The Last Dance: Michael Jordan’s top moments against Detroit Pistons

Jordan scores 36 in Game 2 of 1988 Eastern Conference semifinals

Although Michael Jordan helped lead the Bulls to the playoffs every year suited up, the postseason was not always kind to his Airness. In fact, the Bulls failed to make it past the first round during the first three seasons of his NBA career.

The 1987-88 campaign was a different story, though. Jordan led the league in scoring, pouring in 35 points per contest. He also won the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards. Even more important, the Bulls finally made it past the first round, outlasting the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games in the opening round of the playoffs.

After falling to the Pistons in the series opener, Jordan bounced back in Game 2, scoring 36 points to go along with 11 rebounds. The Bulls emerged victorious 105-95. Unfortunately for Jordan and the Bulls, he averaged less than 25 points the rest of the way, as the Pistons took the next three to close out the Bulls in five games.