Michael Jordan (Photo by Getty Images)
The legendary Michael Jordan set many records in his 15-season-long NBA career. While some of them are matched, one still remains untouched. Besides bagging the scoring title in the 1987-88 season, the Chicago Bulls star started by acquiring the DPOY title in the same year. With this achievement, he stunned the basketball community back then, and it had the same effect while rediscovering that period. Only this time it was more shocking as some alleged truth regarding his statistics was uncovered.
According to a video posted by “Uncovering the Truth” on X (FKA Twitter), Tom Haberstroh stated that he found out that Jordan had 8 steals in 5 games, whereas the box score stated that the 6-time champion had 23 steals. The reporter believes MJ got the DPOY title because of the changed numbers. The video spread like wildfire and the fans couldn’t hold themselves back from reacting to it. While many kept supporting Jordan, others lashed out.
A fan commented, “NOBODY is surprised. You can’t even watch his bad moments anymore. They have tried deleting any footage of his bad games or moments”.
NOBODY is surprised. You can't even watch his bad moments anymore. They have tried deleting any footage of his bad games or moments
— 09’ James 👑 (@AllThingsBron) June 20, 2024
One of the LeBron James loyalists came forward to state, “They were straight cooking the books for this cheater and Lebron still passed him as the GOAT with no problem!”
They were straight cooking the books for this cheater and Lebron still passed him as the GOAT with no problem! 👑
— Trone (@Trone99) June 20, 2024
While another added, “Bad story for MJ, Lebron is def the GOAT, he didn’t have people juicing his stats”.
Bad story for MJ, Lebron is def the GOAT, he didn’t have people juicing his stats 😡
— Chris (@JJBuba32) June 21, 2024
Someone wrote that they already had their doubts, “Yep i knew this when i looked at his 10 steal game and only counted 6 steals”.
Yep i knew this when i looked at his 10 steal game and only counted 6 steals
— . (@ThinkdontSee) June 20, 2024
One fan boldly commented, “Those home and away splits for mj season tell you all you need to know about that dpoy. Given – not earned.”
Those home and away splits for mj season tell you all you need to know about that dpoy. Given – not earned.
— 4ML (@4MLZONE) June 20, 2024
Despite the allegations, Jordan had one of his best seasons in 1987-88, getting recognized for his exceptional skills.
Looking Back at Michael Jordan’s 1988 Season
Michael Jordan is well known for his masterclass at both ends. He is undoubtedly one of the best scorers, but he gave his best on defense too, and his DPOY title in 1988 is proof of that.
Jordan finished the season with eye-popping stats, averaging 35 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 3.2 steals and 1.6 blocks. It could not be replicated by others.
His Airness got his name added to the NBA MVP, DPOY, NBA steals leader, and NBA scoring champion. Besides that he was also on the All-Star list, All-NBA First Team, All-Defensive First Team.
MJ couldn’t get his hands on the championship trophy as the Bulls lost 4-1 against the Pistons in the Conference Semifinals series. However, he had accomplished himself as one of the best players in the league.
