Tim Duncan‘s rookie season coincided with Michael Jordan coming off his fifth ring with the Chicago Bulls, on the verge of his second three-peat. Although several considered Jordan to be one of the greatest players of all time by this point, the San Antonio Spurs‘ big man claimed to be unimpressed by him. In an interview with Dan Patrick in 1998, Duncan said:
“Jordan’s Jordan. I’ve always respected him, but I’ve never been a fan of his… I’m somebody that isn’t impressed by him. There isn’t really anybody in the world that I’m impressed with.”
Much of the interview was Patrick asking Duncan whether he “liked” Jordan or not, and in typical Tim Duncan fashion, he simply shared his answers without any flair for the dramatic.
Duncan’s approach to the game was what earned him his nickname, “The Big Fundamental”. While also referred to as “The Stone Buddha” for his stoic and reserved disposition, the Spurs’ big man displayed this aspect of himself even in his rookie season.
Jordan and Duncan faced off against each other a total of five times during their playing careers, and to no surprise, Jordan emerged victorious with a 3-2 record.
The Bulls legend enjoyed early success against Duncan’s Spurs, considering that he was headlining one of the most iconic teams in NBA history.
The first match-up against Jordan’s Bulls was early in Duncan’s rookie season. In a double-OT thriller, the Bulls pulled away with an 87-83 victory with the reigning Finals MVP scoring 29 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists against the Spurs.
Although Duncan lost this battle, the Spurs rookie certainly held his own, racking up 19 points and 22 rebounds for the game.
The second matchup was far more one-sided, as the Bulls emerged victorious after a 96-86 showdown. Duncan had a poorer performance, notching 14 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists. Meanwhile, the Bulls guard dropped a 30-point masterclass on 54.5% shooting to lead his team to the win.
However, a highlight from early in the game saw the two go back and forth to prevent the other from scoring.
This would be the last matchup of Duncan’s career against Jordan on the Bulls, since the legend went on to retire after completing the iconic three-peat in the 1998 NBA Finals.
The two would end up meeting on the floor next during Jordan’s time with the Washington Wizards in the 2001-02 season and the 2002-03 season. Duncan walked away with wins in the first two games, tying up the series. Eventually, the 6x NBA champion got his last laugh on New Year’s Eve in 2002 in a 105-103 result.
The career matchup doesn’t diminish Duncan’s greatness in the slightest. As a Hall of Famer with 15x All-NBA selections, 15x All-Defensive selections, two MVP awards, five NBA titles, and three Finals MVP awards, Duncan is truly one of the greatest to ever do it.
