The third night of ESPN’s landmark documentary event, The Last Dance , has come and gone. And, as was the case with the first two nights, it didn’t disappoint…

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“I was a little bit upset that I didn’t get the MVP that year and they gave it to Charles Barkley,” Jordan said of the 1993 Finals against the Phoenix Suns. “But with that said, OK, fine, you can have that. I’m going to get this.”
Charles Barkley had his moments, averaging 27.3 points, 13.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists in the series, but Jordan did indeed “get” that title. He averaged 41.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists over those six games.
“That was the first time in my life that I felt like there was a better basketball player in the world than me,” Barkley said of Game 2. Despite going for 42 points and 13 rebounds, Barkley felt that Jordan, who had 42 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists, outplayed him.
Eventually, the Bulls would win the series in six. Paxson’s last-second three in the final game is one of the lasting images. But it’s what happened after the 1992-93 campaign that may be better known.
Teammates explained that Jordan simply seemed tired after that season. Tired physically, sure. But the mental and emotional toll seemed even heavier.
Episode 6 teases it a few times, but this was the series that preceded Jordan’s first retirement and venture into baseball.