1992 NBA Finals Game 1 vs Portland Trail Blazers (Shrug Game)

The Shrug Game: Jordan's record first half leads Bulls to Game 1 win.

The 1992 NBA Finals was the championship series of the NBA's 1991–92 season, and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. The defending NBA champion and Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls took on the Western Conference champion Portland Trail Blazers for the title, with Chicago having home court advantage, as they had the best record in the NBA that season.

Quick Facts

Player: Michael Jordan
Team: Chicago Bulls
Opponent: Portland Trail Blazers
Series: 1992 NBA Finals
Key moment: 6 first-half three-pointers on 6 attempts

Lore & Background

Michael Jordan dominated from the beginning, breaking the record for most points in a first half in the playoffs once held by Elgin Baylor (Jordan had 35, Baylor had 33). This included six first-half threes (also a record). It was after the sixth three-pointer that Jordan turned towards the broadcast table and famously shrugged to indicate his surprise. Jordan's shrug became a highlight reel mainstay. Portland held their final lead at 45–44 in the second quarter before Chicago went on a 22–6 run to grab a 66–51 halftime lead and take control. The Bulls finished with a 122–89 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Reader's Guide

The Bulls won the series in six games, becoming the fourth NBA team to win back-to-back championships after the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, and Detroit Pistons. Michael Jordan was named Finals Most Valuable Player for the second year in a row, to go with his sixth straight regular season scoring title.