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Michael Jordan: I still hate Bad Boys Pistons

Bulls star Michael Jordan and Pistons forward Dennis Rodman

CHICAGO - 1991: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls jumps to shoot a basket against the Detroit Pistons as Cliff Levingston #53 of the Bulls, Dennis Rodman #10 of the Pistons and Isiah Thomas #11 of the Pistons watch the shot at the Chicago Stadium during the 1991 NBA Playoffs in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Focus on Sport via Getty Images)

Focus on Sport via Getty Images

Episode 1 of “The Last Dance” documentary focused on Michael Jordan. Episode 2 focused on Scottie Pippen.

Episode 3 will be the Dennis Rodman show.

Which means revisiting the Bulls’ rivalry with Rodman’s former team, the Pistons.

Detroit eliminated Chicago in 1988, 1989 and 1990 with a physical and stifling defense that targeted Jordan. Those playoff battles hardened him, and the Bulls finally broke through in 1991, topping the Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals.

Infamously – and regrettably, according to Detroit star Isiah Thomas – many Pistons left the court without shaking the Bulls’ hands after the series

Jordan, via Adam Graham of The Detroit News:

“I hated ‘em,” Jordan says of the back-to-back championship-winning Pistons. “And the hate carries even to this day.”

There was a lot of bad blood between Jordan and the Pistons, especially Thomas. It definitely went both ways.

But even Thomas – an incredible competitor in his own right – mostly sounds like he has moved on (at least publicly).

Jordan’s ability to hold a grudge knows no bounds.