Lebronnygoat wrote:I think Karl Malone has a case over Jordan.
In their opening series, Malone faced a top 5 defense where he was 30 ppg on +6.9rTS, and won in a do or die tight series. That is more impressive than Jordan with the best team in basketball winning and averaging what he averaged vs an expansion team who had one of the worst defenses in playoff history. Karl Malone could have done the same damage if he so pleased to that Miami, a lot of all time greats could have. The performances that are indicative of their impact as players should be the last 3 rounds (all 3 for Malone) as they’re actually capable defenses…
Though, it’s very easy to argue Malone takes this
Jordan vs the Knicks: 31/6/4 on +1.8rTS
Jordan vs the Cavs: 32/7/6 on -0.8rTS.
Malone vs the Sonics: 29/11/3 on +9.4rTS.
I’m taking Malone vs the Sonics or Clippers, quite clearly, over any of these series.
Vs the same competition
Jordan vs Blazers: 36/5/7 on +9.6rTS
Malone vs Blazers: 28/12/3 on +10.7rTS
I also think Malone is clearly the more impactful defender, peaked as a defender this year. Malone translated and rose more/at a better rate than Jordan did.
Regular season wise: Malone was 28.1/11.3/3.0 per75 on +6.8rTS, and Jordan was 29.6/6.3/6.3 on +4.8rTS per 75.
You can really say Malone had the better scoring season via, regular season, playoff translation and playoff resilience. Malone was also quite clearly more impactful as a defender. Jordan is clearly the better playmaker, but, those duties really dipped down when you’re talking 1992 and 1993 (and onwards). Karl Malone has a SERIOUS case over Jordan. Sorry I was too late to make a response, I made a better formatted response yesterday but the page refreshed and deleted everything.
You forgot the part where MJ dumbfounded the team in the finals that Utah lost to. Jordan put on a masterclass that series. Specifically games 1 and 5. Also, in general Karl Malone was never HIM, and never better than MJ in any year other than maybe 98’ where Malone had a great season with a hobbled Stockton. Then game 6 happened.
Taking nothing away from Malone who is underrated all time.