Jordan's Greatest Playoff Series

[OldSchoolBBall]

What do you feel is Michael Jordan's best playoff series. Here are the candidates:


vs. Bucks, 1985 - 29.3 pts/5.8 reb/8.5 ast/2.8 stl/1.0 blk/44% FG

vs. Boston, 1986 - 43.7 pts/6.3 reb/5.7 ast/2.3 stl/1.3 blk/51% FG

vs. Boston, 1987 - 35.7 pts/7.0 reb/6.0 ast/2.0 stl/2.3 blk/42% FG

vs. Cavs, 1988 - 45.2 pts/5.4 reb/4.8 ast/2+ stl/1+ blk/56% FG (back-to-back games of 50+ pts)

vs. Cavs, 1989 - 40.0 pts/5.8 reb/8.2 ast/2+ stl/1 blk/53% FG

vs. Knicks, 1989 - 35.8 pts/9.5 reb/8.3 ast/2+ stl/1 blk/55% FG

vs. Bucks, 1990 - 36.8 pts/8.0 reb/7.0 ast/3 stl/1+ blk/54% FG

vs. Philly, 1990 - 43.0 pts/6.6 reb/7.4 ast/3 stl/1+ blk/55+% FG (3 consecutive 45+ point games - 45,49,45)

vs. Detroit, 1990 - 32.1 pts/7.1 reb/6.3 ast/2+ stl/1 blk/47% FG

vs. Philly, 1991 - 33.4 pts/8.0 reb/7.8 ast/1.8 stl/1.4 blk/49% FG

vs. Lakers, 1991 - 31.2 pts/6.6 reb/11.4 ast/2.8 stl/1.4 blk/56% FG

vs. Miami, 1992 - 45.0 pts/9.7 reb/6.7 ast/3 stl/1 blk/61% FG

vs. Portland, 1992 - 35.8 pts/4.8 reb/6.5 ast/2 stl/53% FG

vs. Phoenix, 1993 - 41.0 pts/8.5 reb/6.3 ast/2 stl/1 blk/51% FG

vs. Bullets, 1997 - 37.3 pts/5.7 reb/5.3 ast/1 stl/57% FG

vs. Nets, 1998 - 36.3 pts/5.0 reb/2.8 ast/1+ stl/1 blk/53% FG


In case you're wondering, Jordan's career playoff averages upon retirement in 1993 (24 series and 111 playoff games in total) were 35.8 pts/6.7 reb/6.7 ast/2.4 stl/1.1 blk/51.5% FG. Basically a 36/7/7/2.4/1.1/52% career playoff average through age 30. Sickness.

[Willkill24]

Kobe vs. Jordan round 2

[robertshaw_1]

VS Phoenix in 1993 by far....

[Jacks25]

1990 vs Philly. :bowdown:

[Willkill24]

Yea 93 finals.

[Jacks25]

What do you feel is Michael Jordan's best playoff series. Here are the candidates:


vs. Bucks, 1985 - 29.3 pts/5.8 reb/8.5 ast/2.8 stl/1.0 blk/44% FG

vs. Boston, 1986 - 43.7 pts/6.3 reb/5.7 ast/2.3 stl/1.3 blk/51% FG

vs. Boston, 1987 - 35.7 pts/7.0 reb/6.0 ast/2.0 stl/2.3 blk/42% FG

vs. Cavs, 1988 - 45.2 pts/5.4 reb/4.8 ast/2+ stl/1+ blk/53% FG

vs. Cavs, 1989 - 40.0 pts/5.8 reb/8.2 ast/2+ stl/1 blk/53% FG

vs. Knicks, 1989 - 35.8 pts/9.5 reb/8.3 ast/2+ stl/1 blk/54% FG

vs. Bucks, 1990 - 36.8 pts/8.0 reb/7.0 ast/3 stl/1+ blk/54% FG

vs. Philly, 1990 - 43.0 pts/6.6 reb/7.4 ast/3 stl/1+ blk/52% FG

vs. Philly, 1991 - 33.4 pts/8.0 reb/7.8 ast/1.8 stl/1.4 blk/49% FG

vs. Lakers, 1991 - 31.2 pts/6.6 reb/11.4 ast/2.8 stl/1.4 blk/56% FG

vs. Miami, 1992 - 45.0 pts/9.7 reb/6.7 ast/3 stl/1 blk/61% FG

vs. Portland, 1992 - 35.8 pts/4.8 reb/6.5 ast/2 stl/53% FG

vs. Phoenix, 1993 - 41.0 pts/8.5 reb/6.3 ast/2 stl/1 blk/51% FG

vs. Bullets, 1997 - 37.3 pts/5.7 reb/5.3 ast/1 stl/57% FG

vs. Nets, 1998 - 36.3 pts/5.0 reb/2.8 ast/1+ stl/1 blk/53% FG


In case you're wondering, Jordan's career playoff averages upon retirement in 1993 (24 series and 111 playoff games in total) were 35.8 pts/6.7 reb/6.7 ast/2.4 stl/1.1 blk/51.5% FG. Basically a 36/7/7/2.4/1.1/52% career playoff average through age 30. Sickness.


You calculated these averages by yourself? You have the TS% numbers?

[OldSchoolBBall]

I think the 1989 series vs. NY is a sleeper. Dude averaged 36/10/8 and that was with a stinker of a game 2, in which he played inexplicably poorly (15 pts/8 reb/3 ast - wtf? :oldlol:). Jordan dominated that series aside from that one bad game, and if he would have even had a 28/6/6 game (subpar for him anyway), we'd be looking at a 38 pt/9+ reb/9 ast series. I wonder what happened in game 2? Wonder if it's on youtube...


You calculated these averages by yourself? You have the TS% numbers?

Yes, I calculated them, but no, I don't have TS% because I don't know how many FT's he made/took in each series. FG%'s pre-1991 were estimates based on graphics shown/comments made during those series (in many cases very close estimates, since I have 90% of the games from those series on DVD); you can also look at what he shot for the entire postseason, then remove the Detroit series' FG% (which has been calculated very accurately from video by Da Realist) and estimate the other two series to arrive at the overall postseason FG%. The FG% from '85, '86, and '87 are exact since he only played one series, hence his series FG% = postseason FG%, which can be found on bb-reference.com.

[KG5MVP]

obviously 1992 vs miami

45.0 pts/9.7 reb/6.7 ast/3 stl/1 blk/61% FG

seriously, wtf is this? is this a glitch? was he on cheat-mode?

[che guevara]

Jordan actually shot 56% vs. the '88 Cavs, 55% vs. the '89 Knicks, and shot 56% vs. '90 Philly with 4 steals. There might be a couple more errors but those are the ones I caught, assuming Wikipedia is correct.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_career_achievements_by_Michael_Jordan#Play offs


I think the 1989 series vs. NY is a sleeper. Dude averaged 36/10/8 and that was with a stinker of a game 2, in which he played inexplicably poorly (15 pts/8 reb/3 ast - wtf? :oldlol:). Jordan dominated that series aside from that one bad game, and if he would have even had a 28/6/6 game (subpar for him anyway), we'd be looking at a 38 pt/9+ reb/9 ast series. I wonder what happened in game 2? Wonder if it's on youtube...
Foul trouble IIRC.

[west]

91 Finals......:eek: The GOAT was on a mission.....

[laronprofit9]

'93 vs Suns

He literally just tore the heart out of Barkley that series.

[catch24]

His Phili series in '90, is my favorite series on this list. His absolute BEST, however, is vs. the '90 Pistons -- surprisingly you don't have this listed. Given the competition (best defense in the L), and the way he played at HOME, man... Give me that version of MJ and series all day.

Game 1: 34 points (12-25 fgs), 7 rebounds, 5 assists
Game 3: 47 points (17-32 fgs), 10 rebounds, 4 assists
Game 4: 42 points (13-25 fgs), 4 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals, 3 blocks
Game 6: 29 points (11-20 fgs), 10 rebounds, 2 assists
Game 7: 31 points (13-27 fgs), 8 rebounds, 8 assists

His '91 Finals vs LA was fantastic too.

[ProfessorMurder]

Those numbers are ridiculous. God damn.

I have to shout out for the series against the 86 Celtics.

[OldSchoolBBall]

Jordan actually shot 56% vs. the '88 Cavs, 55% vs. the '89 Knicks, and shot 56% vs. '90 Philly with 4 steals. There might be a couple more errors but those are the ones I caught, assuming Wikipedia is correct.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_career_achievements_by_Michael_Jordan#Play offs


Foul trouble IIRC.

I edited in the values you (wikipedia) provided above, because the first one is basically correct (56% vs. Cavs - he shot 53.1% for the entire postseason of 10 games, and 5 of those were at 55+% and Detroit was at 49%, leading to a 53% postseason average). The FG%'s for the Detroit series '88-'91 are also close to what I know to be true, so I'm assuming they're all more or less correct.

Foul trouble? Wow, can't imagine that. Never saw that Wikipedia breakdown by series, either. Would have saved me like a half hour. :oldlol:

[Ne 1]

91 Finals......:eek: The GOAT was on a mission.....

91, the year mj finally gets by Detroit, Isiah missed 36 games because of an injury to his wrist that he got surgery on during the season. Still hampered by wrist in the playoffs he misses 2 playoff games. If Isiah isn't hurt, the Pistons whip Jordan and send the Bulls home fishing for the 4th year in a row.

[che guevara]

His Phili series in '90, is my favorite series on this list. His absolute BEST, however, is vs. the '90 Pistons -- surprisingly you don't have this listed. Given the competition (best defense in the L), and the way he played at HOME, man... Give me that version of MJ and series all day.

Game 1: 34 points (12-25 fgs), 7 rebounds, 5 assists
Game 3: 47 points (17-32 fgs), 10 rebounds, 4 assists
Game 4: 42 points (13-25 fgs), 4 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals, 3 blocks
Game 6: 29 points (11-20 fgs), 10 rebounds, 2 assists
Game 7: 31 points (13-27 fgs), 8 rebounds, 8 assists

His '91 Finals vs LA was fantastic too.
Yeah, it's too bad Pippen had that migraine because the Bulls definitely could have won the series. Imagine what '90 Jordan would have done to Drexler after a few days of media hype - it would have been even more brutal than what he did in '92 since he would have had to carry more of the load.

[OldSchoolBBall]

His Phili series in '90, is my favorite series on this list. His absolute BEST, however, is vs. the '90 Pistons -- surprisingly you don't have this listed. Given the competition (best defense in the L), and the way he played at HOME, man... Give me that version of MJ and series all day.

Game 1: 34 points (12-25 fgs), 7 rebounds, 5 assists
Game 3: 47 points (17-32 fgs), 10 rebounds, 4 assists
Game 4: 42 points (13-25 fgs), 4 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals, 3 blocks
Game 6: 29 points (11-20 fgs), 10 rebounds, 2 assists
Game 7: 31 points (13-27 fgs), 8 rebounds, 8 assists

His '91 Finals vs LA was fantastic too.

Yeah, I forgot the '90 series vs. Detroit, which, while not posting the gaudiest numbers, might be the best I've ever seen him play as an all-around player. Dude should have averaged 9 assists that series if not for butterfingers/intimidated teammates. If you ever want to see MJ's proficiency as a passer, watch that series and LA in 1991. Dude should have had like 6-8 assists in the 4th quarter alone in game 7 vs. Detroit. I added 1990 Detroit to my OP.

[robertshaw_1]

obviously 1992 vs miami

45.0 pts/9.7 reb/6.7 ast/3 stl/1 blk/61% FG

seriously, wtf is this? is this a glitch? was he on cheat-mode?

cant compare that miami team with barkley

[magnax1]

93 vs. Phoenix. Greatest performance I've ever watched, by a pretty large margin too.

[laronprofit9]

'89 vs Cavs

Shot over Ehlo, don't know anyone else who ended a series on a game-winner like that.

'86 vs Celtics will always go down in history.

1990 probably was his best playoff year individually as far as stats go. Had he won the championship that season, that would've been the best season of his career.

His stats against the Heat in '92 just :wtf: . Was someone controlling his body in NBA 2k?

Still '93 Finals is his best ever.

[catch24]

Yeah, it's too bad Pippen had that migraine because the Bulls definitely could have won the series. Imagine what '90 Jordan would have done to Drexler after a few days of media hype - it would have been even more brutal than what he did in '92 since he would have had to carry more of the load.

Jordan's legacy is already unbelievable, obviously, but had he took that Bulls team to the Finals winning his first ring vs Drexler? Jordan would be the undisputed GOAT imo. I'm dead serious lol.

[-23-]

vs. Miami, 1992 - 45.0 pts/9.7 reb/6.7 ast/3 stl/1 blk/61% FG

LOL WTF :djparty

[catch24]

Yeah, I forgot the '90 series vs. Detroit, which, while not posting the gaudiest numbers, might be the best I've ever seen him play as an all-around player. Dude should have averaged 9 assists that series if not for butterfingers/intimidated teammates. If you ever want to see MJ's proficiency as a passer, watch that series and LA in 1991. Dude should have had like 6-8 assists in the 4th quarter alone in game 7 vs. Detroit. I added 1990 Detroit to my OP.

Nice. It's only right man. Playing that way vs a defensive powerhouse is unheard of.

[che guevara]

'89 vs Cavs

Shot over Ehlo, don't know anyone else who ended a series on a game-winner like that.

'86 vs Celtics will always go down in history.

1990 probably was his best playoff year individually as far as stats go. Had he won the championship that season, that would've been the best season of his career.

His stats against the Heat in '92 just :wtf: . Was someone controlling his body in NBA 2k?

Still '93 Finals is his best ever.
Miami was atrocious defensively, they had a 110.9 defensive rating.

[robertshaw_1]

12 asis... per game (and 31 pts) in 1991 nba finals.....

:wtf: :wtf: :wtf:

[Jacks25]

vs. Miami, 1992 - 45.0 pts/9.7 reb/6.7 ast/3 stl/1 blk/61% FG


How the **** is this even possible. :facepalm

[Fatal9]

I've seen most of these, this is how I'd rank them.

1. vs. Lakers in '91
2 a. vs. Blazers in '92
2 b. vs. Suns in '93
4. vs. Cavs in '89
5. vs. Knicks in '89 (stats are hurt by one game and he STILL averaged 36/10/8 on 55%)
6. vs. Cavs in '88 (better statistically here than in '89 but I wasn't impressed by the D in this series)
7. vs. Sixers in '90 (maybe should be higher, 40 pts never looked so effortless)
8. vs. Knicks in '92 (not listed)
9. vs. Bucks in '90 (very underrated series - probably took the hardest foul of his career in this one too)
10. vs. Celtics in '86 (respect 3 game series stats a lot less than 5-7 game series, gave this the edge over Miami because of it being better competition)

I think it would be cool to have a thread matching up the ten best or so playoff series (with context, not just numbers) of all the top 10 players. Rebounding stats would need to be adjusted to a set pace factor though or pre 90s players get a huge advantage.

[OldSchoolBBall]

How the **** is this even possible. :facepalm

In game 3, Jordan had 54 points over the final 3 quarters after a 2 point first quarter at the end of which Steve Smith and Brian Shaw started taunting him, saying "we've got your number tonight MJ - we're shutting you down!" Jordan then drops 54 points in quarters 2-4 in the series clincher. Unreal. :oldlol: That series also has possibly my favorite Jordan sequence ever:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVcwa99dBB4#t=0m50s

Clearer video but worse camera angle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ4hbmlfSr0#t=0m34s

[Ne 1]

93 vs. Phoenix. Greatest performance I've ever watched, by a pretty large margin too.

That Suns team was a joke. Overweight hot dog eating center Miller in the the paint, the Suns had 0 defensive ability, no wonder MJ has his overrated 41ppg "record".

Once the great teams from the 80's fell apart he was able to win rings in a diluted league against micky mouse squads like the Sonics and Jazz.

The Sonics were an erratic team that finally got it together in '96. MJ shot a lousy 40% that series to win and his shooting during the 4th quarter that series was complete sh*t. Also an embarrassing 5-19 performance in the deciding Game 6. Rodman grabbed all his bricks!

[Jacks25]

In game 3, Jordan had 54 points over the final 3 quarters after a 2 point first quarter at the end of which Steve Smith and Brian Shaw started taunting him, saying "we've got your number tonight MJ - we're shutting you down!" Jordan then drops 54 points in quarters 2-4 in the series clincher. Unreal. :oldlol: That series also has possibly my favorite Jordan sequence ever:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVcwa99dBB4#t=0m50s

Clearer video but worse camera angle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ4hbmlfSr0#t=0m34s

Damn. Shitting on the entire Heat team. :oldlol:

[magnax1]

That Suns team was a joke. Overweight hot dog eating center Miller in the the paint, the Suns had 0 defensive ability, no wonder MJ has his overrated 41ppg "record".

Once the great teams from the 80's fell apart he was able to win rings in a diluted league against micky mouse squads like the Sonics and Jazz.

The Sonics were an erratic team that finally got it together in '96. MJ shot a lousy 40% that series to win and his shooting during the 4th quarter that series was complete sh*t. Also an embarrassing 5-19 performance in the deciding Game 6. Rodman grabbed all his bricks!
Sorry, but you have no idea what you're talking about (Except Miller being fat that is). You want to believe Kobe is better then Jordan that's fine, but it isn't reality.

[ShaqAttack3234]

I think it would be cool to have a thread matching up the ten best or so playoff series (with context, not just numbers) of all the top 10 players. Rebounding stats would need to be adjusted to a set pace factor though or pre 90s players get a huge advantage.

"Here again, I have disproved PACE, I go with the actual NUMBERS. Don't bother making the thread. My god, is there any answer other than Wilt? Nobody DOMINATED his peers like that. And if he hadn't had the WORST roster in NBA HISTORY in 1963 I have no doubt his playoff numbers would be even more STAGGERING."

Back to the point, that'd be an interesting thread. I'd guess the top 4 most impressive for top 10 series would be MJ/KAJ/Hakeem/Shaq. Duncan and Kobe would probably rank higher than some think as well. West would probably be up there too even though he's not in my top 10.

[magnax1]

"Here again, I have disproved PACE, I go with the actual NUMBERS. Don't bother making the thread. My god, is there any answer other than Wilt? Nobody DOMINATED his peers like that. And if he hadn't had the WORST roster in NBA HISTORY in 1963 I have no doubt his playoff numbers would be even more STAGGERING."

Back to the point, that'd be an interesting thread. I'd guess the top 4 most impressive for top 10 series would be MJ/KAJ/Hakeem/Shaq. Duncan and Kobe would probably rank higher than some think as well. West would probably be up there too.
Rick Barry in 67 finals had a series that was up there with Jordan, Shaq, and Kareem's. At least I'd assume, it's hard to know when you can't watch the games.

[Da_Realist]

I think the 1989 series vs. NY is a sleeper. Dude averaged 36/10/8 and that was with a stinker of a game 2, in which he played inexplicably poorly (15 pts/8 reb/3 ast - wtf? :oldlol:). Jordan dominated that series aside from that one bad game, and if he would have even had a 28/6/6 game (subpar for him anyway), we'd be looking at a 38 pt/9+ reb/9 ast series. I wonder what happened in game 2? Wonder if it's on youtube...

http://www.youtube.com/user/tjhunt76?feature=mhum#g/c/09CC2A1DE395C5C8

The rest of those games in that series are on my page

[laronprofit9]

Jordan's 55 point game against the Suns in the finals is his greatest individual game of all time. Ranks higher than his 63 against the Celtics or career high 69 against the Cavs. IMO.

Especially that And 1 he made, then celebrates jumping for joy with 2 hands in the air. Classic. Jordan just seemed immortal after he made that basket.

[Sarcastic]

93 Finals is the best one of them all.

That was one of the funnest series to watch ever.

[KG5MVP]

93 Finals is the best one of them all.

That was one of the funnest series to watch ever.

why?

[OldSchoolBBall]

http://www.youtube.com/user/tjhunt76?feature=mhum#g/c/09CC2A1DE395C5C8

The rest of those games in that series are on my page

Thanks for the info and video. I may have watched it before, since I usually watch all your stuff. I forget though. It'll be interesting to see how MJ only manages 15 pts/3 ast in a playoff game.

[Sarcastic]

why?

High level of play. Triple overtime game was epic. All the games were competitive.
The series is defined by high level of play rather than someone screwing up.

[che guevara]

High level of play. Triple overtime game was epic. All the games were competitive.
The series is defined by high level of play rather than someone screwing up.
Yeah, those teams were very evenly matched. If KJ didn't choke so badly in the first 2 games, the Suns might very well have won a ring.

[OldSchoolBBall]

Yeah, those teams were very evenly matched. If KJ didn't choke so badly in the first 2 games, the Suns might very well have won a ring.

On top of averaging 41/9/6 this series, Jordan completely shut down KJ for the ~30% of the series he was on him. I think I saw KJ hit like one bucket and draw 2 fouls on Chicago the entire series when MJ was on him.

[che guevara]

On top of averaging 41/9/6 this series, Jordan completely shut down KJ for the ~30% of the series he was on him. I think I saw KJ hit like one bucket and draw 2 fouls on Chicago the entire series when MJ was on him.
Was MJ on KJ much for the first two games? I don't remember.

[OldSchoolBBall]

Was MJ on KJ much for the first two games? I don't remember.

Not sure, but I recall MJ doing most of his time on KJ in the second halves/4th quarters of games.

[XxSMSxX]

[QUOTE=robertshaw_1]cant compare that miami team with barkley

[Big#50]

That Suns team was a joke. Overweight hot dog eating center Miller in the the paint, the Suns had 0 defensive ability, no wonder MJ has his overrated 41ppg "record".

Once the great teams from the 80's fell apart he was able to win rings in a diluted league against micky mouse squads like the Sonics and Jazz.

The Sonics were an erratic team that finally got it together in '96. MJ shot a lousy 40% that series to win and his shooting during the 4th quarter that series was complete sh*t. Also an embarrassing 5-19 performance in the deciding Game 6. Rodman grabbed all his bricks!
This has to be a Jordan fan. No way someone loves Kobe this much.

[raptorfan_dr07]

The Sonics were an erratic team that finally got it together in '96. MJ shot a lousy 40% that series to win and his shooting during the 4th quarter that series was complete sh*t. Also an embarrassing 5-19 performance in the deciding Game 6. Rodman grabbed all his bricks!

Funny how Jordan's worse shooting Finals SERIES is equal to Kobe's CAREER FINALS AVERAGE. :banana:

[CF#8RR#9]

'93 vs Suns

He literally just tore the heart out of Barkley that series.

I dont think you can say that about Barkley maybe Chambers but not Barkley. Barkley was on a mission. He averaged like 25ppg and god knows how many boards.

[CF#8RR#9]

Yeah, those teams were very evenly matched. If KJ didn't choke so badly in the first 2 games, the Suns might very well have won a ring.

NO if Tom Chambers woulve had some decent play against Rodman and the frontline then we would have won KJ did his thing like he always did with the Suns. Suns deserve a championship thats all im saying.

[imdaman99]

In game 3, Jordan had 54 points over the final 3 quarters after a 2 point first quarter at the end of which Steve Smith and Brian Shaw started taunting him, saying "we've got your number tonight MJ - we're shutting you down!" Jordan then drops 54 points in quarters 2-4 in the series clincher. Unreal. :oldlol: That series also has possibly my favorite Jordan sequence ever:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVcwa99dBB4#t=0m50s

Clearer video but worse camera angle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ4hbmlfSr0#t=0m34s
First video, he def carried at 56 seconds lol but sick move regardless

That was some pathetic defense the Heat played on him, especially at the end of the game. You would figure a guy whos dropping 50 on you would be covered during a close game, but no. He just made it look easy on them :lol

[beermonsteroo]

Miami 1992

Out of this world :bowdown: :bowdown:

[necya]

i personnally don't care about numbers, that's why i will go like fatal and named my favorites.

impossible to rank them, but i think the best was against the best...
89 ECF
90 ECF
92 ECSF
92 finals, his monstruous G5. imo, the most difficult finals for the bulls
93 ECF

[Calabis]

In game 3, Jordan had 54 points over the final 3 quarters after a 2 point first quarter at the end of which Steve Smith and Brian Shaw started taunting him, saying "we've got your number tonight MJ - we're shutting you down!" Jordan then drops 54 points in quarters 2-4 in the series clincher. Unreal. :oldlol: That series also has possibly my favorite Jordan sequence ever:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVcwa99dBB4#t=0m50s

Clearer video but worse camera angle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ4hbmlfSr0#t=0m34s

MF'er was 20-30...sick

[G-Funk]

Against Heat I don't give a **** who or how he dropped them those numbers are amazing! :cheers: This is why MJ is GOAT

[Pointguard]

I think it would be cool to have a thread matching up the ten best or so playoff series (with context, not just numbers) of all the top 10 players. Rebounding stats would need to be adjusted to a set pace factor though or pre 90s players get a huge advantage.
Can you put KG's in there as well. I know he's not top ten but he's had some great Playoffs.

[Bigsmoke]

yea I know. MJ is the shit:pimp:

[Da_Realist]

What do you feel is Michael Jordan's best playoff series. Here are the candidates:


vs. Bucks, 1985 - 29.3 pts/5.8 reb/8.5 ast/2.8 stl/1.0 blk/44% FG

vs. Boston, 1986 - 43.7 pts/6.3 reb/5.7 ast/2.3 stl/1.3 blk/51% FG

vs. Boston, 1987 - 35.7 pts/7.0 reb/6.0 ast/2.0 stl/2.3 blk/42% FG

vs. Cavs, 1988 - 45.2 pts/5.4 reb/4.8 ast/2+ stl/1+ blk/56% FG (back-to-back games of 50+ pts)

vs. Cavs, 1989 - 40.0 pts/5.8 reb/8.2 ast/2+ stl/1 blk/53% FG

vs. Knicks, 1989 - 35.8 pts/9.5 reb/8.3 ast/2+ stl/1 blk/55% FG

vs. Bucks, 1990 - 36.8 pts/8.0 reb/7.0 ast/3 stl/1+ blk/54% FG

vs. Philly, 1990 - 43.0 pts/6.6 reb/7.4 ast/3 stl/1+ blk/55+% FG (3 consecutive 45+ point games - 45,49,45)

vs. Detroit, 1990 - 32.1 pts/7.1 reb/6.3 ast/2+ stl/1 blk/47% FG

vs. Philly, 1991 - 33.4 pts/8.0 reb/7.8 ast/1.8 stl/1.4 blk/49% FG

vs. Lakers, 1991 - 31.2 pts/6.6 reb/11.4 ast/2.8 stl/1.4 blk/56% FG

vs. Miami, 1992 - 45.0 pts/9.7 reb/6.7 ast/3 stl/1 blk/61% FG

vs. Portland, 1992 - 35.8 pts/4.8 reb/6.5 ast/2 stl/53% FG

vs. Phoenix, 1993 - 41.0 pts/8.5 reb/6.3 ast/2 stl/1 blk/51% FG

vs. Bullets, 1997 - 37.3 pts/5.7 reb/5.3 ast/1 stl/57% FG

vs. Nets, 1998 - 36.3 pts/5.0 reb/2.8 ast/1+ stl/1 blk/53% FG


In case you're wondering, Jordan's career playoff averages upon retirement in 1993 (24 series and 111 playoff games in total) were 35.8 pts/6.7 reb/6.7 ast/2.4 stl/1.1 blk/51.5% FG. Basically a 36/7/7/2.4/1.1/52% career playoff average through age 30. Sickness.

That's six 40+ point, 50+fg% series right there, spanning 7 years and occurring from the first round to the NBA Finals. That's just ridiculous :facepalm

What's the record for perimeter players? Anybody know about West or Baylor? Maybe Oscar Robertson?

[jlauber]

That's six 40+ point, 50+fg% series right there, spanning 7 years and occurring from the first round to the NBA Finals. That's just ridiculous :facepalm

What's the record for this perimeter players? Anybody know about West or Baylor? Maybe Oscar Robertson?

Not sure what West shot in his '65 playoff series against the Bullets, but he averaged 46.4 ppg.

[Da_Realist]

Not sure what West shot in his '65 playoff series against the Bullets, but he averaged 46.4 ppg.

I think that's the record, isn't it? How many games was that series? I think MJ holds the record for total points in a 5 game series, but West holds the highest average. I think.

[Psileas]

Jordan is the only one with more than one 40 ppg series. Barry had 2 40-point series, one of which was in the ABA. Baylor came the closest, having one 40.6 ppg series (finals) and one 39.4 ppg series.
West holds the record at 46.3 (1965 Western Finals), followed by 37.9 in the 1969 Finals.

(Not to nitpick, but Jordan has actually 5 such series. The '89 one at Cleveland was at 39.8).

[Da_Realist]

Jordan is the only one with more than one 40 ppg series. Barry had 2 40-point series, one of which was in the ABA. Baylor came the closest, having one 40.6 ppg series (finals) and one 39.4 ppg series.
West holds the record at 46.3 (1965 Western Finals), followed by 37.9 in the 1969 Finals.

(Not to nitpick, but Jordan has actually 5 such series. The '89 one at Cleveland was at 39.8).

Thanks. :cheers:

[Alhazred]

These are my personal favorites, it's too hard to pick just one.



vs. Boston, 1986 - 43.7 pts/6.3 reb/5.7 ast/2.3 stl/1.3 blk/51% FG

vs. Detroit, 1990 - 32.1 pts/7.1 reb/6.3 ast/2+ stl/1 blk/47% FG

vs. Lakers, 1991 - 31.2 pts/6.6 reb/11.4 ast/2.8 stl/1.4 blk/56% FG

vs. Portland, 1992 - 35.8 pts/4.8 reb/6.5 ast/2 stl/53% FG

vs. Phoenix, 1993 - 41.0 pts/8.5 reb/6.3 ast/2 stl/1 blk/51% FG

[Heilige]

1. vs. Miami, 1992

2. vs. Philly, 1990

3. vs. Cavs, 1988

4. vs. Knicks, 1989

5. vs. Phoenix, 1993

6. vs. Boston, 1986

7. vs. Cavs, 1989

8. vs. Bucks, 1990

9. vs. Lakers, 1991

10. vs. Bullets, 1997

11. vs. Portland, 1992

12. vs. Philly, 1991

13. vs. Nets, 1998

14. vs. Detroit, 1990

15. vs. Boston, 1987

16. vs. Bucks, 1985

[Da_Realist]

vs. Bullets, 1997 - 37.3 pts/5.7 reb/5.3 ast/1 stl/57% FG

One of his most underrated series.

Game 1 -- Started off with 29 points, 8 rebs, 8 asts and disrupted Washington defensively by locking up Rod Strickland.

Game 2 -- 55 points on 63 fg%, scored 20 of the Bulls 23 points in the 4th quarter

Game 3 -- 28 points, 58 fg% and scored 14 points in the 4th quarter to lead the Bulls from a 9 point deficit with 5 mins to go.

[Ruutu]

Watching thouse numbers...its like...how is that possible! I dont think I will see better player than him in my lifetime!!
The next jordan must be alien cos u cant be better than that!

[OldSchoolBBall]

One of his most underrated series.

Game 1 -- Started off with 29 points, 8 rebs, 8 asts and disrupted Washington defensively by locking up Rod Strickland.

Game 2 -- 55 points on 63 fg%, scored 20 of the Bulls 23 points in the 4th quarter

Game 3 -- 28 points, 58 fg% and scored 14 points in the 4th quarter to lead the Bulls from a 9 point deficit with 5 mins to go.

And in game 3, 10 or 12 of those 4th quarter points came in the final 4:30. He was drilling shot after shot to lead the Bulls back in it.

[D.J.]

Phoenix in '93. That was 6 games, where as the series against Miami was only 3. Jordan literally took the knife and put it right in Charles' heart. And twisted it for good measure.

[LebronGOAT]

You should weight them according to 5 or 7 game series. I am more impressed with his great 7 game series than 5 game series (since if you win in a 3 game sweep in the first round just 1 50 point game will skew the stats).

[Fatal9]

lol @ the wild overrating of 3 game "series" stats. More like a couple of good games.

[D.J.]

It's still a series of games.

Should they be excluded? Only series of 4 games plus?

Why should Jordan's numbers in series where his team swept be held against him?

Isn't a major reason the Bulls were so dominant and swept through those teams in question, BECAUSE Jordan went into "god mode" for a 2 or 3 games and closed out a series immedietly ... the way they should have being the better team?

Don't fault Jordan and the Bulls for waisting no time in stepping on someone's throat.


Because a 6-7 game series requires on to dominate more consistently. In a 3 game series, games of 50-30-30 still come out to about 37 a night. For MJ, that's one great game and two average games.

[LebronGOAT]

It's still a series of games.

Should they be excluded? Only series of 4 games plus?

Why should Jordan's numbers in series where his team swept be held against him?

Isn't a major reason the Bulls were so dominant and swept through those teams in question, BECAUSE Jordan went into "god mode" for a 2 or 3 games and closed out a series immedietly ... the way they should have being the better team?

Don't fault Jordan and the Bulls for waisting no time in stepping on someone's throat.

It is still impressive, but nowhere as impressive as Jordan's top 2nd round, ECF, and finals performances.

A best of 5 series had the number 1 bulls (usually) going up against an 8th seeded opponent. So basically it was a 3 game stretch against an 8th seed team. That pails in comparison to his finals, ECF performances in best of 7 series (usually going to 5 to 7 games) against an elite opponent, not an 8th seed.

[Fatal9]

It's still a series of games.

Should they be excluded? Only series of 4 games plus?

Why should Jordan's numbers in series where his team swept be held against him?

Isn't a major reason the Bulls were so dominant and swept through those teams in question, BECAUSE Jordan went into "god mode" for a 2 or 3 games and closed out a series immedietly ... the way they should have being the better team?

Don't fault Jordan and the Bulls for waisting no time in stepping on someone's throat.
Come on bro, the Miami series where the Heat were like the worst rated defensive team in the league and won a lowly 38 games on the season...it doesn't compare to say the following series against the Knicks in '92 even if his stats weren't as great. Everyone on the Bulls did whatever they wanted against that team (Pippen destroyed them too iirc). And the '86 Celtics series is a classic example of two great games, and then a poor game 3 which was an elimination game at home. Just doesn't compare to his other stuff to me. I'm not saying what he did wasn't impressive, just that you can't compare them to 5-7 game series against better opponents where he consistently had to perform over not only more games, but games that would be wire to wire and require him to do some legendary stuff in the clutch.

[CJ Mustard]

Un****ingreal.

[gengiskhan]

That Suns team was a joke. Overweight hot dog eating center Miller in the the paint, the Suns had 0 defensive ability, no wonder MJ has his overrated 41ppg "record".

Once the great teams from the 80's fell apart he was able to win rings in a diluted league against micky mouse squads like the Sonics and Jazz.

The Sonics were an erratic team that finally got it together in '96. MJ shot a lousy 40% that series to win and his shooting during the 4th quarter that series was complete sh*t. Also an embarrassing 5-19 performance in the deciding Game 6. Rodman grabbed all his bricks!

Kobe fans the dumbest of all. this moron is one example

The Best 3 PF in the NBA History (Charles)
The Best 3 PG in the NBA that year (KJ)
The Best 3 Defensive SG that year (Majarlie)
One of the greatest Bench in the NBA history (Ainge & co)

The result was 63 wins & NBA MVP. only reason why '93 suns didn't win finals cuz they ran into statistically & efficiniency wise absolutely insane Michael Jordan.

Compare the 1993 phoenix suns to your garbage NBA finalist Lakers had since 2000

vs pacers. :roll:
vs sixers. :roll: :roll:
vs nets. :roll: :roll: :roll:
vs pistons. atleast respectable defensively

vs celtics. respectable enough
vs magic. :roll: :roll:
vs celtics. :roll: old as farts.

1993 will beat all these finalists in 6 games 4-2. Charles will make sure of that.

[Rasheed1]

Kobe fans the dumbest of all. this moron is one example

The Best 3 PF in the NBA History (Charles)
The Best 3 PG in the NBA that year (KJ)
The Best 3 Defensive SG that year (Majarlie)
One of the greatest Bench in the NBA history (Ainge & co)

The result was 63 wins & NBA MVP. only reason why '93 suns didn't win finals cuz they ran into statistically & efficiniency wise absolutely insane Michael Jordan.

Compare the 1993 phoenix suns to your garbage NBA finalist Lakers had since 2000

vs pacers. :roll:
vs sixers. :roll: :roll:
vs nets. :roll: :roll: :roll:
vs pistons. atleast respectable defensively

vs celtics. respectable enough
vs magic. :roll: :roll:
vs celtics. :roll: old as farts.

1993 will beat all these finalists in 6 games 4-2. Charles will make sure of that.


suns had a great bench like you said. I remember the guy Richard Dumas was gonna be a star.. He was all over the bulls in that series..

seattle had a beastly team Rain Man, Payton, Ricky Peirce, They had Detlef Shrempf and some other dudes too..

^the sonics and the lakers were my teams on the old genesis Bulls/Lakers game

[Round Mound]

IMO Jordan`s Best Play-Off Performance was 1993 Finals

The Suns had 6`9 1/2 West and 6`9 Oliver Miller Defending the Paint both where NOT very good as PAINT DEFENDERSD but maybe West. Oliver MilleR was a Great Passer though.

[Round Mound]

I dont think you can say that about Barkley maybe Chambers but not Barkley. Barkley was on a mission. He averaged like 25ppg and god knows how many boards.

Stupid Jordan Jockers say "Jordan prevented so many HOFs to Win a Ring" it was more like JORDAN and PIPPEN!!!! AND COACH PHIL

Barkley was good in the Finals, would have been better hand he not injured his elbow in the 2nd game of the finals

He still did average 27.3 PPG, 13.0 RPG and 5.5 APG

[Da_Realist]

lol @ the wild overrating of 3 game "series" stats. More like a couple of good games.

Has Kobe ever had a playoff series as dominant as what Jordan did vs Washington in 97?

[che guevara]

Stupid Jordan Jockers say "Jordan prevented so many HOFs to Win a Ring" it was more like JORDAN and PIPPEN!!!! AND COACH PHIL

Barkley was good in the Finals, would have been better hand he not injured his elbow in the 2nd game of the finals

He still did average 27.3 PPG, 13.0 RPG and 5.5 APG
Random question, but I'm wondering if you have Barkley's 47 point game vs. the Blazers in the '95 playoffs? I've wanted to watch it for a while.

[Rasheed1]

Stupid Jordan Jockers say "Jordan prevented so many HOFs to Win a Ring" it was more like JORDAN and PIPPEN!!!! AND COACH PHIL

Barkley was good in the Finals, would have been better hand he not injured his elbow in the 2nd game of the finals

He still did average 27.3 PPG, 13.0 RPG and 5.5 APG


Barkley played his ass off that series... They would have beaten any other team IMO. Barkley made that 1 mistake at the end of game 6 and Bulls killed them.. The Bulls did that to every team who stepped up to them in that era..

ask the Knicks
ask the Cavs
ask the Jazz

they all have terrible stories about the bulls

[whoartthou]

fatal hating on jordan.

Not surprising at all

You still mad your boy is at disneyland?

[OldSchoolBBall]

Come on bro, the Miami series where the Heat were like the worst rated defensive team in the league and won a lowly 38 games on the season...it doesn't compare to say the following series against the Knicks in '92 even if his stats weren't as great. Everyone on the Bulls did whatever they wanted against that team (Pippen destroyed them too iirc). And the '86 Celtics series is a classic example of two great games, and then a poor game 3 which was an elimination game at home. Just doesn't compare to his other stuff to me. I'm not saying what he did wasn't impressive, just that you can't compare them to 5-7 game series against better opponents where he consistently had to perform over not only more games, but games that would be wire to wire and require him to do some legendary stuff in the clutch.

Weren't you leaving the board if the Lakers lost? What happened? :oldlol:

[Wade's Rings]

vs. Miami, 1992 - 45.0 pts/9.7 reb/6.7 ast/3 stl/1 blk/61% FG


In case you're wondering, Jordan's career playoff averages upon retirement in 1993 (24 series and 111 playoff games in total) were 35.8 pts/6.7 reb/6.7 ast/2.4 stl/1.1 blk/51.5% FG. Basically a 36/7/7/2.4/1.1/52% career playoff average through age 30. Sickness.

These are my 2k numbers.

:bowdown: :bowdown:

[feyki]

1992 Heat had -3.5 SRS and 111 Drtg ..

Just saying .

[3ball]

1992 Heat had -3.5 SRS and 111 Drtg ..

Just saying .
What about the 1986 Celtics' 9.06 SRS?... What did Jordan's stats look like against their #1 defense?

And forget about comparing ORtg and DRtg across eras - the higher proportion of 2-pointers taken in previous eras led to higher offensive rebounding rate, which increased everyone's ratings - this is why the Bad Boy Pistons had worse DRtg's than Nash's Suns - it's statistical fact.

And overall - forget the stats!!!!... Just saying, WATCH the games and imagine anyone from today's game doing the ACTUAL MOVES he does:

Game 1 vs. Miami: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztlnKZSPtcw

Game 2 vs. Miami: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5sHdmQahNk


See him elude double-teams quickly and efficiently like no other player in the history of the game - notice how cleanly he disposes of defenders.. A guy like Westbrook must get in a big huff and puff about everything he does - MJ did the same things WITH EASE - that's why he shot 10 percentage points better.

MJ has a dunk at 3:12 in that first game where he gets up higher and dunks harder than Westbrook ever did - but he makes it look so damn easy that you don't notice that he dunked harder and got up higher... Then he follows it up right after with a dunk Westbrook simply can't do AT ALL.

[feyki]

What about the 1986 Celtics' 9.06 SRS?... What did Jordan's stats look like against their #1 defense?

And forget about comparing ORtg and DRtg across eras - the higher proportion of 2-pointers taken in previous eras led to higher offensive rebounding rate, which increased everyone's ratings - this is why the Bad Boy Pistons had worse DRtg's than Nash's Suns - it's statistical fact.

And overall - forget the stats!!!!... Just saying, WATCH the games and imagine anyone from today's game doing the ACTUAL MOVES he does:

Game 1 vs. Miami: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztlnKZSPtcw

Game 2 vs. Miami: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5sHdmQahNk


See him elude double-teams quickly and efficiently like no other player in the history of the game - notice how cleanly he disposes of defenders.. A guy like Westbrook must get in a big huff and puff about everything he does - MJ did the same things WITH EASE - that's why he shot 10 percentage points better.

MJ has a dunk at 3:12 in that first game where he gets up higher and dunks harder than Westbrook ever did - but he makes it look so damn easy that you don't notice that he dunked harder and got up higher... Then he follows it up right after with a dunk Westbrook simply can't do AT ALL.

Oh , 1986 Celtics series is goat level performances by Jordan . But They talked about 92 Heat series and i did show them truth .