Few players in basketball history have possessed the natural ability to score like Michael Jordan. In fact, Jordan retired as the league's all-time points-per-game leader, edging out Wilt Chamberlain with an average of 30.1.
Most of Jordan's best scoring performance took place early in his career, when the championship era Bulls had not yet taken shape and the team relied a little more on his knack for getting buckets. Today marks the anniversary of two of his most memorable outings.
On March 28, 1990, Jordan rung up the rival Cleveland Cavaliers for a career-high 69 points at Richfield Coliseum. The Bulls needed every one of those points, as they edged out the Cavs 117-113 in overtime. After the game, a young Jordan said, "This would have to be my greatest game. When I scored 63 against Boston, we lost. It sure feels a lot better."
Five years later and fresh off his baseball hiatus, Jordan dropped his famous "Double Nickel" against another one of his biggest adversaries—the New York Knicks. Scoring 50+ in any situation is impressive, but Jordan at that point had only played four games since returning to the NBA. Needless to say, that was a special day for Jordan.
As a testament to his greatness, the 55 at MSG doesn't even crack his 10 best scoring performances. The games that do, and the Air Jordan sneakers he wore in them, are listed below.
21. 56 Points vs. Miami Heat
20.
Date: April 29, 1992
Arena: Miami Arena
Shoe: Air Jordan 7 Black/Red
19. 56 Points vs. Philadelphia 76ers
18.
Date: March 24, 1987
Arena: Chicago Stadium
Shoe: Air Jordan 2 Low
17. 57 Points vs. Washington Bullets
16.
Date: Dec. 23, 1992
Arena: Chicago Stadium
Shoe: Air Jordan 7 'Cardinal'
15. 58 Points vs. New Jersey Nets
14.
Date: Feb. 26, 1987
Arena: Chicago Stadium
Shoe: Air Jordan 2 White/Red
13. 59 Points vs. Detroit Pistons
12.
Date: April 3, 1988
Arena: Pontiac Silverdome
Shoe: Air Jordan 3 'Cement'
11. 61 Points vs. Detroit Pistons
10.
Date: March 4, 1987
Arena: Pontiac Silverdome
Shoe: Air Jordan 2
9. 61 Points vs. Atlanta Hawks
8.
Date: April 16, 1987
Arena: Chicago Stadium
Shoe: Air Jordan 2 Low
7. 63 Points vs. Boston Celtics
6.
Date: April 20, 1986
Arena: Boston Garden
Shoe: Air Jordan 1 'Chicago'
5. 64 Points vs. Orlando Magic
4.
Date: Jan. 16, 1993
Arena: Chicago Stadium
Shoe: Air Jordan 7 'Cardinal'
3. 69 Points vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
2.
Date: March 28, 1990
Arena: Richfield Coliseum
Shoe: Air Jordan 5 'Fire Red'