Jordan Ripped Into Teammates After Game 2 Loss to Pistons

Michael Jordan, frustrated by injuries and lack of support, blasted his teammates after the Chicago Bulls’ loss to the Detroit Pistons in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Jordan, angry and disgusted Tuesday night after the Pistons took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, left the locker room and avoided interviews. But his teammates were surprised by Jordan’s uncharacteristic behavior.

“He said the guys are playing like . . . ,” the Bulls’ Horace Grant said. “He didn’t want to name any names. But he was right. The guys know who they are. We were embarrassed.

“Mike feels some guys aren’t giving their all and I don’t blame him. We played terribly. I’ve never seen Michael more upset.”

Jordan, playing with a sprained wrist and bruised hip, was held to 20 points, making only five of 16 shots in the 102-93 loss.

“It’s a sign of a player who doesn’t like to lose,” forward Stacey King said. “He was embarrassed. He was just mad.”

Said Chicago Coach Phil Jackson: “I think he’s disappointed in his effort. Fourteen minutes he played pretty good basketball, but other than that, he didn’t really show the characteristics he showed all year.”

Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday at Chicago.