Michael Jordan Turns 60: Five NBA Games Where He Scored at Least 60 Points

Michael Jordan Turns 60: Five NBA Games Where He Scored at Least 60 Points

Joel Reyes
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:25 PM
  • Michael Jordan recorded five 60-point games in his NBA career
  • He set a playoff scoring record against Boston way back in 1986
  • He scored a career-high against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1990

Time flies, even for His Airness.

It is hard to believe, but Michael Jordan is turning 60 years old today.

To commemorate his milestone birthday, we look at all the 60-point games he racked up during his illustrious NBA career.

Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls, NBA
Michael Jordan in action for the Chicago Bulls. Images: Andy Hayt/ Jeff Haynes/ Noren Trotman.
Source: Getty Images

Jordan scores 63 vs. Boston

The Chicago Bulls star put on an unforgettable performance inside the Boston Garden on April 20, 1986.

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He electrified the crowd in Game 2 of their First Round series against the Celtics, scoring an incredible 63 points to set a new playoff record.

Jordan could not be stopped in that contest, shooting 22 of 41 from the field and 19 of 21 from the free-throw line, per NBA.com. It was still not enough to give Chicago the victory, as the Bulls suffered a heart-breaking 135-131 loss in double overtime.

MJ may have lost in that game, but he gained plenty of admirers because of his play. Among those who paid tribute to him was Celtics legend, Larry Bird.

He told reporters at the time that Jordan was 'the most exciting, awesome player in the game today' and he thought it was 'just God disguised as Michael Jordan'.

Jordan scores 69 vs. Cavs

The GOAT loves playing against Cleveland. He broke Cavs fans’ hearts in 1989, draining 'The Shot' in Game 5 to eliminate them in the playoffs.

He delivered another offensive masterclass 11 months later, scoring a career-high 69 points in Chicago’s 117-113 overtime win over Cleveland.

'Air Jordan' shot 23 of 37 from the floor and knocked down 21 of his 23 free throw attempts against the Cavaliers.

MJ scores 64 vs. Orlando

The Bulls and the Magic had epic encounters during the 1990s. One of those came on January 16, 1993, when Jordan erupted for 64 points in Orlando’s 128-124 victory over Chicago.

Jordan shot 27 of 49 from the field and also had five steals, according to Sports Illustrated. Unfortunately for him and the Bulls, Shaquille O’Neal also had a monster performance for Orlando.

Shaq recorded an impressive double-double, scoring 29 points and grabbing 24 rebounds. He also had five blocks.

Jordan scores 61 against Detroit

The Bulls legend was a different animal in the 80s, and he proved that in a game against the Detroit Pistons on March 4, 1987. He punished the Pistons all night, scoring 61 points in Chicago’s 125-120 win.

Jordan racks up 61 again

A few weeks after that outstanding performance against Detroit, Jordan produced another monster showing. He scored 61 points again, this time against Atlanta. The Bulls still lost though, succumbing to a 117-114 defeat.

Jordan gives back

Sports Brief previously reported on Jordan’s donation to Make-A-Wish in celebration of his 60th birthday.

The Charlotte Hornets owner decided to give $10 million, setting a record amount for the organisation.

Jordan has long supported Make-A-Wish over the years, with their partnership dating back to 1989.

Authors
Joel Reyes photo
Joel Reyes
Joel Reyes is a sports editor at Sportsbrief.com with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines. He has eight years of work experience in sports writing.
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