MJ’s scoring is the most legendary in the history of the game!
When one looks over the history of basketball, Michael Jordan's name stands out above the others. Jordan is considered as the ultimate example of basketball brilliance, and his incredible exploits have left a lasting stamp on the NBA. By examining the five most significant games in his remarkable career, this piece seeks to revisit the apex of his scoring ability. Jordan's unparalleled talent and relentless determination to dominate the court are epitomized in every game through his explosive dunks and clutch shots.
In the season when the Chicago Bulls began their dominance in the 1990s, Michael Jordan's highest-scoring game rekindled nightmares for Cleveland players and fans. Fresh from a series-winning shot in the previous year's playoffs, Jordan's triumph equaled his 12th all-time single-game scoring feat. With ruthless efficiency, he shot 23-37 from the field, 2-6 from three, and an impressive 21-23 from the free-throw line. This marked the zenith of Jordan's physical abilities, blending athleticism with strategic brilliance.
MJ scored over 60 points in another overtime match, and oddly, it was his third defeat out of the top 5. Even though Jordan didn't win MVP this year, this game took place during one of his finest seasons, which concluded in his first three-peat. Jordan shot 49 times to get 64 points, making 1-5 threes and 9-11 from the free throw line. This was one of his least effective 60-point games.
The iconic duo of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen
Out of all of Jordan's 60-point games, this one is most likely the one most people remember. Despite playing in only 18 games due to a fractured foot, he defied Bulls management by returning for the postseason game at the storied Boston Garden against one of the greatest teams in NBA history. Additionally, it prompted an iconic remark from rival Larry Bird, who had just claimed his third MVP crown in a row: “He is the most exciting, awesome player in the game today.” “I believe it’s God disguised as Michael Jordan.”
MJ scored sixty-one points in a game against a top-tier team during his record-breaking 1987 season. Jordan's competitive fire was fiercest when facing the greatest, as seen by the top two games on the list. With the fifth-best defence in the league, the Detroit Pistons were headed to the Eastern Conference Finals. In essence, this is an invitation to let a famous competitor like Air Jordan crush your heart, just like he did when he led the Bulls to victory in overtime.
MJ scored 60 points or more in regulation in just one of the games on the list. On his way to his first scoring title, this happened in his 81st game of the year. During that season, he averaged an incredible 37.1 points per game. With 57 wins at the end of the season and the second-best defense in the league, this Hawks team proved they were no slouch. Jordan was shooting 22–38 from the field and 17–21 from the free-throw line this evening, completely overpowering them.
The scope of Jordan’s scoring abilities can be understood even better if his career scoring average of 30.1 points per game is considered. Ending his career 5th on the all-time scoring list with 32,292 points!