Michael Jordan’s legacy in the sport of basketball is dominated by how he put the sport on the global map and also by how he rose to the occasion during clutch situations.
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His playoff and NBA finals record is a testament to how MJ was the man for the big occasion. 6-0 in the finals, not a lot of NBA players can achieve that enviable record.
But there is more to that than what meets the eye.
A 6-0 record in the finals is something that separates Jordan from the rest. While his career statistics might be largely comparable to LeBron’s(at this stage), his record in the finals and the rings that he has makes him the greatest of all time.
On this day in 1996: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Toni Kukoc became the first trio to score 30 or more points in a single-game in Bulls history to beat the Lakers 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Rl7FYGc1y1
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 17, 2018
The Impressive Fact About Michael Jordan’s Playoff Runshttps://t.co/gINHArt4u0 pic.twitter.com/n9KkvJuJmO
— Fadeaway World (@FadeawayWorld) December 18, 2018
However, an impressive stat about his playoff statistics has emerged, one that really captures the greatness of Jordan and that Chicago Bulls team.
Jordan played 24 playoff series games in which his team was better seeded or of the same seed.
Never did MJ’s team get upset in the playoffs, as he has a 24-0 record whenever his team was the better or the same seed with respect to his playoff opponents.(as tweeted by Micah Adams).
“Michael Jordan played in 24 playoff series in which his team was either the better or same seed. He went 24-0. Going strictly by seeding, he was not upset even a single time in the playoffs. This is far more impressive than the 6-0 Finals record.” he tweeted.
Michael Jordan played in 24 playoff series in which his team was either the better or same seed.
He went 24-0.
Going strictly by seeding, he was not upset even a single time in the playoffs.
This is far more impressive than the 6-0 Finals record.
— Micah Adams (@MicahAdams13) December 16, 2018
Michael Jordan: 5,590 more field goals than free throws
LeBron James: 5,395 more field goals than free throws
Kobe Bryant: 4,035 more field goals than free throws
Kevin Durant: 2,219 more field goals than free throws
James Harden: 193 more free throws than field goals
— Tony Hughes (@TC_Hughes) December 14, 2018
Now, that is one impressive stat that gives you more perspective and insight into the greatness of Michael Jordan.
LeBron James has a 3-6 record in the NBA finals and if he has to have any chance of having the upper hand on MJ in the GOAT debate, he’ll need to find a way to better that 3-6 record, because his championships will define how he is remembered.
For the time being LeBron is focussed on building that Lakers team around him so that he can take them to the playoffs this year and then make a big surge for the NBA title next season, when the Lakers add a couple of more superstars to their roster.
LeBron James too praised ‘god’ Michael Jordan, when speaking about the first time he met him when he was a 16 year old.
LeBron James was 16 years old when he first met Michael Jordan. 🐐#NBA pic.twitter.com/FxXOHeEMPG
— GJ (@GJohal21) December 15, 2018
Do you think MJ is the greatest player of all time?