In today’s “Daily NBA Flashback” for December 21st here at TSJ we look back at how Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen torched the Hawks for 37 points each in a 117-103 win on 12/21/91 and witness Magic Johnson destroy the Rockets to the tune of 38 points and sixteen assists on 12/21/86.
We also watch vintage footage of Kobe scorching the Rockets for 45 points on 12/21/2000 and Dwyane Wade set a rookie season-high point total on 12/21/2003.
For those of you who have read any of my columns over the past few months you will no doubt understand my fascination with NBA history and how I love nothing more than scouring for classic NBA footage and stats to share with you all.
Now, thanks to the absolute geniuses at Basketball-Reference.com I can indulge my statistical obsession any time I like and to a greater extent than I ever imagined!
With that in mind, I decided to create a daily series called “Daily Flashback” where I will search far and wide to deliver a few performances or incidents in NBA history each day of the week corresponding to that particular date.
To view the box-score and video clip (if available) just click on the bold text directing you to that link.
Enjoy!
(NOTE: photos to the left of each headliner do not necessarily represent the specific game mentioned)
December 21, 1991 - Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen demoralize the Hawks
**Check out the BOXSCORE HERE **
**Watch a clip of the game by clicking HERE **
At this point Jordan and Pippen were near their peaks and what a show they put on in this one. Each scored 37 points and shot over sixty-percent from the floor with Jordan just missing a triple-double (37,9,10) and Pippen recording three steals and three blocks.
Dominique Wilkins was not to be denied as he poured in 43 points himself.
And would you look at that, Stacey “Plastic Man” Augmon scored fifteen points that night!
Watch a clip of the game by clicking HERE
Magic was simply marvelous in this one as he compensated for Kareem’s absence by shooting 11-18 from the floor and 16-16 from the line. Mike Smrek started in Abdul-Jabbar’s place and scored three points - right in line with his 2.9 career-average.
Hakeem Olajuwon was the third leading scorer for the Rockets on this night (19) behind Lewis Lloyd (25) and Dirk Minnifield (20).
The Rockets had made the Finals the previous season but were just 9-15 entering this game.
December 21, 2000 - Kobe Bryant scores 45 points in 99-94 win over Rockets
Watch a clip of the game by clicking HERE
Kobe was in the midst of his finest season to date when he dropped 45 points on the Rockets, shooting a blistering 20-26 from the floor and displaying a full arsenal of moves that were relatively surprising at the time.
Not anymore, of course.
Shaq scored 25 points in this one followed by legendary former Celtics and Lakers foward Rick Fox with fourteen.
December 21, 2003 - Dwyane Wade sets a career-high with 33 points vs. Golden State
**Watch highlights of Wade’s rookie season HERE **
Before Dwyane Wade became a scoring juggernaut he broke out with his first truly magnificent career-game against the Warriors by scoring 33 points on 10-16 shooting. He also hit 10-12 free-throws. I tried in vain to find footage of this game but failed.
Hopefully the highlight clip will suffice!
December 21, 1990 - Vern Fleming posts perfect game against the Hornets
Interesting stat-line put up on this evening by the venerable former Pacer - 26 points on 9-9 shooting from the floor and 8-8 from the line.
Not too shabby for a guy with a career 11.3 average and .498 shooting percentage!
No matter how mediocre you were I always found joy in pulling one of your cards from a pack - you, Chuck Person, and Rik Smits always made my day.
If you bet money I couldn’t find a clip of this performance you’d be right!
See you all tomorrow!