March 29, 1990

69 Points for Jordan

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By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ICHFIELD, Ohio -- Michael Jordan scored 69 points tonight, the ninth-highest total in National Basketball Association history, as Chicago beat Cleveland by 117-113 in overtime and clinched a spot in the playoffs.

JORDAN THROUGH THE YEARS

March 29, 1982 As a freshman at North Carolina, hits game-winning basket in the NCAA championship game. 1983-1984 Named college player of the year. June 20, 1984 Drafted by the Bulls. Summer 1984 Member of United States gold medal-winning Olympic basketball team. 1984-1985 Named NBA Rookie of the Year. 1984-85 Nike begins selling Air Jordan shoes. 1985-1986 Missed 64 games due to a foot injury. April 20, 1986 Scores playoff-record 63 points in a first-round game against Boston. 1986-1987 NBA Slam Dunk Champion. May 9, 1989 Has a triple-double in a playoff game against New York. March 28, 1990 Scores career-best 69 points and 18 rebounds against Cleveland. 1990-1991 Leads Bulls to NBA championship. 1991-1992 Leads Bulls to NBA championship. Summer 1992 Member of United States gold medal-winning Olympic basketball team. June 20, 1993 Bulls "three-peat" as they defeat Phoenix in six games. Aug. 3, 1993 Jordan's father, James, is murdered in North Carolina. Oct. 6, 1993 Jordan stuns the basketball world by retiring. April 8, 1994 Jordan starts his first pro baseball game for the Birmingham Barons. Sept. 9, 1994 Jordan scores 52 points in a charity basketball game. Sept.-Nov. 1994 Jordan plays in the Arizona Fall League. Nov. 1, 1994 Bulls retire Jordan's No. 23. March 19, 1995 Wearing No. 45, Jordan returns to the Bulls. March 28, 1995 In his fifth game back, Jordan scores 55 points against New York. May 18, 1995 Bulls are knocked out of the playoffs by the Orlando Magic. June 16, 1996 Jordan leads Chicago over Seattle in the NBA Finals. The Bulls win an NBA season-record 72 games. June 13, 1997 Jordan and the Bulls win their second straight NBA title. June 14, 1998 Chicago wins its third straight NBA title and sixth in eight years. Jan. 13, 1999 Jordan announces his retirement.

Jordan made 23 of 37 field-goal attempts and 21 of 23 foul shots. He also had a career-high 18 rebounds, plus 6 assists and 4 steals.

It was the fourth time Jordan had scored more than 60 points. His previous career high was 63 against Boston in the 1986 playoffs. He also scored 61 twice in 1987.

"This would have to be my greatest game," Jordan said. "When I scored 63 against Boston, we lost. It sure feels a lot better."

Only three players have scored more points than Jordan: Wilt Chamberlain, who did it six times (100, 78, 73, 73, 72, 70); David Thompson (73), and Elgin Baylor (71).

Jordan, who was averaging 33 points a game, scored 16 in the first quarter, 15 in the second, 20 in the third, 10 in the fourth and 8 in overtime.

"He's one in a million, one in a billion," said John Williams, a Cleveland forward.