Editorial archive dedicated to Michael Jordan · 1985-86 season
Chicago Bulls · Season archive

Season 1985-86

From the broken foot to the eternal night at Boston Garden.

Bulls record30 wins
Scoring average22,7
Unforgettable moment63 points vs. Boston

Editorial recap

Jordan's second season was marked by the most serious injury of his Chicago career. After only three games he suffered a broken left foot and remained out for much of the schedule, missing 64 games before returning in March.

Even with that limitation, he produced one of the most mythical performances in playoff history: 63 points at Boston Garden against the Celtics. Chicago could not avoid a 3-0 elimination, but the series confirmed that, even while still recovering, Jordan was already a threat of historic proportions.

Regular-season averages

GPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%ORBDRBTRBASTSTLBLKPTS
18725,145,716,784,01,32,33,62,92,061,1722,7

GP = games played · GS = games started · MPG = minutes per game · FG% = field-goal percentage · 3P% = three-point percentage · FT% = free-throw percentage · ORB = offensive rebounds · DRB = defensive rebounds · TRB = total rebounds · AST = assists · STL = steals · BLK = blocks · PTS = points.

Playoff averages

GPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%ORBDRBTRBASTSTLBLKPTS
3345,050,5100,087,21,74,76,35,72,331,3343,7

GP = games played · GS = games started · MPG = minutes per game · FG% = field-goal percentage · 3P% = three-point percentage · FT% = free-throw percentage · ORB = offensive rebounds · DRB = defensive rebounds · TRB = total rebounds · AST = assists · STL = steals · BLK = blocks · PTS = points.

Key moments

  • Returned in time to help Chicago reach the playoffs.
  • Scored 63 points against Boston, a postseason record at the time.
  • His regular-season average was the lowest of his career, conditioned by the injury.

Honors and distinctions

  • Selected as an All-Star Game starter, although injury kept him from playing.