3 takeaways from episodes 3 and 4 of The Last Dance, ESPN’s MJ doc

1. Chicago’s hate for the Bad Boys remains steady

Horace Grant didn’t need subtlety when recounting Detroit’s players walking off the court before the Bulls officially swept them out of the 1991 playoffs. “Straight up b*tches.”

The disdain Jordan has for Isiah Thomas upon hearing his justification for leaving the bench early is real as are his facial expressions as he watches a video — a great editorial move, btw — of Thomas explaining the decision himself.

Go back and watch the pause Jordan takes when the subject of Game 7 of the 1990 conference finals is brought to him. There is a seething anger at the way that series concluded, where a migraine suffered by Scottie Pippen made it near impossible for the Bulls to advance.

That bitter ending is what drove MJ and Chicago the following season. The idea of taking down the Pistons is what motivated them for three straight years.

It doesn’t matter that it’s been nearly 30 years since the flames of the iconic rivalry between the Bulls and the Pistons burned bright. Nor is it a factor Chicago would go on to move on from the demons of Detroit to win six championships.

Get those Bulls players who experienced the back and forth first-hand taking, and even in 2020, it’s clear to see that the fire never dies.