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Michael Jordan's Greatest Moments: The Air Jordan V
Michael Jordan is the greatest player in NBA history. Duh. Some of us, though, know more about Jordan sneakers than we do about the man himself. To help educate the masses, Complex is putting together a multi-part series that charts his legacy by the shoes he wore on the court. We last left you with Michael Jordan
Hey Orlando. Remember Me? (February 7, 1990)
Jordan reintroduced himself to his former Bulls teammate, Orlando Woolridge, the only way that Michael knew how—by straight humiliating the dude. After getting dunked on, all Orlando could do was smile.
No Bird? No Problem? (April 20, 1990)
Larry Bird was out at the time, so Michael was able to score 45 points (on 72.4 percent shooting) in only three quarters of play against the Celtics. MJ's first title wouldn't come for another year, but the torch was passed.
Michael Displays His Talent In Barcelona
(August 29, 1990)
Jordan went to Barcelona for two days in 1990, two years before the Dream Team made its way there in 1992. MJ opened up the 1990-91 season of the ACB (Association Club Basketball) by playing in a game with Spain's finest players. By the end, he had put 37 points on the scoreboard.
It's Got To Be the Shoes! (1989-90 Campaign)
By the fifth Air Jordan, Michael and Mars Blackman had become a familiar duo, and the buddies starred in this Air Jordan V commercial. Everyone knew it wasn't the shoes that were doing the magic, but there was no convincing Mars.
Jordan Spoils the Pistons' Christmas
(December 25, 1990)
On Christmas Day, Jordan's 37 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists put coal in the Pistons' stockings. Six months later he'd send Isiah and co. packing from the playoffs as well.
Michael Dons the #12 (February 14, 1990)
Right before this game, someone went into the Bulls locker room and stole Michael's jersey. He wore No. 12 as an "emergency uniform," and although the jersey had no last name, his 49 points let everyone know who was boss.
Jordan Scores 49 Against the Knicks (March 30, 1990)
Michael had just come off of a career high 69 point game when his newfound rivals, the New York Knicks, came to town. Michael continued his streak, lighting up the Knicks for 49 points on 59 percent shooting. MJ was involved in every play until the final buzzer, helping the Bulls add another victory to its win column.
MJ Puts Bulls One Game Closer (May 13, 1990)
During the Bulls playoff run, Jordan helped avenge a Game 3 loss versus the Sixers with a 45 point, 11 assist effort. Down 86-77 to begin the fourth quarter, Chicago came back to take the W and get a game closer to the Eastern Conference Finals on the strength of Jordan's 18 points in the final period.
Michael Defies the Pistons' "Jordan Rules"
(May 26, 1990)
For years, the Pistons had tormented MJ with hard fouls as they continued their Eastern Conference dominance. By 1990, Jordan had begun to overcome the tactics, and with his Bulls down 2-0 in the conference finals, he dropped 47 points on the hated Bad Boys in a Game 3 W for Chicago. The Bulls wouldn't break through completely for another year, but Detroit was definitely on notice after this game.
Jordan Goes for Career High vs. Cleveland
(March 28, 1990)
The Cavaliers' Craig Ehlo was responsible for guarding Jordan and just like "The Shot" from '89, Ehlo failed. Michael set a career high by scoring 69 points in an overtime thriller, racking up a career high 18 rebounds during the contest as well. Cavs forward John Williams was quoted as saying, "He's one in a million, one in a billion."