What was interesting about the intensity of Jordan’s practice habits, thought Stave Hale, was that they were rare for a player so naturally gifted. Hale was aware of his own physical and athletic limitations, and he understood from the start that he would only be able to play at Carolina if he pushed himself to the highest level and became something of a kamikaze, constantly diving for loose balls and leaving some of his skin behind in every game. Yet Jordan, who so obviously had the highest level of physical gifts, was there every day, practicing as if he too were somewhat limited athletically. That was a powerful combination.The other thing his teammates came to realize was that he was driven by an almost unparalleled desire—or need—to win.
He simply hated to lose, on the court in big games, on the court in little games, in practice, in Monopoly games with his friends. In card games and pool games, his passion to win was obvious—in fact, he often seemed to change the rules to ensure his victory.
He simply hated to lose at anything, and this would be a trademark for the rest of his life. Every competition had a quality of life-or-death struggle. If he lost in a card game, he would want to keep playing until he won.
From "Playing for Keeps" by David Halberstam
