34 Years Ago Today: Michael Jordan Delivered His Favorite Dunk — Over Patrick Ewing
On this day, 34 years ago, NBA fans witnessed one of the most iconic moments in basketball history. During the 1991 NBA Playoffs, Michael Jordan delivered a jaw-dropping baseline dunk over New York Knicks center Patrick Ewing — a moment so powerful and memorable that Jordan himself has called it his favorite dunk of all time.
The Dunk That Shook Madison Square Garden
It was Game 3 of the first-round playoff series between the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks. In the second quarter, Jordan drove baseline, juked out two defenders, and rose up to hammer a ferocious dunk right on top of Ewing, one of the league’s most dominant shot blockers. The crowd erupted, and even today, fans still replay the clip in awe.
The play wasn’t just about athleticism — it was vintage Jordan: the finesse, the footwork, the hang time, and the sheer fearlessness to challenge a 7-footer at the rim.
Jordan’s Own Words: His Favorite Dunk Ever
In interviews since his retirement, Jordan has often cited this dunk as his personal favorite. While his career is packed with highlight-reel plays — from the “Free Throw Line” dunk to his many posterizations of defenders — it’s this one over Ewing that stands out for its emotion, execution, and statement.
A Symbol of Dominance in a Defining Era
The dunk came during a pivotal time in Jordan’s career. The 1991 season ended with him winning his first NBA championship, beginning the Bulls’ dynasty of the 1990s. Dunking over a rival like Ewing was symbolic — it was MJ’s way of asserting dominance in the East, not just over players, but entire franchises.
Still Viral Decades Later
Even 34 years later, the clip continues to circulate on social media every April, with fans, analysts, and former players all chiming in to reminisce. For many, it represents everything Jordan embodied: style, swagger, and supremacy.
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