John Starks may have achieved many things during his NBA career, but one moment that still stands out is his unforgettable dunk on Michael Jordan during the 1993 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. This iconic play extended the New York Knicks lead by 5 points and helped secure a crucial victory against Jordan’s Chicago Bulls.
In a recent appearance on the Garden Party podcast, Starks opened up about that memorable dunk.
“Obviously, that was a play that needed to be made because the game was just hanging in the balance at that particular time,” Stark said.
After crediting then Knicks coach Pat Riley for his advice, the former Knicks star then described how the play unfolded.
“I saw Bill Cartwright wasn’t in place; I took off the baseline, and I jumped with everything I had inside of me. Because I knew Horace Grant was coming over; he was 6’10 or 6’11… I just left the floor quick. Most guys who dribble with their right hand jump better going right,” he continued.
What made the dunk even more remarkable was Stark’s unique jumping ability. Interestingly, at the moment, he didn’t fully realize the significance of what he had done.
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“It was just another play. It wasn’t until the next day until me and Herb Williams were sitting for breakfast. I picked up the paper, and I saw who was on the back end of the play—[Michael Jordan]. I wasn’t even thinking about it; we were so caught up in beating Chicago,” he added.
What Was the Result of Michael Jordan vs. John Stark’s 1993 NBA Eastern Conference Finals?
Although John Starks and the Knicks took control in the first two games of the 1993 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against Michael Jordan’s Bulls, it didn’t take long for Jordan to regain his rhythm. With Jordan’s dominance, the Knicks ultimately lost Game 6, 96-88.
The Bulls then clinched the series with a 4-2 advantage over the Knicks. Jordan, who starred in a Hollywood movie, was named the MVP of the series. What’s more, the Bulls went on to defeat the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals and secured their three-pat.
So, while Starks’ iconic dunk was a highlight in the early stages of the Eastern Conference series, it was Jordan who had the last laugh.
