The Bulls started the season with three consecutive losses, and Jordan's scoring was not satisfactory, managing 4 wins and 4 losses in the first 8 games, only a 50% win rate.
Before facing the Portland Trail Blazers, they lost to the Phoenix Suns—Charles Barkley overshadowed Jordan in that game, scoring 37 points.
While Jordan only scored 34 points, which led to him constantly talking trash to Barkley during the game and after the game.
This seriously hurt Jordan's pride; he cared a lot about his statistics and would confirm his scores with the officials during games.
When he felt there was a discrepancy, he would correct it; his memory was very good, and he rarely made mistakes.
At the start of this season, Jordan clearly felt that more people were provoking him.
Because he was so strong, yet unable to win a championship, this psychological gap tormented him; he hated this feeling.
