A former Bulls announcer recalls challenging Michael Jordan by doubting his ability to win the scoring title

MJ suddenly pulled the switch when he was predicted to come up short in clinching the scoring title.

© Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Jordan set the benchmark for competitiveness in the NBA, and he never shied away from any challenge in his pursuit of his desired outcomes and goals.

MJ had countless moments that purely highlight his tenacity when he was still in the Chicago Bulls, and a wild memory of former team announcer Tom Dore stands as a strong testament to his combative demeanor.

MJ “took it personally”

Recalling the unbelievable moment in which he doubted MJ’s capabilities, Dore was ultimately left in awe that the Bulls megastar proved him wrong.

While he wasn't able to exactly remember the date and the season when it happened, Tom revealed a story in which he was heard by Jordan declaring on air that he might not keep up anymore in the league's scoring title run. Fired up by the remarks, His Airness just flipped the switch and unbelievably finished at the top of the NBA’s leaderboard.

"Michael walked by me one time; he needed 35 points to stay in the race to win the scoring title," Dore said. "So, going into the fourth quarter, he walks by, and I said (on the broadcast), 'It doesn't look like Michael's gonna be able to win the scoring title; he's only got 19 points,' or something like that."

"He stops and he looks right at me as I'm saying this; and I didn't stop; I didn't flinch, I just finished what I was saying and sat down. And oh, you could tell that was all he needed. And so, he ripped them in the fourth quarter; I forget what he got like 14, 15, 17 points just in the fourth quarter.”

Don't poke the bear

Dore can only regret that he initially was skeptical and vocal in his thoughts about MJ coming up short as he poked the bear and proceeded to secure the league's scoring crown that season.

"And so, he's coming out with like two minutes to go or whatever it was, but I remember him looking at me and kind of giving me one of those smirks," Dore recounted.

In terms of scoring, MJ is the undisputed king of basketball — holding the NBA record for most scoring titles with 10. 

MID-RANGE MASTER
28 years ago today, Michael Jordan scored 64 POINTS (with 1 3PT) in a loss to rookie Shaq & the Orlando Magic!

MJ: 64 PTS (27/49 FG), 5 STL, 1 AST
SHAQ: 29 PTS (11/18 FG), 24 REB, 5 BLK pic.twitter.com/WBSNZBtIMF

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 16, 2021

It was truly a lesson learned for Dore as MJ is, and shouldn't always be counted out when it matters the most.

On this day, Michael Jordan scored 51 out of Chicago's 88 in a victory over NY Knicks