Bulls vs Celtics, 1986 First Round Game 2

Lore & Background

The rivalry heated up after Jordan's arrival and later again when Cleveland picked LeBron James first in 2003. Notable moments include Jordan's 69-point game on March 28, 1990, and Donovan Mitchell's 71-point game on January 2, 2023.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the original Boston Garden hung heavy with sawdust and popcorn, the crowd roaring in anticipation of another routine dismantling of the Bulls. By the time overtime arrived, Chicago was down double digits; logic dictated the game was over. But Michael Jordan stood at the free-throw line, drenched in sweat, eyes narrowed solely on the rim. He drove left, spun right, and launched himself above the Celtics' vaunted defense as if gravity had simply ceased to exist for him alone. Jordan didn't merely play; he conquered, leaving Larry Bird's dynasty breathless and forcing the greatest team in history to confront the terrifying reality that a rookie had just single-handedly rewritten the rules of playoff basketball.

Reader's Guide

The Bulls and Cavaliers have met in the playoffs multiple times. The Bulls won series in 1988, 1989, 1992, 1993, and 1994. The Cavaliers won their first playoff series against Chicago in 2010, and again in 2015.

Did You Know?

• In 2011, Bleacher Report named the Bulls as the Cavaliers' 'Greatest Rivalry.'
• The NBA called it 'one of the great NBA rivalries.'
• Jordan's 'The Shot' in 1989 is remembered by Cleveland fans as part of the Cleveland sports curse.