NOSEBLEED SPORTS MEDIA
MJ Mondays
NO DEBATE. JUST RECEIPTS.
VOL. 1, NO. 31 · SEPTEMBER 28, 2026 · EVERY MONDAY
THE STAT THAT SHOULDN'T EXIST 01
THEME 31
Theme 31
61pts 30.1 58%
MICHAEL JORDAN SEASON AVERAGE THIS GAME FG%
On 1987-04-16, Jordan scored 61 points against the Atlanta Hawks on 22-of-38 shooting (58%). He
added 10 rebounds and 1 assists. The Bulls lost.
THE GAME YOU FORGOT 02
Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks 1987-04-16
10 1 22/38 L
POINTS REBOUNDS ASSISTS FG RESULT
61 Points.
VS ATLANTA HAWKS — 1987-04-16
Jordan went against the Atlanta Hawks at home and scored 61 points on 22-of-38 shooting. He grabbed 10
rebounds and dished 1 assists. He also made 17 free throws on 21 attempts. The Bulls lost the game. This
was during the 1986-87 season.
MJ VS TODAY 03
The Theme 31 Debate
JORDAN'S RECORD MODERN COMPARISON
POINTS BEST MODERN EQUIVALENT
61 Anthony Edwards
FG% VS ERA
SEASON CONTEXT
1987 Different rules, different pace
Jordan's 61-point performance on 1987-04-16 represents the kind of dominant individual output that defines
the GOAT conversation.
What's your take on theme 31?
JORDAN IS UNMATCHED MODERN PLAYERS ARE CLOSE DIFFERENT ERAS, CAN'T COMPARE
THE STATS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES
THE COLDEST MJ MOMENT 04
THE JORDAN STANDARD
Theme 31
When Jordan scored 61 against the Atlanta Hawks, it was another example of his ability to
elevate beyond what anyone thought was possible. The 58% shooting efficiency on that
volume of attempts is what separated him from every other scorer in history.
THE MJ STAT VAULT 05
61 POINTS — 1987-04-16 VS ATL 58% FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE
22/38 FG, 10 rebounds, 1 assists. Shot 22-of-38 from the field in this game.
REBOUNDS FREE THROWS MADE (OF 21)
From a shooting guard. In the same game Drew 21 free throw attempts through
he scored 61. aggressive attacking.
30.1 CAREER PPG
The highest career scoring average in NBA history. Every game was an event.
THE FORGOTTEN MAN 06
OVERLOOKED · UNDERRATED · DESERVES MORE
Luc Longley
CHICAGO BULLS · 1991–2003
STARTING CENTER FOR 3 CONSECUTIVE CHAMPIONSHIPS (1996, 1997, 1998)
The Center Of The Second Three-Peat Nobody Has Ever Mentioned
Luc Longley started every game at center for the 1996, 1997, and 1998 Chicago Bulls championship teams.
He averaged 9.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game — modest numbers that obscure a crucial role. He
screened for Jordan, protected the rim, and absorbed physical punishment in the post so that Jordan,
Pippen, and Rodman could operate in space. Three rings. No recognition. His name does not come up in any
discussion of the greatest team ever.
The Jordan Connection: Longley was the unheralded big man Phil Jackson's triangle offense required — a
center who could pass, set screens, and stay in position rather than freelance. Jordan trusted Longley's
positioning. The rings prove the trust was justified.
Who's Your Forgotten Man?
Reply with a player who deserves more credit. Best answer gets featured next Monday.
MJ MONDAYS The Jordan Era · 1984–2003
Every Monday. No exceptions.