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Michael Jordan's Greatest Moments: The Air Jordan III
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 get everything down in the digital sphere, Complex is putting together a multi-part series that breaks down his legacy by the shoes he wore on the court. We started with Michael Jordan
Jordan Bests Olajuwon (12/12/1987)
In a game against the #1 pick of the 1984 NBA Draft, Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Jordan led the Bulls to victory over the Houston Rockets. Olajuwon put up an impressive 31 against the Bulls, but the hyper-competitor Michael Jordan bested him with 44. Jordan also displayed his defensive prowess, racking up more blocks than Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson, Houston's other seven-footer, combined.
Jordan One-Ups Larry Bird (4/24/1988)
Three days prior to this game, Larry Bird and his Celtics were victorious over the Bulls. Jordan couldn't let it happen again, so he did what he did best, and put up 46 points. The Bulls won their 50th victory of the season on this night.
Jordan Drops 59 On the Pistons (4/3/1988)
To say that Jordan had a hot hand this night is a huge understatement. He shot an unbelievable 22 of 27 from the floor in one of his best performances of the year. With the game tied at 110, Jordan blocked Isiah Thomas
Michael Wins His First All-Star Game MVP (2/2/1988)
Chicago
Michael Meets Mars Blackmon (1987-88 Campaign)
Mars Blackmon was a bike messenger in Spike's 1986 film, She's Gotta Have It. If you're a Spike Lee fan, you know this, but Mars is probably more famous as MJ's co-star from the Air Jordan commercials as his annoying but lovable sidekick. Spike collaborated with Michael to put together what would become of of the greatest commercial series on Earth...and Mars!
The Flu Game Before the Flu Game (4/19/88)
Most Jordan fans know of the "Flu Game" that took place during the 1998 Finals when the Bulls played the Jazz, but there was another "Flu Game" that preceded it. Michael had been suffering from a stomach virus but played anyway (he's Mike, of course he played). He self-medicated by going in on the Knicks. Jordan was in a zone this night, shooting 17 of 23 with an array of jumpers, acrobatic layups, and ferocious dunks—including a a thunderous alley-oop over Mark Jackson's head. Even at less than 100%, he was able to do things that regular players only dream of.
Jordan Dominates the Cavs (4/28 - 5/8/1988)
In Game 1, Craig Ehlo was assigned the task of guarding Michael Jordan. Jordan made sure this was a Cavs FAIL, so in response to Ehlo's embarrassing efforts, Cleveland put Ron Harper on Mike. Harper, a poor man
MJ Wins DPOY, MVP, and Scoring Title (April 1988)
By season's end, Michael led the league in scoring and helped secure the Bull's 50-32 record, the team's first 50-win season in franchise history. He finished the season with an impressive stat line that included 35 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. On the defensive side, a part of Michael
Michael Wins 1988 Slam Dunk Contest (2/6/1988)
Basketball fans had been waiting for the MJ/Dominique Wilkins rematch since 1985. Injuries had derailed the Dunk Contest meet-up in 1986 and '87, but in 88, Michael and the "Human Highlight Reel" put on a classic duel. Jordan eventually won when he soared from the free throw line for a perfect score of 50. With this victory, MJ became the first person to win the dunk contest two years in a row.
