Besting The Jordan Challenge (Part 1)

The Arrival
April 20, 1986 @ Celtics
Game 2, Eastern Conference First-Round Playoffs

First Round
Score 63+ Points
Shoot 50%+ from the field
Record 6+ assists

In your original Air Jordan Nikes, assume the role of a young Michael and take advantage of Jordan’s athletic prowess (97 speed, 99 dunk rating). Jordan in '85 is unstoppable on the wings.

Jordan’s arrival in the Boston Garden landed him against one of the most formidable teams of all-time: Bird, McHale, Parish, DJ and Ainge. These guys were known for their gritty defense and basketball IQ. Jordan countered by out-muscling, out-smarting and just being flat out more talented than anyone else on the court.

Young MJ is athletically gifted to say the least. Use your hops to intimidate and dominate at the Boston Garden.

Much like Derrick Rose’s current skill set, young MJ is explosive but with a jumper that has yet to be mastered. Use the simple "quick isolation" set with MJ at the top of the key and go to work to get high-percentage shots near the hoop.

At some point, move Jordan to the point-guard position, and you will have a favorable matchup against a smaller Dennis Johnson. Tap turbo off a hesitation dribble (initiated by flicking the left trigger/L2), and you will get the get the step on your defender more times than not. When the rugged Boston help defense arrives, simply kick to your shooters for quick assists.

Another key move involves pulling back on the left stick while in Isomotion (hold down L2/left trigger to initiate the Isomotion) and flash the through-the-legs signature dribble. From there, read the defense and attack whatever part of the lane is open before finishing with a shot-stick layup. MJ has the hang time to score on any defender.

69 Points
March 28, 1990 @ Cavaliers
Regular Season Game

Score 69+ points
Shoot 50%+ from the field
Record 6+ assists
Win the game

While many obviously remember Jordan’s emphatic game-winning shot over Craig Ehlo in the first round of the playoffs -- a shot that some say changed the course of basketball history -- this 69-point outburst actually came a year later.

Poor Ehlo. This shot was just the beginning of the torture. The encore was 69 points during a regular-season game the following year.

Jordan has a better outside shot at this point, so the free-throw line extended is where you will work this time around. If you use the momentum jumpers (move one way before pressing the right stick in one of four different directions), you really should have no problem scoring at will. Essentially, you should really be able to sit back and enjoy the beauty of the swish because Jordan’s shot off the dribble rating is 95 this time around.

Also, don't forget to utilize your trusted sidekick Scottie Pippen. Hit Pippen on some quick-release screens for some assists -- just use the basic quick screen play. Pippen’s shot motion is short so be prepared for that as well. Pippen’s size also allows him to easily shoot over some of the smaller perimeter defenders. In other words, don’t be afraid to let shots fly.

Shootout
Any 1990 Game vs. Hawks
Regular Season Game

Outscore Dominique
Hold Dominique to under 25 points
Record 5+ assists
Win the game

Air Jordan vs. The Human Highlight Film, Dominique Wilkins. These two elevated the dunk contest to new heights. However, this showdown is all about defense.

Show off your footwork with some tight defense against a prolific scorer in Dominique Wilkens. Under coach settings, click on high pressure and tight perimeter defense. If 'Nique is still able to score on you, go ahead and send another defender his way (hold L1/left bumper for the double team).

You'll also have to dig in to those red and black Air Jordan 5’s of yours while holding the (L2/left trigger) to stay low. You can also quickly change directions and cut off passing lanes by tapping the turbo button. This will plant your Nike’s firmly into the wood grain floor and allow for easier foot pivots and changes of direction.

Bad Boys
May 26, 1990 vs. Pistons
Game 3, Eastern Conference Finals

Score 47+ points
Record 4+ assists
Win the game

Authors of the Jordan Rules, the 1990 Detroit Pistons squad symbolized the best of the best in the Eastern Conference for many years. Jordan and his Bulls eventually vanquished the Pistons, but it did not happen in these playoffs. Still, even though 1990 was not the Bulls' year, Jordan did still destroy the Pistons in Game 3.

When you are defended by an explosive, youthful Joe Dumars, rise up and shoot over him. Dumars' perimeter defense (A) matched with his speed will be tough to drive on. If you do choose to drive, Jordan can finish over the smaller Dumars, who stands at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds.

When the Jordan Rules come into play, you will see some double teams headed towards you. Escape out of double teams with a hesitation dribble to the outside hips of the defenders. Once free, drive the lane for the jam or find the open man to add to your assist totals.

1991 NBA Finals
June 2-June 12 vs. Lakers

Avg. 31+ points
Avg. 55%+ from the field
Avg. 11+ assists
Win the series

Legend after legend, Jordan and the Bulls bested them all. The 1991 NBA Finals were no exception; Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers had to fall.

Oh stop it MJ, it's not like this is the only championship you win.

You now have Jordan’s full arsenal of moves: the signature Jordan fade-away jump shot, the 3-ball (74 rating), his dominant defense (A+), an unmatched basketball I.Q. (A+), and the ability to finish in the lane over the best defenders the game has to offer (99 rating).

Start with the mid-range and post-up game. This will keep your field-goal percentage high. Move Michael into space, and start using your advanced lay-up modifiers. Attack defenders straight-on in the paint. Hammer the left stick to the left or right while flicking the Shot Stick (right stick) in any direction. You should be able to spin and Euro step through the Lakers defense with masterful layups.

To really hammer the point home (and re-create a classic play), drive by holding turbo with the ball in your right hand while attacking the right side of the rim; in mid-air, move the shot stick to the left, switching hands in mid-air for Jordan’s "spectacular move" in the lane.

The baseline is also your friend during this series. Attack the rim with the blow by (tap R2/right trigger) and move the Shot Stick towards the baseline. Jordan will soar with grace up and under, kissing it off the glass with a reverse layup.

If you're scoring enough during this series (and there's no excuse not to), the assists will come easy once the double teams start. This Bulls team is loaded with guys who can stick shots from deep, so just be patient and hit the open man.


These rules will guide you through the first set of challenges. Check back tomorrow with Operation Sports for part two of the Jordan Rules, outlining the final five Jordan Challenges.

If you need more tips completing these challenges, contact me directly on Playstation Network: sB414, or on Twitter @Hurricane414.