Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan turns the “double-nickel” today
By Luke Askew
Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan celebrates his 55th birthday today! Happy birthday to the greatest to ever play the game.
It’s difficult writing a birthday tribute to Michael Jordan. Where do you even start? Bulls fans – actually all basketball fans – know what Jordan has done for the game.
Let’s try to do the impossible and narrow down some of Jordan’s greatest moments and give him the birthday tribute he deserves.
Jordan scores NBA playoff record against Bird and the Celtics
In the first round of the 1986 Eastern Conference Playoffs, Jordan delivered one of the NBA’s most memorable playoff performances. The Bulls were outmatched as a team going up against a veteran Celtics squad led by Hall of Famer Larry Bird. The Bulls, on the other hand, were led by a 23-year-old Michael Jordan.
MJ exploded for an NBA playoff record 63 points against “Larry Legend” and the Celtics. Even though Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls ended up losing the series, this will always be one of Jordan’s greatest moments.
To put this into perspective, Andrew Wiggins will be 23-years-old in April – the same month Jordan went for 63. Andrew Wiggins is an incredible talent with a bright future, but can you imagine him going for 63 against the Warriors in the playoffs? Neither can I. This was only the start of Jordan’s legacy.
Check out some highlights from this record-setting performance:
Jordan’s steal and game-winner against the Utah Jazz in the NBA Finals
It’s near impossible to label any of Michael Jordan’s moments as “the most legendary,” but in my opinion, this would be the one.
In his final game as a Chicago Bull, Jordan delivered one of the most clutch defensive plays in NBA history followed by one of the most clutch offensive plays in NBA history.
With the Chicago Bulls down 1 point with roughly 20 seconds left, Jordan surprised Utah’s Karl Malone with a double team from the baseline side and stole the ball. He then dribbled it up the court and delivered his final shot as a Bull and one of the most memorable shots in NBA history – securing his sixth NBA title.
Here’s how that final moment played out:
Jordan’s famous “double-nickel” game
In honor of his 55th birthday, it’s only fitting that we bring to light the famous “double-nickel” game.
With Jordan returning to the game of basketball after his brief stint as a professional baseball player, he was looking a little rusty in his first few games back. The team had seemingly transferred into the reliable hands of Scottie Pippen.
In his 5th game back, however, Jordan silenced all of the doubters by putting up 55 points in Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks – showing everyone that he was back.
Hear Jordan talk about the “double-nickel” game and check out some highlights:
It’s always fun to remember that Jordan also did this wearing the famous #45 jersey.
Happy 55th birthday to the best player to ever touch a basketball! We love you, Mike.