"They were relentless at all times on what they needed to do" – Anfernee Hardaway on his battles against the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls

Hardaway had a front-row seat to Michael Jordan's return in 1995.

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Anfernee Hardaway played against the Chicago Bulls several times during his career. The talented point guard, who was known for his ball-handling skills, scoring ability, and versatility on the court, was always a force to be reckoned with when he played against the Bulls.

While the Magic-Bulls rivalry was relatively short, it produced some exciting games, and Hardaway had a front-row seat to Michael Jordan's return in 1995.

"The biggest thing was, when MJ first came back...I wanted to play against MJ and then he retired before I came into the league. Then when I came into the league he comes back so my first mindset is damn MJ is back," Hardaway explained on SHOWTIME Basketball's ALL THE SMOKE with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson.

Hardaway's best game against Jordan

One of Hardaway's most memorable games against the Bulls took place on November 14, 1995, when he led the Magic to a 94-88 home win. Hardaway had a monster game with 36 points, five rebounds, four steals and two blocks.

In that game, Hardaway showcased his full offensive arsenal, hitting mid-range jumpers, attacking the basket, and knocking down four three-pointers. He also played solid defense, helping limit Jordan to 23 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals on 8-of-20 shooting.

MJ probably took it personally

"This is my favorite player along with Magic, Magic was number one but MJ, who didn't like MJ? So when he came back, and we played them for the first time, I got the best of him and Pip that game, I think I had 36, and I was so I didn't even sleep that night cause I was so hyped and ready to play that game, and we won, but I think I only pissed him off, I pissed him off, I know that for sure," Hardaway said.

"It was early in the season, and we were one of the first teams, early in the season, to beat that 72-10 team; we were one of the ten, and that's the game I had 36 Shaq didn't play that game because he was hurt and I remember that game very well," Penny continued.

The Magic, led by Shaquille O'Neal, Horace Grant, and Hardaway, eliminated the Bulls in the second round of the 1995 NBA Playoffs. The Bulls got payback in the 1995-96 season, sweeping the Magic in the 1996 Eastern Conference Finals. Then the Bulls beat the SuperSonics in the NBA Finals to win their fourth NBA Championship.