Michael Jordan, The King of MSG!
“Yeah, I love it… Because of the history — everybody knows about basketball in New York City, and this is where you see the best basketball players. That’s what Madison Square Garden’s always meant to me. And they’re very loyal to their fans, yet they’re very honorable about good basketball. Every time I put up a big game in New York, it pays tribute to the respect they pay me. Some people don’t want to see me come there. But…tough shit.” — Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan was an absolute basketball icon during his tenure in the NBA. He dominated the court at Madison Square Garden like a true ruler, showcasing his incredible skills and talent. His career average of 32 points per game in New York is the highest ever recorded in NBA history, indicating his greatness. Michael Jordan also had a way of knocking out the Knicks from the playoffs, achieving this feat five times between 1989 and 1996. He maintained a staggering 35.0 PPG in series-clinching games, highlighting his unmatched clutch performance. Unfortunately, Michael Jordan never played for the New York Knicks in the 1990s, or else he would have undoubtedly transformed them into a sports dynasty similar to the New York Yankees.
Michael Jordan felt very much at home in the Garden. “Those people there really know basketball,” he once said. Michael Jordan considered the Garden his second home due to the fans’ expert basketball knowledge. The fans demanded precise box-outs and defenders to force right-handed ball handlers to their left, which impressed Michael. Michael Jordan held the Garden and its passionate fans in high regard. He called the Garden “the ultimate place to showcase your basketball talents.”
Here are some of Michael Jordan’s all-time greatest moments at Madison Square Garden:
I have a vivid memory of a game that took place in 1984 as if it happened yesterday. It was Michael Jordan’s first debut and was nothing short of amazing. He scored an exceptional 33 points, falling just one point short of Bernard King’s spectacular 34 points. However, it wasn’t just his scoring ability that caught the attention of the spectators. He also made a remarkable block on a Ken Bannister dunk attempt and turned a steal into a fast-break slam. The crowd was awed when he cupped the ball against his right wrist and swirled it home with his forearm high above the goal. This moment had the entire Garden buzzing, and it would be just the first of many unforgettable moments for Jordan.
Michael Jordan’s performance during the 1986–87 NBA season was nothing short of extraordinary. He kicked off the season by breaking the new Garden record for opponents at Madison Square Garden with a staggering 50 points, which was even more impressive considering it was his first season since breaking his foot. Jordan had a clear mission, and he certainly didn’t disappoint. He became only the second player in NBA history, after Wilt Chamberlain, to score 3,000 points in a single season, with an unbelievable average of 37.1 points on 48.2% shooting. Not to mention, his defensive abilities were also top-notch. Jordan made history by becoming the first player in the NBA to record 200 steals and 100 blocked shots in one season. Unsurprisingly, Michael Jordan is regarded as one of the greatest basketball players ever.
In April 1988, Michael Jordan performed remarkably on the court and was close to achieving his first of five league MVP awards. He amazed the audience at Madison Square Garden by scoring an outstanding 47 points and executing one of his famous poster dunks, which involved hitting Patrick Ewing in the face with his knee as he held onto the rim. Although Knicks fans could not enjoy these incredible Jordan moments during the playoffs, they had the privilege of experiencing his exceptional abilities firsthand.
On May 9, 1989, Michael Jordan accomplished a historic feat by achieving his first playoff triple-double in a Game 1 road win against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. He put up an impressive showing of 34 points, 12 assists, and ten rebounds, leading the Bulls to a thrilling 120–109 overtime win. This exceptional performance by one of the greatest basketball players proves Jordan’s unmatched skill, resilience, and determination. He was indeed an unstoppable force on the court.
On April 30, 1991, during the first round of the playoffs, the Chicago Bulls led the Knicks by two games as they headed to Madison Square Garden. The Knicks were at risk of being eliminated, but Michael Jordan was determined to end the series. During a memorable moment, Jordan appeared to be dribbling back to the left baseline but suddenly changed direction and passed Charles Oakley and John Starks before dunking on Patrick Ewing. Jordan’s outstanding performance of 33 points led the Bulls to the next round and secured his first of six NBA world championship rings.
March 28, 1995, marked the day when Michael Jordan delivered one of his most unforgettable performances at MSG. Known as the “Double Nickel Game,” Jordan displayed his dominance in the NBA, proving to the world that he was still the unstoppable force he had always been. He scored an impressive 55 points on 21-for-37 shooting, with four rebounds, two assists, and one steal. What made this game even more remarkable was that Jordan donned his new №45 jersey but played like his prime №23 self. Jordan’s performance in this game will always be remembered in basketball history.
I vividly recall the unforgettable performance by Michael Jordan on March 8, 1998, against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Despite wearing a pair of Air Jordan 1 sneakers from 1985 that were too small for him, he scored a remarkable 42 points. I also remember him engaging in friendly banter with Spike Lee during the game. It was later revealed that this game would be Jordan’s last appearance as a Chicago Bulls player at MSG.
On March 9, 2003, Michael Jordan, who was playing for the Washington Wizards, demonstrated his legendary skills on the court at Madison Square Garden. Despite losing the game 97–96, Jordan’s remarkable performance of scoring 39 points was unforgettable. Even at 40, he displayed unparalleled athleticism and unparalleled talent. It was a fantastic experience to witness one of the NBA’s greatest players in action.
Michael Jordan always had a special place in his heart for Madison Square Garden, and he never failed to put on a show for the New York Knicks fans. His performances were consistently stellar, even though he knew it must have been heartbreaking for the Knicks’ fans to see their championship dreams fade away every time he stepped onto the court in his iconic Air Jordan sneakers. Nevertheless, Jordan’s love for the game and his unwavering desire to win always shone through, leaving no doubt that he was one of the greatest basketball players ever.
Michael Jordan, the King of MSG!
