Overview
- In newly published remarks from an NBC Sports interview, Jordan urges players to “be you” at MSG, saying the crowd tries to push opponents out of character.
- He describes getting tunnel vision once the game starts, viewing the noise as a challenge rather than hostility intended to rattle concentration.
- Jordan says he and Scottie Pippen served as Phil Jackson’s mouthpieces to shield teammates from the Garden’s pressure and “take the crowd out.”
- Coverage links his guidance to recent and past examples at MSG, citing the Knicks’ 112–100 win over the Lakers on Feb. 1, Joel Embiid’s nine-turnover 2024 playoff game, and Victor Wembanyama’s rocky 2023 debut.
- Newsweek notes the Knicks’ strong home environment and current form, including a 31–18 record, December’s NBA Cup title, and All-Star nods for Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.