Michael Jordan 1996: 44pts, Pippen 40pts Vs. Pacers

This was one of the most memorable regular games ever. With the Bulls on a quest to win 70 games, the Pacers were peaking on their own and were becoming formidable rivals in the East. MJ was being 'criticized' from insulated sportswriters for not being as 'aerial' as he was before his retirement and you knew he was seething. While in public MJ was his usual politically correct self, in private, rumor had it that he was quietly angered.

Here, MJ's mind games were on full display. While telling Dr. J in the pregame interview that may have lost a step in athleticism, he immediately dominated the game with the very same athleticism he supposedly may have lost. As usual, the mental card was handed just to add the extra challenge MJ needed to fight the boredom of constant supremacy.

Of course, in this game, Pip would turn out to be a monster as well with 40 points. He attacked perfectly in conjunction with MJ's usual excellence. The loudness of the crowd gave it a playoff atmosphere and of course, MJ's aerial assault at age 33 reminded us all of his days before.

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[Obi1BenoBEE30]

@Jumpman1989 what really gets to me is michael got better every year especially the last 3 rings. He really worked hard after he went from 45 to 23 after losing that year to orlando. He came back stronger, smarter, apperciated the game more. And devloped unstoppable post fadeaway and defense. And at the time he was 32-35 during that 3 peat. His work ethic was just amazing. You see players now turn 31 32 and they decline but this guy had the determination hard work and talent for it.

[dmny214]

Ohh and Rodman had 23 rbs too...............ouch

[nigmafrost]

omg what a game... TOTAL OWNAGE!

[sparkmark1]

If only Pippen wasn't selfish, Jordan would have had probably 60 pts. (jk of course)

[workh4rd]

Good game!

[delfra70]

@jackliu913 I don't even think this joker is serious, he knows Lebron ain't nowhere near MJ, trust me on that. How do you get people fired up, just come on here and make a rediculous statement like this. Believe me, this dude know MJ ain't no bum, he just trying to mess with peoples minds.

[Nintariz]

@Jruss2MVP

Troll is obvious

[GyrosHunter]

Should Jordan and Dr J swap seats, still would be a great interview! :)

[OpurumD]

You know you're the shit when other team's home court cheers for you.

[jackliu913]

@Jruss2MVP BUM? What has LeBron accomplished? Choke artist, drama queen. He is nowhere near the all-time greats. He's not even close to top 10 yet.

[Mraloneandsad]

so they scored 84 points together LOLOLO