Watch: When a rookie Michael Jordan put the NBA on notice by bossing the game on his Madison Square Garden debut
Madison Square Garden is a venue where NBA stars make a name for themselves, including Michael Jordan. On this day 38 years ago, the Chicago Bulls legend put on a show in New York in his first game at MSG.
In just the seventh game of his career, MJ found himself squaring off against the New York Knicks in the Garden. It was there that he gave one of the first sneak peeks into just how special of a player he was going to become.
When Michael Jordan was drafted third overall by the Bulls, nobody expected him to become arguably the greatest player ever. He had some hype after a successful run at UNC, but nothing to the degree of top picks today. That said, he took this game as an opportunity to make a statement to the rest of the NBA.
MJ played 33 minutes that night and posted a stat line of 33 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Behind a strong showing from the rookie, the Bulls were able to take down the Knicks by 15 points.
38 YEARS AGO TODAY 🐐
Rookie Michael Jordan put on a spectacular air show in his MSG debut!
33 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL, 2 BLK, 68% FG https://t.co/x7pdpiduPX
Michael Jordan left his mark in Madison Square Garden
While it isn't one of the most talked about performances in Madison Square Garden history, it is still one that holds a lot of weight. Essentially, this game can be viewed as Michael Jordan's coming out party to the NBA.
Heading into the league, many assumed that MJ would be a good player. That said, this performance showed that the Chicago Bulls had stumbled into a gold mine.
In an era where big men ran the league, Michael Jordan came in and showed that guards could do it all as well. The defensive prowess he showed in this game was a glimpse of the future as he went on to win Defensive Player of the Year three seasons later.
This would not be the only time Michael Jordan would put on a show against the New York Knicks in the Garden. Toward the end of the Bulls' dynasty, he managed to catch fire at the NBA's most hallowed venue one last time.
While it was clear the 1998 season would be the end of the Bulls' incredible run, MJ was eyeing his second retirement. Thinking that it might be his last time playing at MSG, the six-time Finals MVP wanted to leave a lasting memory.
In that game, he went for 42 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals in a double-digit win for the Bulls.