Michael Jordan 45 points (half-court shot) vs Sonics (1997)

[@HDN8833]

MJ game was so fluid, it's painfully beautiful.

[@Amick44]

Well said, HDN.

[@1CHOZN7]

Watching MJ was like watching a piece of priceless Art!!

[@tarawillis3995]

to black people. sports will never be art

[@depannist]

MJ had already lost a step by this time and he was still unstoppable.

[@1CHOZN7]

Still unstoppable! Facts

[@bmla88]

MJ just took it personal.

[@mak23997]

The footwork was incredible. What kept him going for so long. That and off the chart bball IQ

[@kik5323]

@@mak23997that footwork and IQ is such an underrated part of his game.

[@howardhollis3533]

The look on G. Karl's face after he hit that shot gets me every time. He was like "....this motha....right here" LOL should of shook his hand at that restaurant.

[@TheLionaaa]

That was an incredible performance...just look at the shots he makes...and he does it with TOTAL EASE...34 years old, above and beyond everybody... The best ever...

[@LewisMarien]

19/28 for 67% shooting. Holy shit. Jordan was killing it this game.

[@vengkong8344]

Yeah....that's what happens when you talk shit to Michael Jordan......boom! boom! boom! 45 points on 67% shooting.

[@Floridaoutlaw1984]

I remember watching this game..Jordan was simply UNSTOPPABLE! and I knew and the rest of the world knew it was over for the Sonics after this game.

[@lethayle3388]

Crazy to believe that this isn't even Jordan in his prime. I'd say his prime was 91-93 or 85-89

[@bige4334]

LeThayle Jordan prime is from 87 to 93

[@TK0S3]

'88 no doubt. I mean come on 35-6-5-3-2 + DPOY ?

[@hielogogo9109]

Yeah but only because he had to do everything himself. From the 90s he became more a teamplayer and leader with better insight of the game. Also after the Detroit era he became stronger.

[@kevr696]

91-93

[@bmla88]

93 was probably peak jordan

[@jaehosong29]

MJ IS JUST BEAUTIFUL TO WATCH MAN.

[@meg-k-waldren]

LMAO. The Last Dance brought me here. Gary Payton is dong such a fine job on MJ alright LOL.

[@zmoneytmnt]

This game proves that that even Gary Payton can't shut down Jordan.

[@chrise.296]

MJ dropped 44 and 40 pts on him after that

[@youtuber3328]

this was in the season and not the playoffs

[@Rodzilla97]

@@caseycomb he wasn't guarding him the whole time in game 6 of the finals, yet somehow is given credit for MJ's poor shooting. he made 3-4 FG vs Payton that game, 75%. the others he was 2-15 FG. they guarded him far better than Payton that game, but people pretend Gary did it. MJ's jumper was just a bit off in that series(he missed a lot of easy looks he usually nails), and constant double teams, and Payton's good ball denial. but Payton really only had that one good game against MJ, game 4. game 5 MJ shot 50%, and game 6 the others guarded him more than Payton, so Gary can't get the credit

[@caseycomb]

Rodzilla97 Rodman is the only reason the Bulls won that series, got in a couple guys heads and of course all of the offensive rebounds, when Jordan misses you can’t give him multiple opportunities and expect to win

[@burnttwinky]

@@caseycomb Lol, Rodman is the only reason they went up 3-0, which is insurmountable in the nba, and dominated in game 6? I don't know what game you're watching. Payton wasn't even guarding Jordan much of game 5 either. After 3 quarters, Jordan was 11-16, 24 points. He slowed down in the 4th due to double teams and others guarding him. Jordan simply didn't make shots he normally makes. He missed some point blank shots in game 6 as well.

[@semaj06]

This was a clinic! 45 points on mostly mid range making it look easy. Mid range is so wide open in todays game. Anyone who thinks THIS jumpshooting MJ wouldnt average 40+ in today's NBA is a neophyte.

[@jani-ho8cl]

MJ could have easily scored 50. This was a statement game. First to let George Karl know that he could score anyway he wants. Second to let the World know that Gary Payton cannot guard him. GOAT #23

[@youtuber3328]

this wasn't a playoff game and the goats tied literally always have and will be both wilt chamberlain and bill russell

[@tz6706]

Gary Thompson Huh

[@Armando316]

Payton wasn’t really on him all that much on this game, but there is no denying Jordan can score over anyone and that he is the GOAT.

[@c.f.rodgers7719]

Well, Payton was guarding Pippen, and he scored only six of his 19 baskets on Payton. He didn’t just light him up all day.

[@APOCALYPSE_X-MEN]

Look at Jud Buechler's reaction on the bench to Jordan's crossover move and shot over Shawn Kemp at 2:06.

[@evaburnz]

classic.

[@jaywv1981]

Payton got off the bench at 7:27 like "OK MJ I'm gonna shut you down if no one else will." Then at 7:54 he was like "Oh $%^#".

[@tauntedbynooneendedupashog4520]

LMAO

[@mariegracedomingo5375]

Epic Face

[@ThanhLE-wu4yk]

Hahaha

[@lifewithgthemac161]

The greatest jump shooter of all time and player 🐐🐐🐐🐐

[@drpepper4413]

As a kid i recorded this whole series on vhs, I remember at one point Jordan scored 25points in 5 minutes. The announcers missed it but i didnt lol. Could have been this game, not exactly sure but it was in Seattle.

[@lifewithgthemac161]

Michael Jordan is the greatest jump shooter ever not even close

[@howardhollis3533]

When you got a player on fire and practically hitting a half court shot at the end of the first quarter, that will let you know already that you about to lose this game and he going off tonight.

[@genustinca5565]

They say Stephen Curry is the greatest 'shooter' in NBA history. In terms of deep, distant shooting and threes, that is true. But in terms of overall shooting and regular jump shots there is and was no one better than MJ.

[@char4ever]

LeBron? he is lebrick

[@claus1225]

lebron is not a particularly good jump shooter. I think we can all agree that.

[@Amick44]

Can't argue. I'd add Bird, West and Gervin. Jordan is right there with any of em.

[@Amick44]

Yeah, though Lebron can get hot and has pretty deep range. On a consistent basis, not particularly.

[@jaywv1981]

I've always said even on threes....If my team needed a 3 at the end of a game there is no one I'd rather shoot it than MJ or Kobe. Even if they aren't considered great 3 point shooters....they made them when they counedt.

[@pippomarchetti239]

remember seeing this game live..what a show..at 34..the greatest!

[@derrickbrookens9340]

His game was so flawless. Footwork, athleticism, skill, shot making it also helps to be 6’6”

[@dazzz887]

At 3:29 Most players will release at the top of the jump....but thats toooo easy for MJ so he release it when coming down......unreal.

[@logan1ngram]

Half court Shot at 2:37

[@dominic4981]

Xbox: TheLemonCPT ur the mvp

[@fullmetal1766]

that is a first ballot hall of famer and former defensive player of the year Gary Payton that MJ is brutalizing

[@nyjin08]

45 points on only 28 shots- I'd say that's pretty efficient. And just a myriad of shots. Of all the things to be impressed about in Jordan's game, for me it was his ability to basically be equally dangerous ANYWHERE on the court. Left side, right side, baseline, elbow extended, top of the key, and even a 40 footer from just inside of half court in this one. And a pure 40-foot jump shot, which takes some serious wrist and forearm strength.

[@marcbadayos2689]

man,if MJ plays in todays era he would easily drop 70 more points thats how deadly he is!!!

[@thataintrighttho]

he literally took a jumpshot from the half court and poured it in.. what a legend..

[@RatedRex1]

For all of you haters who bring up MJ's low 3-pt shooting percentage, here why. He took a lot of end of the quarter, end of the half flings. He wasn't worried out his 3-pt percentage. Guys like Steve Kerr and John Paxson never took those shots. Kerr admits that he, as well as a lot of guys won't take that shot. MJ, Pippen, Magic, Barkley, Isiah and a few other players from the 80s and 90s didn't mind taking those flings, subsequently their 3-pt FG% suffered.

[@f.tylerpeck885]

Actually the reason MJ shot 33% for his career from long range was primarily because until 1989 he wasn't a three point shooter, shooting about 17% from three. From 1989 onward, he was a career 36% three point shooter. His three point percentage in his final year with the bulls was low because of broken bones in his shooting hand, and low in his wizards years due to bad knees that hurt his lift. Another reason was because the three pointer was not nearly the factor that it is in today's NBA game. So MJ only shot a low percentage when he didn't take many threes early in his career or when injured. He also shot 39% from three point range from 1989 to 1998 in the NBA playoffs, and was a career 37% three point shooter in the NBA finals. For a long time he was the career leader in three pointers made during the NBA finals Careful statistical analysis reveals that from the mid to later parts of his career, MJ was dangerous three point shooter. Only people who didn't watch MJ, don't understand statistics, or are naysayers think he wasn't a three threat.

[@f.tylerpeck885]

And for that era, 36% from downtown was WELL above league average.

[@boogieloo1831]

- yeah looking at MJ's 3-pt percentages in the later years is demonstrative of his skills. In his first 8 seasons, his number of attempts per season was so low, it's not large enough of a sample size to get a truly accurate percentage. Even in '92 when he went of in Game 1 of the Finals setting the record with most 3's in a Finals half (6 3 pointers which Ray Allen later broke), he actually only attempted somewhere below 50 attempts for the season - I can't remember the exact number of attempts but it was ridiculously low. Once he started shooting them later in his career, he averaged in the mid 30 percentile and high 30 percentile in the playoffs. Now understand that the line was a foot shorter from '95-'97 and you can deduct the percentage a few points but in this year's, he shot a really high percentage so it evens out. If he played today where everyone is practicing the 3 pointer, I can guarantee that he'd be a 40%+ shooter.

[@bergundy53]

Well it beats ppl that use this against mike cause he was scoring all those points without 3s as a sg!!!

[@1CHOZN7]

Plus this wasn't a 3 point Era like now. So players built a overall game compared to now

[@usuck1883]

“The Glove...I had no problem with The Glove” - His Airness

[@nemiaidid]

LOL "I had no problem with The Glove"

[@TheKingOfRuckus]

19-28, that's 5 shots OVER 50%, mostly on jumpers(one from damn near halfcourt). When people even THINK this guy was anything less than great, it boggles my mind.

[@claus1225]

i dont know anyone who can take a "real" jumpshot near mid court. I mean really jumping a foot in the air and then releasing the shot from half court.

[@Cue-pv3jg]

Since college, Jordan's jumpsuit improved tremendously - to where it turned into a marvelous thing of true beauty!

[@jD873KiD]

I think it's comical that people actually believe Lebum is better than Jordan! LOL!

[@delfra70]

Julio De La Fuente Yeah Lebron is a great player, but he's definitely not at MJ's level.

[@rambosexy2009]

Julio De La Fuente Agree. Lebron = an unskilled loser 😂😂😂😂

[@evaburnz]

don't know why people have to mock LeBron though, I mean the guy is certainly no bum. Jordan is the GOAT and Bron is the COAT (Closest of All-Time)

[@nbagoats4819]

Not even Shawn Kemp could do anything with MJ when he picked up the defense. Crazy.

[@dogeban]

what an outstanding performance from a player who was not even at his prime(!) He was still better than anyone else on the floor. Heavier, not being able to play in the hoop all thet time (that's why he became a jump shooter) but still the best, still scoring 30 points per game, still dominant and undefeated in the playoffs! GOAT! Enough said!

[@Jumpman1989]

Back in Jordan times, there were a lot of Forwards/Guards who became Defensive Player of the Year. Jordan was guarded by Sidney Moncrief (2x in a row DPOY back in the 80s), then you had Alvin Robertson who was also a guard and DPOY in the 80s, then you had Rodman who was consistently guarding Jordan (2x DPOY), Payton DPOY in 96. My point is that Jordan had to go through a lot tougher man to man defense because players on his position were specialized in defense.

[@Loquacious_Jackson]

penis

[@jimvick8397]

Got to meet MJ for the first time after this game...

[@maconection7679]

8:05 the man is unstoppable, best player ever Michael Jordan

[@staidenofanarchy]

4:06 Steve Kerr got that Curry range tho.

[@relaxstaycalm1906]

it's the other way round boy

[@depannist]

Anybody could have a good game against MJ. But no single player stopped MJ in a playoff series. It always took a team effort. One-on-one, Payton had little chance of stopping that turn-around jumper. Didn't have the height to block MJ, even at 34 yrs old and definitely not the strength to keep from being backed down. Did a good job in the finals, but chasing and denying MJ for 4 games straight would've taken its toll.

[@scottmacdonald6096]

2:05 is my favorite moment of this game. Kemp is all over him and he still makes the shot look easy.

[@simplygu]

Never understood why someone didn't hand him a towell to dry off his face before an interview after a game. Sweat dripping everywhere.

[@akindallmagnum]

Artistry at its finest...

[@TheLionaaa]

@2:35 Georges Karl is like : " Oh shit..I shouldn't have said it..."

[@mgb4692]

He got punished by getting to have Javale McGee

[@TwoThreeForever]

thanks for the upload man. 5/5 GREAT quality to for a '97 video!

[@alaskanmarine1]

Michael had several end of quarter buzzer beaters. This one reminds me of the 1993 Playoff game against the Hawks.

[@manuginobilisbaldspot424]

"I had no problem with The Glove" Case in point.

[@SugeWhite52]

I used to have this game on tape. I watched that half court buzzer beater over and over and over and over and over

[@auahe4881]

today he would score a hundred pts

[@Maal7432]

Must be talking about the D-League.

[@almir908]

@@Maal7432 nope in the nba. If booker can get 70 as a rookie then jordan definitely can get 100

[@tz6706]

jmaal2345 stupid fuck

[@moregoldmoregold]

He was so quick.

[@MrHotSpice100]

Seems like MJ made it a point to kill them on jump shots since someone said he takes too many 😂 taking it persona as always

[@Xrayballer88]

There is also the fact that guards must evolve their games in order to remain elite scorers in the league because they can't rely on athleticism and explosiveness their entire careers. To hang with the big men on the all-time scoring list, wings like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant turn into jump shooters and post players when they reach the age where they can no longer fill up the box scores with monster dunks and acrobatic layups.

[@62lceaser]

MJ clearly took what George Karl said personally

[@ElderYouth]

King of midrange

[@Major2219]

I remember watching this live back in 1997. I was like WOW when Jordan made that half court shot!!! That's back when the Bulls were unstoppable.

[@meharinationsportspodcast2582]

Jim McIlvaine was a huge bust for the Sonics. The management gave him a $35 million contract instead giving a raise for Shawn Kemp which is one of the reasons why Kemp demanded to be traded after the 1997 Season and got sent to Cleveland where Kemp career went to serious downhill after leaving Seattle.

[@scottbignell]

Jordan took the mid-range jump-shot to a whole other level in those final years in Chicago. He could fade left, right or back, let go at the top of his leap, or on the way down. Just had too many high-percentage options.

[@TheDignam]

When MJ gets older, he understood to attack less the cercle, and shot much more with the "Fadaway Jumpshot". He was the Best, because he was more intelligent than the others with a best physical condition. I miss moreover the Keyarena, Supersonics still exist !

[@Jesus_Paid]

7:30 ...(dammmnnn coach why you sending me back out there mann?..I don't want to guard this dude anymore)

[@kevleongyuewei]

99.9% pure class and elegance in interviews, personality and looks. He does really look good. And those shots too.

[@TheGapeMan1]

I'm from bellingham wa , and this was when b ball was good. I miss this and I pray someday hoops will be the same and you know what im saying if your my age

[@mrmacross]

I think Jordan actually got tired come the Finals. He was 33, and played every single game that year, and by the time the Finals rolled around and he was getting dogged by Payton, his shooting went to pot. Tim Grover mentioned that the next season, one of his conditioning goals for Jordan was to reduce his muscle mass, dropping his weight from 215 to under 210, to help him conserve energy.

[@myron_ob7]

45 points on 66% shooting? GOAT

[@youtuber3328]

this wasn't a playoff game and the goats tied literally always have and will be wilt chamberlain and bill russell

[@billbill-row9620]

@@youtuber3328 the goat is not only the number of points. Watching MJ is like watching a masterpiece. I don’t feel the same émotion with any ôter player.

[@wowhead1]

my good gosh, so that 3:22 jumper is just crazy, i'm not sure i've ever seen anyone else able to do that with any actual consistency...goes up for the jumper, planning to just shoot it normally, sees the defender, double clutches ON A JUMPER, hangs in the air longer than should be allowed, then finishes shooting it with the same fluidity he would have had on just the normal jumper...that truly was just nuts

[@delfra70]

Another day at the office for MJ and the Bulls. Very impressive performance on the road against one of the strongest teams in the league in Seattle, and on their home court without the 'Worm'. Going into this game, you would have really thought this would be one of those games where the Bulls would sorely miss Rodman, but they did'nt, just shows how great of a team they we're.

[@naricacute]

i dont really like NBA before but since MJ is there im so eager to watch NBA eveytime theres Chicago Bulls game. Theres no other player can compare his skills and moves i love MJ

[@victormartin3539]

Jordan had a trillion moves nobody had footwork like MJ the man is the goat

[@panosmj23]

That block at the beginning was all that MJ wanted...after that he destroyed them!!

[@Crypto_prod35]

Look at Jordan man so inspirational

[@MrKayNGee]

You could always tell when MJ's jumper was on with that backpedal of his. LOL.

[@jevonj77]

After this game Jordan Rules were recreated!

[@realtopatop2003]

payton cannot guard jordan when he is having a good game and not dealing with issues like the death of his father

[@johnruggiero4205]

Everyone loves Air Jordan 11 Concordes in white with black leather, but I love those 12’s I always did. Even though I didn’t find mine to be comfortable back in 97 when I got a pair of the original color combo worn in this game.

[@junheeho6311]

MJ was a dunker and 'slasher'. XD

[@TheZayzkidd3]

Nowadays that pullup against Hersey Hawkins would be an "And-one." Stop comparing LeBron and Kobe to this cat.

[@TheChannelThatTimeForgot]

If your statements were true, then the NBA wouldn't have decided to change the rules. The fans were becoming complacent with defensive, grind it out games and wanted a faster, higher scoring tempo. Hand checking was banished, big men were banished from the paint and low end players started pouring in points from everywhere as it has become so easy to score today. 'Footage proves this'

[@pippomarchetti239]

these days I see Kobe shooting skills and I think wow he's really good..then I see this vid that reminds me of old days and MJ and I realize his skills in Jumpers and post-up were the best ever

[@omardabo1287]

My guy... simply the best to ever do it. How dare they put lebron and MJ on the same level. Jordan is the best athlete and basketball player ever created by GOD.

[@pippomarchetti239]

he was a shooter..how many players could shoot like that so easily..he took some really tough shots

[@jcf4074]

Pippen was 2/14 in this game. His only fgs came in the first quater. After that it was all MJ, only one to score in double digits for team. Talk about carrying the load

[@julesickdrums]

Scotty Pippen , Luc Longley, Steve Kerr and Michael Jordan those where the 90's bulls the best of all time.

[@JustInCASE326]

Lebron may be able to score as much but he can never score the way Michael does. MJ is so smooth while lebron plays like a rock.

[@jeahhh]

haha craig elho watching that half court shot go in!!! you know in his mind hes like "I fucking hate this man..."

[@delfra70]

Exactly, what's wrong with MJ dominataing from the perimeter as well. When MJ slashes to the basket all the haters wanted to say is that's all he does and when he nails jump shot after jump shot all the haters can say is he can no longer slash to the basket, haha the man can't win. So which one is it, you can't have both scenarios. Or is just MJ did it his thing in multiple ways like i believe.

[@TheChannelThatTimeForgot]

I find it 'comical' to debate with someone who types 'lmaoooooooo' NBA today - removal of handchecking and the install of the 3 second rule to help promote players score in order to attract more fans as they grew tired of the defensive era of the late 80's and 90's. I suggest looking it up. 260 lbs players considered the 'best in the world' in today's game resort to flopping and faking contact - then when they really get fouled, cry to the media. The NBA is a women's league today.

[@spaftw123]

6:55 poor Ehlo. Can't catch a break no matter what team he is on.

[@doubleu1603]

There had been talk of Gary Payton shutting Mike down during the 96 Finals in addition to what George Karl had said regarding Mike shooting jumpers. M had double motivation for dominating the way he did.

[@xzver]

No.1 Great Upload!

[@LifeGotIt]

Lets' no forget that Gary Payton who earn the nickname "the glove" is the only point guard in NBA history to have won defensive player of the year. I don't think people really understand just how phenomenal MJ was!!

[@juice4080]

The Glove lol

[@tripsmarketinggroup]

juice4080 espn!!! lol 😂

[@egpytiankobe]

2:11 watch Jud Beuchler on the Chicago bench after Michael makes the incredible shot over The Reign Man...What a treat for all those guys on the Bulls Roster. Luckiest role players in the world!

[@zerimar26]

George Karl had to eat his own words. MJ proved he could win in any way. Shooting from outside or driving to the hoop, it didn't matter.

[@CoreyT127]

Legend has it mj is still hitting fade aways on Seattle and they dont even have a team anymore?

[@heyyy19]

Oh my, he made Gary Payton look silly at 7:51.

[@vincelunceford]

Jordan's jumper is a piece of art

[@londonmcgrew8465]

Come on man 23 wore 23...

[@gaetanodelprete5893]

Payton the Jordan stopper. 19 on 27 .nobody stopped the goat

[@akonvict]

That has to be the bitterest comment I've heard from a coach to an opposite team's player. What's wrong with being a jump shooter? ROFL sounds like he's still mad that MJ still lights 'em up, even with jumpshots.

[@maconection7679]

Michael jordan is the one that make this game beautiful as an art ! Look it him go ! The myth