Due to the notoriety of the infamous "Jordan Rules" strategy that the Detroit Pistons used against Michael Jordan in the late '80s, it's no surprise that some of the members of the Pistons Bad Boys are trying to destigmatize it at present. In fact, former Pistons bruiser Rick Mahorn even playfully denied that the "Jordan Rules" ever existed.
"I don't know. You have to ask my man Matt Dobek on that if there was any Jordan Rules. Him and Chuck Daly not around so I don't it was any Jordan Rules," Mahorn said with a grin on "The Jordan Rules" documentary.
How did "The Jordan Rules" really work
Regardless of what Mahorn said, the truth is that NBA fans believed the "Jordan Rules" were designed to stop MJ by intentionally hurting him every time he got near the basket. Then and even now, many viewed this as not only a vulgar play but also an unapologetic display of poor sportsmanship.
Like Mahorn, Pistons legend Isiah Thomas was also once at the center of controversy regarding his role in "The Jordan Rules." According to Zeke, contrary to popular belief, the "Jordan Rules" were not intended to harm or hurt Jordan. Instead, it was a team effort and a collective decision to employ such a special defensive tactic against such a relentless scorer.
Thomas concluded that, in essence, the "Jordan Rules" aimed to force MJ to go to his weak side, which was his left, and prompt him to either pass the ball or make a tough shot.
"Jordan was a reluctant passer. He didn't like to pass. He was the first volume shooter," Isiah once explained . "He didn't have great handles, couldn't go left, and if he went left more than two, three times, he had to pick it up, so the rules are very simple."
"We want that ball going in the air, and if that ball goes in the air, we're quick enough to rotate and get back and match up," he added.
MJ beat "The Jordan Rules"
Despite his incredible skills and competitiveness, Jordan and the Chicago Bulls have fallen short against the Pistons in three consecutive playoff duels. In the teams' last two Eastern Conference Finals matchups, the "Jordan Rules" have been proven effective, as MJ evidently incurred some physical damage throughout the series, failing to lift the Bulls to victory in the process.
However, Jordan's determination did not waver. He spent extra hours in the gym growing muscles and improving his body strength. In 1991, MJ's hard work paid off as the Bulls finally overcame the Pistons and became the eventual NBA champions.
Related: “I know it’s going to be a war” - Patrick Ewing on why Rick Mahorn was one of his toughest matchups
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