Michael Jordan is the greatest scorer ever and his run from 1987 to 1998 proves that.
In the annals of professional basketball history, few names shine as brightly as Michael Jordan’s. While Jordan’s impact on the NBA extends far beyond scoring, his unparalleled ability to put the ball in the hoop during a specific era is nothing short of legendary. From 1987 to 1998, a span of twelve seasons, Michael Jordan’s scoring prowess reached its zenith, and it truly showed his pure domination in the league.
This article delves into the remarkable decade-long stretch during which Michael Jordan claimed the NBA scoring title ten times. It’s a journey through an era when Jordan’s athleticism, basketball IQ, and sheer determination redefined what it meant to dominate the league offensively.
By examining each of these scoring titles in chronological order, we aim to shed light on the evolution of Jordan’s game, the challenges he faced, and the impact he left on the league’s scoring landscape.
From his emergence as a scoring sensation to his temporary hiatus from the game, and, ultimately, his triumphant return to lead the Chicago Bulls to a second three-peat, Jordan’s scoring championships tell a story of unparalleled excellence.
1986-87 NBA Season
Scoring Champion: Michael Jordan 37.1 PPG
2nd place: Dominique Wilkins 29.0 PPG
3rd place: Alex English 28.6 PPG
The 1987 season saw Jordan not only take his game from bonafide All-Star level to untouchable superstar level but a 37.1 points per game scoring average was also witnessed. Jordan shot 48.2% from the field while dropping over 37 PPG, something we might never see again.
In only his third season, Michael became the most unstoppable scorer in the league and he would just be getting started with the accolades. Jordan beat out Dominique Wilkins and Alex English for the scoring title by a massive margin as he put up his career-best season offensively.
Despite Jordan’s greatness, the Chicago Bulls were not ready to challenge as a team and they finished under .500 with 40 wins and were bounced in the first round by the Boston Celtics.
1987-88 NBA Season
Scoring Champion: Michael Jordan 35.0 PPG
2nd place: Dominique Wilkins 30.7 PPG
3rd place: Larry Bird 29.9 PPG
A year after winning his first scoring title, Michael Jordan led the NBA in scoring at 35.0 PPG while also winning Defensive Player of the Year. It will be hard to see any player accomplish a similar feat because the hunger and desire shown by Jordan to dominate all areas of the game was almost scary to watch as the shooting guard posted a league-leading 3.2 steals per game in one of the best seasons from any player ever.
Led by Jordan’s scoring prowess, the Chicago Bulls finished the regular season with a record of 50 wins and 32 losses. They secured the third seed in the Eastern Conference, showcasing their status as one of the conference’s top contenders.
The season also marked the beginning of what would become a series of deep playoff runs for the Bulls during the Jordan era. They advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals but were eventually eliminated by the Detroit Pistons, who would go on to win the NBA championship.
1988-89 NBA Season
Scoring Champion: Michael Jordan 32.5 PPG
2nd place: Karl Malone 29.1 PPG
3rd place: Dale Ellis 27.5 PPG
Michael Jordan continued to showcase his scoring prowess during the 1988-89 season, averaging an impressive 32.5 points per game. While this marked a slight dip from his previous season’s average, it was still a testament to his consistency as one of the league’s most prolific scorers. He also contributed in various facets of the game, averaging 8.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 2.9 steals per game.
The Bulls had a strong regular season, finishing with a record of 47 wins and 35 losses. They secured the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, positioning themselves as a playoff contender, and achieved a significant milestone as they advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals.
This was the furthest the team had progressed in the playoffs during Jordan’s career up to that point. Unfortunately, they were defeated by the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals, ending their championship aspirations for the season.
1989-90 NBA Season
Scoring Champion: Michael Jordan 33.6 PPG
2nd place: Karl Malone 31.0 PPG
3rd place: Patrick Ewing 28.6 PPG
The 1989-90 NBA season was another extraordinary chapter in Michael Jordan’s illustrious career, marked by his continued scoring dominance and the Chicago Bulls’ quest for championship glory. Jordan once again claimed the scoring title, averaging a remarkable 33.6 points per game.
This season showcased his scoring efficiency (52.6% FG) and ability to consistently put up high point totals, solidifying his status as the league’s premier scorer. The Bulls had another highly successful regular season, finishing with a record of 55 wins and 27 losses. They secured the second seed in the Eastern Conference, signaling their status as one of the league’s elite teams behind the Bad Boy Pistons.
The Bulls advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals once again and once more and were defeated, ending their championship hopes for the season. While the Bulls fell short of an NBA championship in 1989-90, the season represented a critical step forward in their quest for a title as the series went seven games.
1990-91 NBA Season
Scoring Champion: Michael Jordan 31.5 PPG
2nd place: Karl Malone 29.0 PPG
3rd place: Bernard King 28.4 PPG
Another year, another scoring title. Michael Jordan once again led the league in scoring, averaging 31.5 points per game on an incredible 53.9% clip from the field. His scoring prowess remained a cornerstone of his game, and he continued to exhibit remarkable consistency as one of the NBA’s premier offensive forces.
Beyond scoring, Jordan’s all-around contributions were a key part of his game. He averaged 6.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.7 steals per game. His ability to impact multiple facets of the game was a testament to his basketball IQ and versatility. The Bulls had a stellar regular season, finishing with a franchise-record 61 wins and 21 losses. They secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference, establishing themselves as the team to beat in the NBA.
The 1990-91 season marked a turning point in the Bulls’ history. They advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1975, and Michael Jordan’s leadership was instrumental in this journey along with Scottie Pippen’s growth as a bonafide star. In the Finals, they faced the Los Angeles Lakers and emerged victorious, winning their first NBA championship. Jordan’s performance was nothing short of legendary, and he was named the NBA Finals MVP. Finally, the greatest player we had seen got over the hump.
1991-92 NBA Season
Scoring Champion: Michael Jordan 30.1 PPG
2nd place: Karl Malone 28.0 PPG
3rd place: Chris Mullin 25.6 PPG
With the Chicago Bulls as the reigning NBA champions, Michael Jordan led the league in scoring once again, averaging 30.1 points per game. His scoring prowess remained exceptional, and he continued to be the linchpin of the Bulls’ offense because he shot over 50% from the field again and was simply unstoppable.
The Bulls had another impressive regular season, finishing with a record of 67 wins and 15 losses, which was the best record in the league. They once again secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference. In the playoffs, the Bulls continued their remarkable journey. They advanced to the NBA Finals, where they faced the Portland Trail Blazers led by Clyde Drexler.
In a hard-fought six-game series, the Bulls emerged victorious, securing their second consecutive NBA championship. Michael Jordan’s performance in the Finals was outstanding, and he was named the NBA Finals MVP for the second year in a row after averaging 35.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game.
1992-93 NBA Season
Scoring Champion: Michael Jordan 32.6 PPG
2nd place: Dominique Wilkins 29.9 PPG
3rd place: Karl Malone 27.0 PPG
The 1992-93 NBA season was another outstanding chapter in the legendary career of Michael Jordan, featuring yet another scoring title and a historic three-peat for the Chicago Bulls. This season marked his seventh scoring title, showcasing his incredible consistency as a scorer because even if he shot under 50% from the field for the first time since his third season, he posted 32.6 points per game and beat out Dominique Wilkins convincingly.
As usual, Jordan remained a versatile contributor. He averaged 6.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and a league-leading 2.8 steals per game. His well-rounded game and leadership were critical to the Bulls’ success and record of 57 wins and 25 losses. They secured the second seed in the Eastern Conference behind the New York Knicks.
The 1992-93 season marked a historic achievement as the Bulls captured their third consecutive NBA championship. In the NBA Finals, they faced the Phoenix Suns, led by MVP Charles Barkley, and emerged victorious, sealing their three-peat. Michael Jordan was once again named the NBA Finals MVP by averaging 41.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, underscoring his clutch performances in the postseason.
1993-94 NBA Season
Scoring Champion: David Robinson 29.8 PPG
2nd place: Shaquille O’Neal 29.3 PPG
3rd place: Hakeem Olajuwon 27.3 PPG
The 1993-94 NBA season marked a significant transitional period in the league as Michael Jordan temporarily stepped away from basketball. During this season, the generation of superstar big men emerged, and the scoring champion title was claimed by David Robinson, but the absence of Jordan left a void that was keenly felt by fans and the Chicago Bulls alike.
In Jordan’s absence, the Chicago Bulls faced significant challenges. They finished the regular season with a record of 55 wins and 27 losses, a respectable performance but a noticeable drop from their dominant years with Jordan. In the playoffs, the Bulls advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals but were eliminated by the New York Knicks, signaling the end of their championship aspirations for the season.
The San Antonio Spurs’ David Robinson claimed the scoring title with an impressive average of 29.8 points per game. Robinson’s scoring, combined with his shot-blocking prowess and rebounding ability, established him as one of the league’s premier big men. Hakeem Olajuwon, despite finishing third in the scoring race, achieved his first championship victory in the NBA Finals.
1994-95 NBA Season
Scoring Champion: Shaquille O’Neal 29.3 PPG
2nd place: Hakeem Olajuwon 27.8 PPG
3rd place: David Robinson 27.6 PPG
The 1994-95 NBA season was once again marked by the absence of Michael Jordan, who had temporarily retired from basketball. During this time, the league saw the continued rise of dominant big men, and Shaquille O’Neal emerged as the scoring champion, showcasing his dominance in the paint.
The Orlando Magic’s Shaquille O’Neal claimed the scoring title with an impressive average of 29.3 points per game. O’Neal’s combination of size, strength, and agility made him nearly unstoppable in the low post, and he established himself as one of the most dominant centers in the league.
Without Michael Jordan, the Chicago Bulls faced significant challenges. They finished the regular season with a record of 47 wins and 35 losses, a notable drop from their dominant years with Jordan.
In the playoffs, the Bulls advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals but were eliminated by the Orlando Magic, led by Shaquille O’Neal and a young Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway. It would be Hakeem Olajuwon and the Houston Rockets again ending the season as NBA champions, proving that Jordan’s absence allowed for new dominance in the NBA. Not for long, however.
1995-96 NBA Season
Scoring Champion: Michael Jordan 30.4 PPG
2nd place: Hakeem Olajuwon 26.9 PPG
3rd place: Shaquille O’Neal 26.6 PPG
The 1995-96 NBA season marked the triumphant return of Michael Jordan to the league and the Chicago Bulls, leading to one of the most iconic and dominant seasons in NBA history. After a brief retirement, Michael Jordan made a highly anticipated comeback to the NBA in March 1995.
His return brought immense excitement to the league and reaffirmed his status as one of the greatest players of all time. However, the dominance began as soon as the 1996 season started.
Michael Jordan reclaimed the scoring title with an average of 30.4 points per game. His scoring prowess, combined with his unmatched competitiveness and basketball IQ, demonstrated that he had not lost a step during his absence.
With Jordan back in the fold, the Chicago Bulls had an extraordinary regular season, finishing with a record of 72 wins and 10 losses. This was a new NBA record for the most wins in a single regular season, a feat that would stand for over two decades.
The Bulls carried their regular-season dominance into the playoffs. They advanced to the NBA Finals, where they faced the Seattle SuperSonics and emerged victorious, securing their fourth NBA championship. Michael Jordan was named the NBA Finals MVP, further solidifying his status as the ultimate basketball legend.
1996-97 NBA Season
Scoring Champion: Michael Jordan 29.6 PPG
2nd place: Karl Malone 27.4 PPG
3rd place: Glen Rice 26.8 PPG
Michael Jordan reclaimed his ninth scoring title with an average of 29.6 points per game. His scoring ability and competitive drive remained unparalleled in the league because even when he posted under 30 points per game, there was no competition for him.
The Bulls once again had a strong regular season, finishing with a record of 69 wins and 13 losses. They secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference, showcasing their continued dominance in the league.
Yet again, in the playoffs, the Bulls advanced to the NBA Finals, where they faced the Utah Jazz led by Karl Malone and John Stockton. The Bulls won their fifth NBA championship, and Michael Jordan was named the NBA Finals MVP once again after he averaged 32.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. This marked the chatter of a potential second three-peat for the Bulls.
1997-98 NBA Season
Scoring Champion: Michael Jordan 28.7 PPG
2nd place: Shaquille O’Neal 28.3 PPG
3rd place: Karl Malone 27.0 PPG
The 1997-98 NBA season was a fitting conclusion to the era of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, as they secured their sixth NBA championship together, solidifying their place in basketball history. During the “Last Dance” campaign, Jordan once again demonstrated his scoring prowess by leading the league in scoring with an average of 28.7 points per game. This would be Jordan’s 10th and final scoring title.
Jordan’s leadership and clutch performances were crucial to the Chicago Bulls’ success. He continued to inspire his teammates and lead by example, setting the tone for the team’s championship run as the team finished with a record of 62 wins and 20 losses and the first seed in the conference.
The Bulls advanced to the NBA Finals, where they faced the Utah Jazz for the second consecutive year. The Bulls emerged victorious, securing their sixth NBA championship, and Michael Jordan was once again named the NBA Finals MVP.
Over a span of 12 seasons between 1987 and 1998, Jordan competed in ten, excluding the two seasons he retired, and won 10 scoring titles to go along with six NBA championships and six Finals MVP awards. While we will never know what would have happened if Jordan never retired, what remains true is that the shooting had the greatest decade-long run of dominance the NBA has ever seen, which is why the player will be forever labeled the greatest player of all time
