Michael Jordan 1988: 52 pts vs Blazers

High quality version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRJBKF2fhyU&fmt=18

This was a regular season game in which Jordan effortlessly poured in 52 points while shooting a sizzling 62% from the field (21-34 fg). Unfortunately it was not enough. The Blazers got out to an early lead and kept it. Still, Jordan treated us all to another mesmerizing performance. It was one of 39 times he scored 50 or more points during the course of his legendary career.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Michael
• Jordan
• 52
• points
• 1988
• Blazers
• Bulls
• NBA
• Scottie
• Pippen
• Phil
• Jackson
• Clyde
• Drexler
• Kobe
• Bryant
• Dwayne
• Wade
• LeBron

[mlynch07]

I personally don't have any wizards games, just bulls. I think hoopsencyclopedia does though. I think most people would argue that Jordan was better than Wilt because his skill level was just so much higher. They played in different eras and Wilt was a 7-foot behemoth while Jordan was an average-sized guard.

[mlynch07]

Thanks. I like his drive at 4:26 the most.

[hirudold]

Nice clip! I've been looking for this game for awhile.

Actually Clyde Drexler had a great game:

42Pts on 18/33 shooting, 9 Assists 0 Turnovers 8 Steals and 5 Rebounds

[uberathlete]

Word. Jordan probably had the most complete offensive game in history. Midrange, post-ups, drives, pull-ups, stop and pop, cutting and moving without the ball, uses screens, acrobatic shots, etc. The guy could do it all. And his defense wasn't too shabby either.

[DNY21]

I saw 9 "jump shots". another video showing that Jordan wasn't all about driving.

[shiterksu]

Lately i was checking archives of movies at NBAPremium(.)tk and to be honest some great shots are there

[MizNelson]

"It was hard especially when I had to play defense against Drexler, who was spectacular. Then when I had to turn around and try to carry the load on offense, there was so much I could do."

--Jordan to the Chicago Sun-Times after the game. The last sentence was a subtle jab at Pippen, who finished with only two points on 1-of-4 shooting.

[NeoGeoHero92]

The best shooting guards in NBA history, Jordan and Drexler

[badpdx]

Jordan was quicker moving laterally, had a better vertical, and was a better shooter than Clyde. He was a better defender as well. Clyde probably had a more explosive first step, was faster in the open court, was stronger, was a better rebounder and passer, and was a good team defender, but not a great one on one defender. So Clyde could match or exceed Jordan in overall athletic skill and ability, but was not as fundamentally sound. Both were super competetive, but MJ was more ruthless.

[badpdx]

Just for the record, Clyde had 42 points on 55% shooting to go along with 9 assists and 8 steals in this game. (8 steals is pretty good defense, by the way.) Oh yeah, and Portland won. So Clyde wasn't too shabby himself.

[Cwm368]

I agree, he was quicker then and go just blow pass people, older he needed to conserve energy and he was stronger so that became his main weapon.

[airjordan1585]

holy godd man 3:37 if FAASTTTTT

[andgar923]

But I thought MJ didn't have a turnaround jumper until the mid 90's?

LOL

As I've been saying for ages, MJ had that turnaround jumper since he started, he just didn't have to rely on it as much.

[uberathlete]

Yup. And considering that defense in MJ's era was probably the most physical ever, it's amazing what he accomplished.