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Michael Jordan in a ”leading role” in Manhattan @ MSG

Posted on Feb 21, 2009 under off broadway shoes |

Here’s a formula for excitement: MJ + MSG = WOW. Translation: Michael Jordan at Madison Square Garden equals Major Thrills. More often than not, when Jordan plays the Knicks in their home arena, he turns Seventh Avenue into the Great Mike Way.

Michael Jordan in a leading role in Manhattan.

“He’s just killing the Knicks,” said announcer Marv Albert. After another flying dunk, Marv marvels, “He’s angry.”
”Michael always gets pumped up at Madison Square Garden,” said then Knicks announcer Marv Albert, after Jordan had hit his first six of seven shots, adding, prophetically, “He’s going for the throat. He wants 50 to 60.” Jordan typically distributes the ball early in games to his teammates, building their confidence. But on this night, in the off-Broadway opening scene of the second act of his basketball career, Jordan humiliates Starks early and often, driving around him with ease.

The 55-point game. In addition to all of the shot-making and that winning ist, what sets this game apart is that it alone restored confidence in the NBA among a fan base that had been mourning the passing of an era, with the retirements of Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. So hungry was the public for Michael’s return that the TNT broadcast of the “double nickel” became by far the highest-rated, regular-season game in TNT history. Michael was back in the house; all is right with the world.

And now, in his acceptance speech, Michael would like to thank all of the “little people” along the way who helped him get to where he is, particularly 6-5 John Starks, one of many players who couldn’t guard him.

Michael Jordan highlights from some games vs new york knicks @ madison square garden

Jordan’s first game at Madison Square Garden was on December 9, 1981. He was a North Carolina freshman playing against the Rutgers. From that point on, he repeatedly said that he loved to play in this arena. He even called it the “Mecca of Basketball”.

On March 8, 1998 he played his last game in a Bulls uniform at Madison Square Garden. He wore his Air Jordans from 1984 as a tribute to the fans. In the end, it was another Jordan special.

He finished with 42pts (17-33), 8rb, 6 asts, 3stls and 1 blk.

Here are some post game notes and quotes
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NEW YORK From his shoes to his shots, it was vintage Michael Jordan in what may have been his last game at Madison Square Garden.

Jordan, wearing an original pair of red, white and black Air Jordan sneakers from his rookie season, scored 42 points yesterday with a dazzling display of shooting as the Chicago Bulls beat the New York Knicks, 102-89.

“I kinda went retroactive today with the shoes,” he said. “Some of the moves seemed to be coming from 1984. It brought back a lot of memories and certainly brought some excitement to the crowd.”
Jordan claims to have been cleaning his home with his wife, Juanita, and noticed the sneakers. Even though they are a full size smaller than his normal 131/2 (yes, his feet have grown with his legend), Jordan wanted to make a fashion statement. “I have six pairs of each and every shoe that we put out,” he said. “I found some at home so they’re originals, not remakes.”
Jordan hit 17 of 33 shots, with some of his baskets coming on moves as outlandish as his signature line of shoes were considered back in 1984 when they first came out of the box.

BDP/F23

Ashon / 5wings

Duration : 0:2:38

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