"He took it a little personal" - Dominique Wilkins recalled Michael Jordan's revenge after he dropped 57 points vs. Bulls
Dominique Wilkins had already recognized Michael Jordan's exceptional skill early on. However, Jordan left a lasting impact on Wilkins after the latter pulled off a staggering 57-point performance on the young Chicago Bulls star.
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On December 10, 1986, Wilkins shot 19-for-28 from the field to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a blowout 123-95 victory over Jordan and the Bulls. That moment was already etched in Wilkins' memory. However, he did not expect Jordan to make their next showdown an unforgettable one.
In that game, MJ dropped 61 points on Wilkins and the Hawks. For The Human Highlight Film, it was clear that the Bulls superstar wanted to let him know that it was his way of getting revenge.
"One game, I scored 50, maybe 57, in Atlanta. I remember going back to Chicago and he scored 60," Wilkins said of Jordan. "He took it a little personal. And the way he scored 60 was incredible. We put everybody on him but the kitchen sink but couldn't stop him. Couldn't stop him. Assassin. That's what he was. Probably the most competitive and feared guy I have ever played against."
Wilkins enjoyed his battles with Jordan
It has been decades since Wilkins and Jordan last played against each other. However, Wilkins often fondly reminisces about the intense on-court battles he shared with him, particularly during their prime years in the NBA.
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For Wilkins, those matchups were more than just competitive games. They were electrifying clashes that pushed both him and Jordan to elevate their performances.
"We had plenty of rivalries, of all the guys I played against, Michael Jordan was the most fun one," he said on The Dan Patrick Show in 2022. "I was excited to play against him. It was fun to go against a great player like him, of course, the competitive levels are on a whole other level, we wanted to kick each other's butt, there was no question about that. We had some fierce games that we played against each other throughout our careers."
"Against one another we averaged over 30 a game against each other. When I say fun, that's the atmosphere, that's what basketball was all about," Wilkins continued.
Jordan never settled for anything less than victory
What Jordan proved in his matchups against Wilkins and the Hawks was just one of the many instances that highlighted his extraordinary competitiveness as a player. That night, he delivered a performance that was nothing short of dominant, showcasing his commitment to winning and excellence on the court.
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Wilkins' reflection also proves that while Jordan is often celebrated for his remarkable talent and athleticism, he is equally revered by his peers and former rivals for his admirable competitive spirit and relentless determination. Moreover, his combination of skills and mindset solidified his legacy and set a standard that continues to inspire future generations of athletes.
All told Wilkins, just like most fans and NBA legends, is well aware that Jordan's tenacity and desire to win were not just part of his game. They were the very essence of who he was as a competitor.
Related: Michael Jordan shows off his $115 million luxurious superyacht in Croatia
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
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