NBA playoffs: Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics
Game 2 of the Best of 5 series, at the Boston Garden.
Michael Jordan, in his second NBA season, scored a playoff record 63 points in the Bulls 135-131 double overtime loss to the Celtics. Jordan had scored 49 points in game one of the series.
Down two points, with :09 remaining in regulation, Jordan stole the ball from Boston center Robert Parish. After a timeout, Jordan launched a 3-point attempt that missed as the buzzer sounded. But referee Ed Middleton called a pushing foul against McHale. After several minutes of loud booing, Jordan calmly hit both free throws, points 53 and 54, to force overtime.
Larry Bird scored 36 for the Celtics, to go along with 12 rebounds and 8 assists. Kevin McHale added 27 points and 15 rebounds. Bill Walton pulled down 15 rebounds. It was Boston back-up guard, Jerry Sichting, that hit the eventual game-winner. His 18-foot jumper from the top of the key with :51 remaining in the second overtime that put the Celtics ahead to stay 133-131.
Here is the boxscore:
The Jordan stat line
53 of 58 game minutes
63 points
22 of 41 field goals
0 of 0 three point field goals
19 of 21 free throws
5 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steaks and 2 blocks
N.Y. Times game story: Michael Jordan came, he scored but he did not conquer.
Quote of note:"I think he's God disguised as Michael Jordan,"-Larry Bird
Jordan had publicly battled Bulls management to even play in the series. In the third game of the regular season, he broke a bone in his left foot and was sidelined for over 60 games. The Bulls wanted him to sit and heal completely for the following season. Jordan forced the Bulls to play him on a limited basis. He was ready to roll come playoff time.