Flashback Friday: When Shaq, A.I. And Yao Owned Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan usually dominated his opponents with punishing dunks, clutch steals, and stealthy blocks during his NBA run. Yet there were select times when some of his fellow stars got the better of him, ballers who were overpowering game-changers in their own right.

As Shaquille O’Neal, Allen Iverson and Yao Ming enter the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame tonight, we dedicate this week’s Flashback Friday to the mark they left on the game of basketball.

And to the times they punked MJ.

Shaq Sneak-Slams On Mike

Michael Jordan was still knocking the rust off by the time the Chicago Bulls met the Orlando Magic in the 1995 NBA Playoff semifinals. Still not much of an excuse for MJ getting caught by a then fleet-of-foot Shaq, who snuck in a nice slam on MJ’s watch.

A.I. Double Crosses The GOAT

One of Allen Iverson’s greatest attributes on the court was his fearlessness, even against the GOAT. Nobody squares up against Michael Jordan, let alone baits him, crosses him and cans the jumper. A.I. did just that in 1997, creating a career highlight that will be played on YouTube for decades to come.

Yao Sends Jordan’s Order Back

Not many players are getting their shots on you in the paint if you’re 7-foot-6. Michael Jordan tried to catch Yao Ming sleeping in 2003 but The Great Wall kept the Rockets’ border secure. Refs let MJ have the goaltend because MJ was MJ and Yao was a rookie. But we won’t count it. Yao got him.