"He knew how to intimidate the opponent" - Tim Grover on how MJ's mental game evolved through the years

At the highest level, basketball isn't just a physical game, it's also a mental battle. Everyone in the NBA is freakishly athletic, and to stand out, one has to find the mental edge.

Michael's mental games

This is how Michael Jordan propelled himself to GOAT status. According to his legendary trainer, Tim Grover , as MJ progressed with his career, he learned the physical and mental tricks of the game that propelled him to success.

"A lot of athletes mature physically, but they don't mature mentally," Grover told GQ Sports. "Michael's game not only became sharper physically but also became more defined and sharper from a mental standpoint. He knew when to use energy and when to conserve it. He knew how to intimidate the opponent without having to say a word."

Jordan represents what the peak athlete looks like. Not only were his fundamentals on point, but he had mastered the game from a mental perspective. His Airness was aware of how his opponents regarded him and how their game plan revolved around his playstyle. The Chicago Bulls legend used this knowledge to devise counters to their counters, effectively putting him a few steps ahead.

In a playoff series, this approach is imperative. That's why Jordan and the likes of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are not satisfied with being two or three games ahead. They know that their opponents are also diligently thinking of ways to outlast them. To win, one must be able to stay in the moment but also think of the future.

Related: Scottie Pippen on how Michael Jordan would have reacted if he left the Bulls: "He would have probably tried to shoot more and score more"

How MJ motivates himself

Grover also shared the real deal behind Jordan's epic trash-talking ability. According to the trainer, the North Carolina product didn't talk smack to mess with his foes. It was his way of motivating himself.

"He was known as one of the biggest trash talkers out there," Grover continued. "But he didn't trash talk to get into the opponent's head. He would trash talk to get into his own head, because now whatever he said, he had to go out and back it up."

A famous example of this was when he started counting backward, starting at 40 against Steve Smith. The guard was confused at first why when MJ blurted out "38" after draining a jumper. But when Mike said "36" after another basket, it all made sense. Jordan's goal that night was to torch him with a 40-piece.

Related: "Intimidation factor of more dominant physique" - Tim Grover on why Michael Jordan focused on growing his biceps