Magic Johnson Reveals He Caused Michael Jordan’s “Shrug Game” In 1992 Finals By Beating Him At Cards

Magic Johnson is the reason Michael Jordan had the "shrug game" against the Trail Blazers.

3 Min Read

Former Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan is widely considered the best player to ever play the sport of basketball. There is no doubt that he’s had some legendary moments that have made him an immortal icon for the league.  

One of those legendary moments is his “shrug game” in the 1992 NBA Finals, where he made six 3PT shots in a half. Not long ago, Magic Johnson revealed that he caused this outburst by beating the superstar at card games the night before.

“The night before he hit all them 3s against Portland we’re playing [cards] at his house… his dad and I, we tore him up… I’m calling the game… Michael is so competitive when he loses, he don’t want you to leave… I say no, I’m going home to the hotel.”

“Remember he shot and he made 4 or 5 in a row. When he made that last one he turned to the scorer’s table, he was turning to me. He was so hot that night. He owes me a lot. I’m the one that he was mad at, that’s why he took it out on Clyde Drexler.”

This is an insane story, and it shows just how competitive Michael Jordan was as a person. Even when losing at a card game he was unhappy, and it is clear that he competed in every aspect of his life.


Will Smith Previously Revealed How Competitive Michael Jordan Was

Many besides Magic Johnson have witnessed Michael Jordan’s competitiveness. Will Smith previously revealed that Michael Jordan would even compete when drinking water.

“We’re friendly, we’ve hung out a few times… It’s a competition. Mike and Tiger are the two most competitive people that I’ve ever met.”

“I love being around people with that kind of competitive energy. But Michael would compete with anything though. If we’re drinking water, Mike would be like, ‘I’ll race you!’… You can’t beat Mike at anything. If Mike can’t beat you, he’s not going to play… I considered myself competitive till I spent time with them. It’s another level, like another command of their minds. You see why they win because of that kind of mindset.”

“He’s not good at that… somehow you always get your hands to the check before him.”



There’s no question that part of the reason Michael Jordan won so much is because of his competitive mentality. Few in the game have wanted to win as much as him, and those who did became all-time greats themselves.

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The Vy Lee Tran is a Senior Writer for Fadeaway World, specializing in trade scenarios, blockbuster trades, and the NBA salary cap. He graduated from Earlham College with honors and a B. A. in English.He is an avid fan of the NBA as a whole and thinks Stephen Curry is quite easily a top-10 player of all time. In his free time, you can find Lee playing basketball and working on his 3PT jumper. Expertise: NBA, Trade Scenarios, CBA, Salary Cap, Player BreakdownsFavorite Team: New Orleans Pelicans Featured On Sports Illustrated, HoopsHype, Heavy
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