When Michael Jordan’s double-digit scoring streak ended and how he silenced the doubters

LeBron James recently saw his incredible run of consecutive double-digit scoring games come to an end. A streak that stretched an astonishing 1,297 regular-season games dating back to January 5, 2007. In the wake of that moment, basketball fans and historians couldn’t help but turn the clock back to the man who once held the record: Michael Jordan.

The original streak, which was 866 consecutive regular-season games with at least 10 points, held by Jordan, was finally snapped on a cold December night in 2001.

It was December 27, 2001. Jordan, now 38 years old and in his second comeback, this time with the Washington Wizards, faced the Indiana Pacers. What unfolded was a struggle few could have predicted from the greatest scorer the game had ever seen.

Jordan shot a brutal 2-10 from the floor, finishing with just six points, his lowest scoring output in his career, at the time. It was the first time (second overall) that Jordan failed to reach double-digits since March 22, 1986 (eight points).

The critics pounced immediately. Headlines questioned whether the comeback had been a mistake. Whispers grew louder: the legs were gone, the explosiveness faded, the legend was finally, undeniably human.

Michael Jordan heard it all, and answered in the only way he knew how.

Two nights later, on December 29 against the Charlotte Hornets, Jordan erupted for 51 points on 21-38 shooting, grabbing seven rebounds and dishing four assists in a dominant Wizards win.

As if one masterpiece wasn’t enough, Jordan followed it up two days after that with 45 points against the New Jersey Nets, shooting 16-32 from the field in another commanding performance.