BJ Armstrong Shares How Michael Jordan Maintained Unwavering Confidence Despite Multiple Missed Shots.
Michael Jordan’s unwavering confidence was one of his defining traits, regardless of the situation or challenges.
On the Rich Eisen Show, former teammate BJ Armstrong shared a story highlighting this resilience. Armstrong recounted a game where Jordan missed 19 shots against the Washington Bullets. Despite the tough night, Jordan remained undeterred and made a bold promise for the rematch scheduled the following evening.
“The thing I’ll always remember about him and what he always encouraged me and others to do is to never, ever lose your confidence,” Armstrong said. “I saw him do some incredible things, but I remember that night—he just had an awful game against the Bullets.”
Jordan’s ability to maintain belief in himself, even in the face of adversity, inspired those around him and set him apart as one of the greatest competitors in sports history.
BJ Armstrong shared an unforgettable story about Michael Jordan’s unparalleled confidence, even after a tough game.
“I think he missed like 18 or 19 shots in a row,” Armstrong said. “What impressed me most was his confidence—he didn’t hesitate for a second. The confidence this man had was on another level.”
Recalling the moment on the team plane after the game, Armstrong added: “Usually, he was bubbly, playing cards, being MJ. But that night, he just sat quietly at the back of the plane. I thought, ‘Let me check on him.’ So, I asked, ‘Hey man, how are you doing? You alright?’ He replied, ‘I’m good.’
“Then he said something I’ll never forget: ‘Whatever that kid had in the first game, I’m going to have it in the first half.’ The confidence to say that after missing 19 shots? It was incredible.”
Jordan’s belief in his ability, even in difficult moments, exemplified the mindset that made him a legendary competitor.
The game BJ Armstrong referred to was the Chicago Bulls’ matchup against the Washington Bullets in March 1993. Michael Jordan struggled early, missing 17 of his first 21 shots. Despite the rough start, he finished with 25 points, three rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block, shooting 9-27 from the field.
That game became infamous for LaBradford Smith’s standout performance, where he scored 37 points, grabbed five rebounds, and tallied three assists while shooting an impressive 15-20 from the field and a perfect 7-7 from the free-throw line. According to the story, Smith allegedly taunted Jordan after the game.
True to his word, Jordan responded with a legendary performance the very next night in their rematch. He scored 37 points in the first half alone and ended the game with 47 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Jordan shot 16-27 from the field, 2-2 from three-point range, and 13-15 from the free throw line, cementing his reputation as one of the most relentless competitors in NBA history.
The story took an unexpected twist when it was revealed during The Last Dance documentary that Michael Jordan had fabricated the tale of LaBradford Smith mocking him. Jordan invented the story as a way to fuel his competitive drive and motivate himself for their next matchup.
This revelation added yet another layer to the legend of Jordan’s relentless mentality, showcasing how he would create challenges—even imaginary ones—to push himself to greater heights.
For Michael Jordan, being embarrassed by someone like LaBradford Smith—especially on a night when he underperformed—was simply unacceptable. Jordan did whatever it took to put himself in the right mental space to seek revenge.
This story highlights the lengths Jordan would go to motivate himself and dominate his opponents. As one of the most fiercely competitive players in NBA history, Jordan would stop at nothing—even fabricating stories—to ensure he had the drive to outperform and outclass those who challenged him.
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