Michael Jordan always found motivation when playing against certain opponents. He thrived on proving his doubters wrong, using it as fuel to elevate his game. However, MJ’s competitive nature often led him to find unusual and sometimes petty motivations behind his standout performances.
His 63-point game in the 1986 postseason was one of his most iconic performances. Danny Ainge was one of his primary matchups. The Boston Celtics still won, but MJ cemented his spot as one of the biggest stars in the NBA. It was a fantastic and bittersweet win for the Celtics because of how well Jordan played and how Ainge motivated him by beating him at a golf course.