Michael Jordan was an early marquee attraction for the NBA's Christmas Day action. Admittedly, when I think of Michael Jordan and Christmas, I think of that cardboard cutout of him in the fake party scene of Home Alone. While he did his part to keep the McCallister home safe, he also had some memorable moments on the hardwood during this festive time of year. Here's a look back at how MJ performed on December 25th.
The first time Air Jordan played on Christmas Day was in 1986 on the road against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Jordan scored 30 points on 10-28 shooting from the field and 10-12 shooting from the foul line while also having three rebounds, five assists, six steals, and two blocks. Jordan stuffed the stat sheet like Santa Clause stuffing stockings. Unfortunately for him and the Bulls, the Knicks came out on top 86-85, led by Patrick Ewing, who had a ridiculous performance of his own: 28 points, 17 rebounds, and two blocks.
The next time his Royal Airness laced up his high-tops on Christmas Day was in 1990 against the Detroit Pistons. This time the Bulls were at home. Jordan exploded for 37 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks as the Bulls won by a final score of 98-86. Joe Dumars had 24 points for the Pistons while Isiah Thomas had 23 points and 10 assists. Both guys played well, but they were no match for Jordan on that day. The Bulls would go on to win their first NBA championship later that season. The Bulls' dynasty was just taking flight as Jordan was starting to enter the prime of his career.
The following year in 1991, fresh off their first title, the Bulls returned to the Christmas Day stage with a 121-99 victory at home over the Boston Celtics. Larry Bird was still on the Celtics, scoring eight points while adding eight rebounds and four assists. Rick Fox, yes you read that correctly, scored 21 points for the Celtics as their leading scorer. As for Michael Jordan, he had 14 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals, and three blocks while Scottie Pippen had 27 points, four rebounds, eight assists, and four steals to lead the way. Jordan took more of a backseat role to Pippen in this game, but still had a strong performance. The Bulls would go on to win their second straight NBA title later that season.
En route to their third straight NBA championship in 1993, the Bulls played on Christmas Day, 1992 against the Knicks. This time it was at home after playing in New York in 1986. The Bulls won 89-77 as Jordan went off for 42 points to go along with eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Pippen also joined in on the party with 16 points, five assists, five steals, and three blocks. This was truly a Christmas Day performance of the ages for Jordan. He was in peak form and played like he was starring in his own rendition of Miracle on 34th Street: Windy City Edition.
Jordan then retired after winning his third NBA championship. The Bulls would play on Christmas Day without him in 1993 and 1994, winning both games. In 1993, the Bulls defeated the Orlando Magic 95-93 at home as Pippen carried the load with 28 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals. In 1994, the Bulls defeated the Knicks at home 107-104 in overtime as Pippen had 36 points, 16 rebounds, five steals, and two blocks. Pippen really balled out on Christmas Day when MJ was gone. He sure seemed to enjoy being the main man on the Bulls during those years.
Oddly enough, the Bulls would not play on Christmas Day in 1995, the same season they went 72-10 and won their fourth championship. I guess since they weren't the defending NBA champions, the league decided to give them the holiday off.
Jordan would return to spread holiday cheer on December 25th, 1996 against the Detroit Pistons in a game that was played in Chicago. The Bulls won 95-83 as they were en route to their fifth championship. Jordan had 23 points and 10 rebounds in this game while Pippen had 27 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and two blocks. It was a fun day of holiday hoops at the United Center.
Jordan's final Christmas Day game came on December 25th, 1997 against the Miami Heat at the United Center en route to their sixth NBA championship. The Bulls would win 90-80 as Jordan had 24 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Jamal Mashburn was the leading scorer for the Heat with 20 points. Given how he came to be the featured player on Christmas, it's fitting that Jordan's final game on this special holiday was a victory. He always cared about his fans and putting on a great show for them. He certainly did that in this game.
To wrap this all up like a Christmas gift, I hope you had fun revisiting Michael Jordan's Christmas Day moments. It was fun for me to look back on how he performed. I wish everyone reading this a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year. I'm looking forward to seeing what 2026 brings for the NBA!
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