During Sunday night’s festivities, Towns shared a viral moment with Michael Jordan, who was in Cleveland for the halftime ceremony honoring the NBA’s 75th anniversary team. The Hornets owner was seen catching up with other NBA legends at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, but he also took time to chat with some of the league’s current stars.
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As he was walking off the court, Jordan gave a big hug to Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, who is signed to Jordan Brand. Towns then approached Jordan, and it looked as though their interaction was far less cordial.
On a Tuesday Twitch stream, Towns explained this was simply a case of Jordan being Jordan.
“They were trying to rush him. I think they were trying to rush him because of the [NBA] 75 [ceremony],” Towns said. “They were trying to get everyone organized and get their photos done and get everything right. MJ looks at me and he goes, ‘I remember what you did to my team. I see what you did to my team. F— you.’ I said, ‘Yeah! I like this energy. Yeah! I like this energy.’
“That’s why you see me in the video go, ‘Yeah!’ And the funniest part — MJ’s so iconic and so competitive — he looks back at me and goes, ‘Yeah!’”
Jordan was referring to Towns’ terrific performance against the Hornets on Feb. 15. Towns led the Timberwolves with 39 points and 15 rebounds in a 126-120 overtime victory.
MJ taking something personally? What a shocker!