Unapologetic Revisionist History - Judging past performances by today's standards - Jordan hangs 63 at the garden in 86 Playoffs!
They say History is written by the winners. That is true in any era. And true today.
Michael Jordan is the Greatest winner of all time. Technically it's Bill Russell and his 11 rings. Even Rob "Big Shot" Horry won 7.
But Jordan won in fandom.
In the popularity contest.
Jordan won in Marketing.
Jordan won in creating his own narrative.
In my mind Jordan is THE greatest of all time because he was the greatest winner.
In this series I'm going to rewatch some of his greatest performances. Some random games rather than go off my memory of these performances some 20 years ago. I invite you to join me and form your own opinions.
Here are my takeaways from watching him hang 63 in the Garden;
1. That 86 Celtics has to be one of the top 3-4 teams I have ever seen. Everyone knows about 'The big 3' which was actually a 'big' 3 - Bird, Parish and McHale. And they were beastly. The first and only true "Big Three' I reckon. But the defensive prowess and tenacity of DJ and Ainge. Walton off the bench. 40-1 at home that season. If Jordan pushed that team to the brink in a playoff game twice in that series, that is truly a feat in history in itself as far as I'm concerned.
2. Jordan's revolutionary Hangtime has still not been replicated despite 30 years of sports science. That hangtime on jumpers. On drives. That quick step. The chains. The boys game was as good looking as J Lo back in the day.... Every guy wanted to be like Mike. Every girl wanted to be with that alpha male...
"Rare Air"indeed. This can't be glossed over.
3. Jordan didn't get 63. He got 52 and a gift. He was not fouled on the play that sent the game on OT. It was a travesty of a call and on the road. Jordan got 'Superstar' calls. I remember this throughout this career - but i think this is also a direct result of points 1 and 2. Refs loved him too in a way LBJ isn't. He also had a key turnover in the last minute of OT when they were up by 3. That's what Skip would be saying. Just saying...
4. 80's ball was fun to watch with up and down (of course i'm watching with no ad breaks). But there were less tactical fouls (started in early 90s) and more argy bargy in the post which I love. But the rotations were much slower and the amount of space guys got on 12-15 foot jumpers would not be tolerated today. Now rotations are quicker, scouting is better. But that doesnt take anything away from Jordan's motor which I also think would be in the top 5 of all time. The amount of energy he expended on both ends is remarkable.
Anyway - comment - tell me how full of shit I am. Calling the game as I saw it - watch it again and share with me your thoughts.
Your outback Samurai.
Amateur blogger and Basketball Turrets chronic long time sufferer
