In a nostalgic reflection on the fierce battles of the past, Chicago Bulls Hall of Famer Toni Kukoc has singled out the New York Knicks as the most formidable adversaries the Bulls ever encountered.
During a conversation with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Kukoc delved into the physicality of that era’s basketball, saying, “The Knicks were ALWAYS the toughest for me.” He recalled the intense nature of the game during those years when physicality was paramount.
Kukoc, who hailed from Europe and had a unique point-forward playing style, faced the likes of Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley, Anthony Mason, and Charles Smith on the court. Their robust playing style posed a significant challenge for Kukoc, who was accustomed to a different brand of basketball.
He admitted, “It was just hard. I mean, these guys and that’s the way they play. That’s the way the game is played for them so, every time they can hit you, hold you… it was just something new for me and something that I had to get used to.”
