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Topics: Michael Jordan, NBA, Basketball, Chicago Bulls
Marcus Chan
Topics: Michael Jordan, NBA, Basketball, Chicago Bulls
NBA legend Michael Jordan once made a costly number change during his time with the Chicago Bulls.
Jordan is often regarded as one of the finest players to ever grace a basketball court.
The American spent the majority of his illustrious career playing for the Chicago Bulls.
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Despite bringing a lot of success to the team, he once cost the Bulls a hefty $100,000 after changing his shirt number.
Back in 1995, Jordan changed from number 45 to number 23 after the first game of the Eastern Conference semi-final tie against the Orlando Magic.
It was reported that Jordan wanted to change numbers after putting in a below-par performance in the first match.
According to the Chicago Tribune, it cost the Bulls a lot of money.
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The report stated: “The NBA levied a $100,000 fine against the Bulls for permitting Jordan to change his jersey number during the playoffs. It is believed to be the largest collective non-fighting fine in modern times, according to NBA historians.
“The Bulls, who are solely responsible for paying the fine, were originally fined $25,000 after Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals between the Bulls and Orlando Magic for failing to notify the league that Jordan would be switching from No. 45 to 23.”
It continued: “Ironically, losing in the second round saved the Bulls from a larger fine as this latest $100,000 penalty was broken down to $25,000 per game for the four additional games in which Jordan continued to wear his original 23.”
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Orlando Magic won the first match 94-91 with Jordan playing 40 minutes and finishing with 19 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal.
After changing his shirt number, Jordan recorded 38 points, seven rebounds, four blocks, four steals and three assists in game two.
However, Orlando Magic eventually beat the Bulls in six games, denying Jordan another NBA Finals appearance.