John Starks, New York Knicks
For the years 1991-1996, The New York Knicks were the main Eastern Conference rivals of the Bulls. The two teams knew a lot about each other. John Starks had his highs and lows as he fought with MJ and the Bulls, however, he always came in prepared. The 1993 Eastern Conference Finals was one of the most contentious. John Starks ended Game 2 with a dunk while Michael Jordan retorted back for Game 3. MJ hit John with an elbow and the other guy swatted back. Soon, a shoving match arose, and Starks repeatedly yelled, “You wanna go, Mike?”
John Starks, New York Knicks
Gary Payton, Seattle SuperSonics
One of the most legendary trash talkers in the league was Gary Payton even during his newbie days. In one of the preseason games against Seattle SuperSonics, Michael Jordan quickly became tired of the rookie’s trash-talking to the point where he yelled, “Leave the f—ing rookie, to me.” Jordan’s annoyance did not go unnoticed and when Phil Jackson sensed MJ’s irritation, he called a few plays in a row for Michael Jordan, who lit up Payton. This rivalry was even carried to the 1996 NBA Finals. Halfway in Game 2, the two basketball players went face to face at mid-court during a tv timeout. These players went so far as shouting at each other and their teammates had to be involved. As usual, MJ had the final laugh.
Gary Payton, Seattle SuperSonics
