MJ was frustrated because of public perception after his most dominant season: 'Other parts of my game were not acknowledged'

In just his third year in the NBA, Michael Jordan delivered one of the most dominant individual performances the league had ever seen. It was a season of highlight moments and jaw-dropping stats.

Yet, beneath the accolades and the MVP chants, Jordan's perspective on that season was far from the narrative fans and analysts were crafting.

Other acknowledgement

The 1986-87 NBA season saw Mike at the peak of his athletic powers. He averaged an eye-popping 37.1 points per game, a feat no player had achieved since Wilt Chamberlain two decades earlier.

But MJ's impact went far beyond just piling up points. He became the only guard in league history to record over 100 steals and 100 blocks in a single season, showing a rare blend of defensive prowess and offensive dominance.

April 16, 1987, marked one of the season's defining moments. Jordan scored 61 points against the Atlanta Hawks, displaying his ability to take over games single-handedly. While fans marveled at his scoring ability, the numbers told a more complex story.

His 236 steals that season led the league, and his 125 blocks ranked among the top for guards, cementing his status as a two-way force. However, the spotlight seemed narrowly focused on his scoring title for Jordan.

"I don't like to lead the league in scoring," MJ said. "I think that just stereotypes you as an offensive player. I think other parts of my game were not acknowledged as well as they should have been. To have over 100 blocks and over 100 steals also, I think you have to be contributing in other areas as well as scoring."

Game recognition

Michael's frustration wasn't unwarranted. Despite leading the league in several categories, he didn't win MVP that year; that honor went to Magic Johnson, whose Los Angeles Lakers finished with a superior record. For the young MJ, this highlighted a narrative gap—team success often overshadowed individual brilliance.

That season marked No. 23's highest average in points and the start of his scoring title spree, which continued for seven consecutive seasons. He was a phenomenal scorer but also an all-round player, winning the DPOY in 1988, leading the league in steals three times, and making nine All-Defensive first teams.