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Michael Jordan shot out of the box after the Chicago Bulls drafted him third overall in the 1984 NBA Draft. He was an instant success, and his basketball ascension is what many compare every up-and-coming star to either indirectly or intentionally. Michael Jordan averaged 28 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals a game in his rookie season that electrified the sports world. The word phenom gets thrown around so much, its definition is unclear. Yet when looking in a hypothetical dictionary, Michael Jordan's face would accompany the word and its definition. Let's look at the five best scoring games of Michael Jordan's spectacular rookie year.
#5 Michael Jordan drops 42 in Madison Square Garden on the New York Knicks
Michael Jordan gave Madison Square Garden a glimpse of the future in his rookie season. Jordan scored 42 points, grabbed seven rebounds and had four assists and two steals in the 119-113 loss. New York Knicks legend Patrick Ewing had to be sick of Michael Jordan at that point. Losing to Michael Jordan and the North Carolina Tarheels in the National Final when he was at Georgetown was not a distant memory. Michael Jordan would have many classic games at MSG - including the infamous double nickel game on March 28, 1995.
#4 Michael Jordan scores 45 to George Gervin's 28 points on 11/13/84
It's interesting that Michael Jordan and George Gervin went at it before the freeze-out game that we'll get into later. Iceman was more Julius Erving's contemporary, yet it was Michael Jordan who stole the show in San Antonio in the 120-117 Chicago Bulls victory. Jordan had 45 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks in the win. Gervin countered with 28. He and Jordan would have a few more battles over the years as the changing of the guard made way for George Gervin as Michael Jordan took over the NBA.
#3 Michael Jordan scores 45 points and outduels Dominique Wilkins on 1/26/85
Michael Jordan scored 45 points, had 10 assists, eight rebounds and four blocks vs. Dominique Wilkins and the Atlanta Hawks. The natural rivalry between two of the greatest dunkers in NBA history was on display, and Dominique, despite shooting 8-22, scored 30 points vs. his younger competitor. The two would later have a slam dunk contest for the ages a few weeks later. Dominique Wilkins never had the supporting cast of George Gervin, Julius Erving or Michael Jordan, or he would have been just as decorated. Michael Jordan was so good as a rookie, he overshadowed many NBA stars in an instant. Dominique was great, yet Michael Jordan was even greater.
#2 The terrorizing of the Cleveland Cavaliers begins as Michael Jordan scores 45 on 12/27/84
Two days after Christmas in 1984, Michael Jordan began his scoring dominance over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Michael Jordan scored 45 points on an array of highlight reel dunks and mid-range jumpers to demoralize the Cleveland Cavaliers for the first time. Jordan scored 45 points, dished 11 dimes and had three steals against the 6-21 Cavs - who were led by World B. Free's 30 points. The nightmares of Michael Jordan in Cleveland would only subside when LeBron James gave the Cavaliers faithful something to cheer about decades later.
#1 Michael Jordan gets his revenge from the All-Star freeze out game and scores 49 vs. Isiah Thomas and the Detroit Pistons on 2/12/85
hael Jordan took the NBA by storm in 1984-85, and with that came an expected jealousy from peers wondering how this kid was attracting so much attention when established stars had to scratch and claw for such adulation. The Nike/Jordan partnership was to be showcased at the NBA All-Star game in Indianapolis, Indiana, with Michael Jordan stuck in the middle. He did not want to respect the older superstars - namely the well respected Julius Erving - yet others took it out on him anyway. Magic Johnson and George Gervin were tough on Michael Jordan defensively, and on offense, Isiah Thomas made sure the rookie superstar learned a lesson. He looked off on passes, and it was noticeable. Michael Jordan had just seven points, and that the first game was in Chicago vs. Isiah Thomas and the Detroit Pistons was just what Michael Jordan needed. Michael Jordan did not disappoint. He shot 19-31 from the field, 11-13 from the stripe, ripped 15 rebounds, dished out five assists and had four steals in the home 139-126 OT victory. He went at Isiah Thomas every chance he got. Revenge was enacted, yet the Jordan Rules were imminent.
Guess the Lakers players!
