The 1987-1988 NBA season was a remarkable season for Michael Jordan, the shooting guard for the Chicago Bulls. Jordan established himself as one of the best players in the league, finishing the season as the NBA’s scoring champion while leading the Bulls to their first playoff series win in over a decade.
MJ became the only player to win DPOY & the Scoring Title in the same season. Jordan had an incredible season on an individual level, averaging 35.0 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game, and 5.9 assists per game. He was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, his first of five MVP awards in his career, and was selected to the All-NBA First Team for the second consecutive year.
Under Jordan’s leadership, the Bulls compiled a 50-32 record during the regular season, earning the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. In the playoffs, Jordan’s performances were outstanding, leading the Bulls to a first-round victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, their first playoff series win since the 1981-1982 season. They were then defeated by the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, 4-1, a team that would become the Bulls’ biggest rival in the years to come.
Throughout the season, Jordan demonstrated his exceptional skills and athleticism on the court, earning him several memorable moments, including his 55-point game against the New York Knicks and his 40-point game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Overall, the 1987-1988 NBA season stands out as a defining year for Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Jordan’s remarkable performances and leadership were the driving force behind the Bulls’ success, earning him accolades and cementing his status as one of the greatest players in NBA history.