Michael Jordan, whose intense competitive spirit along with his otherworldly athletic talent propelled him to six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls, has taken that fire into his role as the owner of the Charlotte Hornets.

Jordan slapped Malik Monk on the back of the head after the guard ran on to the court to celebrate with 0.3 seconds left in Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons. The Hornets were penalised for having too many men on the court – and the Pistons were given a technical foul shot – but Charlotte still squeaked home 108-107.

Zach Aldridge (@wzaldridge) #Hornets owner Michael Jordan wasn't too happy with Malik Monk after he ran onto the court before the game was over and got called for a technical 😭😂@WCCBCharlotte pic.twitter.com/575UlSeZNz

Jordan was visibly exasperated with Monk, who is in his second year in the league, and gave him two light slaps on the back of the head as they exchanged words. However, Jordan and Monk both ended the conversation with smiles on their faces.

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“It was like a big brother and little brother tap. No negative intent. Only love,” Jordan told the Associated Press.

Jordan’s intensity and his hatred of losing is infamous. He talked trash to Bill Clinton on the golf course, scored 38 points while battling the flu in the 1997 NBA finals and once punched teammate Steve Kerr during training camp. “I disagreed with him one time,” Kerr, now the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, said in 2012. “He punched me in the face … It was one of the best things that ever happened for me. I needed to stand up and go back at him. I think I earned some respect. But we have [had] a great relationship ever since … you gotta prove it and then once you prove it, you’re fine.”

Jordan became the majority owner of the Hornets in 2010. Since then they have made the playoffs only twice but are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference and have won their last three games.