You wouldn’t notice it, but Michael Jordan’s back is hurting.
Though Jordan made a strong case for being named the NBA’s Player of the Week by averaging 38 points in four games, he said he has been hampered with back spasms the last two weeks.
“I’ve had some spasming ever since I was helping Santa Claus on Dec. 24,” said Jordan, who has scored more than 40 points in three of the Bulls’ last five games. “Once I get it loose, then I’m OK. If I sit down, it takes a little bit for me to get started again.”
Jordan said that’s one of the reasons he doesn’t mind the heavy minutes he has logged lately. In the Bulls’ 105-96 victory Saturday over the Detroit Pistons in Auburn Hills, Mich. Jordan played all but one minute.
He said his back tightens when he’s on the bench, so he told Bulls coach Phil Jackson he’d rather be on the floor.
“I’ve kind of felt that over the last couple of games,” Jordan said, “when I was in rhythm my back was loose so I wanted to continue to play. (Jackson) allowed me to do that, and so far it’s paid off.”
Will this be a seasonlong problem?
“I hope not,” Jordan said. “I’m getting treatment on it. I’ve had it in the past, and usually after treatment it goes away.”
Helping hands: Though Jordan has carried the team the last few games, he has had plenty of help. Ron Harper helped him carry the bulk of the load against the Pistons, scoring a season-high 21 points–including four three-pointers.
“He made some big shots,” Jordan said. “He extended the defense. When the defense doubled off him and on to me, he made them pay. I think we need that consistently from everybody.”
Steve Kerr had his best game in a while, scoring 11 points off the bench on 5-of-8 shooting. He also had a big three-pointer.
“Steve Kerr made some big baskets for us, and Jud Buechler came in and made a big basket for us,” Jordan said. “When the double-team focused on me, I was able to get the ball to them and they knocked down the shots.”
Not so fast: Though the Bulls improved to 6-9 on the road with their victory over the Pistons, they know their road problems haven’t been solved.
Later this week, they have road games against the Miami Heat and New York Knicks.
“I told them after the game that we have won one game on the road against an above-.500 team, and that was in New Jersey,” Jackson said. “As a consequence, we have a couple of attempts (this) week to try to do better with Miami and New York. Hopefully, it will carry over.”
