Boxing and NBA World Left Nostalgic as Riddick Bowe Reminisces the Time Michael Jordan “Slapped a Piece of Greatness” Into Malik Monk
In a vivid recollection of a memorable moment in NBA history, boxing legend Riddick Bowe recently took to Instagram to share a clip of Michael Jordan slapping Malik Monk on the back of the head. This iconic incident, which occurred during a 2018 game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Detroit Pistons, has once again ignited discussions among both NBA and boxing fans.
A Legendary Reprimand
Michael Jordan, the NBA legend who transitioned from player to owner of the Charlotte Hornets, is known for his relentless passion for the game. In 2010, he led a group that purchased the majority of the Hornets’ shares, bringing his intense competitive spirit to the ownership role. This was never more evident than in December 2018, when Jordan delivered a swift slap to Malik Monk’s head during a game, a moment that instantly went viral.
The Incident
During the nail-biting game, Jeremy Lamb of the Hornets made an impressive shot with only seconds left on the clock. As the officials reviewed the shot, Malik Monk prematurely celebrated by leaving the bench, which could have been deemed a technical foul, potentially giving the Pistons a chance to steal the game. Thankfully, the Hornets secured a 108-107 victory, but Jordan, ever the disciplinarian, gave Monk a “big brother” tap on the head for his overzealous celebration.
Riddick Bowe’s Nostalgic Post
Riddick Bowe, a heavyweight champion from the 90s, recently revived this incident by posting the clip on Instagram, captioning it, “He a Kentucky guard he was gonna be cold regardless.” The post quickly garnered attention, sparking a flood of comments from fans reminiscing about the moment and its impact on Monk’s career.
Fans React
The comments section buzzed with varied reactions. One fan echoed the sentiment of many, writing, “MJ slapped a piece of greatness into Monk.”
Another added, “That’s that love tap from big bro,” highlighting the affectionate nature of Jordan’s reprimand. A user even drew a parallel with Muzan Kibutsuji from the anime series Demon Slayer, saying, “Bro shared his power like Muzan.”
“He a Kentucky guard he was gonna be cold regardless.”
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MJ later revealed, “It was like a big brother and little brother tap. No negative intent. Only love!” Even the young player defended his team owner and stated, “Big, big, big brother. But it was nothing. He was just playing.”
Malik Monk’s Transformation
Post-Jordan’s slap, Malik Monk’s career trajectory took a notable turn. After leaving the Hornets, Monk joined the Lakers for the 2021-2022 season and subsequently signed a $19 million contract with the Sacramento Kings in 2022. His performance soared, culminating in matching Ed Macauley’s record for the most consecutive free throws made without a miss in a playoff debut. Fans believe that Jordan’s tough love played a crucial role in Monk’s development, turning him into the formidable player he is today.
The Legacy of Jordan’s Leadership
The incident between Jordan and Monk is not just a memorable highlight but also a testament to Jordan’s leadership style. Known for his fierce dedication and unyielding standards, Jordan’s approach has shaped numerous players. Reflecting on this, a fan commented, “Now Monk is a beast. Anybody Jordan or Kobe taught is now a beast.”
A Moment of Brotherhood
Despite the initial shock of the slap, both Jordan and Monk later clarified that it was all in good spirits. Jordan described it as a “big brother and little brother tap,” emphasizing there was no malice involved. Monk supported this by stating, “Big, big, big brother. But it was nothing. He was just playing.” Even Hornets coach James Borrego downplayed the incident, insisting it was blown out of proportion.
A Legacy Revisited
Years may have passed, but the impact of Jordan’s actions continues to resonate. Fans and sports enthusiasts cherish such moments that highlight the human side of their heroes. As one fan poignantly noted, “He turned like who slapped me… saw it was MJ, then Mike doubled down and slapped him again.” The incident remains a beloved anecdote in the annals of NBA history, illustrating the profound influence of Michael Jordan on and off the court.
