Michael Jordan's unparalleled durability and dominance during his six championship seasons with the Chicago Bulls is a testament to his extraordinary work ethic, physical resilience, and competitive spirit. Over the course of these six seasons (1990-91, 1991-92, 1992-93, 1995-96, 1996-97, and 1997-98), Jordan missed just six regular-season games in total, underscoring his ability to stay healthy and consistently perform at an elite level.
Here's a breakdown of each championship season, highlighting his key achievements and statistics.
1990-91 Season - 0 Games Missed
In the 1990-91 season, Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to their first-ever NBA championship. Jordan played in all 82 games, averaging 31.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.
His shooting efficiency was remarkable, with a field goal percentage of 53.9%. Jordan also secured his fifth consecutive scoring title and was named the NBA Finals MVP after the Bulls defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in five games. Additionally, Jordan earned All-NBA First Team honors and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, showcasing his impact on both ends of the court.
1991-92 Season - 2 Games Missed
The following year, Jordan played in 80 regular-season games, maintaining his dominance by averaging 30.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. He led the league in scoring for the sixth consecutive season and was awarded his second regular-season MVP.
Jordan also continued his defensive excellence, earning All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team honors. The Bulls successfully defended their title, with Jordan being named Finals MVP for the second time after a six-game victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
1992-93 Season - 4 Games Missed
In the 1992-93 season, Jordan continued his streak of excellence, playing in 78 games and averaging a league-leading 32.6 points, along with 6.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. Despite missing four games, he secured his seventh consecutive scoring title. Jordan was once again named to the All-NBA First Team and the All-Defensive First Team.
The Bulls clinched their third straight championship, with Jordan earning his third consecutive Finals MVP after a hard-fought six-game series against the Phoenix Suns. His ability to perform at such a high level, despite the physical and mental toll of three straight championships, was nothing short of remarkable.
1995-96 Season - 0 Games Missed
After a brief retirement, Jordan returned to the NBA late in the 1994-95 season. However, it was the 1995-96 season where he truly reasserted his dominance. Jordan played in all 82 games, averaging 30.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. He led the Bulls to a then-record 72-10 regular-season record, cementing their status as one of the greatest teams in NBA history.
Jordan won his eighth scoring title and his fourth regular-season MVP award. He also earned All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team honors. The Bulls went on to win the NBA Finals in six games against the Seattle SuperSonics, with Jordan claiming his fourth Finals MVP award.
1996-97 Season - 0 Games Missed
In the 1996-97 season, Jordan continued to display his incredible durability by playing in all 82 games once again. He averaged 29.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, leading the league in scoring for the ninth time. Jordan was named to the All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team, further solidifying his status as the league's premier player.
The Bulls won their fifth championship in six years, with Jordan capturing his fifth Finals MVP award after a six-game series against the Utah Jazz. His legendary performance in Game 5, known as the "Flu Game," where he scored 38 points despite being severely ill, remains one of the most iconic moments in NBA history.
1997-98 Season - 0 Games Missed
In his final season with the Bulls, Jordan played in all 82 games, averaging 28.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He secured his tenth scoring title and was named the regular-season MVP for the fifth time in his career. Jordan also continued to excel defensively, earning All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team honors.
The Bulls completed their second three-peat by defeating the Utah Jazz in six games in the NBA Finals. Jordan was once again named Finals MVP, his sixth in six Finals appearances, solidifying his legacy as the greatest player in NBA history. His game-winning shot in Game 6, often referred to as "The Last Shot," remains one of the most memorable moments in sports history.
Over the course of these six championship seasons, Michael Jordan's ability to stay healthy and consistently perform at an elite level was nothing short of extraordinary. Missing only six games across six seasons is a testament to his physical conditioning, mental toughness, and sheer will to win. Jordan's unparalleled combination of scoring, defense, and leadership not only brought six championships to Chicago but also cemented his legacy as arguably the greatest basketball player of all time.