Michael Jordan’s Dominance: A Look at His Playoff Record Against Every NBA Team…

 

Michael Jordan’s Dominance: A Look at His Playoff Record Against Every NBA Team

 

Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, crafted a legendary career punctuated by extraordinary playoff performances. His ability to rise to the occasion in the NBA playoffs has become a central part of his enduring legacy. Here, we delve into Jordan’s playoff record against every NBA team he faced, highlighting the challenges he overcame and the triumphs he engineered on basketball’s biggest stage.

 

 

#### Atlanta Hawks: 7-1 (2-0 in Series)

Jordan’s Bulls met the Hawks twice in the playoffs, in 1993 and 1997. The 1993 Eastern Conference First Round saw a commanding 3-0 sweep by the Bulls, with Jordan averaging 34.3 points per game. In 1997, the Bulls dispatched the Hawks 4-1 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, with Jordan contributing 28.0 points per game, propelling the Bulls towards another championship.

 

#### Boston Celtics: 0-6 (0-2 in Series)

Despite Jordan’s brilliance, his early career was marked by struggles against the powerhouse Celtics. In the 1986 and 1987 Eastern Conference First Rounds, the Celtics swept the Bulls 3-0 both times. These series included Jordan’s unforgettable 63-point game in 1986, showcasing his scoring prowess despite the Bulls’ losses.

 

#### New Jersey Nets: 3-0 (1-0 in Series)

In the 1998 Eastern Conference First Round, Jordan led the Bulls to a 3-0 sweep over the Nets, averaging an impressive 36.3 points per game. This series was part of Jordan’s final championship run, known as “The Last Dance.”

 

#### Charlotte Hornets: 7-2 (2-0 in Series)

Jordan’s Bulls faced the Hornets in 1995 and 1998. In 1995, the Bulls won 3-1 in the first round, and in 1998, they dominated the semifinals 4-1, with Jordan averaging over 30 points per game in both series.

 

#### Cleveland Cavaliers: 14-6 (4-0 in Series)

The Bulls faced the Cavaliers four times in the playoffs, with Jordan’s most famous moment being “The Shot” in 1989. Jordan’s Bulls swept the Cavaliers in 1993 and won tight series in 1988 and 1989, consistently overcoming Cleveland’s challenges.

 

#### Detroit Pistons: 10-12 (1-3 in Series)

Jordan’s rivalry with the “Bad Boys” Pistons was intense, facing them in four consecutive playoff series from 1988 to 1991. After losing the first three series, Jordan finally led the Bulls to a 4-0 sweep in 1991, marking a pivotal turning point in his career.

 

#### Indiana Pacers: 4-3 (1-0 in Series)

The 1998 Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers was one of Jordan’s toughest series, going the full seven games. Jordan’s clutch performances, including a crucial Game 7 victory, were instrumental in the Bulls’ championship run.

 

#### Los Angeles Lakers: 4-1 (1-0 in Series)

Jordan’s first NBA Finals appearance in 1991 saw the Bulls defeat Magic Johnson’s Lakers 4-1. Jordan averaged over 31 points and 11 assists per game, earning his first Finals MVP award.

 

#### Miami Heat: 10-1 (3-0 in Series)

Jordan’s Bulls dominated the Heat in three playoff series, including sweeps in 1992 and 1996. In the 1997 Eastern Conference Finals, the Bulls won 4-1, with Jordan leading the way to another championship.

 

#### Milwaukee Bucks: 4-4 (1-1 in Series)

Jordan’s playoff encounters with the Bucks included a first-round exit in his rookie year (1985) and a 3-1 series win in 1990 as Jordan began his ascension to NBA dominance.

 

#### New York Knicks: 19-8 (5-0 in Series)

Jordan’s Bulls consistently overcame the Knicks in the playoffs, winning all five series from 1989 to 1996. The intense rivalry included a memorable seven-game series in 1992 and was crucial in the Bulls’ multiple championship runs.

 

#### Oklahoma City Thunder (Seattle SuperSonics): 4-2 (1-0 in Series)

The 1996 NBA Finals saw Jordan lead the Bulls to a 4-2 victory over the SuperSonics, part of their historic 72-win season. Jordan’s performance earned him the Finals MVP.

 

#### Orlando Magic: 6-4 (1-1 in Series)

After a surprising loss to the Magic in 1995, Jordan returned with a vengeance, sweeping Orlando 4-0 in the 1996 Eastern Conference Finals.

 

#### Philadelphia 76ers: 8-2 (2-0 in Series)

Jordan’s Bulls won two series against the 76ers in 1990 and 1991, both times advancing 4-1.

 

#### Phoenix Suns: 4-2 (1-0 in Series)

The 1993 NBA Finals against the Suns showcased Jordan’s scoring ability as he averaged 41 points per game, leading the Bulls to their third straight championship.

 

#### Portland Trail Blazers: 4-2 (1-0 in Series)

In the 1992 NBA Finals, Jordan’s Bulls defeated the Trail Blazers 4-2, highlighted by Jordan’s iconic “shrug game” in Game 1.

 

#### Utah Jazz: 8-4 (2-0 in Series)

Jordan faced the Jazz in back-to-back Finals in 1997 and 1998, winning both series 4-2. The 1998 Finals featured his legendary “Last Shot” to clinch the championship.

 

 

#### Washington Wizards (formerly Bullets): 3-0 (1-0 in Series)

In the 1997 Eastern Conference First Round, Jordan led the Bulls to a 3-0 sweep over the Bullets.

 

Michael Jordan’s playoff career is a testament to his unparalleled skill, competitiveness, and ability to perform under pressure. His record against every NBA team he faced in the playoffs solidifies his legacy as a true icon of the sport.