Michael Jordan scored 63 points in a playoff game against the Boston Celtics in 1986, but the Chicago Bulls lost despite his impressive performance. The game included a missed clutch shot that has since been forgotten.
SN Archive (1986): Michael Jordan's 63-point playoff game included a missed clutch shot that nobody remembers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
This article, 'Bulls' Jordan stages futile 1-man show' by Mike Weber, appeared in the April 28, 1986 issue of The Sporting News.
The Chicago Bulls had a one-man show. The Atlanta Hawks almost did. The Milwaukee Bucks relied on a preacher, and the Philadelphia 76ers got a helping hand from Sedale Threatt, of all people.
There were big numbers and big heartaches, a continuation of dominance and a comeback after a collapse during the first round of the National Basketball Association Eastern Conference playoffs.
Despite 49 and 63 points, respectively, by Michael Jordan, the Chicago Bulls lost the first two games of their best-of-five series with the Boston Celtics.
Dominique Wilkins scored 28 points in the opener and 50 in the second game as the Atlanta Hawks won the first two games of their series with the Detroit Pistons.
SN ARCHIVES:Access every SN issue since 1886, for free
Terry Cummings, a Pentecostal minister, rebounded from a subpar 14-point effort to score 28 as the Milwaukee Bucks won their second straight over the New Jersey Nets.
Michael Jordan scored 63 points in the 1986 playoff game against the Boston Celtics.
No, the Chicago Bulls lost the game despite Michael Jordan's 63-point performance.
A missed clutch shot by Michael Jordan is a significant moment that is often overlooked from his 63-point game.
The Chicago Bulls lost the first two games of their best-of-five series against the Boston Celtics in 1986.
Fernando Mendoza is poised to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft after leading Indiana to its first national championship. His impressive performance at the combine has solidified his status as a top prospect.
Man City beats Arsenal to lead Premier League; Bayern wins Bundesliga
Top Lessons from the NBA Playoffs: Kennard Shines and James' Strategy Endures
Steelers kick off minicamp with uncertainty around Aaron Rodgers' future.
What we learned about Notre Dame and Indiana basketball this spring.
UFC Fight Night 274: How to Watch Sterling-Zalal Live in Vegas
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
And the Philadelphia 76ers, behind Threatt, evened their series with the Washington Bullets after throwing away the first game.
He can jump over people. I can't. I have to fake left or right to get open. He can just go straight up. Maybe the guy is God disguised as Michael Jordan.
- Larry Bird
Jordan, who missed 64 regular-season games with an injury, tried to beat the Celtics singlehandedly. But Chicago came up short, 123-104, then lost in double overtime, 135-131. Air Jordan's assault in the second game was a single-game scoring record for the NBA playoffs, erasing the 61 that Elgin Baylor of the Los Angeles Lakers scored against the Celtics on April 14,1962.
Jordan made 22 of 41 shots but missed five of his last seven as Boston survived. Jordan made two free throws after time had expired to send the game into overtime, but he missed a 12-foot jumper that would have won the game in the first extra session.
But his spectacular performance left the Celts dazzled. “He can jump over people. I can't,” said Boston's Larry Bird, who scored 30 and 36 points, respectively. “I have to fake left or right to get open. He can just go straight up. Maybe the guy is God disguised as Michael Jordan.”
Supporting Bird for Boston was Kevin McHale, who had 27 points, 15 rebounds and six blocked shots in the second game. Reserve guard Jerry Sichting hit an open jumper early in the second overtime.
Then, with the score tied at 131, he did it again. Jordan missed a shot and, with nine seconds left, Robert Parish scored to ice the contest.
Bulls Coach Stan Albeck was downright unimpressed with Boston. “They're not a good individual team,” he said of the Celtics. “Bird isn't. McHale isn't, not compared to Michael and Orlando (Woolridge). They play great team defense. But, of course, it is illegal. Bird floats and hangs in the lane and is never called. Everybody in the league complains about it.”