Fly Like An Eagle: Later Years of Michael Jordan
When we last left Michael Jordan, he was in his sixth season. He was already famous for the numerous records that he had set, and broken. The name Jordan was in the mouth of every fan. Even the opposing fans were happy to see him
play. Now, we will look at his achievements and his past, starting at the 1990-91 season.
Finally at the Finals
This season was one of Jordan’s most important seasons. There were two major events that took place that shaped Jordan into more of a superhero than a human. The Chicago Bulls were going through a major losing streak against the
Detroit Pistons. They would make it to the play-offs only to be sent back home, with nothing but a disappointing loss. This season was different; The Bulls faced their rivals in the arena during the 1990-91 play-offs and humiliated them. The Pistons were so
surprised and furious by their defeat, that Isiah Thomas, led his team straight to the locker rooms, instead of staying back to congratulate the other team. The Bulls went on to the finals to face the Los Angeles Lakers, only to defeat them four games to one.
This was their first time coming in 16 years. During this time, they had also set a record of 61 wins in a regular season. Jordan had an impressive average of 56 percent shooting average and an average of 31.2 points. These statistics led him to win his very
first Finals MVP award.
Jordan and the Bulls destroyed their next season. They established a 67-15 record, breaking their own previous record from their last season. Jordan also achieved his second MVP award, with an average of 30.1 points, 6.4 rebounds
and 6.1 assists on 52 percent shooting.
During the finals, Jordan met Clyde Drexler when playing against the Portland Trail Blazers. The media wanted to create an epic rivalry between the two opposing players by underlining their similarities. During the game, Jordan
scored 35 points in the first half, and a record breaking six 3-point baskets. He won his second consecutive finals MVP.
It was the 1992-93 season when Michael Jordan finally lost his MVP streak to Charles Barkley of the Phoenix Suns. Jordan did however manage to grab the final MVP award, thus making him the only player of his time to do so.
The year 1993 was riddled with controversy for Michael Jordan. He was seen, gambling the night before an important game. Later on during the year Jordan admitted that he had 57000 dollars in gambling losses. Michael Jordan retired
that same year.
Retirement and Baseball
He stated that he had lost the desire to play, after his father had been murdered in a robbery earlier in the year. He founded a Boys and Girls Club in memory of his father. He also claims that he was thinking of retiring from
the sport from as early as 1992. Other reasons for his retirement were due to the exhaustion from participating in the 1992 Olympic Games and some non-basketball related troubles.
In 1994 Jordan dropped a bomb on the already confused head of the sporting world by joining minor league baseball. He explained that he wanted to fulfill the dreams of his late father (to have a son in the Major League Baseball).
He played for the White Sox, a team that was owned by Jerry Reinsdorf who also owned the Chicago Bulls.
“Return of the Legend”
In the 1993-94 season, the Bulls suffered a loss to the New York Nicks during the play-offs. The absence of Michael Jordan was really hurting them. The Bulls received a very much needed break when Jordan decided that baseball was
not the sport for him and came back to basketball. He took to the courts against the Pacers. This match had the highest “Nielson rating” ever recorded (Nielson rating is a method of measuring the number of audiences during a game). Jordan pulled the team to
the semi finals against the Orlando Magics, even though Jordan averaged 31 points in the game, Orlando won.
Michael Jordan’s background is filled with a rich history of achievements and tragedies. He is truly a unique individual, who defines the history of sports.
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