Why Michael Jordan denied Scott Burrell a one-on-one rematch back in 1998

MJ didn't think playing Burrell was worth the risk

Michael Jordan's competitiveness is the stuff of legend. He was driven to be the best at everything he did and always had to have the last word. So when Scott Burrell, then a member of the Chicago Bulls, challenged Jordan to a one-on-one rematch after losing by the skin of his teeth, 7-6, there was no way Jordan would give him another shot.

Burrell's challenge denied

As is common practice in the NBA, players often engage in friendly one-on-one matchups. On this particular day, things turned when Burrell - who was in his first season with the Bulls after spending several seasons with the Charlotte Hornets - decided he wanted to take on the best player in the world.

Jordan had already beaten him once, but Burrell was confident he could take him the second time around. Jordan, however, wasn't about to give Burrell a chance to redeem himself. When Burrell pushed the issue and asked why, Jordan had a scathing response.

"So you can tell everyone, all your friends, family, and relatives that you beat Michael Jordan? If I win, what am I going to say to my family: 'I beat Scott Burrell?'" said Jordan.

An experience unlike any other

Burrell said he immensely benefited from playing with Jordan, describing it as something he had never experienced before. Some may argue that Jordan's leadership style may have been abrasive, but the results spoke volumes - six championships in eight years.

"He coached like a leader, and we respected him for what he said. In this day and era, it might be too aggressive. But, no, I mean, guys loved it. I enjoyed it, and I needed it," said Burrell.

"I played on good teams, but I never played on a championship team. And now I know what a championship team is like," he added.