Michael Jordan and John Stark (Image Credit: Getty Images)
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.

“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.

Houston Texans star Azeez Al-Shaair has admitted regrets over his illegal hit to Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the ensuing brawl between the teams in a lengthy statement on social media.  

Al-Shaair’s statement comes as his three-game suspension as a result of the incident has ended and he is slated to return to the field for the Texans on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

On December 1, an Al-Shaair hit to the head of a sliding and defenseless Lawrence caused chaos in Jacksonville. The defensive back needed to be restrained by several coaches and Lawrence has not played since taking the barbaric contact.

‘While so many jumped at the first opportunity to hop on the false narrative – that l’m a dirty player or bad person – the messages from all who stood by me were the only things keeping me mentally afloat during a time of isolation,’ Al-Shaair said on social media.

‘I’ve learned so much from this entire experience. Seeing myself on video – letting my emotions get the best of me to the point where I completely lost it – was an embarrassing and eye-opening moment for me.’

‘I’ve had to earn everything in my life. I never want to allow anyone to get me to a point where I jeopardize everything that I’ve worked all my life to obtain. That was not the way I want to represent myself or my family and I will continue to learn and grow from that moment.’

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Azeez Al-Shaair has admitted regrets over his hit to Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence

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The Texans defensive back was suspended for three games as a result of the hit to Lawrence

Al-Shaair said during his three-game ban, he met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and other league executives for the first time, taking issue with how he was characterized in the official announcement of his suspension.

The defender said he thought his character and integrity were ‘unjustifiably smeared’ in the release but the meeting with Goodell and others was ‘productive’ and gave him hope it would not happen again.

‘In that conversation – man-to-man – I owned and acknowledged that my actions following my ejection were careless and, in that moment, I didn’t think about the responsibility I have been blessed with to represent the shield,’ Al-Shaair continued.

‘I also stated that the letter, and specifically the language used in the letter, was equally as careless and conveyed that the context of the words used were not a reflection of my character, nor my career, as I have not been warned multiple times for my play on the field.’

Al-Shaair’s hit on Lawrence was not the only controversial incident he was involved in this season.

During the Texans’ game against the Bears in September, he punched Roschon Johnson, who wasn’t even in the game at the time of another sideline confrontation.

Al-Shaair ended his statement by saying his view is that everyone in the league office and on the field are on the same team to represent the NFL in the best nature possible, something he failed to do earlier this month.

‘Lastly, I’ll say that this world is full of negative people who can’t wait to tear you down, but if you move with love and compassion, the seeds of good you planted in others’ lives can grow into the very tree that shades you with comfort and compassion when you need it most,’ Al-Shaair concluded.

‘I am a man of God, I am a leader, a warrior and a lover. I am also a hell of a football player and I’m grateful to be back doing what I love.’