There aren’t many who can rival Michael Jordan’s achievements during his 15-year stint in the NBA.
When Michael Jordan entered the league as the No. 3 overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft, he was primarily viewed as a phenomenal scorer.
But it didn’t take long for Jordan to prove his talents as a phenomenal two-way player in the league. After all, he took home the 1988 NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards while leading the league in scoring.
However, when it came to winning NBA Championships, Jordan had to wait until 1991 to win the first ring of his career with the Chicago Bulls.
Speaking of which, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit how Jordan played in each of his six NBA Finals appearances during his career.
Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images1990-91 NBA Finals – vs Los Angeles Lakers
Stats: 31.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 11.4 assists, 55.8 FG%
Best game: Game 2 – 33 points, 7 rebounds, 13 assists, 83.3 FG%
After getting beat down by the ‘Bad Boys’ Detroit Pistons for several years, the Jordan-led Bulls finally overcame that hurdle in the 1991 NBA Playoffs.
The Bulls didn’t stop there as they took down the mighty Los Angeles Lakers in just five games. Lakers legend Magic Johnson admitted Jordan’s early foul trouble in the series was ultimately the key to the Bulls’ 4-1 series win.
1991-92 NBA Finals – vs Portland Trail Blazers
Stats: 35.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 52.6 FG%
Best game: Game 1 – 39 points, 3 rebounds, 11 assists, 59.3 FG%, 60.0 3P%
In the 1992 NBA Finals, Jordan faced the Portland Trail Blazers. Although the series was extended to six games, the Bulls walked away with a 4-2 series win.
Jordan also gave fans another iconic moment in the series. Yes, the famous ‘shrug’ game where MJ caught fire from the three-point line.
1992-93 NBA Finals – vs Phoenix Suns
Photo by Bongarts/Getty Images
Stats: 41.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 50.8 FG%
Best game: Game 4 – 55 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 56.8%
In 1993, the Bulls had a chance to three-peat as NBA champions. The only obstacle was Charles Barkley’s Phoenix Suns.
However, Jordan is known for his incredible ability to remain calm in clutch situations. Well, Mike helped the Bulls register a 4-2 series win as he won the third NBA Championship of his career.
1995-96 NBA Finals – vs Seattle Supersonics
Stats: 27.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 41.5 FG%
Best game: Game 3 – 36 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 47.8 FG%
Even today, the 1996 Bulls are considered one of the best teams of all time. After all, they finished the season with a 72-10 record. At the time, it was the best record ever by a franchise.
Coming to the 1996 NBA Finals, this was by far MJ’s worst performance in the finals. Seattle Supersonics’ Gary Payton clamped Jordan throughout the series. However, the Bulls superstar still ended up taking the team to a 4-2 series win.
1996-97 NBA Finals – vs Utah Jazz
Stats: 32.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 45.6 FG%
Best game: Game 2 – 38 points, 13 rebounds, 9 assists, 55.0 FG%
A key reason why Jordan is still respected so much is the fact that during the prime of his career, not only did he win six NBA titles, but many all-time greats retired without a ring because of him.
Utah Jazz’s Karl Malone and John Stockton were among those greats. Mike’s Bulls registered a comfortable 4-2 series win against the Jazz in 1997.
1997-98 NBA Finals – vs Utah Jazz
Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images
Stats: 33.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 42.7 FG%
Best game: Game 6 – 45 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 42.9 FG%
The 1998 NBA Finals was the last time fans saw Jordan in a Chicago Bulls jersey as he announced his retirement after winning the sixth ring of his career.
However, before bidding farewell to the NBA for the second time, MJ put on a scoring feast in the 1998 NBA Finals. That includes his famous game-winner in Game 6 as he finished a sensational career with the Bulls.