“He actually killed me slowly” – Ray Allen on facing Michael Jordan for the first time
Ray Allen, one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, recently revealed the daunting experience of facing Michael Jordan for the first time. Allen, who played for the Milwaukee Bucks during his rookie season in 1996-97, vividly remembers his first encounter with the legendary Chicago Bulls guard. “That was a tough one,” Allen admitted. “He actually killed me slowly. You just knew he was different from the rest of the league.”
Allen’s first game against Jordan was on November 19, 1996, a matchup that saw Jordan put up 27 points in a 104-83 Bulls victory. Despite his youth and lack of experience, Allen was confident going into the game, eager to showcase his skills against the best. However, Jordan’s relentless defense and offensive brilliance quickly humbled the young guard.
“I was like, ‘I’m ready for this,’ but man, that was so fast,” Allen recounted. “I couldn’t even blink; he was just already right in my face.” Jordan’s legendary “on-switch,” notorious for its ability to raise his intensity and focus to another level, was on full display. Allen, caught in the whirlwind of Jordan’s unwavering game, felt completely overmatched. “The way he was able to switch gears and then get his shot up was just incredible.”
Allen’s encounter with Jordan goes beyond the confines of a single game. It embodies a profound understanding of Michael Jordan’s unparalleled legacy. The awe and respect that Allen felt reflects the fearsome reputation that preceded Jordan and his undeniable dominance on the court. It’s a testament to the profound influence Jordan exerted on the game and on the lives of those who played against him.
Allen’s anecdote provides a valuable glimpse into the psychology of a player facing one of the greatest basketball players of all time. It showcases the formidable presence that Jordan projected and the impact his intensity had on his opponents. It’s a story that transcends the game itself, providing a unique perspective on what it meant to play against the most iconic basketball player of all time.
