“I’m no Rodman, but in 20-odd years of playing basketball, I’ve learned to play some fundamental defense” – James Worthy proved his defensive skills when he slowed down Chris Mullin in 1991 originally appeared on Basketball Network.
Throughout his career, Los Angeles Lakers legend James Worthy was best known for his offensive prowess. However, that didn’t mean that the North Carolina product was useless on defense.
Advertisement
“Big Game James” displayed that in the 1991 Western Conference semifinals between the Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. He was assigned to guard Chris Mullin, a move that proved successful.
“I’m no Rodman, but in 20-odd years of playing basketball, I’ve learned to play some fundamental defense,” the top pick of the 1982 Draft said via UPI.
The Lakers made the defensive adjustments after “Mully” dropped a game-high 41 points in Game 2 of that series. Then-coach Mike Dunleavy took Magic Johnson off the Warriors star and replaced him with Worthy.
Overlooking Worthy’s defense
At the time, Worthy was one of the Lakers’ top offensive weapons. He was a great finisher in the fast break and had a decent mid-range shot. Best of all, he was not afraid to take clutch shots when needed.
Advertisement
Because of his athleticism, long arms, quickness and basketball IQ, the 6’9″ Worthy did his share to help the Lakers on the defensive end. His size proved to be a problem for players like Mullin. The St. John’s product admitted James gave him problems.
“He gets in your stuff off the dribble and he’s still big enough to get into your shot when you step back. He and Dennis (Rodman) are the two quickest guys in the league,” the lefty sharpshooter quipped.
With Worthy on him, Mullin’s point production dwindled in the games that followed. After that 41-point explosion, the 6’7″ forward managed to score only nine points in Game 4. Chris did unload 26 in Game 5, but the effort went for naught as the Lakers closed out the series 124-119.
Worthy’s career turning point
The Lakers would next face and defeat the Portland Trail Blazers (4-2) to set up a finals clash with the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls. LA drew first blood by taking Game 1, 93-91.
Advertisement
However, that win came at a price. Worth reinjured his left ankle and played through the pain the rest of the way.
According to Dunleavy, “Big Game James'” injury was costly. The Lakers coach felt the Lakers had a good chance to win the title, especially with James’ familiarity with Jordan.
“The worst part was James Worthy getting injured,” Dunleavy said. “We felt really good about our chances there. James played with Michael at North Carolina and was not intimidated by him at all. And he was our guy to defend him.”
Despite not being 100%, Worthy still led the Lakers in scoring with 19.3 points per game. But against Jordan (31.2 points per game) and Scottie Pippen (20.8 points per game), the effort went for naught.
Advertisement
Worthy’s high ankle injury was only the beginning. In the latter part of the 1991-92 season, James underwent knee surgery, forcing him to miss the rest of the season.
These injuries took a lot of the UNC product’s quickness and leaping ability. He played the next two seasons but decided to call it a career in the 1994-95 preseason.
It was quite a run for “Big Game James,” who played a crucial role in three Lakers championships. His two-way impact made him invaluable — a big reason why the franchise retired his No. 42 jersey. On top of that, his stellar career earned him a spot on both the NBA’s 50th and 75th-anniversary teams — honors that felt like the perfect nod to a player who always delivered when it mattered most.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Source link
