Not many people can compete with Michael Jordan’s achievements in his 15-year NBA stint.
When Michael Jordan joined the league as the third overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft, he was primarily considered a staggering scorer.
However, it didn’t take long for Jordan to prove his talent as an incredible two-way player in the league. After all, he took home the 1988 NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Awards, leading the league in scoring.
However, when it comes to winning the NBA Championship, Jordan had to wait until 1991 to win the first ring of his career with the Chicago Bulls.
Speaking of which, let’s go down Memory Lane and revisit how Jordan played in each of his six NBA Finals appearances in his career.
statistics: 31.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 11.4 assists, 55.8 FG%
Best Games: Game 2 – 33 points, 7 rebounds, 13 assists, 83.3 FG%
After being beaten by the “Bad Boys” Detroit Pistons for several years, the Jordan-led Bulls finally overcome that hurdle in the 1991 NBA playoffs.
The Bulls didn’t stop there as they beat the powerful Los Angeles Lakers in just five games. Lakers legendary Magic Johnson admitted Jordan’s early foul trouble in the series was ultimately key to the Bulls’ 4-1 series victory.
statistics: 35.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 52.6 FG%
Best Games: Game 1 – 39 points, 3 rebounds, 11 assists, 59.3 fg%, 60.0 3p%
In the 1992 NBA Finals, Jordan faced the Portland Trail Blazers. The series was expanded to six games, but the Bulls left with a 4-2 series victory.
Jordan also gave fans an iconic moment in the series. Yes, the famous “shrug” game that MJ set fire to from the three-point line.
statistics: 41.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 50.8 FG%
Best Games: Game 4 – 55 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 56.8%
In 1993, the Bulls had a three-peat chance as NBA champions. The only obstacle was the Phoenix Suns at Charles Barkley.
However, Jordan is known for his incredible ability to remain calm in clutch situations. Well, Mike helped the Bulls register for a 4-2 series victory as they won the third NBA championship of his career.
statistics: 27.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 41.5 FG%
Best Games: Game 3 – 36 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 47.8 FG%
Even today, the 1996 bull is considered one of the greatest teams ever. After all, they finished the season with a 72-10 record. At the time, it was the best record ever by a franchise.
Coming to the 1996 NBA Finals, this was a much worse performance in the MJ final. Seattle Supersonix’s Gary Payton concluded Jordan through the series. However, the Bulls superstar led the team to a 4-2 series victory.
statistics: 32.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 45.6 FG%
Best Games: Game 2 – 38 points, 13 rebounds, 9 assists, 55.0 FG%
The main reason Jordan is still respected is the fact that during the heyday of his career, not only did he win six NBA titles, but many of the greatest ever retired for him without the ring.
Carl Malone and John Stockton of the Utah Jazz were among those greats. Mike’s Bulls registered a comfortable 4-2 series victory over the Jazz in 1997.
statistics: 33.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 42.7 FG%
Best Games: Game 6 – 45 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 42.9 FG%
The 1998 NBA Finals was the last time fans saw Jordan in the Chicago Bulls jersey.
But before saying his second goodbye to the NBA, MJ held a scoring east feast in the 1998 NBA Finals. That includes his famous game winner in Game 6 when he finished his sensational career with the Bulls.