No matter how good a game any current NBA player has on Monday, it's unlikely they'll ever lede a "This Day in History" for the NBA.
It was 29 years ago today that a second-year player out of UNC, suffering through a bit of a (relative) sophomore slump following one of the greatest rookie seasons ever, firmly announced his greatness to the world.
Trailing 1-0 in a best-of-three series to the Boston Celtics, Michael Jordan did everything he could to help the Chicago Bulls tie up the series. While ultimately fruitless, his game on April 20, 1986 stands as one of the greatest individual performances in league history.
Opposite the legendary Larry Bird - who later said he played against God in disguise - Jordan dropped 63 points, a total that still stands as the NBA playoff record. He shot 22-of-41 in the double-overtime contest, adding five rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks, with his Bulls somehow coming up short, 135-131.
It remains absolutely incredible to see:
The losing experience wouldn't pay off for Jordan immediately, as he had to wait until 1991 to claim his first of six NBA championships. He'd approach his own record again in 1992, scoring 56 points, and owns eight of the 33 50-point games in playoff history.
Your move tonight, Steph Curry.
| Season | Player | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Michael Jordan | 63 |
| 1962 | Elgin Baylor | 61 |
| 1962 | Wilt Chamberlain | 56 |
| 1992 | Michael Jordan | 56 |
| 1994 | Charles Barkley | 56 |
