NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan analyzes playing in Madison Square Garden ahead of New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers clash

New York Knicks fans have been known for their aggressive cheering in the past. Contrary to popular belief, the NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan had a totally different perspective on the issue. During the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks, Jordan explained the mentality of the fans and how it felt playing at Madison Square Garden every time for the athlete.

The NBA legend believed that it totally depended on the players how they dealt with the reactions from the fans. He tagged Madison Square Garden as the Mecca of Basketball. The athlete believed that the knowledge of basketball is immense and even the fans are aware when their team is not living up to the expectations. Jordan also believed that the fans are not exactly hostile. It's more of a way for the fans to cheer for their team.

Michael Jordan reveals his mentality while playing in Madison Square Garden

Ahead of the clash between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers, NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan shared his insights on the fanbase of the New York Knicks. The NBA legend talked about how he felt every time he played at Madison Square Garden. Jordan stated, “I have always considered the Madison Square Garden as the Mecca of Basketball. The knowledge of basketball, the way that people perceive basketball.” He explained how the Knicks team had always worked and played hard for their fanbase. Jordan added how the fans would let the team know if they were not playing up to the standards.


Jordan went on to explain the mentality of the fans from New York. “It’s not hostile. It’s more of their awareness that they are gonna cheer for the team. They will do everything to get you off your game.” When asked if they were hostile towards the legend, he added, “It was never really hostile towards me. It was more motivating, as they were trying to get me off my game.” The Hall of Famer explained his own mentality, “Look, once I am in the game, once the ball goes up, I never even hear the fans. If I can hear the fans, that means I am not focused on what I should be doing, which is playing the game of basketball.” Jordan explained how all the fans cheering against him have always been perceived as a challenge instead. “I take it as a challenge. You know what, I'm going to keep you quiet for a while. I'm gonna show you what you are saying doesn't affect me on the court. The only way you can affect what im doing is put on some shorts and come out here. That's my mentality." Now we know one of the biggest reasons that has landed Jordan the legendary status that he has achieved through his career.

New York Knicks edge Los Angeles Lakers with 12-point lead

The New York Knicks secured an impressive win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Even though Luka Doncic stood out as the highest scorer of the game, the combined efforts from the Knicks led the team to its victory. OG Anunoby, Landry Shamet and Josh Hart were the top three scorers from the Knicks’ side with 25, 23 and 20 points, respectively. The final score of the game was 112-100, favoring the Knicks.


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