Michael Jordan 1997: 45pts Vs. Sonics, "George Karl Game"

Oh boy, what was George Karl thinking? Was it just a week ago when Van Gundy called MJ a 'con man', accusing him of being friendly with NBA players off the court so he could destroy them on the court? MJ responded with 51pts on 60% shooting while cursing Van Gundy out of the game during their next meeting. Did Karl not heed that warning?

Karl didn't really criticize MJ before this game, all he said was that MJ was 'playing not to get hurt' so he was now a 'jumpshooter'. Well, any comment on MJ's game was enough to awaken the beast. Maybe it was because this was the first meeting with the Sonics since the Bulls beat them for the championship the previous year. But then again, MJ had some words for Karl at the end of this game so obviously, it was a little more than just that.

With his superhuman ability to enter a zone on call, MJ did just what Karl ordered. He annihilated the Sonics with a torrid arsenal of finesse jumpers en route to 68% shooting for 45pts. Chicago went up by 18 at the 4th and MJ just cruised to victory - not even trying to push for 50. The message was loud and clear and there was no need to pour salt into Karl's wound.

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[tt09291979]

They should change the NBA logo to Air Jordan symbol!! they got a fuckn Jerry west!!

[BobReidy]

I think its stupid that Karl said that.Whatever shots win games are best.Who cares what type they are.George Karl is a sore loser.

[Dkouts57]

@bobo0383

its very fair. because in 20 yrs when you see someone better than Jordan you wont sit there and say IF Jordan played with these rules, this court, these sneakers, this medicine, these training facilities.

NO!

this is part of the evolution to all skills all crafts and any profession.

for example

Napoleon was a great commander not better than Alexander who had worse technology who is before him. Certainly better than any after him such as Patton, with better technology.

[bobo0383]

@bobo0383 I can't spell: compare*

[bobo0383]

@Dkouts57 Which was my point; that it is unfair to compair eras.

[Dkouts57]

@bobo0383

kobes the 2nd best SG ever. yet very far behind #1

[Dkouts57]

@bobo0383

we don't deal with IF they had modern medicine, diets, training, equipment. if thats the case we can go to every sport and say the best players at the beginning of time were the best.

based on what we've seen the modern day players compared to the 60s are light years ahead of them. and the same will be said 40 yrs from now

[bobo0383]

@Dkouts57 Although I agree Kobe is better than West

[bobo0383]

@Dkouts57 Russell played against Chamberlain one of the most best athletes of all time and he gave him fits. He limited to one championship, and gave him fits defensively. Let's not forget West and those players didn't have access to the same physical regimen as the players of today. How can you possibly predict how he would have played if he had access to the same resources as Kobe.

[Dkouts57]

@bobo0383

the most dominant center was no bigger than Scottie Pippen. Basically when Russell played Lamar Odom would be bigger and more athletic than him.

Picture Kobe playing against that competition and Jerry West giving up nearly 4 inches, athleticism and about 25 lbs of muscle to Kobe.

no matter how skilled you are when you give up those advantages you have no shot in a game that requires athleticism and size.

then when you're done with that add this. Kobe is better than West

[pogithebear]

damn jordan made this game seem like a regular season game. beast mode