NBA legend Michael Jordan slapped Charlotte Hornets ace Malik Monk after a technical foul almost cost them a crucial win over Detroit Pistons.
The Hornets owner and former Chicago Bulls superstar, 55, lashed out at the youngster after a late moment of madness.
In a tense encounter, the Hornets were leading the Pistons 108-107 with just seconds to go.
With the Charlotte players moments away from the gritty victory, Monk stormed on to the court in celebration.
The second-year guard, 20 – the 11th pick of the 2017 draft – was given a technical foul, meaning the clock was stopped at the moment of the infringement.
With 0.3 seconds on the clock, Pistons guard Langston Galloway had one last chance to win it for Detroit, but had the ball stolen by Nicolas Batum.
Visibly relieved – but still angry at the premature celebration of Monk – Jordan playfully slapped the youngster round the back of his head twice.
Jordan– a six-time NBA champion and arguably the greatest player of all-time– then shared a laugh with him and walked off shaking his head.
Kemba Walker – a contender for most improved player this season – was once again the star for Charlotte.
The point guard dropped 31 points – including four three-pointers – adding nine assists and eight rebounds in the tense, one-point victory.
