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Originally published December 21, 2012
The latest Jordan 11 just dropped and the whole world seems to be screaming for a pair. While there’s a movement claiming these shoes are called the “Bred” 11s, let Nice Kicks take you back in time. Michael Jordan debuted the “Playoff” 11s back in 1996 on the way to his fourth NBA Title.
We take a look back at Michael Jordan’s 11 Greatest Games in the “Playoff” 11s during that epic journey to the NBA Championship making it one of the greatest shoes worn by MJ.
Michael Jordan’s best games wearing the Air Jordan 11
11. NBA Finals Game 1 Against the Super Sonics
28 Points, 2 Assists, 7 Rebounds, 2 Steals
Leading the Bulls once again to the NBA Finals, Jordan wanted to show the world that he’s the greatest. Leading to a Game 1 victory, MJ scored 28 points on 50% shooting while grabbing 7 boards.
10. NBA Finals Game 2 Against the Super Sonics
29 Points, 8 Assists, 6 Rebounds, 2 Steals
This was an off-game for Jordan, making only 9 of 22. The Bulls still walked away with a win though.
9. Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 5 Against the Knicks
35 Points, 5 Assists, 2 Rebounds, 2 Steals
In a game to clinch the series, Michael Jordan wasn’t letting up.
8. Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 2 Against the Knicks
28 Points, 5 Assists, 5 Rebounds, 2 Steals
This isn’t the only stat line where MJ was all over the place.
7. Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 4 Against the Knicks
27 Points, 8 Assists, 8 Rebounds, 2 Steals
While 11 of his 27 points came from the charity stripe, MJ found himself in foul trouble early. Despite shooting 30%, Jordan got his teammates involved with eight dimes and crashed the boards with eight rebounds almost reaching a triple double.
6. Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 1 Against the Heat
35 Points, 2 Assists, 4 Rebounds, 59% FG Pct.
Michael Jordan had his way with the Heat from Game 1. Jordan shot 13 of 22 from the field, finishing with 35 points in 38 minutes of gameplay.
5. Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 2 Against the Heat
https://youtube.com/watch?v=f1njBxeevi8%3Flist%3DPL1474744BA4A7A9A3%26hl%3Den_US
29 Points, 4 Assists, 4 Rebounds
The point total may be low from what we’re used to from the G.O.A.T., but he only played 32 minutes this game. Also, he shot 52% from the floor, going 2 of 3 from beyond the arc.
4. Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 1 Against the Knicks
44 Points, 2 Assists, 5 Rebounds
Michael Jordan was not going to be denied on his quest for a fourth ring. Starting off a series with 44 points and making 9 of 9 free throws isn’t a bad entrance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
3. NBA Finals Game 3 Against the Super Sonics
36 Points, 5 Assists, 3 Rebounds, 11 of 11 FT
Michael Jordan scored 27 of his 36 points in the first half, making all of his free throws. This was a statement game for Jordan leading the Bulls to another NBA Championship.
2. Eastern Conference Finals Game 3 Against the Magic
35 Points, 6 Assists, 5 Rebounds, 4 Steals
When you’re playing against the team that knocked you out the year before, you better make a statement. In Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Jordan had an all-around game getting four steals and dropping 35 points.
1. Eastern Conference Finals Game 4 Against the Magic
45 Points, 5 Assists, 3 Rebounds, Shot 70% from the Field
Even though this was his second-most point total in a game in the ’96 Playoffs, M.J. wanted to end this series with a bang. In sweeping fashion, Jordan went up against Penny Hardaway and Shaquille O’Neal scoring like there was no tomorrow. Not only did Michael shoot 70% from the floor, he also connected on 3 of 4 three-pointers and 10 of 14 free throws leading the Bulls to the NBA Finals once again.
