Penny Hardaway on How the Orlando Magic Pissed Michael Jordan Off

Penny Hardaway, a former NBA player and current coach, recently shared his thoughts on how the Orlando Magic's rivalry with the Chicago Bulls during the mid-90s "pissed Michael Jordan off." Hardaway, who played for the Magic during that time, offered insight into what made the rivalry so intense and how it fueled Jordan's competitive drive.

In an interview with SI's "Old School" podcast, Hardaway recalled how the Magic's success during the 1995 playoffs - when they eliminated the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Semifinals - angered Jordan and gave him added motivation for the following season.

"He [Jordan] was pissed off, man," Hardaway said. "He was definitely motivated. I remember after we beat them, he came back the next year and he was like, 'I'm not letting this happen again.'"

The Magic-Bulls rivalry during the mid-90s was one of the most intense in NBA history, with both teams featuring star-studded lineups and strong coaching staffs. Hardaway attributed the rivalry's intensity to the fact that both teams were hungry for success and eager to prove themselves as championship contenders.

"It was just two great teams that really wanted it," Hardaway said. "We wanted it just as bad as they did, and they wanted it just as bad as we did. It was just a really competitive time in the league."

Despite the Magic's success during the 1995 playoffs, the Bulls went on to win the NBA championship in both 1996 and 1997. However, Hardaway believes that the Magic's rivalry with the Bulls during that time played a key role in shaping the league's competitive landscape and paving the way for future champions.

"Those were some great years," Hardaway said. "It was just an amazing time in the NBA. I think that rivalry really helped to push the league to the next level."

In conclusion, Penny Hardaway's insights into the Orlando Magic's rivalry with the Chicago Bulls during the mid-90s shed light on what made the rivalry so intense and how it motivated Michael Jordan to become an even more dominant force on the court. The rivalry's impact on the NBA landscape during that time was significant, and it continues to be remembered as one of the league's most exciting and competitive periods.