Full Game: MJ's Playoff Debut vs. The Moncrief Defense | R1G1: Bulls vs Bucks (April 19, 1985)

April 19, 1985. The MECCA, Milwaukee. The night the Michael Jordan playoff era officially began. Before the rings, before the "Bad Boys" rivalry, and before the dynasty, a 22-year-old rookie led a sub-.500 Chicago Bulls team into the postseason to face the defensive-minded Milwaukee Bucks. If you want to understand why the Bulls needed to rebuild the roster around Jordan, watch this tape. This wasn't the polished triangle offense; this was "give the ball to the kid and get out of the way." As reported in the Chicago Tribune, the Bulls were "mauled" in this contest, particularly on the glass where they were out-rebounded 53-35. The Bucks, coached by Don Nelson, threw a variety of looks at Jordan, utilizing Defensive Player of the Year Sidney Moncrief to harass the rookie. Jordan played 44 minutes—a sign of things to come regarding his workload—but struggled to find his rhythm from the floor, admitting afterward that the playoff pressure was real. "I didn't think I'd be as nervous as I was," Jordan told reporters in the locker room. "I've got to play better." Despite the nerves and the physical beating, Jordan still managed to generate offense, getting to the line 10 times and dishing out 10 assists, proving that even a "nervous" Jordan was the best player on the floor for Chicago. This game sets the stage for the physical toll Jordan would endure in the East for the next six years. Timestamp Index: 00:00 Intro 00:03:22 Jordan "Major League" Shot 00:04:36 Jordan Tough Driving Shot 00:04:46 Jordan Steal and Score 00:15:22 Jordan Pull Up Jumper 00:19:20 Jordan Isolation Score 00:19:37 Moncrief Spinning Shot 00:19:48 Jordan Drive and Kick to Dailey 00:21:50 Start of 2nd Quarter 00:29:54 Interview with Coach Kevin Loughery 00:31:45 Pressey Slam Dunk in Traffic 00:35:35 Jordan Offensive Rebound and Score 00:39:31 Jordan Blows by Pierce for the Jam 00:40:28 2 Minutes Remaining (1st Half) 00:46:16 Jordan Baseline Fadeaway at Buzzer 00:47:30 Start of 3rd Quarter 00:52:34 Moncrief Fake and Assist to Cummings 01:01:14 Woolridge Big Slam Dunk 01:10:30 Start of 4th Quarter 01:17:10 Cummings Power Drive and Collision 01:23:30 Jordan Steal and Breakaway Attempt 01:25:15 Jordan Incredible Move by Pressey 01:31:52 2 Minutes Remaining (4th Quarter) 01:32:49 Lister Slam Dunk 01:33:45 Jordan Assist to Greenwood 01:34:37 Jordan Drive and Foul 01:38:20 Jordan Drive and Foul "The Hard Way" 01:43:00 End of Game