MJ's WORST Playoff Series

[StrongLurk]

Does anybody have less "lows" in their playoff primes compared to MJ as far as "production"? Not really factoring in win, loss, or clutch factor.

Even in his worst five series (probably 88 Pistons, 92 Knicks, 96 Sonics, 97 Hawks, 97 Heat, maybe a random 98 playoff series?), he's still out there producing at a high level. Even Lebron, who I think is second all time, has absolutely dreadful production series like the 07 Finals, 08 ECSF, 2011 Finals.

MJ was just so damn consistent even in his "bad" playoff series.

[SouBeachTalents]

Jordan legitimately never had a "bad" playoff series. The ones that come closest to that would be his '96 Finals & '97 ECF. But they don't match the lows of 2011 LeBron, 2016 Curry, 2020 Kawhi, 2004 Kobe, KD last year etc.

Come to think of it, prime Shaq honestly never had a truly bad series either.

[jlip]

Other than the '84 Finals "Tragic Johnson" moments, I don't remember Magic having that many "bad" series. I guess you could consider the '81 1st round, but I believe he had come back early from injury or something.

[StrongLurk]

Jordan legitimately never had a "bad" playoff series. The ones that come closest to that would be his '96 Finals & '97 ECF. But they don't match the lows of 2011 LeBron, 2016 Curry, 2020 Kawhi, 2004 Kobe, KD last year etc.

Come to think of it, prime Shaq honestly never had a truly bad series either.

I'd say 97 Heat is the worst strictly looking at performance/production for MJ.

30ppg, but on 39/12/86 splits. Only 2.6 apg. Bulls won that series 4-1 regardless which is pretty wild.

[Nb1]

Doncic averaged 32 pts, 9.2 rbs and 6 apg vs Warriors which would blow MJ's numbers out of the water. Must be his lowest in any playoff series?

3ball would then say Doncic > MJ

[StrongLurk]

Doncic averaged 32 pts, 9.2 rbs and 6 apg vs Warriors which would blow MJ's numbers out of the water. Must be his lowest in any playoff series?

3ball would then say Doncic > MJ

Need more of a sample size for Doncic.

[And1AllDay]

didnt mikey mouse get outscored by terry cummings vs bucks in 85'

43% field goal , 12% 3 pointer

https://www.basketball-reference.com...-vs-bucks.html

[SouBeachTalents]

didnt mikey mouse get outscored by terry cummings vs bucks in 85'

43% field goal , 12% 3 pointer

https://www.basketball-reference.com...-vs-bucks.html

If we're bringing series averaging 29/6/9/3 on 57%TS from their rookie season, you know there's not much material to work with

[StrongLurk]

If we're bringing series averaging 29/6/9/3 on 57%TS from their rookie season, you know there's not much material to work with

Yeah idk what that poster was trying to do. This is why MJ stans have it so easy if we are being honest. He is the easiest player to "defend" in GOAT arguments.

[SouBeachTalents]

Yeah idk what that poster was trying to do. This is why MJ stans have it so easy if we are being honest. He is the easiest player to "defend" in GOAT arguments.

The only legitimate criticism of him imo is that the 90's were a relatively weak era, there was no other great team to challenge them. He's not 3peating twice in any other decade.

[Overdrive]

The only legitimate criticism of him imo is that the 90's were a relatively weak era, there was no other great team to challenge them. He's not 3peating twice in any other decade.

Depends. Swap them for another title winning team? 2000s and 70s maybe. Add them on top? No. Wouldn't.

[mr4speed]

Other than the '84 Finals "Tragic Johnson" moments, I don't remember Magic having that many "bad" series. I guess you could consider the '81 1st round, but I believe he had come back early from injury or something.

From what I remember Magic missed 45 games in his second year and came back in regular season game #65. This would give Magic 17 regular season games to get back into his comfort zone. I believe LA knew they had a very special player and were not going to rush his comeback. LA in those 45 games won 28 and lost 17 so LA was deep enough to cover for Magic. I also found where Kareem in those 45 games put up a per game of 28.8 points and 11.3 rebounds and shot 57.7% from the floor = beast mode!

[Round Mound]

Bulls vs Magic 1994-95

[StrongLurk]

Bulls vs Magic 1994-95

I guess this one could be in consideration, but idk if it's in the bottom five. Close call with some of the other series listed in the OP.

31ppg on 48/23/80 splits. 7 rebounds, 2.5 steals, 1.8 blocks. Bad playmaking ratio though (3.7apg/4tov per game).

[Round Mound]

I guess this one could be in consideration, but idk if it's in the bottom five. Close call with some of the other series listed in the OP.

31ppg on 48/23/80 splits. 7 rebounds, 2.5 steals, 1.8 blocks. Bad playmaking ratio though (3.7apg/4tov per game).

Looking at it in the cold way that was his worst series. But facts are that he was rusty from not practicing over a year. For real Jordan never really had a bad series but maybe in the 80's but i did not watch basketball then despite the fact i love 80's b-ball.