Michael Jordan 1996: 37pts Vs. Boston Celtics

[@hoopsencyclopedia]

It's very hard to measure Bill in his situation since he played with almost all HOFers and an odd # of teams where half the time, the Celtics skipped the first round and were instantly in the the Eastern Finals. Playoffs were only 2-3 rounds back then as well. Bill's greatness comes from his leadership, charisma, effort and ability to raise his game in the playoffs - like MJ. But his massive weaknesses in shooting needed great scorers around him which he had.

[@blackadam06]

@GRITZ2137 That's Todd for ya LOL!! I know him personally..he's 1 of my frat brothers...

[@San72390]

Michael Jordan is the epitome of incredible.

[@lionelangemario]

EXACTLY...plus no one has his creativity and can create moves that they will never do again in their career...

[@airjoca]

Todd Day dunks near MJ and gives him a look. 2nd half Day scored 1pt... :) Never mess with the GOAT!!!

[@bennymoe5103]

kobe is not better then mike but he is the closest and does some things that are cooler then mike but he isnt better then mike this is coming from a non bias person

[@hoopsencyclopedia]

Yeah, it was pathetic. The general thinking is that the smaller guy will stop MJ from driving by keeping up with his quickness. And then, the thinking is that MJ will resort to shooting jumpers and miss. It never really works.

[@jordanlover23]

He may have felt better at the start of the NY series in '96, but the back issues definitely resurfaced during the series. They mentioned several times that he was having lots of back pain, and he was getting stretched out on the sideline during a couple of games in that series (including the game where he scored like 18 points in the 4th including the tying 3 to send it to OT).

[@blackadam06]

I was gonna upload this game, but my my damn ripping program/software half ass works LOL!!

[@rrTale]

"today's hard defense standards will keep another MJ from emerging." Hard defense standards? Boy you have a lot to learn..

[@Preantepenultim]

MJ is great, but stop getting on his ballsack... He's not as good an all-around player as Magic or Oscar.

[@PowerGearPerformance]

Preantepenultim he was better..he played D

[@boogieloo1831]

Power Gear - exactly. MJ was complete

[@sportjames23]

Fuck outta here with that bullshit. Did Oscar or Magic play defense like MJ?

[@TheDhaht]

This was the first Celtics game I had ever been to!

[@hoopsencyclopedia]

Bill is always mentioned as the #2 or 3 guy so what's the point? Bill didn't have the individual skills and awards to complete his great team success. He was often the #2 or 3 option in half his career because he couldn't shoot. But that's why he became the best defensive player ever. (Cont,)

[@hoopsencyclopedia]

I'm glad J. Crawford's name is so good. Thankfully, a good fan of my channel decided to donate some games for me to put up a while ago so I believe it's not the J. Crawford(s) we think it is. But then, I guess even I won't really know unless I do a background check lol.

[@ryenovero]

its ridiculous how easy MJ made that look

[@JKFrazier]

Everyone can get better.

[@nasty93cc]

Yep, I was thinking Cavs or Boston..I was thinking also, that David Stern probly wants a rematch setup though..But maybe he'll change his mind during the playoffs & say "Ahh, just let Cleveland in the finals."..Shit, hopefully he'll let Portland in the Finals..Lakers might be a lil overrated, they lost to Spurs & Magic...But them 2 are some good teams also.

[@sloopjohnb324]

It would've been a great game, but I don't think so. Jordan could score on anyone of any era, and if you double team MJ then he has Scottie, Grant, Kerr, Kukoc open. It's so hard to compare different era's though. I'd for sure watch the game if that were possible.

[@nasty93cc]

Yeah, I didnt think it would be rigged back then, Bulls were all Talent, Hustle, & All around solid, no refs made them win them rings, just Jordan & Pippen...And the others..But you never know.. You can basicaly predict the Finals now, & Lakers will win Rings this time..lol..I bet..

[@kOrOne79]

You're right rrTale, I forgot about that. Never cared much for their '96 series against the Heat because Chicago was so extremely dominant. It was downright unfair, lol. The same goes for the 1992 series btw.

[@kOrOne79]

LOL, he runs circles around multiple defenders at 4:47 . Nice stuff from MJ. In the same season he had lower-back spasms in the playoffs against the Knicks. Mike scored 44 points that time.

[@nasty93cc]

I bet anybody $1,000,000,000 that the Finals this year will be Lakers Vs. Boston again..But Lakers win this time....It's all about ratings & money..DAMNIT!

[@RR0849]

You could tell his right hand finger was hurting cause he used his left hand when driving and wasn't going for any of his monster dunks on the breakaways.

[@Intramorph]

Look at all the rule changes designed to make it easier than ever for perimeter players to score. No handchecking, defensive 3-seconds, fouls, technicals & flagrants called MUCH, much quicker, etc. Watch some older footage of Knicks & Pistons games to see how "weak & slow" defenders were, or how MUCH more physical defense was considered the norm/legal back then. No doubt Kobe is athletic enough to get his own in ANY era, but he wouldn't have looked NEARLY as impressive coming up in MJ's era.

[@Intramorph]

@kristolio1 The perception that "defenders are quicker & stronger now" is an illusion. It is seldom backed by NBA experts, or those that witnessed 70s/80s/90s basketball first hand. Such comments are usually made by kids who have no idea what they're talking about, or know of those eras only though some KZbin videos. If anything, this current era is criticized for its All-Star game like LACK of defense created by players & rule changes that care only about generating highlight reels. Cont...

[@uberathlete]

Both definitely have an incredible will to win. Their games are alike only because Kobe executes some of MJ's moves. But he can't do it as efficiently and consistently. MJ is also the superior athletic specimen. MJ's dominance throughout his career on both ends of the court is so far ahead . Kobe comparisons to MJ can be made, but people have to understand that he is a mile away. Comparisons are misleading.

[@jaa0702]

Erik24mvp, i can't describe Michael's game. I mean i see it and watch it and i still have trouble understanding it. It is just too good at any time in his career. To compare Kobe to Michael at their ages, Michael was just too advanced. Take a rookie Jordan, rookie Kobe was no match mentally and physically. Take a 30 year old Jordan and Kobe's at 30 is no match mentally and physically. If i try to say that anyone else has it, i can back it up with evidence. If Kobe is close, is just too far....

[@jaa0702]

doubt about the bulls losing to the celtics.. the bulls were smart.. not just smart offensively, but smart defensively.. think about the 98 conference semifinals.... the pacers of 98 were a strong defensive team and the bulls were at game 7. i dont think the celtics with paul pierce allen would have struggled against those pacers. Then the Knicks of 90s.. possibly better defensive team than the 98 pacers. so no, i dont believe the bulls would lose. if anything they might go to a game 6.

[@Capdong23]

I totally agree with mj45jh23sp33. geniusboy 510 you should change your name if you really believe that. This is a noncontact era in addition to the fact that there is now a 3 second violation rule which wasn't there when Jordan played. He had to drive on centers that were WAITING for him in the paint. Also, why don't you compare the shooting % of Jordan and Kobe. Especially in the playoffs and finals, where Kobe's dips and Jordan's only gets better as he gets deeper into the postseason.

[@JKFrazier]

LOL no post game? Kobe doesn't have much athleticism compared to what he used to have. He's had surgery on both knees and is mostly a jumpshooter these days. He's played in the post plenty the past 3 years. Probably more than any SG currently in the league. Watch the Dallas game from today and you'll see how much of Jordan's post game he uses. You should really be asking that question about LeBron. Now that will be a major problem for him.

[@NYCGERSON777]

thanks hoops!! i remember this game. december of 95 if i recall correctly. check this out bro, i got a few games on dvd that i purchased from a friend of my. rare games. bulls vs bullets in 1997, jordan scored 36pts and pippen had 28. jordan had a tremendous fourth quarter. i also have bulls vs hornets in 1996-97 season. jordan scored 38 points and sat out the entire fourth quarter. i got a few other games. i don't have the software to upload them, but if you want i can mail them to you.

[@mikecvcc08]

very true-no matter how the nba talent changes over the decades-the game remains the same.i feel jordan came to the pinnacle (mentally) of the game-over came the wear and tear of age and still played with great wisdom and love till the end of his career.if kobe wants to change the way people view the game-he needs to paint a picture that will definitely be his own.....

[@popeyeisgood]

jordan would absolutely eat anyone alive nowaday in the nba, if he were back to his younger days. even the older mj in 96-98 schooled kg and allen really bad(i know it is not fair since they are both rookies), but with what mj did in the past one who thinks rationally would not have a doubt that mj would dominate this new celtic.

[@hoovinc]

This is like the gladiator movie....years ago (at least 10) ...Mike had his legendary battles with the elite Celtics team. Now older, less athletic...but that much more wiser...these games are miniscule in comparison of what was the ole' days. ahh and yes even if he faced kg, allen and pierce...he'll eat em' alive.

[@kareem87said5]

Celtics with paul pierce ray allen and kevin garnett would defeat Jordans Bulls. Except Jordan and Pippen BULLS didnt have great scorers. If any of them played under his level, Bulls would lose for sure. Kukoc was very good but not a player who makes difference, Pirerce would be able to guard him easily,

[@slantone]

true that. kobe scores 81 against raptors. big deal. scores 61 against the Knicks. big deal. Mj did it against the best. 63 against champion celtics. 55 against the toughest defensive knicks team - one of the best defensive teams of all time. people need to recognise. stop comparing the 2. kobes kobe- nobody is mj

[@jordanlover23]

Jordan's eraction time was peerless. Look at 2:24 how he actually wants to shot fake, and then when he realizes the defender is staying down, he goes right into an actual shot. You can tell this is the case because there's one or two slight/fast hitches on the upward motion. Little things like this demonstrate his mastery of the game and incomparable physical attributes.

[@jaa0702]

Well, I want to learn about the game of basketball, i dont want to look at LBJ or KB. I would look at Michael Jordan games not just because of his athleticism, but because of his mental approach to the game. Actually, him and Scottie Pippen.. Two smart players that knew how to play basketball.

[@chitownmo]

Bryant and James stuggled against defenses that Jordan thrived in. Kobe was not even in the conversation with Jordan until he scored 81 AFTER handchecking was lifted and the 3 second lane was established. The League today is not better than it was 20 years ago. Stop looking at the stars and look at the 3rd-12th players on the teams and compare to the past. Not even close. Bigger and moderatley more athletic on average likely, but no where near as smart nor as skilled.

[@chitownmo]

Very true. The focus is on the stars, not the entire league. Look at the NBA today. This is a 4 team league. Subtract the All Star calibur players(All Stars and the 5-10 players honorable mentions) the League is mediocre with 1 dimensional, fundamentally unsound and limited role players compared to the NBA the past. You had more great players outside of the stars in the 80s and 90s which allowed for more player diverstiy and better team play. This is no Golden era. Not yet. Could be in 4 years.

[@chitownmo]

Kobe scored the overwhelming majority of his 40 and 50 points games(20) after hand checking was banned(allowing for player movement), the defensive 3 second rule(opens the lane up) was established and against weak defensive teams. The only team he has consistently scored on was the Spurs. Struggled against the Pistons(05-08 only played well in 1 game), and the Celtics(08. 35% FG%). Lebron as well(07 Eastern conference Finals and 08 Eastern conference semi-finals).

[@chitownmo]

Several things. At that time, scoring 37 was a abnormally high scoring game on average due to the physical individual defensive contact and the exceptional team rotational played then. Pippen talked about this a few years ago.Michael has more 40 and 50 point games than Bryant and James in a tougher era with more sound players and better all aroudn teams.The NBA today is a 4 team league with the overwhelming majority of players being average and less. Look at the rosters outside of the All Stars.

[@twoxcents]

nowadays with the NBA no hand check rule, players like lebron and kobe can go in and score more easily.. which usually gets them to the line by getting these touch fouls called..back in the jordan days, defenders had a right to play a lot more physical and it was harder to actually score a lot of points.. jordan would always get doubled and tripled by defenders with more physicality.. and he still get the scores... you cant compare todays sissy game to jordans scoring ability..

[@xkssxrrocks]

haha, heyy, I guess I'm not the only 1989-born person here who just loves hoopsencyclopedia's videos. nicee, I've been watching the vids in his channel and other jordan vids for yrs now too. It's actually really hard to believe how much I look up to Jordan, despite the fact that I haven't watched a single LIVE game of him; all just recorded footages. Thanks to hoops and others, I'm able to, just like you said, relive the days when he dominated.

[@uberathlete]

@kristolio1 Well, that'd debatable. Kobe is actually much worse than MJ in clutch situations. There are stats that prove it. And not many analysts think Kobe is a better closer either. Here's an article that's a pretty interesting read: slate.com/id/2255932/

[@JKFrazier]

In matter of fact Kobe used that quick post-up then turnaround towards the baseline move Jordan used at 3:23 today. Scarily similar. You would think that more guards/forwards would try to use Jordan's moves. It only makes sense to me.

[@TBlake34]

This is the most important stat in defining MJs greateness and superiority over the other great players. Notice LeBron is up to the same tricks: 50pts against Milewaukee, but somehow can only shoot contested fade-away threes against Boston and LA.

[@rrTale]

Korone, MJ twisted his back in the previous series against Miami, game 2. For the rest of that game and game 3 in Miami he was visibly bothered by the injury. By the time the NY series started he was feeling much better. Thanks for the upload Hoops

[@MIKESOWELL]

Of Kobe's 24 career 50 point games, ALL have come against mediocre or poor teams with the exceptions being the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns and even they were noted for their admitted lack of defense. Contrast that to Mike's 39 career 50 point games of which the majority came against good and great and CHAMPIONSHIP teams.

[@sabers210]

LOL, yeah. Lakers & Celtics again. or Cav's. People wanna see Kobe and Lebron. I'm trying to think of some other teams, but I can't right now. I would say Lakers and Cavaliers would be a save bet. don't you think?

[@sabers210]

Nah, that was all mj. The reason why it's fixed now is because MJ brought so much ratings that when he left, they lost money. How do they get more money. rig the games. It's a shame that the NBA came down to this.

[@pharmokan]

glad i was around to witness mj. if he is getting so much praise now, wait to see how popular he'll be when he passes away or in 20 years. today's hard defense standards will keep another MJ from emerging. you'll have some close ones, but never have better ones.

[@MIKESOWELL]

I hate when people say that talent is better now in the NBA. That is not necessarily true. If anything, fewer teams= fewer player= greater talent level. Players are stronger and more athletic but not fundamentally sound.

[@paolo-1283]

Michael Jordan, Dr. J have, Clyde and several others have big hands thats why they're able to manipulate the ball in the air, 1 hand ball fake 1 hand circus shots & cradle dunks.

[@uberathlete]

That's the thing. Most players can't do MJ's moves because it requires a level of athleticism and body control. Some players do but they can't do it as consistently and efficiently.

[@mrazcis]

who even talks about KOBE??? it's CLEAR he's not even the best in the NBA , it's Dwyane Wade or Lebron James, THOSE GUYS EAT HIS LUNCH ,each time they play each other this season.D'WADE

[@rrTale]

True bro, but from what i remember the back problems werent as much of an issue in NY as they were against Miami, and you could see it in his game. His post game was returning.

[@andgar923]

Dana Barros? The coach couldn't have a different person guard MJ besides Barros? I understand that Day and others switched off from time to time, but Barros the main defender? really?

[@etiuqsal]

effortless jumpshot

[@goodman5836]

yep

[@GRITZ2137]

Video Synopsis: Todd Day has the half of his life, and pops shit to Mike after a breakaway slam. Mike says "What, mother fucker?". Takes over. Shuts Day down. Bulls win. Game over. Good night, Todd Day.

[@hoovinc]

Not! It would be opposite. MJ will get 50+ to prove a point, dismantle the whole team. That's what he did during the days and that's what he'll do. Check you head.

[@JKFrazier]

Don't over exaggerate. Yes, he was the GOAT but amazing every night? Not possible. Everyone has off games and MJ was no exception. He always bounced back though.

[@SILK334]

karl malone played in jordans era nothing he could have done about that and he played for kobe ballhog lakers that one year not much you can do about that either

[@301SO]

@feezy243 to be fair, the media raped that comparison before Kobe. Being 17 and people comparing you like that, you would probably have a big ego too.

[@IAMiamiSteve]

u aint even working hard n this game it look like. he jus chillin. like sum1 was like hey mj u wanna hoop? yea lez go play the celtics

[@jordanlover23]

Hey Hoops, are you ever going to tell us who J. Crawford is? :P If it's who he might be, tell him it's awesome that he's a Jordan fan too!

[@SILK334]

what about lebron he is a young player who is still learning he can still get better kobe on the other hand really cant

[@MIKESOWELL]

What is Kobe going to do Hoops when he loses his athleticism and can't explode to the basket anymore? He still has no post game.

[@accepttrue]

it doesn't matter what kind of defense on MJ, you also dont know how great his post up fadeaway than you can imagine.

[@mattc941]

@feezy243 exactly... kobe is closer then people think, but theres no chance hes better at any phase of the game.

[@martinwalsh1]

How is it the WORLD TITLE? Last time I checked only American and Canadian teams ever competed....

[@nasty93cc]

I wonder if the NBA was Fixed back in them days also..Hmmm

[@TheRatedIX7]

This was the 1995/96 season. During the 96/97 season they had the NBA at 50 logo on every court.

[@geniousboy510]

well, kobe wont be better then jordan because the NBA extended the 3 point line on him.

[@DrMattDestruction]

people used to be able to spell "used" correctly.

[@noel8421]

lol why u gotta be racist... we have a black president now. times r changing

[@jordanlover23]

LOL my typo makes it look like "erection time." :P I meant "reaction time."

[@jaa0702]

i wish I had all MJ games ... but i dont.. my life is not complete..

[@tommybrown187]

not to mention in the PLAYOFFS against playoff teams

[@1990Thunderbolt]

back when the celdicks couldn't touch the bulls

[@evanskrete1]

Dino Radja playing with the Celtics...Nice...

[@8cali94]

the way that mj always dominate it's not fair

[@jashuwah]

Jordan missed Kerr at 4:15, poor stevie :((((

[@rumarspencer7302]

Or not even the Pirece-Walker Celtics.

[@E3kTheCat]

basketball players use to be so graceful.

[@chiecheung25]

Who is here after Bill simmon comment

[@hoopsencyclopedia]

Thanks. Much appreciated.

[@VIPVICT]

did he hurt his leg in the game??

[@ergopex7]

Jodan najlepszym stopowcem minionego stulecia.

[@airjoca]

Greatest Of All Time = G.O.A.T. ;)

[@datdominican004]

white an black 11's :] classics

[@Jumpman1989]

tim donaghy? hmm familiar face

[@NooneEverReallyDiez]

MJ l00kz g00d with the 11's on

[@arkade2345]

jeez MJ! 4 dunks in this game

[@jasonmotley]

yea i caught that too! LOL

[@tmh1717]

TROUBLESOME 96!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@feezy243]

@kristolio1 no he couldn't

[@nikeyhead]

Mike was just too good!!!!

[@jaa0702]

and the bulls would win..

[@undertakr]

high quality? yes please.