Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant , two of the most exceptional players in basketball history, possessed a unique blend of game sense, athleticism, and an insatiable hunger for victory. Their approach to practice sessions was marked by an intensity that set them apart from their peers.
In a recent interview, Mike Krzyzewski , who coached both hoop legends during their Team USA days, revealed how fiercely competitive they were even in a practice setting.
Jordan and Bryant meant business
When it comes to basketball, "Air Jordan" and the "Black Mamba" were all business. The intensity of the two players ratcheted up when they represented the Stars and Stripes. Jordan played for Team USA in 1984 and on the "Dream Team" in 1992. On the other hand, Kob played for the "Redeem Team" in 2008 and again in 2012.
Coach K revealed that MJ and Kobe's talent was matched only by their attention to detail, adherence to the game plan, and refusal to take shortcuts during practice. Their presence alone elevated the seriousness of practice to the level of a game for their teammates.
"I think they're probably two of the most similar great players in the history of our game. They were just super talented, but they were also incredibly prepared. I don't think anybody was more competitive than those two guys. That was their personality all the time," the former Duke coach told Dan Patrick.
Even on Team USA, where every player on the roster was an All-Star, MJ and Bryant still stood out because of their dedication to improvement, which is crazy to hear considering how flawless their basketball mechanics already were.
"When they were on the court and it meant something, whether in practice or in a game, they were all business. They wanted to be great, not just good," Coach K added.
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MJ and Kobe weren't afraid of big moments
More than anything, the brilliant coach revealed how unafraid both guys were of clutch moments. The two craved the spotlight and wanted the ball in their hands when the game hung in the balance.
Although Jordan didn't have to unleash his late-game heroics in Olympic play due to the lopsided nature of the games, Kobe had to, especially in the gold medal game of the 2008 Beijing Olympics when Team USA was pushed to the limit by Spain.
"They wanted to win, and they craved moments—they were never afraid of them. I knew that more about Kobe because he was on two of our teams, and I was the head coach," Krzyzewski shared. "If it was a tough moment, he smiled like, 'All right, this is what I prepared for. That other stuff was pretty easy, but this is what makes me.' And he came through all the time."
With Spain breathing down the Americans' necks, pulling to within five, 104-99, with three minutes to go, KB came up big. He hit a three-pointer from the left wing while getting fouled by Rudy Fernandez. The Los Angeles Lakers legend also made the bonus free throw to give Team USA a 108-99 lead.
Kobe finished that game with 20 points and six assists, helping the Americans capture the gold after embarrassingly finishing with the bronze in the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Related: Mike Krzyzewski reveals how he managed minutes on Team USA: "Two or three guys who won't pay at all or will not play that much"
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