The Palace of Auburn Hills has always been a house of horrors for Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. It was a place wherein nothing seemed to go right for Chicago as they entered their road game against the Detroit Pistons on February 7, 1991, having won just once in 11 tries—the lone victory coming in the NBA Playoffs.
However, in that game, Jordan finally vanquished his Pistons demons and delivered one of the most memorable performances.
MJ carried them past the finish line
The game hung in the balance as Detroit held an 87-82 lead with four minutes to go. However, Chicago responded with a three-point play and two free throws from Jordan to go in front, 90-89, with 1:54 left.
Jordan later added two more from the line for a 92-89 advantage. The Pistons got a jumper to go from Vinnie Johnson, but Jordan answered with a long two 11 seconds later to keep Chicago ahead, 94-91. James Edwards trimmed the deficit to one with a turnaround jumper, and Jordan split his charities for a 95-93 lead with only 14 seconds remaining.
Fortunately for the Bulls, their defense held its ground, forcing misses from Bill Laimbeer, Joe Dumars, and Dennis Rodman in the dying seconds to pull off the win.
30 for number 23
Jordan finished that game with 30 points and nine rebounds in a whopping 41 minutes. Scottie Pippen helped him out with 20 points and eight boards. BJ Armstrong added 12 off the bench.
The Pistons were led by the 25 points and 10 rebounds of Bill Laimbeer, while Mark Aguirre fired in 19 markers.
