Phil Jackson said these things to the reporters, partly to provoke Michael Jordan.
Jackson realized that getting Jordan to hate Ah Gan is highly unlikely due to Jordan's unique pride, which doesn't allow him to be the lesser hater in the face of Ah Gan.
They are fair competitors, respecting and appreciating each other, enjoying their battles, and eager to fight to the death on the highest stage.
Instead of getting Jordan to hate Ah Gan, it was about making Jordan realize that what Ah Gan can do, you, Jordan, must also be able to do.
It's clear to the discerning eye that Ah Gan excels Jordan in every aspect, even in Jordan's most proud scoring ability; when Ah Gan wishes it, he also can snatch away the scoring title.
Ah Gan is the best carrot dangling in front of Michael Jordan, the biggest motivation for Jordan to transform himself.
