The Pose. The Flu Game. The Shrug. Michael Jordan's top 56 moments of his career in honor of his 56th birthday.
CHICAGO - Michael Jordan turns 56 on Sunday. It's the day his Charlotte Hornets franchise plays host to the NBA All-Star Game. It's a day of celebration and reflection, of milestones and memory lanes.
Not all of these 56 moments occurred as the Hall of Famer captivated Chicago with breathtaking play and six NBA championships with the Bulls. But enough of them did to make him feel like he's part of the city, no matter where his other sporting travels have taken him. Happy birthday, MJ. And thanks for the memories.
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- 56. Get used to it
Nov. 10, 1984: In just his eighth career game, Jordan sank a game-winning jumper with 4 seconds left in a 118-116 road victory over the Pacers. He finished with 27 points, nine rebounds and five blocks.
- 55. Brand name
1997: The fortunes of Nike and Jordan already were forever intertwined before the shoe company launched a new company called Jordan Brand. To this day, Jordan's influence in the shoe world and sports apparel remains influential.
- 54. Frozen foes?
Feb. 12, 1985: In another of those tales that is more urban legend than reality, some speculated that close friends Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson conspired to get other Eastern Conference teammates - Magic played for the West - to freeze out Jordan in his first All-Star Game during his rookie season. Jordan attempted nine shots - then torched Thomas and the Pistons for 49 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and four steals in the first Bulls-Pistons game after the All-Star break, a 139-126 Bulls victory in overtime.
- 53. A welcome guest
Jan. 19, 2002: In a game only a sentimentalist could love, Jordan's Wizards downed the Bill Cartwright-coached Bulls 77-69 in Jordan's first game in Chicago as a visitor. Jordan drew a thunderous and lengthy standing ovation that was followed by boos when the Bulls finally turned off the lights to introduce their starters. He proceeded to shoot 7 for 21 with nine turnovers, just missing a triple-double of dubious distinction with 16 points and 12 rebounds.
- 52. Wrong number
Feb. 14, 1990: Somebody stole Jordan's No. 23 jersey shortly before a road game against the expansion Magic. Longtime equipment manager John Ligmanowski provided a nondescript No. 12 with no last name on the
