When Michael Jordan got some payback on Alonzo Mourning

MJ didn't forget what Zo did to him.

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Michael Jordan had a passion for posterizing some of the best shot-blockers in the NBA. The list is long and illustrious, but one of the most memorable moments involved Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning. It all went down on March 12, 1993, when the Chicago Bulls faced off against Mourning’s Charlotte Hornets at the Chicago Stadium.

Feared rim protector

Alonzo Mourning was one of the most feared rim protectors of his generation. A two-time Defensive Player of the Year, two-time All-Defensive Team member, and a two-time league leader in blocks, Mourning was as intimidating as they come. He was 6’10”, weighed 240 pounds, and had a wingspan that enabled him to either block or alter shots on a consistent basis.

However, Mourning would finally meet his match when the Hornets took on the Bulls on that fateful March evening. Chicago won the game, 123-108, but what most remember was Jordan’s poster slam over Mourning, which he punctuated with a loud roar.

30 years ago today... Michael Jordan got one on Alonzo Mourning! #NBAVault

Zo explains MJ's reaction 🔊 pic.twitter.com/k4jtdiJwhx

— NBA History (@NBAHistory) March 12, 2023

Payback

Mourning shared that the slam by Jordan was payback for when Mourning blocked His Airness during their previous match-up, which happened on December 29, 1992. In that match, the Georgetown alum had four blocks, including one on Jordan’s layup attempt.

“Mike dunked on me but he knew I was there. That’s why he got all hyped. He knew I was in there because a couple of games back when we played them, I was blocking his shots. He remembered that so that dunk was big for him,” said Mourning.