Byron Scott tells one of the most interesting MJ stories
Byron Scott witnessed firsthand how quickly things could get personal with Michael Jordan. Appearing on the “Dan Patrick Show,” Scott recounted a memorable game between the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers on November 20, 1992. By then, the Lakers were without Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, relying instead on Scott, Sam Perkins, Vlade Divac, and Sedale Threatt to lead their new era.
Jordan’s Warning to Byron Scott
Before the game, Jordan discovered that Scott, the Lakers’ main defender against him, wouldn’t be playing due to a recent ankle sprain. Learning that Anthony Peeler would be guarding him instead, Jordan issued a warning to Scott about his upcoming performance. Scott recalled the moment: “So they’re getting off the bus, we’re done with shootaround, and we’re walking out and MJ says, ‘B Scott, what’s going on?’ I said, ‘What’s up, MJ?’ he said, ‘Man, I hear that you’re not playing tonight.’ I said, ‘No, I sprained my ankle.’ He said, ‘Who’s guarding me?’ I said, ‘Anthony Peeler.’ He’s like, ‘50.’ [laughs]. So I told Anthony Peeler, ‘Listen, MJ is probably going to go for about 50 tonight on you. So just don’t piss him off. Just be cool.’ He ended up with 54.”
Scott had a strategy when guarding Jordan: never make him angry. Trash-talking Jordan was a mistake because it would motivate him to dominate even more.
Lakers’ Overtime Victory and Peeler’s Struggles
The Lakers managed to beat the Bulls 120-118 in overtime that night at the Great Western Forum. Jordan, however, led all scorers with 54 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 blocks. Scottie Pippen contributed 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists for the Bulls. On the Lakers’ side, Sam Perkins had an outstanding game with 26 points and 15 rebounds, while James Worthy added 23 points and 8 assists.
Throughout his career, Peeler struggled to guard Jordan. Following the 54-point game in 1992, Jordan continued to dominate Peeler, scoring 36, 20, 17, 22, 28, and 41 points in their subsequent matchups.
