NBA
Michael Jordan’s Best Game vs. Each NBA Team
Michael Jordan has beaten every single team in the NBA at least once in his professional career. Here's a list of his best performances against every team in the Association.
ESPN
Inspired by ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary series “The Last Dance”, now is the perfect time to compile a list of Jordan’s best games against every team in the NBA. Michael Jordan is widely considered the greatest player of all-time. He’s had more success than any player during his generation and thrived vs. every single team in the league. Let’s take a look at his most outstanding performances against every NBA team.
April 16th, 1987 – Regular Season Game
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjotdwZED6Q&t=17s
The ’86-’87 season was MJ’s breakout year, averaging a career-best 37.1 points per game (which hasn’t been matched since). He was forced to carry a talent-limited Bulls team to a 40-42 record and the eighth seed in the East that season. Jordan exploded in this game against Atlanta, scoring 61 points (tying his regular season career-high at that point) on 22-38 shooting, adding 10 rebounds, and four steals. The Hawks still found a way to win the game. Atlanta outscored the Bulls 37-23 in the final period to grab the win, their 57th of the season. Hall of Famer Dominque Wilkins went for 34 points.
April 20th, 1986 – Eastern Conference First Round Game 3
In his second season, Jordan missed the majority of the year with a broken foot. He was able to get back on the court in time for the Playoffs, with his Bulls meeting up with the top-seeded Boston Celtics led by Larry Bird in the first round. Chicago was no match for the Celtics, who would eventually win the title, but that didn’t stop Jordan from putting on a show.
After a 49-point performance in Game 1, he followed that up in Game 2 in Boston with a Playoff career-high 63 points as they went to double-overtime. Unfortunately, Chicago lost the game, 135-131, but Jordan’s performance still stands as the most points scored by ANY player in NBA Postseason history. However, Chicago would get swept in three straight games.
February 26th, 1987 – Regular Season Game
Before the Nets were in Brooklyn, they called New Jersey home where Michael Jordan had one of the greatest plays of his career. Jordan’s greatest game against the Nets came during a 128-113 victory with MJ exploding for 58 points that included a near perfect 26-for-27 effort from the free throw line. The GOAT didn’t have much help from his supporting cast that night as Chicago’s next leading scoring John Paxson only added 16 points.
December 29th, 2001- Regular Season Game
After establishing himself as the unquestioned best player in the game, Michael Jordan took a three-year hiatus before taking his talents to Washington D.C. to play for the Wizards. While still maintaining a scoring average over 20 PPG in DC, he was essentially a shell of his former MVP self. However, he managed to score over 45 points once during his time in the nation’s capital and it was against the only other organization he would end up aligning with besides the Wizards and the Bulls.
January 19th, 2002- Regular Season Game
Jordan made his highly-anticipated return to the United Center in Wizards blue and white. It was his first time in the visiting locker room. When the starting lineups were announced, Jordan received a three-minute long ovation as Chicago remembered the iconic moments he provided. Though Jordan would only score 16 points in his return to the Windy City, this game deserves a spot on this list due to its significance.
In Jordan’s interview after the game, he stated, “when the crowd started that whole thing, it made it tough for me to play,” Jordan admitted. “I had a tough time playing against Chicago. It’s like playing a relative, in a sense. It’s not as intense, you’re not quite as motivated.” Jordan’s 16.2 PPG against the Bulls over six games is by far the lowest average against any team he’s ever faced.
March 28th, 1990 – Regular Season Game
One could understandably choose “The Shot” as MJ’s best game, but putting up almost 70 points in a game deserves recognition too. Considering Michael Jordan scored a career-best 69 points in the Bulls 117-113 overtime win against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1990, it deserved to represent this spot on the list. Jordan shot a ludicrous 23-for-37 from the field and was 21-for-23 from the free-throw line as he put together an incredibly efficient scoring attack all game.
April 7th, 1990 – Regular Season Game
Although the Mavericks were never a rival of the Bulls, that didn’t stop Michael from torching them for 43 points during their regular season matchup in 1990. MJ put up 43 points in 40 minutes on 15-26 shooting from the field and going 3-for-5 from three-point land. In 25 games against the Mavs, MJ averaged 27.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG, & 5.5 APG.
February 4th, 1996 – Regular Season Game
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzEfSnom-Z8&t=6s
With Chicago’s record-breaking season on the line every night, the Bulls were down by 31 points late in the second quarter. However, when Michael Jordan is on the opposing team, no lead is safe. He scored 23 points in the third quarter alone as he brought the Bulls back and eventually took the lead. Unfortunately, they would end up losing 1 of their 10 games that season 105-98, but Jordan’s second-half dominance was one for the books.
May 27th, 1989 – NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 3
With the 1989 ECF series tied one-a-piece, the Bulls had home-court advantage for Game 3. Jordan dropped 46 points on 16-for-26 shooting and went 14-for-15 from the free throw line. Jordan added seven rebounds, dished five assists, and stole the ball five times in the Bulls’ 99-97 victory. Despite MJ’s heroics to take a 2-1 lead in the series, however, the Bulls would lose the next three games and the series.
November 24th, 1992 – Regular Season Game
The most points Michael Jordan scored in a game against the Warriors was when he dropped 49 points in 1992 at Golden State. Jordan shot 18-of-30 from the field, including 1-of-3 from three-point range, and 12-of-14 from the free throw line. He also recorded five rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block in 44 minutes in the 101-92 Bulls victory. 20 years later, the Warriors were beginning to build the only dynasty that was able to win more games in a season than Jordan’s Bulls.
January 3rd, 1996 – Regular Season Game
This matchup featured the number one overall pick of the 1984 draft and the 3rd overall pick: Hakeem “the Dream” Olajuwon vs. Michael “Air” Jordan. The Finals matchup fans never got to see. The 2x reigning champ Houston Rockets facing off against the previous 3x reigning champ Chicago Bulls before Jordan retired in 1993.
MJ let it be known in this game that the Rockets have some competition if they want to 3-peat as he almost finished with 40 points in a near-blowout against Houston. The Rockets failed to beat the Sonics in the West Playoffs so they couldn’t even defend their title against the Bulls later that year.
April 13th, 1989 – Regular Season Game
The Chicago Bulls were taking on the Indiana Pacers late in the 1988-89 season, with Chicago vying for playoff positioning and the Pacers just playing out the rest of their schedule. As a temporary Point Guard, Jordan posted a monster triple-double, scoring 47 points with 13 assists and 11 rebounds but the Bulls still lost by 4.
November 21st, 1997 – Regular Season Game
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lpq9fTcoBwQ&t=2s
As he was getting into his mid-30’s, Michael Jordan continued to play phenomenal during the 1997-98 regular season as he won his fifth MVP. On this November night, he scored 49 points against the Clippers in Los Angeles. MJ played a total of 52 minutes in the game, helping the Bulls secure the double-overtime win with Scottie Pippen out of action.
June 5th, 1991 – NBA Finals Game 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9I9mYLeEaI&t=1s
In the NBA Finals, MJ displayed all the tools that made him one of the most complete basketball players on the planet – while sharing the court with Magic Johnson. After struggling in Game 1, Air Jordan responded with 33 points on an incredible 83.3 FG% to go along with 13 assists, 7 rebounds, 1 block, and 2 steals. The Bulls rode the momentum of this game to win the next three games, as Michael Jordan celebrated the first Championship of his career a week later.
Nov. 30th, 1995 – Regular Season Game
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tiTOiqhdsQ&t=1s
Michael Jordan’s highest-scoring game against the Grizzlies came in Vancouver on Nov. 30, 1995. He scored 29 points on 14-for-26 shooting from the field and 1-for-2 from the free-throw line. Jordan saved his best for last, leading the Bulls to a comeback win by scoring 19 points in the game’s final six minutes. Besides facing Chicago, the two franchises Jordan struggled most against throughout his career were Vancouver (22.7 PPG) and Toronto (20.5 PPG), the NBA’s only Canadian teams.
April 29th, 1992 – Eastern Conference First Round Game 3
The Bulls were leading the Heat 2-0 in the series of the 1992 Playoffs 1st Round and looking to close things out in Miami. Heading into the fourth quarter, Chicago trailed 80-79. Not only did Jordan have an amazing performance, but he and Pippen were fantastic as a duo. The two players combined to score 87 points with 56 coming from Jordan as they won the game 119-114 and eliminated the Heat from the postseason.
February 16th, 1989 – Regular Season Game
With the Bucks leading the Bulls by 12 points heading into the fourth quarter, Michael Jordan displayed the brilliance everyone knew he was capable of. Jordan hit the GOAT-mode switch and dropped 27 points in that final period to rack up 50 overall, to go along with eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals, and it’s even more impressive considering how he did it. Despite trailing for the entire second half, the game-winner came from Michael Jordan’s hands as he knocked down a mid-range jumper with one second left on the clock.
April 3rd, 1998 – Regular Season Game
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJQG6Q77V1Q&t=3s
As people could see from the documentary, Michael Jordan was on a mission during his “Last Dance” season. The Bulls matchup with the Timberwolves was a great example of Jordan showing his masterful offensive game. MJ dropped 41 points on 16-25 shooting from the field as the Bulls beat the Timberwolves 107-93. ‘Air Jordan’ can be seen getting buckets from all over the court in the highlights of his excellent performance.
March 28th, 1995 – Regular Season Game
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZroMeogv7Wo&t=3s
Michael Jordan made it clear multiple times throughout his career that he shines brightest on the biggest stage. There is no bigger stage in the NBA than Madison Square Garden in the most populated city in the country. Jordan had many significant performances against the Knicks, but his most memorable game came just five games after he announced “I’m Back” in 1995. With a star-studded group in attendance, MJ put on a show, dropping 55 points, and came away with the game-winning assist as the Bulls won 113-111.
May 27th, 1996 – Eastern Conference Finals Game 6
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtbg51yjzuo&t=1s
The Bulls went into Game 4 in Orlando with a 3-0 series lead, needing just one win to sweep the Magic out of the playoffs. While Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway each had good games with 28 points a piece, Michael Jordan was on another level. He dropped 45 points on 16-for-23 shooting from the field, giving the Bulls a 106-101 victory and closing out the series, officially avenging their only postseason series loss after 1991.
January 13th, 1996 – Regular Season Game
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zBdfysgKHY&t=2s
Entering this game, Chicago was 29-3 while the 76ers were a dreadful 7-25, so it was pretty clear who was likely to win. The real question was by how much, and how much would MJ score in the victory? The answer: Jordan posted 48 points on 18-28 shooting, and was perfect from line (7-7). The Bulls dominated the Sixers all evening, ending it with a 120-93 victory.
June 6th, 1993 – NBA Finals Game 4
After winning the first two games of the 1993 NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns, Chicago lost Game 3 in Phoenix and tried to avoid allowing the Suns to tie the series in Game 4. Knowing the importance of the situation, MJ went off for 55 points on 21-for-37 shooting while adding eight rebounds and four assists. The Bulls completed a 111-105 win, taking a commanding 3-1 series lead that they would finish in six games.
June 3rd, 1992 – NBA Finals Game 1 (The Shrug Game)
With the media comparing Clyde Drexler to the great Michael Jordan, the GOAT took that disrespect to the court by coming out firing in Game 1. The United Center was buzzing after his third 3-pointer and nearly exploded after his fourth. Then came the fifth, all in the first half. Jordan was truly letting it fly from deep. After hitting his SIXTH three-pointer of the game, Jordan couldn’t help but shrug toward Magic Johnson who was commentating the game, and it became iconic.
His six three-pointers were a Finals record for a single half, as was his 35 points. He would finish with 39 on the night as he rested for a large part of the second half of a 33-point victory. Jordan’s Bulls would go on to win the series in six games, establishing him as a back-to-back NBA Champion for the first time.
November 23rd, 1997 – Regular Season Game
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfUDPkqvJ-8&t=1s
In 1997, Jordan scored 33 points against the Kings in a game that Chicago beat Sacramento by a final score of 126-108. Jordan shot 11-19 from the field and went 11-12 from the line. This was about a month into their “Last Dance” season before they really kicked it into gear en route to winning a third straight NBA championship to end his career.
November 13th, 1984 – Regular Season Game
In Michael Jordan’s rookie season, he immediately showed the league what he was truly capable of. The Bulls were 6-2 going into a home game against the Spurs and ‘Air Jordan’ put on the best performance of his young career thus far by dropping his first of many 40-point games. The Bulls snuck out of Chicago with a 120-117 win and the clear realization that they have a superstar on their squad.
June 16th, 1996 – NBA Finals Game 6
Before moving to Oklahoma City, the Thunder franchise was based in Seattle as the Supersonics or simply referred to as the “Sonics.” Gary Payton’s squad had quite a few run-ins with Jordan and his Bulls. Michael Jordan would win his first title since returning from baseball during their historic 1995-96 season as he finished it off with 22 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists on Father’s Day as the Chicago Bulls won their fourth Championship in franchise history (all with Jordan).
November 7th, 1995 – Regular Season Game
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIMa6HOJNP8&t=4s
As noted above in the Grizzlies section, Jordan didn’t always play his best when facing Canadian teams. However, he did manage to drop 38 points on two separate occasions against the Raptors. His best all-around performance came early in the 1995-96 season when he led the Bulls to a nine-point victory with an efficient shooting performance (13-for-19 FG) to go alongside a well-balanced five assists, four rebounds, and four steals.
June 14th, 1998 – NBA Finals Game 6
Michael Jordan’s best game against the Jazz can also be considered his greatest game ever. It may not be the game where he posted the greatest numbers, but the way this one went down will forever be legendary. In Jordan’s last game as a Bull, he was required to shoot an extraordinary 35 shots thanks to an injured Scottie Pippen.
MJ finished his Bulls career with 45 points and put the finishing touches on the greatest sequence to end a Finals game in NBA history. With the Jazz owning a three-point lead with about 30 seconds left before forcing a Game 7, Jordan scored a quick layup, stole the ball, and capped it off with the the game-winning jumper to earn his sixth and final Championship, reaching unanimous GOAT status.
April 27th, 1997 – Eastern Conference First Round Game 2
With the Bulls up 1-0 in this first round series, the Washington Bullets took a 65-58 halftime lead during Game 2 in Chicago. Since the rest of Jordan’s team was struggling, MJ took it upon himself to put his future team away. He dropped a whopping 55 points, shooting 22-for-35 from the field, and a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line. The Bulls won 109-104, taking a 2-0 series lead that would turn into a three-game sweep en route to a fifth NBA Championship. The Washington Bullets would never play another game after that as they switched their name to the Wizards the following season.
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