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Fansided

Miami Heat: Top 10 greatest single-game performances in history

By Michael Shofner

INDIANAPOLIS, IND - MAY 20: LeBron James #6 and Dwyane Wade #30 of the Miami Heat during the game against the Indiana Pacers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 20, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: 2014 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IND - MAY 20: LeBron James #6 and Dwyane Wade #30 of the Miami Heat during the game against the Indiana Pacers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 20, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: 2014 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – FEBRUARY 23: Rex Chapman #7 of the Miami Heat handles the ball against the Chicago Bulls on February 23, 1996 at the Miami Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1996 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – FEBRUARY 23: Rex Chapman #7 of the Miami Heat handles the ball against the Chicago Bulls on February 23, 1996 at the Miami Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1996 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

No.7: Rex Chapman

February 23, 1996 vs. Chicago Bulls

39 points (12-17), (9-10 3PT), 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals

One of the NBA’s greatest, most fierce rivalries of the 1990’s was the Miami Heat versus the Chicago Bulls. These two teams would trade barbs back and forth, which made for some of the most entertaining basketball games. Both of these squads were stacked with talent that included Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and, of course, His Airness, Michael Air Jeffrey Jordan.

However, at times, it’s the most unlikely of players that can outshine even the brightest of stars.

In the midst of their historic 72-10 season, the Chicago Bulls were blindsided by “The Boy Wonder” Rex Chapman. Outscoring even the GOAT, Chapman dropped 39 points that included nine 3-pointers. It was an impressive outing that saw Chapman hand Chicago one of their ten season losses and led an injury-riddled roster that was playing with just eight players that night.

It was amusing seeing Chapman outscore Jordan, as Jordan tried to recruit Chapman to North Carolina a decade earlier. Chapman stated that he always liked playing against Jordan because he hated playing off screens, and Rex was sort of notorious for playing like that. Due to this, Chapman knew he was always going to get open looks, which is exactly how this game went.

The remainder of the season didn’t translate into as much success as he had against Chicago that one fateful night, as injuries would plague him for the remainder of the season.  He signed with the Phoenix Suns the following year and played with the team until his retirement after the 1999-00 season.  He would remain in Phoenix, assuming front offices roles as a scout then later as Director of Basketball Operations.

It was Chapman’s lone season with the Heat but fans will forever remember the one night when Rex Chapman was king and not Michael Jordan.

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