The Sneakers Michael Jordan Wore During His Best Scoring Performances

What sneakers did Michael Jordan wear during his best scoring performances? Click through to find out.

Michael Jordan Best Scoring Performances
Image via Complex Original
Michael Jordan Best Scoring Performances

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

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20.

Air Jordan 7 'Raptors'

Date: April 29, 1992

Arena: Miami Arena

Shoe: Air Jordan 7 Black/Red

19. 56 Points vs. Philadelphia 76ers

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18.

Air Jordan 2 Low 'Chicago'

Date: March 24, 1987

Arena: Chicago Stadium

Shoe: Air Jordan 2 Low

17. 57 Points vs. Washington Bullets

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16.

Air Jordan 7 'Cardinal'

Date: Dec. 23, 1992

Arena: Chicago Stadium

Shoe: Air Jordan 7 'Cardinal'

15. 58 Points vs. New Jersey Nets

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14.

Air Jordan 2 'White/Red'

Date: Feb. 26, 1987

Arena: Chicago Stadium

Shoe: Air Jordan 2 White/Red

13. 59 Points vs. Detroit Pistons

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12.

Air Jordan 3 'White/Cement

Date: April 3, 1988

Arena: Pontiac Silverdome

Shoe: Air Jordan 3 'Cement'

11. 61 Points vs. Detroit Pistons

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10.

Air Jordan 2 'White/Black/Red'

Date: March 4, 1987

Arena: Pontiac Silverdome

Shoe: Air Jordan 2

9. 61 Points vs. Atlanta Hawks

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8.

Air Jordan 2 Low 'White/Red'

Date: April 16, 1987

Arena: Chicago Stadium

Shoe: Air Jordan 2 Low

7. 63 Points vs. Boston Celtics

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6.

Air Jordan 1 High 'Chicago'

Date: April 20, 1986

Arena: Boston Garden

Shoe: Air Jordan 1 'Chicago'

5. 64 Points vs. Orlando Magic

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4.

Air Jordan 7 'Cardinal'

Date: Jan. 16, 1993

Arena: Chicago Stadium

Shoe: Air Jordan 7 'Cardinal'

3. 69 Points vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

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2.

Air Jordan 5 'White/Fire Red/Black'

Date: March 28, 1990

Arena: Richfield Coliseum

Shoe: Air Jordan 5 'Fire Red'