Every time I watch a vintage MJ game footage, what comes to my mind is: pick a superstar, pick any, Kobe, Tmac, LBJ, Vince, and go watch their career top 20 highlights, the choose a random MJ 30+ points vintage footage, he'll give you as good ones.
Michael Jordan had a very quick first step. He also had a very quick studder step. Jordan was virtually unstoppable because he just blew by one, two, and sometimes three defenders. Craig Ehlo once said: "If you guard him close, he would get by you so fast that you can't believe it. If you play off him, then he will hit a jumper. Jordan can really wear a guy out."
Before I saw this game and some others of MJ I was always doubting why people say he's better than some other players like L. James even if they have some equal points, assists, rebounds during their career....and now I see, the style with wich Jordan played and did all that barrely can't be compared. Just beautiful, love the art of his game, and of course, of other great players that played before and now a days :) (And sorry for my English if something it's wrong, jaja).
That play in the opening is the fastest you'll ever see a player get from 37-39 feet out to a dunk. And he gave several dribble moves and changed directions, too. Jordan was ridiculously explosive.
Mind your manners and be glad he took the time to upload it. The video quality on old games was poor to begin with, which is probably why it looks the way it does.
there definitely might be people today who have more talent than jordan (not that much more), but talent only makes you great. Talent, HARD WORK, and an unbelievable heart is what makes you a legend. These players today have yet to prove they should be on the same level as jordan.
The rookie's mesmerizing effect was even suggested to have extended to referees as it was said that he was getting veteran preferential treatment allowing him to take that additional step on route to the basket rather than being whistle for a travelling violation. Many assessed that he eluded defenders so easily that he had to be travelling. However, video break down established that his first step was just so quick and that he was not in violation of the rulebook.
Jordan was on an absolute mission this game. And that One hander on the break was sick! There are so many great ingame dunks that are never showed in highlights.
MJ's dunk at 4:12 is one of his greatest as it defines the young Jordan's incredible athletic ability that helped make him the icon that he was. The dunk also signals to his competitors (i.e., Isiah in this case) that Jordan will simply elevate the ball 13' and slam dunk at full speed if he's disparaged. Simple, brutal, effective as executed by the greatest.
you are right...his ball handling skills are hardly mentioned because there is just so much great aspects of his game to mention that some might forget
The story is that in the 1985 all-star game, the veterans were jealous of MJ because was getting all the attention, he had the Nike contract (this was new back then for a player to have his own shoe), the flair and etc. To show him a lesson, it is speculated that Isiah told all the players not to pass the ball to MJ. MJ ended up with only 9 shots the entire game which was very unusual and thus supported this controversy. MJ never forgave Isiah after that - maybe even to this day.
Jordan was so good with his right or his left hand. this game just goes to show you that he used that aspect of his game regularly his whole career. doesnt hurt to have such big hands either!
Jordan revolutionized the whole damn game. It irk me when his haters don't realize that. He gets no credit for creating/refining/popularizing so many moves and shots. Virtualy the entire modern footwork repertoire for perimeter players, for instance, was created/perfected by Jordan.
Amazing Rookie Stats '84-'85 82gp: 28.2ppg, 6.5rpg, 5.9apg, 2.4spg, .515FG%, .845ft%!?! I enjoy it when people try to compare players of today with HOFs like MJ of yesterday.. Reminds me of comparing a B movie to an A movie on special effects. Thx for the post=]
The commentator is George Blaha who still calls Pistons games. One of the best ever. His help is none other than Hall of Famer and current Mayor of Detroit Dave Byng.
Wow @ the speed of the in and out dribble and stutter at 2:02 lol. He juked that guy out of his shoes, and dude was playing to that side to begin with!
That goal was quickly accomplished as later that season he was voted a starter to the 1985 All-Star East squad. There, he probably faced one of his first professional obstacles.
5:47 PLEASE CLEAR THE RUNWAY!!! MICHAEL, YOURE READY FOR TAKEOFF! Seriously though, aint no WAY you can pay me to stand in the way of Jordan preparing for flight like that
Despite all the attention, Jordan retained a sense of humility. He did not ridicule the Blazers for not taking him. Early on in his first season, he told Sports Illustrated, "He [Bowie] fits in better than I would. They have an overabundance of big guards and small forwards." His self-effacement was more apparent when in that same article he said, "I'd like to play in at least one All-Star game."
Jordan was so good, he got bored of the game retired to play baseball, only to comeback to win 3 more championships. Lets see Kobe or Lebron do some shit like that. MJ greatest of all time, and i'm not even a Bulls fan and can admit it.
In the Eastern Conference Finals of the 1991 NBA Playoffs, the two-time defending champion Detroit Pistons faced the Jordan-led Chicago Bulls for the fourth consecutive season in the playoffs. The Pistons had defeated the Bulls in each of the first three meetings, but this time they suffered a four-game sweep at the hands of Michael Jordan and his Chicago Bulls.
Well, Jordan still had big games against the Pistons such as his 59 and 61pt games on national TV where the Bulls won. But it was 1988 playoffs where the pistons dominance over the Bulls team took place.
The rivalry hadn't even formed back then. The Pistons and Bulls both rosters changed over next 2-3 years to make them the Eastern Conference powers that they were
jordan is monster. the defense of piston is not joke they're the best defensive team of all time. you can handcheck a guy in this era. unlike today you can't even touch a guy or do the rough play. that's why you can't compare mj and lbj. "if mj prime plays in this era with sissy rules he will score a 100" - johnson. "if kobe score 81 in todays era mj will get a 100 today" - pipen, " it is virtually impsble to guard jordan if you can handcheck him it Is crazy" - dumars
The media ran with the idea that Eastern All-Star teammate Detroit Pistons' Isiah Thomas, had led a "freeze-out" of the golden rookie limiting his opportunities to score by not passing him the ball.
What's worse is that MJ said he didn't even think nothing of it before he heard about it. That's why he played this game "like a man possessed." He refused to let them lose this game
No player involved has ever confirmed that the "freeze-out" occurred, but the story has been long reported, and has never been refuted by Jordan.[12] Thomas has ridiculed the idea of him being the mastermind behind a supposed "freeze-out" as being "ludicrous" citing that he was a relatively young player on a team including Larry Bird, Julius Erving and Moses Malone.
Then at the All-Star game MJ wore an Air Jordan jumpsuit in the Dunk contest. MJ said he wore it out of loyalty to Nike, but a lot of players took offense to it. Also Isiah hated MJ from the start cause he was from Chicago and all of a sudden MJ comes to Chicago and takes the city by storm. So there was jealousy from the start. MJ said he found out about the freeze out from a reporter after the game and he heard that George Gervin and Isiah were laughing about it.
pretty much right on..in fact i think mj was just faster than chris paul in this age. his quickness is unbelievable for his heightas well. those shutter steps and juke moves are happening so frenquently like he is a little pointguard. also notice how many double/triple clutch shots he has in this game. they are absolutely difficult to execute. it seems like mj just mastered the fundamental from day 1 of his nba career. honestly, i have never see a rookie playing 60% like he is in this game.
And he was a rookie averaging near 30 ppg. and making a mockery of the league. and was voted by the fans as an all star starter. the flashiness really made Isaih jealous.
he was bigger, heavier, stronger than isiah.. but do you see how many times mj beat him with quickness and edft ballhandling? Wow... this is further proof... he is the greatest..
Stutter steps don't count as full steps assuming you dribble again after the stutter-steps. They've never been called a travel for anyone. Think about it: if you're dribbling, as the ball is coming up or resting at its top motion, and you move your feet around quickly several times and dribble the ball again after that, that's not a travel. The same way a guy can take like 3-4 steps in the open court between dribbles. It's not a travel.
You're right, the "freeze-out" can't be proven unless Isiah admits it, but there is a reporter who claims to have overheard Isiah, Gervin and Magic laughing about it. After this, MJ was convinced it was real and that's all that matters in terms of history because Isiah and the Bad Boys became his nemesis in more than one way. If one watches the 1985 all-star game, it looks pretty suspicious and the circumstantial evidence is overwhelming but yes, it is something that will remain a great story.
MJ also had the advantage over Paul because he had a longer stride. So even if Paul is slightly quicker, the extra couple of inches MJ has in his leg length gives him a slight advantage.
To anyone who doesn't believe the freeze out happened read For The Love of The Game. MJ pretty much lays it all out there. I believe it started when MJ got on an elevator and Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were on there. And MJ didn't say anything because he was intimidated. On the court he felt he was there equal but off the court he felt inferior just cause it was Larry Legend and Magic Johnson. And it came across as him being an arrogant flashy rookie.
Greatest of all time and it's not even close, this guy was in another universe entirely. No comparison
I strongly agree and no one can change my mind! 💪
U r right man
Every time I watch a vintage MJ game footage, what comes to my mind is: pick a superstar, pick any, Kobe, Tmac, LBJ, Vince, and go watch their career top 20 highlights, the choose a random MJ 30+ points vintage footage, he'll give you as good ones.
Michael Jordan had a very quick first step. He also had a very quick studder step. Jordan was virtually unstoppable because he just blew by one, two, and sometimes three defenders. Craig Ehlo once said: "If you guard him close, he would get by you so fast that you can't believe it. If you play off him, then he will hit a jumper. Jordan can really wear a guy out."
Before I saw this game and some others of MJ I was always doubting why people say he's better than some other players like L. James even if they have some equal points, assists, rebounds during their career....and now I see, the style with wich Jordan played and did all that barrely can't be compared. Just beautiful, love the art of his game, and of course, of other great players that played before and now a days :) (And sorry for my English if something it's wrong, jaja).
That play in the opening is the fastest you'll ever see a player get from 37-39 feet out to a dunk. And he gave several dribble moves and changed directions, too. Jordan was ridiculously explosive.
MJ had the style along with the skills. Thats why he is the greatest. Style baby
Sweet silky smooth style!
Mind your manners and be glad he took the time to upload it. The video quality on old games was poor to begin with, which is probably why it looks the way it does.
This is a 21 yr old rookie, Out there given veterans da business. When people ask is he the greatest...Shidd, isn't it obvious.
@M lay off the drugs, man.
MJ must be the fastest 6.6 man in history.
+Sam King. So fast. Your so right. Agreed
+Sam King Usain Bolt
the best of all time
who the hell are you
Embarrassing grown men. MJ is a Legend.
Thank you for sharing this! Awesome video featuring the best player of all time as a young pup.
Insane speed at 7:52 as well. 27 feet out and he takes one crossover dribble and is at the basket. Wow.
I wish a rookie came in like that today
The GOAT
I went to this game. I was home for a month leave from the Navy. My Grandmother had tickets and surprised me and my brother in Law. What a great game.
Thanks Hoops. I have always wanted to see this game.
This man did all his damage from 15 feet or less, including free throws....and they STILL couldn't stop him! lol
there definitely might be people today who have more talent than jordan (not that much more), but talent only makes you great. Talent, HARD WORK, and an unbelievable heart is what makes you a legend. These players today have yet to prove they should be on the same level as jordan.
The rookie's mesmerizing effect was even suggested to have extended to referees as it was said that he was getting veteran preferential treatment allowing him to take that additional step on route to the basket rather than being whistle for a travelling violation. Many assessed that he eluded defenders so easily that he had to be travelling. However, video break down established that his first step was just so quick and that he was not in violation of the rulebook.
Man, man, man...! Thx Hoops 4 uploading all these diamonds. Many moves in there I've never seen, and I once thought I'd seen 'em all... wow.
Jordan was on an absolute mission this game. And that One hander on the break was sick! There are so many great ingame dunks that are never showed in highlights.
What kind of monster is he and this a rookie my god!!!
MJ's dunk at 4:12 is one of his greatest as it defines the young Jordan's incredible athletic ability that helped make him the icon that he was. The dunk also signals to his competitors (i.e., Isiah in this case) that Jordan will simply elevate the ball 13' and slam dunk at full speed if he's disparaged. Simple, brutal, effective as executed by the greatest.
You must've meant 4:30 because the one dunking at 4:12 is Orlando Woolridge
Ace Best Correct! My mistake.
you are right...his ball handling skills are hardly mentioned because there is just so much great aspects of his game to mention that some might forget
The story is that in the 1985 all-star game, the veterans were jealous of MJ because was getting all the attention, he had the Nike contract (this was new back then for a player to have his own shoe), the flair and etc. To show him a lesson, it is speculated that Isiah told all the players not to pass the ball to MJ. MJ ended up with only 9 shots the entire game which was very unusual and thus supported this controversy. MJ never forgave Isiah after that - maybe even to this day.
Jordan was so good with his right or his left hand. this game just goes to show you that he used that aspect of his game regularly his whole career.
doesnt hurt to have such big hands either!
@2:43 his footwork is just too slick!
Jordan revolutionized the whole damn game. It irk me when his haters don't realize that. He gets no credit for creating/refining/popularizing so many moves and shots. Virtualy the entire modern footwork repertoire for perimeter players, for instance, was created/perfected by Jordan.
Revenge is sweet with a dish that's served ice cold Jordan style! :-)
Amazing Rookie Stats '84-'85
82gp: 28.2ppg, 6.5rpg, 5.9apg, 2.4spg, .515FG%, .845ft%!?!
I enjoy it when people try to compare players of today with HOFs like MJ of yesterday.. Reminds me of comparing a B movie to an A movie on special effects.
Thx for the post=]
The commentator is George Blaha who still calls Pistons games. One of the best ever. His help is none other than Hall of Famer and current Mayor of Detroit Dave Byng.
all of his movements look so crisp and clean :)
Wow @ the speed of the in and out dribble and stutter at 2:02 lol. He juked that guy out of his shoes, and dude was playing to that side to begin with!
The opening dunk is unbelievable.
high quality... yes sir.
You said it much more succinctly than I just did lol.
That first drive you used as an intro...it's just unbelievable...Imagine you are the defender and MJ is running at you like that !!!SCAAAARY !!!!
That goal was quickly accomplished as later that season he was voted a starter to the 1985 All-Star East squad. There, he probably faced one of his first professional obstacles.
Amazing
"Boy he's tough."
LOL. The one-liners from these early games are so amusing in hindsight.
Incredible commentating in this game.
Simply the best!
5:47 PLEASE CLEAR THE RUNWAY!!! MICHAEL, YOURE READY FOR TAKEOFF! Seriously though, aint no WAY you can pay me to stand in the way of Jordan preparing for flight like that
The slo mos over Isiah are awesome. Well made!!!!!!
That dunk at 1:40...just like the one he did in the All Star Game '96 !! Great style !!!
hoopsencyclopedia, you're the best B-Ball uploader on youtube.
o.o
Yes, this is their first meeting after that game.
Thanks for the upload
4:50
This guy hits the nail right on the head.
"The Results are gonna be the same"
great vid like always ;) this is my favorit channel by far
@BlackCat....i totally agree, the commentating is great, its like listening to the radio, so much description.
your the best !!!1 jordan and hoopsencyclopedia!!!
Despite all the attention, Jordan retained a sense of humility. He did not ridicule the Blazers for not taking him. Early on in his first season, he told Sports Illustrated, "He [Bowie] fits in better than I would. They have an overabundance of big guards and small forwards." His self-effacement was more apparent when in that same article he said, "I'd like to play in at least one All-Star game."
Jordan was so good, he got bored of the game retired to play baseball, only to comeback to win 3 more championships. Lets see Kobe or Lebron do some shit like that. MJ greatest of all time, and i'm not even a Bulls fan and can admit it.
4:33 i cant believe what he just did......who the hell does that? wow
he looked super quick out there, even Isaih couldn't stay with him
In the Eastern Conference Finals of the 1991 NBA Playoffs, the two-time defending champion Detroit Pistons faced the Jordan-led Chicago Bulls for the fourth consecutive season in the playoffs. The Pistons had defeated the Bulls in each of the first three meetings, but this time they suffered a four-game sweep at the hands of Michael Jordan and his Chicago Bulls.
Nice upload, man.
How tf do u stop him? Every time they foul him he just seems to get the and-1 and when they don't foul him he still scores
awesome hoops. just awesome.
I think he's talking about the second-round series between the Hawks and Pistons in 1987.
it is unbelievable the way he passes out of trouble.
that's true. good observation
you didnt normally see him do a dunk in that fashion when he was jumping off one leg
Well, Jordan still had big games against the Pistons such as his 59 and 61pt games on national TV where the Bulls won. But it was 1988 playoffs where the pistons dominance over the Bulls team took place.
I have GREAT respect for Kobe, but when has he ever displayed this type of speed and athleticism? My eyes are not lying to me!
The rivalry hadn't even formed back then. The Pistons and Bulls both rosters changed over next 2-3 years to make them the Eastern Conference powers that they were
Preach brother!!
MJ = the greatest ball player of all time.
Look at that stat line. If it was anyone else in the league and you changed the points from 49 to 25, it would be considered an outstanding game.
"I think he triple clutched!" Classic.
Great Eff!N Drive !!! 5:43
yea i know you tube put it in a different order from what i intended it to be but you understand where to start reading from
damn jordan was FAST!!!!!
No matter how loud Lebron or Kobe cries. Jordan is the game. Period.
MJ is ridiculously good. Just ridiculous what he's doing as a rookie.
I agree. I told a friend of mines the same thing.
jordan is monster. the defense of piston is not joke they're the best defensive team of all time. you can handcheck a guy in this era. unlike today you can't even touch a guy or do the rough play. that's why you can't compare mj and lbj. "if mj prime plays in this era with sissy rules he will score a 100" - johnson. "if kobe score 81 in todays era mj will get a 100 today" - pipen, " it is virtually impsble to guard jordan if you can handcheck him it Is crazy" - dumars
The media ran with the idea that Eastern All-Star teammate Detroit Pistons' Isiah Thomas, had led a "freeze-out" of the golden rookie limiting his opportunities to score by not passing him the ball.
dude its a michael jordan video!! if u want to see isiah and piston highlights type in for a pistons video
BEST EVER AND FUNNY THING IS IT'S NOT EVEN CLOSE!!!!
What's worse is that MJ said he didn't even think nothing of it before he heard about it. That's why he played this game "like a man possessed." He refused to let them lose this game
No player involved has ever confirmed that the "freeze-out" occurred, but the story has been long reported, and has never been refuted by Jordan.[12] Thomas has ridiculed the idea of him being the mastermind behind a supposed "freeze-out" as being "ludicrous" citing that he was a relatively young player on a team including Larry Bird, Julius Erving and Moses Malone.
This was before or after the injury ?
Robert Popescu Before
4:27
"You want this, fool? Watch this."
these are the type of games that taught everyone not piss michael off lol
MJ: FREEZE ME OUT during the All-Star Game? Get ready for a LOOOONG night pal.
Then at the All-Star game MJ wore an Air Jordan jumpsuit in the Dunk contest. MJ said he wore it out of loyalty to Nike, but a lot of players took offense to it. Also Isiah hated MJ from the start cause he was from Chicago and all of a sudden MJ comes to Chicago and takes the city by storm. So there was jealousy from the start. MJ said he found out about the freeze out from a reporter after the game and he heard that George Gervin and Isiah were laughing about it.
pretty much right on..in fact i think mj was just faster than chris paul in this age. his quickness is unbelievable for his heightas well. those shutter steps and juke moves are happening so frenquently like he is a little pointguard.
also notice how many double/triple clutch shots he has in this game. they are absolutely difficult to execute. it seems like mj just mastered the fundamental from day 1 of his nba career. honestly, i have never see a rookie playing 60% like he is in this game.
move at 2:48 on Zeke was sick as hell
was this the game right after the MJ's first all-star game...the one where isiah pretty much refused to pass to him?
And he was a rookie averaging near 30 ppg. and making a mockery of the league. and was voted by the fans as an all star starter. the flashiness really made Isaih jealous.
he was bigger, heavier, stronger than isiah.. but do you see how many times mj beat him with quickness and edft ballhandling? Wow... this is further proof... he is the greatest..
Hilarious! Isaiah guarding Jordan, lol! 😅
Stutter steps don't count as full steps assuming you dribble again after the stutter-steps. They've never been called a travel for anyone. Think about it: if you're dribbling, as the ball is coming up or resting at its top motion, and you move your feet around quickly several times and dribble the ball again after that, that's not a travel. The same way a guy can take like 3-4 steps in the open court between dribbles. It's not a travel.
You're right, the "freeze-out" can't be proven unless Isiah admits it, but there is a reporter who claims to have overheard Isiah, Gervin and Magic laughing about it. After this, MJ was convinced it was real and that's all that matters in terms of history because Isiah and the Bad Boys became his nemesis in more than one way. If one watches the 1985 all-star game, it looks pretty suspicious and the circumstantial evidence is overwhelming but yes, it is something that will remain a great story.
MJ also had the advantage over Paul because he had a longer stride. So even if Paul is slightly quicker, the extra couple of inches MJ has in his leg length gives him a slight advantage.
4:30
Wow, damn he was lightning quick.
is that shuffling stutter step move considered a travel now in the nba?
To anyone who doesn't believe the freeze out happened read For The Love of The Game. MJ pretty much lays it all out there. I believe it started when MJ got on an elevator and Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were on there. And MJ didn't say anything because he was intimidated. On the court he felt he was there equal but off the court he felt inferior just cause it was Larry Legend and Magic Johnson. And it came across as him being an arrogant flashy rookie.