11. His return from retirement
When Michael Jordan retired from the NBA (the first time), nobody knew if he would ever return to the game of basketball. What we did know was that the best basketball player, and arguably the best athlete, in the world had retired during his prime.
That’s why his decision to come back to the NBA in 1995 was so important. This wasn’t some random 39-year-old dude coming out of retirement for one last go around. This was the best basketball player in the world returning to the game while he still had a lot left in the tank.
In typical Jordan fashion, he announced his return to the game in a legendary manner. His press release was short and simple: “I’m back.”
Could anything have been more frightening for every other team in the league than seeing those two words from MJ? Patrick Ewing could kiss his chance at a ring goodbye. Charles Barkley could kiss his chance at a ring goodbye. It was all over for everyone not located in Chicago. MJ was back, and he was ready to three-peat again.
10. The gravity-defying reverse layup
To this day, this play remains one of the greatest athletic marvels in NBA history.
Jordan catches the ball behind the three-point line, takes two power dribbles to his left and leaves the ground almost completely outside of the paint. He then wiggles what feels like 98 times in mid-air as he avoids multiple defenders while soaring to the other side of the rim for a beautiful, graceful reverse layup.
The combination of balance and strength that it requires to pull off a play like this is mind-boggling.
If you need further proof that this play was unbelievable, just check out the reactions from the Nets’ bench. One guy stood up as if he was ready to leave before remembering he had to stay for the remainder of the game. One guy threw his head back and covered his eyes in utter shock. One guy remained motionless as if he couldn’t believe what he just witnessed.
The reaction from the players who are supposed to remain calm, cool and collected says it all. This play was – and still is – unfathomable.