The BullAngers: How John Paxson and Horace Grant Sealed the 93 Title for MJ (Video Breakdown)!

While Michael Jordan was absolutely unstoppable in the 1993 Finals against the Phoenix Suns by averaging a NBA record 41 points (51% shooting), 8.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists, even he needed some help come crunch time. With the Bulls down 2 with 14.1 seconds to go in Gm.6, MJ elected to give up the ball to Scottie Pippen. From there his teammates didn’t wait for His Airness to bail them out. Pippen immediately attacks with the ball eventually finding sharpshooter John Paxson for the Championship-winning basket. Amazingly, the Bulls actually scored a NBA Finals record-low 12 points in this quarter with all 9 coming from MJ before the Paxson 3. This sequence not only shows the trust Jordan had in his teammates but also the confidence the role players’ possessed. They’re in the NBA for a reason too. At 6’2, Paxson was a career 50-36-80 (FG-3PT-FT) shooter. He didn’t hesitate when the moment was his. Following the timeout the next sequence belonged to Horace Grant as the big man scrambled throughout the entire half-court to secure a buzzer-beating block. With Paxson caught on the screen, Grant is forced to help before recovering to his man. With MJ then getting screened off, Horace is forced to switch onto the much quicker KJ but he smartly cuts out his dominant hand before securing the blocked shot. Clutch isn’t just defined by a made basket. Plays such as these should be equally as celebrated. In my books Grant’s play is equivalent to a Championship-winning buzzer beater while Paxson’s speaks for itself. Here we have two Championship-defining plays, neither involving Jordan. That’s why it’s a team sport. Yet somehow the narrative has developed that MJ always had the glory moment in the biggest games. But here’s two clear examples to the contrary. Why is it that MJ’s role players never seem to get their fair due? Comment below