When michael jordan averaged 37 1 points per game in 1986 87 his chicago bulls were a sub 500 eighth seeded playoff team that got swept by the boston celtics in the first round

When Michael Jordan Averaged 37.1 Points Per Game in 1986-87, His Chicago Bulls Were a Sub-.500, Eighth-Seeded Playoff Team That Got Swept by the Boston Celtics in the First Round

The name Michael Jordan is synonymous with greatness in the world of basketball. His skills, athleticism, and competitive spirit elevated him to become one of the greatest players in NBA history. However, not all of Jordan’s accomplishments came with the support of a dominant team.

In the 1986-87 NBA season, Michael Jordan averaged a phenomenal 37.1 points per game. This remarkable achievement solidified his position as the league’s leading scorer and showcased his ability to consistently put up high numbers on the scoreboard. Despite Jordan’s individual brilliance, his Chicago Bulls team faced significant challenges during that season.

The Chicago Bulls of the 1986-87 season were far from being a dominant force in the NBA. They finished the regular season with a sub-.500 record, meaning they won fewer games than they lost. This placed them as the eighth and final seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. It’s quite unusual for a team with a losing record to make the playoffs, let alone face the formidable Boston Celtics in the first round.

The Boston Celtics were a powerhouse team led by Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish. They had dominated the NBA in the 1980s, winning multiple championships. Therefore, the odds were stacked heavily against the underdog Bulls.

Despite the uphill battle, Michael Jordan’s incredible scoring prowess was on full display during the playoff series against the Celtics. He continued to light up the scoreboard, averaging 43.7 points per game in the three-game series. Unfortunately, his individual brilliance couldn’t compensate for the team’s overall deficiencies, and the Bulls were ultimately swept by the Celtics.

This fact about Michael Jordan’s extraordinary scoring season and the Bulls’ less than stellar performance is a testament to the importance of a well-rounded team in the competitive landscape of the NBA. While individual brilliance is undoubtedly valuable, it often takes a collective effort to achieve success in the playoffs.

Jordan’s scoring exploits may have made headlines, but the lack of team success during that particular season serves as a reminder that basketball is a team sport. As remarkable as Jordan’s numbers were, they couldn’t carry the Bulls past a dominant Celtics side.

To this day, Michael Jordan’s 1986-87 season stands as a remarkable individual accomplishment in the face of team adversity. It showcases his ability to consistently perform at an elite level, even when the odds are stacked against him. It also highlights the challenges that come with trying to carry a team to victory without sufficient support.

This fact serves as a captivating piece of NBA history, reminding us that even the greatest players face challenges on their path to greatness. Michael Jordan’s scoring prowess in the face of team struggles further cements his legacy as a basketball icon and an inspiration for future generations of athletes.

Source: USA Today - 101 Sports Facts Trivia