15 NBA Players Wearing Air Jordans Against Michael Jordan

It's gotta be the shoes.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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To paraphrase the man Jim Croce, you don't tug on Superman's cape, you don't spit into the wind, you don't pull the mask off that old Lone Ranger, and you don't wear Air Jordans while playing against Michael Jordan. At least not if you know what's good for you. That being said, many players in the NBA did just that — some more than once — and, in most cases, suffered the consequences. Check out 15 Players Wearing Air Jordans Against Michael Jordan and see what happened.

Air Jordan XI "Columbia"

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Player: Kevin Garnett
Date:
02/16/1996 

Before Kevin Garnett started making the rounds with footwear companies, the fresh-out-of-high-school star squared up with Michael Jordan in his rookie year wearing the same sneakers as MJ, the Air Jordan XI. KG opted for the Columbias, while Jordan was in the Concords. MJ got the best of the battle by scoring 35 compared to Garnett's 16. Isaiah (J.R.) Rider dropped in 29 for the Wolves and Scottie Pippen grabbed player of the game honors with 29 as the Bulls scooted out of Minnesota with a 103-100 victory.

 

 

Air Jordan IX

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Air Jordan XI "Columbia"

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Air Jordan XIII "Playoffs"

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Air Jordan III "True Blue"

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Player: Kobe Bryant
Date: 2/9/2003

The 2003 All Star Game turned out to be more of an homage to Michael Jordan than anything. Kobe Bryant rocked the True Blue Air Jordan III, while MJ sported the Air Jordan XVIII. Aside from MJ shedding tears while Mariah Carey performed at halftime, the game was full of foolery and fun, a perfect way for His Airness to go out. Though Kevin Garnett led the West to a double overtime victory, spoiling MJ's final All Star appearance.

 

Air Jordan VIII "Lakers"

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Player: Kobe Bryant
Date: 3/23/2003

One of the few times that MJ was outplayed in his own shoes came at the hands of none other than Kobe Bryant. While Kobe was in between sneaker deals, he was hooked up with a few Lakers-themed Air Jordans. In March of 2003, against MJ and the Washington Wizards, Bryant laced up the Air Jordan VIII and then proceeded to light up Jordan and the Wizards for 55 points in Los Angeles. Well played, Kobe.

 

Air Jordan Retro VI Low ""White/University Blue"

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Air Jordan IX PE

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Air Jordan IX

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Air Jordan VII "Lakers"

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Air Jordan XVI

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Air Jordan IX PE

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Air Jordan X "Knicks"

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Air Jordan III "True Blue"

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Air Jordan Team 1

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Player: Ray Allen
Date:  1/2/1998

For the up-and-coming sneaker enthusiasts, Ray Allen is known for his own exclusive Jordans but back in the day, before he was winning championships, he was still learning the ropes. He was on Team Jordan even if his own team, the Milwaukee Bucks at the time, was battling MJ on the court. In this case, Sugar Ray was rockin' the Air Jordan Team, not only was he outshined by MJ's Air Jordan XIIIs, Jordan dropped 44 points and the Bulls went on to win. All of Chicago rejoiced, thanks to the free tacos they were about to get with the Bulls 114-100 victory.