“I'm not here to make a statement” – Michael Jordan downplayed his signature 55-point explosion after Michael Jordan first appeared on the basketball network.
When Michael Jordan first retired in 1995, most people hoped he would take over from where he left in 1993.
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So, proving that he can still score huge points, what does that mean for Mike. So despite having a high 55 points in the Bulls’ win over the New York Knicks, he made it clear that he happened to find his groove in that game.
“I didn’t come here to make a statement – I forgot how to make a statement,” Jordan said after winning through UPI. “I just let the game come to me. I feel very relaxed. A lot of times I'm not doing well here. [Madison Square Garden]. But I felt very comfortable tonight. My expectations were low, but just wanted to adapt and go with the process. ”
In that match, Jordan scored 21 shots in his 37-shot match, with three of three points getting from the 3-point area. But besides his opinion production, his feed to Bill Wennington helped Chicago win the game.
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Despite claims, MJ did set a record that night. His 55 points broke his previous personal high of 53, a feat set by Willie Burton of the Philadelphia 76ers on December 13, 1994.
MJ is heating
Jordan, who came from a long layoff, admitted that he realized he was winning over the Atlanta Hawks before facing the Knicks. Michael scored 32 points in that victory, including the win game basket of the buzzer.
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With Jordan re-understanding the Bulls system, Chicago seemed to be back in the way of winning, losing only 2 games until the end of the regular season.
The more Jordan started scoring, the more the Bulls got into their bad habits – watching instead of playing. This frustrated him. The burden he once was willing to bear now feels like a burden.
“It really made me feel stressed for the first time in my career. I felt very uncomfortable. I told them, 'You have to walk two feet by yourself,'' Jordan quipped in The New York Times.
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The Bulls missed the 1995 playoffs
These words from MJ hardly awaken the Bulls to perform better with the team. Only Toni Kukoc, Scottie Pippen and BJ Armstrong helped Jordan, which would eventually prove the three-time champions at the time.
Chicago easily beat the Charlotte Hornets in the first round to sweep them. In the Eastern Conference playoffs, the Bulls met the Orlando Magic led by Shaquille O'Neal.
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The Magic have a great starting unit, including former Bulls forward Horace Grant. In addition to him and Shaq, there are Anfernee Hardaway, Nick Anderson and Dennis Scott. The Magic will start the Bulls 4-2 in the series.
Despite the loss, Jordan left a lasting impression after averaging 31.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.5 steals. The effort was praised by humble O'Neal, considering Michael was laying off employees.
“I don't think Michael was tired. He was a real superman, and I was a real superboy.” Shaq said.
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Unfortunately, despite expecting Jordan to take over from where he left after the 1993 final, it was a wishful thinking. The athlete needs time to get back into shape and recall his old form.
After a disappointing 1995 export, MJ was able to return to his old self after the full offseason. The loss in 1995 is a warning shot. A year later, Jordan returned with revenge and the league never had a chance.
Related: “I May Want to Hit” – Reggie Miller admits if they meet Michael Jordan face to face today
This story was first appeared on July 20, 2025 by the Basketball Network.