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| There’s nothing that can be said about Michael Jordan’s career that can be even begin to convey just how influential he was–both in the game of basketball, and on the sneakers we so love and adore. He has been called The G.O.A.T., MJ, His Airness, Black Cat, Money and a thousand other nicknames and monikers. But it doesn’t matter what you call him, the guy who always answered to “Mike” was the best there ever was.
So to pay tribute to his induction into the Hall of Fame on Friday, the team here at Nice Kicks has put together a list of 50 Memorable Michael Jordan Moments, making note of the sneakers he made history in. So whether you’ve been a fan since the I’s, or just started with Jordans, check out part 1 of our list, and make sure to check back tomorrow, when we reveal our favorite 23 Moments in the most illustrious of careers. |
50. Jordan on Laimbeer
Can you say Facial? Jordan slams on the baddest of the Bad Boys during the ’89 Eastern Conference Finals. Even this early in MJ’s career, you’d think players would have known to not step in front of him.
Shoes: Air Jordan 4
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux8Nxv8hBVo
49. GW fastbreak vs CHA ’92
Michael Jordan turned on the speed for this one, beating the Hornets down the court for a stunning game-winning layup.
Shoe: Air Jordan 7
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNySNtI6ykw
48. ’85 Slam Dunk Contest
MJ set the trend of high-flying youngsters entering the Slam Dunk Contest in their rookie season. While he would outshine sky-walkers Larry Nance and Dr. J, he would ultimately fall short to Dominique Wilkins, setting the stage for a classic battle.
Shoe: Air Jordan 1
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbJDnd_nI4A
47. College Cradle
A young Jordan adds insult to injury as he closes out Len Bias and the Terps with his famed cradle dunk.
Shoe: Converse Pro Leather
46. The Shot, part 2
The Cavaliers had d?j? vu as MJ sunk a game-winner to sweep the Cavs in the 93 playoffs.
Shoe: Air Jordan 8
45. Circus Shot vs. Nets
Jordan bobs and weaves in mid air around Drazen Petrovic and the Nets for one of his nastiest buckets of all time.
Shoe: Air Jordan 6
44. Show and Tell
After being defeated the previous season by the Magic in the playoffs, Jordan rips Penny and freezes the defense with an amazing ball fake and jumper.
Shoe: Air Jordan 11
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veO0furYNwE
43. Jordan vs Milwaukee 1989
Jordan made the Bucks look like deer in headlights, going for 50 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals in a down-to-the-wire showdown that saw MJ hit the game winner.
Shoe: Air Jordan 4
42. Last Game in MSG
Jordan took the Wizards into New York for his last game in his home-away-from-home, Madison Square Garden. His Airness dazzled NY fans in typical MJ fashion. Clad in Cool Grey 11s, he dropped 39 points on his farewell tour.
Shoe: Air Jordan 11
41. 2 Handed Cradle Dunk vs Sonics
With two hands, and the trademark tongue-out expression, Jordan gives the fans what they paid to see in an updated version of his classic cradle dunk.
Shoe: Air Jordan 5
40. Up and Under vs Penny and Shaq
Back from baseball and back in the playoffs, MJ tutored new kids on the block Penny Hardaway and Shaquille O?Neal, burning Penny off the dribble and going up and under on Shaq.
Shoe: Air Flight One
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye-0ghhY7uw
39. 51 at 38 Years Old vs. Charlotte
Coming off an injury that caused him to leave the prior game with only 6 points, and thus ending his consecutive double-figure scoring streak, Jordan erupted for 24 points in the first quarter and finished with 51.
Shoe: Air Jordan 17
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-gvzAUkyaU
38. Jordan vs. Grant Hill
In an epic Carolina vs. Duke matchup, Jordan schooled ROY winner Grant Hill, dropping a season-high 53 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and totaling 6 steals in an impressive victory.
Shoe: Air Jordan 11
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McWrLWRb7lc
37. Christmas ?91 vs Detroit Pistons
Jordan gave the Bad Boys coal in their stockings, lighting up the defending champs for 37 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists in a preview of the Conference Finals.
Shoe: Air Jordan 5
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOo9EcbraW0
36. 98 All Star Game
Jordan schooled newcomer Kobe Bryant for a fitting 23 points and his last All Star Game MVP.
Shoe: Air Jordan 13
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chJeKE2646U
35. Con Man
After being called a ?con man? by Knicks? Coach Jeff Van Gundy, MJ whooped the Knicks by exploding for 51 points. His 51 points was a regular season high for Jordan in ?97, and a reminder to all that he was not a man to mess with.
Shoe: Air Jordan 12
34. Dunk on Mutumbo
Not in my house? Apparently Deke didn?t know that Jordan doesn’t knock before coming down Mutombo Ln.
Shoe: Air Jordan 12
33. 87 Dunk Contest
Jordan out-slammed big name dunkers Jerome Kersey, Clyde Drexler, and Tom Chambers for his first Slam Dunk Title.
Shoe: Air Jordan 2
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWDnFm_VGTc
32. Closed-Eyes Free Throw
A trash-talking youngster by the name of Dikembe teased Jordan into shooting a free throw with his eyes closed. You think it would be on this list if he missed it?
Shoe: Air Jordan 7
31. 2003 All-Star Game
In his final All-Star Game, Jordan went for 20 alongside some of the league’s brightest stars. He would pass Kareem Abdul-Jabar as the highest scorer in All-Star Game history with his performance. Kobe Bryant would pay homage to his hero, sporting the AJ3 “True Blue” during the game.
Shoe: Air Jordan 18
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihOmTU4c5KE
30. ’93 Finals
His Airness showed Sir Charles that there was no room on the throne as the Bulls outshined the Suns, capping a 3rd Championship run with a 55 point game performance.
Shoe: Air Jordan 8
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_z_68NdbqM
29.?91 Playoff Sweep of Pistons
The Bulls sweep their long-time foes, getting over the hump in 4-0 fashion. They’d grab their first Championship that year.
Shoe: Air Jordan 6
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWtHfym5Ru0
28. Rookie All-Star Game Starter
A rookie MJ was named a starter in the 85 All-Star game, playing next to eventual longtime foe Isiah Thomas.
Shoe: Air Jordan 9
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6BoEG4qf14
27. Statuesque
After leaving the game for the big leagues and the big screen, the Chicago Bulls honored Michael by unveiling a statue of him in front of the United Center. Oddly enough, the statue depicts MJ in the Air Jordan 9, which he never wore on court.
Shoe: Air Jordan 9
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6BoEG4qf14
26. 69 pts vs Cavs
Sorry to our readers in Cleveland, but this isn?t the last time you?ll see your team in here. Jordan got the best of Craig Ehlo and the Cavs, scorching them for a career high 69 points, along with 18 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. Days before, a Cleveland newspaper had praised Ehlo’s defense of MJ.
Shoe: Air Jordan 5
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cS5uDMErOE
25. Assist to Kerr
After the epic “Flu Game,” Jordan drew a crowd in the lane and found a wide open Steve Kerr for the game-sealing jumper, icing the Jazz and claiming the 97 NBA Championship.
Shoe: Air Jordan 12
24. MJ Gets His 1st Title
Before he would ever get to six, he had to get one. The Bulls defeated Magic and the Lakers to earn an NBA Title. And it was only the beginning.
Shoe: Air Jordan 6
That’s it for part 1. Make sure to check back tomorrow as we reveal Jordan’s Top 23 Moments. For now, head to the comments section and tell us what you would have done differently, if anything.
