Michael Jordan has never been a playoff series loser in all 6 championship games, initially appearing in the Fadeaway world.
Michael Jordan's legacy is based on the highest level of perfection: six NBA Finals, six championships and six finals MVP. However, one of the most overlooked aspects of his playoff domination is that he was never a single playoff series loser in any of his championship games.
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From the first round to the finals, the odds maker never played against his Chicago Bulls once, and he paid every time.
In fact, Jordan’s Bulls made an astonishing 28-1 in a series with a favorite game, a mark that expresses the consistency and superiority of the Chicago team in the 1990s.
The loneliness series loss? After Jordan just returned from a mid-season break from baseball, the second round series against the Orlando Magic in 1995, wearing the No. 45. This is the only time Jordan lost the playoff series after 1990 and he returns with revenge next year.
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Let's break down his six championship results and the showdown he faces:
1991 NBA Playoffs
– First round of the New York Knicks 3-0 in 1991
– 1991 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals beat the Philadelphia 76ers 4-1
– Beating the Detroit Pistons 4-0 in the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals
– 1991 NBA Finals beat the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1
1992 NBA Playoffs
– Beating Miami Heat 3-0 in 1992
– Beating the New York Knicks 4-3 in the 1992 Eastern Conference Semi-finals
– Beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-2 in the 1992 Eastern Conference Finals
– The 1992 NBA Finals beat the Portland Trail Blazers 4-2
1993 NBA Playoffs
– First round defeat of the Atlanta Hawks 3-0 in 1993
– Beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0 in the 1993 Eastern Conference Semi-Final
– 1993 Eastern Conference Finals beat the New York Knicks 4-2
– 1993 NBA Finals beat Phoenix Suns 4-2
1996 NBA Playoffs
– Beating Miami Heat 3-0 in 1996
– 1996 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals beat the New York Knicks 4-1
– Beating Orlando Magic 4-0 in the 1996 Eastern Conference Finals
– Beating Seattle Supersonics 4-2 in 1996
1997 NBA Playoffs
– Defeat Washington Bullets 3-0 in 1997
– Beating the Atlanta Hawks 4-1 in the 1997 Eastern Conference Semi-Final
– 1997 Eastern Conference Finals beat the Miami Heat 4-1
– 1997 NBA Finals beat Utah Jazz 4-2
1998 NBA Playoffs
– First round defeat of the New Jersey Nets 3-0 in 1998
– Beating the Charlotte Hornets 4-1 in the 1998 Eastern Conference Semi-Final
– Beating the Indiana Pacers 4-3 in the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals
– 1998 NBA Finals beat Utah Jazz 4-2
This tells us about Michael Jordan's greatness?
Now, let's put it in the context. Jordan is the most popular 28-1, but he is 4-4 in the playoff series, he is a loser, before his championship game or before his Wizarding time, he is.
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Meanwhile, LeBron James scored 32-3 on the loser, while 5-10 was 5-10. The record of 5-10 losers is usually constituted heroic and in many ways. His 2016 comeback against the 73-9 Warriors was one of the greatest unpleasant situations ever. But it also underscores the less popular side of LeBron's team's entry into the series.
Kobe Bryant is a favorite 32-5, while 1-6 is the weak. His only frustrating victory against the San Antonio Spurs loser in the 2004 Western Conference semifinals. This shows that Kobe worked hard to win the playoff series when the odds piled up with him.
Being a favorite doesn't mean it's easy. This means you will bear the burden of expectation, and Jordan will bear the weight every spring. In the finals, his Bulls did not shrink under pressure at once. They didn't have a smaller team grabbing them and slipping at once.
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In fact, it is striking that Jordan’s domination is more than just a ring. It's about never doubting. He doesn't need Game 7 in the final. He didn't beat the lead 3-1. He was not swept away. Moreover, he did not make the playoff series in the championship game.
This is part of the reason why Jordanian myth is unshakable. Not only did he win, he could win, and he did it every time. No mistakes. No excuses. No missing finals. Perfect record. Perfect legacy.
Related: Michael Jordan, 39, is burning Kevin Garnett
This story was first appeared on July 20, 2025 by Fadeaway World.