The 15 Best Single-Game NBA Regular Season Performances Since 1983
T9. Michael Jordan, 11/3/1989
To open their 1989-90 season, the Chicago Bulls clashed in an Eastern Conference matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers. At center stage was a 26-year-old Michael Jordan, looking to avenge an Eastern Conference Finals loss the year before. If that's true, it was mission accomplished.
In the Bulls' 124-119 overtime win, Jordan logged 47 minutes and scored 54 points on 19 of 31 from the floor and 15 of 17 from the line. With a true shooting of 70.2% and a usage of 35.0%, Jordan posted an offensive rating of 154. And, on an assist rate of 30.0%, His Airness distributed 6 assists to go with 14 boards.
On the other end, Jordan counted three steals and a block for a defensive rating of 103. The final result was a Game Score of 51.2 and a 1-0 start to the new season.
