Michael Jordan's NBA debut turns 42: 16 points in first game

Added 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 blocks in opener

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 56m1 min read

42 years ago, Michael Jordan made his NBA debut 🔥 ▪️16 PTS ▪️7 AST ▪️6 REB ▪️4 BLK ▪️2 STL The rest is history 👏 https Via @YahooSports on X

What happened: Forty-two years ago, Michael Jordan made his NBA debut. He finished with 16 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds. He also recorded 4 blocks and 2 steals.

Why it matters: The debut opened the career that set the league's modern scoring standard. The all-around line previewed the two-way production that defined his tenure. It remains the starting point for the same Michael Jordan later joined by Anthony Edwards among multiple 40-point openers.

By the numbers: Debut line: 16 PTS, 7 AST, 6 REB, 4 BLK, 2 STL.

What to watch: The anniversary arrives early in the 2026-27 regular season as historical marks continue.

Sources

@YahooSports 2026-10-26T13:48:46.915602+00:00

CONVERSATION

Loading comments…

NBAAnalysisMichael Jordan

Follow NBA Intelligence

Real-time signals and analysis

@WireReportNBA

WR Pro

The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.

$9/month Free weekly newsletter →