September 19, 2025

The punch that Michael Jordan threw at Steve Kerr was no ordinary scuffle. It was like a fiery spark that lit up a bigger truth: greatness comes not just from games but also from tough moments behind closed doors. Although the fight looked messy, it was a real test of character. Kerr stood his ground, and that earned Jordan's respect. From this heated moment grew the strong bond needed to win championships.

Why did Jordan punch Kerr? The drama started when trash talk heated up during a scrimmage. Jordan was upset about getting fouled and began throwing disrespectful words at Kerr, thinking Kerr would back off. But Kerr fired back with his own strong talk and even hit Jordan with a forearm while running through the lane. Kerr recalled in a 2016 VICE interview, "I got the ball and he was guarding me and I think I used my off arm and threw an elbow or something, to get him off of me, and he kept talking. I'm yapping and the next play, I'm running through the lane and he gives me a forearm shiver in the middle of the lane and I give him one back. And he basically ... came after me."

The intense clash ended with Jordan punching Kerr in the eye. Jordan explained to ESPN in 2013, "He hauls off and hits me in the chest, and I just haul off and hit him right in the f---ing eye." Kerr admitted in the VICE interview that he "had no chance" and called the fight "mayhem," with teammates rushing in before it got worse. Teammate Judd Buechler even joked that Kerr was like "the kid in Jurassic Park who got attacked by the velociraptor."

Why did Jordan act this way? He wanted to wipe out any sign of weakness and push his teammates to prove themselves under pressure. Kerr shared in the 2020 documentary "The Last Dance" that Jordan’s fierce ways were about building toughness for playoff battles.

When Jordan returned to the NBA in 1995 after a baseball break, many doubted if he was still at his best. This outside pressure made him push his teammates harder in practice. Coach Phil Jackson set up this intense scrimmage where Kerr, a smaller but fierce guard, had to guard the bigger Jordan. Jackson even called some fouls to protect Kerr, which annoyed Jordan because he thought it made the team less ready for tough real games.

After the punch, Phil Jackson kicked Jordan out of practice. Jordan felt bad later. As he told "The Last Dance," "I’m in the shower and I’m saying, ‘I just beat up the littlest guy on the fu**ing court.’ And I felt about this small." That same day, Jordan got Kerr’s number and called to say sorry. Kerr confirmed in a 2020 ESPN interview, "He called me later that day and apologized." They spent 20 minutes the next day at practice exchanging apologies, clearing the air.

Kerr mentioned that such fights weren’t uncommon. That Bulls team had "probably three" fights in practice just that season, he said on NBA on TNT. Phil Jackson quoted Jordan in his book "Eleven Rings" saying the incident "made me look at myself, and say, ‘You know what? You’re really being an idiot about this whole process.'" This moment helped Jordan trust his teammates more.

So, the fiery clash between Michael Jordan and Steve Kerr proved that even tough, awkward fights on the court can build respect, trust, and the fiery spirit needed for a team dynasty. After all, champions aren’t just born—they’re forged through fire.

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Tags: Michael jordan, Steve kerr, Chicago bulls, Nba, Basketball fight, The last dance,