed competitive. We cannot understate championship pedigree for both of these teams.
Nevertheless, as good as they were, even if those Bulls had beaten New York and Indiana, they would never have defeated Houston had they met in the Finals. Hakeem was on a mission that season. But Chicago’s loss to New York in 7 games doesn’t negate the drama of Phil Jackson choosing Toni Kukoc over Scottie. Toni made the basket yes, so in hindsight, Phil looks good. But this was Scottie’s team. He’d earned the right to take that shot. He’d carried them all season. Smart or not, you ride your leader all the way. You owe him that much.
However, owe him what you will, Scottie made an awful judgement call. You don’t quit on your team, no matter how badly bruised your ego might be in the moment. But this event does highlight how sensitive players are. Excellent coaches know this. Phil knew Scottie. He isn’t Michael. He was fragile. We’ve learned this as this documentary has gone along. Phil had to have known this wouldn’t have gone over well.
Luckily for Scottie, Michael came back, and the Bulls won three more titles. Had they not, this stain might have lingered with Scottie’s reputation even more than it has.
Side note. When asked if he’d make the same decision if given another opportunity, Scottie stands firm that he probably would have. That tells you something. Shows you the strength of his character that he didn’t let it ruin his relationship with Phil. Makes you wonder if Phil ever apologized?
Michael crying on Father’s Day was intense.
I’ve seen the footage a million times over the years. It’s a pure moment. But I’d never heard it. The weight he must have felt on that day. How it all came to fruition that season. That game. Again, on Father’s Day. To win in that fashion had to have felt good and special. But my goodness, the sound he makes. The sheer force of it. That was a moment. I nearly shed some tears myself.
This is what makes this documentary so excellent. The games we know. It’s Michael and his teammates in which we don’t. Learning who they are. How they tick? What were they thinking? Feeling? The emotional rollercoaster they endure throughout the season. All of it. Realizing that they’re human, just as we are. Flawed in all has been the most fascinating thing to watch. It’s why Michael resonated with so many. He cared. More than most, and he wasn’t afraid to take what he wanted. You have to respect that.
Steve Kerr is a badass.
I love every bit of Steve punching Michael in practice. He probably deserved it. Good for him for standing up for himself and not being afraid. But how they show this and give the dialogue between Michael and Steve is just so good. I love how you get both points of view. Really smart by Director Jason Hehir.
Also, just in case you haven’t seen this, Kerr has a mighty temper. I’m not surprised this happened.
Micheal’s competitiveness shouldn’t be seen as abnormal. It should be the standard.
It’s the primary reason I adored Kobe so much. He and Michael shared that same DNA. Win at all costs. The best to have ever played in the NBA all possessed this singular gene. Winning is all that matters. Magic Johnson may have smiled in front of every microphone, but that man was a killer on the basketball court. Larry Bird just the same. Michael was no different. It’s why he won, and it shouldn’t be that strange. We should embrace it. Bottle it up and force feed it to every human being on this planet. I’m glad he didn’t shy away from showcasing it during the taping of this documentary. Honestly, I hope many of today’s NBA superstars take heed of what they’re watching here and possibly incorporate some of Michael’s DNA into their own games and leadership styles. They might just be better for it.
Also, think back to when he’s talking with a teammate after losing Game 2 in the 1998 Conference Semi Finals vs Charlotte. He’s cool as a fiddle, smoking his cigar(?) and swinging his bat. No fear. Just ruthless confidence that he’ll be ready to whop some ass come next game. I loved Michael Jordan a lot before this documentary. I’m loving him even more now that I’ve seen it.
Michael’s 55 point game versus New York in 1995 is one of the best games I’ve ever seen.
There are certain games you never forget. This is one of them. I was 14 at the time and obsessed with Michael’s return just as much as the rest of them. This game was incredible. It was close the whole way. Physical. He gives the Knicks everything. The fallaway. The pullup. The spin around. Post ups. He’s unguardable! Plus Marv Albert had the call, which made this even more special. Then to win the game he makes the crucial pass to Bill Wennington, showing his evolution as a player. Remarkable. Watch this game!
Two other notable regular season games spring to mind with similar feelings as this one.
Oklahoma City vs Golden State on February 27th, 2016
Steph Curry drills 12 3’s and hits a killer game winner from 35 feet. It’s insane!!!
Los Angeles Lakers vs Portland Trail Blazers on April 24th, 2004
Last game of the regular season. If the Lakers win, they clinch the Pacific Division title and a 2nd seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. If they lose, they end up with a 4th seed and Sacramento wins the Division. Game goes into 2OT. Kobe hits a massive contested 3 to send the game into overtime. Then he drills a long 3 to win it with 1 second remaining. Just nuts!
I cannot wait to see what turns up in episodes 9 & 10.