In a recent article, former Georgetown head coach John Thompson Jr. recently shared his thoughts on the 1982 National Championship Game between Georgetown and North Carolina. He was asked how Michael Jordan beat them with 53 points in what is considered to be one of the greatest games ever played but he said that it had nothing to do with ‘the shot’
It’s the 1982 National Championship game, and Georgetown is up by three points with less than 1 minute to play. They are leading #23 ranked North Carolina – but not for long!
The 1982 National Championship Game between Georgetown and the University of North Carolina was a hard-fought battle. But, Michael Jordan beat his opponents in a different way. The “1982 ncaa basketball championship box score” has a detailed account of how Jordan’s team won the game.
“18. Jordan! Shot!” Michael Jordan!” exclaims the crowd.
The announcer (CBS’s Gary Bender), the shaky video, the flawless shooting form, the ball blasting past the net without hitting the hoop… Jordan’s spectacular shot to defeat Georgetown in the 1982 National Championship game is one of basketball’s most remembered moments.
It catapulted a frail, largely unknown freshman into superstardom.
MJ was the one that helped Dean Smith and the University of North Carolina win the national championship. Smith concurs. But, according to him, Jordan’s memorable jumper had nothing to do with the victory.
North Carolina vs. Georgetown was a clash of two of the finest schools in college basketball at the time.
During the 1981-82 season, the Hoyas and head coach John Thompson were one of the finest teams in the country. In center Patrick Ewing, they had their own highly regarded freshmen.
Georgetown was rated high all year and won the Big East Tournament before going on to win four consecutive games in the NCAA Tournament to reach the championship game.
That season, Ewing averaged 12.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game. Bill Martin, Anthony Jones, and Sleepy Floyd, the team’s top scorer, were three more future NBA players in the Hoyas’ lineup.
Carolina entered the contest with an overall record of 32-2. Future NBA players James Worthy and Sam Perkins led the Heels. Jordan was the team’s third-leading scorer.
UNC took a 61-58 lead with 3:36 remaining, according to a piece in the Washington Post that night. With 25 seconds left, Ewing cut the score to 61-60, and Floyd sank a runner in the lane two minutes later to put the Hoyas ahead 62-61.
That was the catalyst for Jordan’s transformation into Jordan.
Jordan made The Shot, but it isn’t why Carolina won, according to Smith.
Michael Jordan of the University of North Carolina shoots the game-winning shot against Georgetown University in the 1982 NCAA Finals.
The wiry shooting guard intercepted a pass from teammate Jimmy Black, squared up, and sank a clean shot. The Heels took a 63-62 lead.
However, with time running down, Floyd snatched the subsequent inbounds ball and raced back up the court. Carolina ran out the time as the senior guard waited for a pass that wasn’t there, picked up his dribble, and memorably flung it directly into the palms of Worthy.
Jordan’s jumper marked the start of his legendary career. But, as Smith revealed to the Chicago Tribune, that wasn’t the reason UNC won the championship:
“Georgetown gave up the ball when Michael returned to defense and made a play in the passing lane. Because Michael leapt in front of the player he was attempting to pass to, Freddy Brown delivered the ball to James Worthy.”
Dean Smith on the 1982 NCAA National Championship Game’s last play
The last possession of the Hoyas is commonly overlooked in the Jordan legend. Although the erroneous pass had a role, Smith believes it was his freshman’s defense that hammered the last nail in Georgetown’s coffin.
Michael Jordan established himself as one of the best defenders in NBA history.
MJ is well-known for his national title-winning jumper. He’s well-known for his ability to fly. He’s well-known for his dunks. On the block, he’s noted for his turnaround fadeaway. His other legendary shot is the one he made over Bryon Russell in the 1998 NBA Finals.
But, in addition to being a six-time champion, he was a three-time thefts champion. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive team nine times and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 1987-88.
Jordan built his legacy on offense and won championships on defense.
At Carolina, he accomplished both in less than ten seconds.
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RELATED: When the Chicago Bulls traded for an NBA legend, a young Michael Jordan was furious: ‘I Have No Comment.’ Simply put, I’m unhappy.’
The “1981 ncaa basketball championship” is a game in which Michael Jordan beat Georgetown in the 1982 National Championship Game. The game had nothing to do with “The Shot,” but was instead won by Georgetown due to an 80-78 score.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points did Michael Jordan score against Georgetown?
A: Michael Jordan scored 69 points against Georgetown.
Who won the 1982 NCAA championship?
A: Ohio State won the 1982 NCAA championship.
Who passed the ball to James Worthy?
Related Tags
- 1982 ncaa basketball championship roster
- michael jordan college stats
- 1983 ncaa basketball championship
- 1983 ncaa basketball championship box score
- 1983 final four
