Remember that time Michael Jordan wore No. 12?
Michael Jordan credits: [object Object] Michael Jordan is synonymous with the No. 23. Sure, he wore 45 when he returned with the Washington Wizards, but he always had the same jersey number with the Chicago Bulls — except for a lone game against the Orlando Magic 34 years ago today.
Someone stole MJ’s jersey and the team was without a backup for its star. Bulls staffers reportedly searched the crowd for a No. 23 kit that would fit the 6-foot-6 Jordan to no avail.
So instead, His Airness took the court wearing a No. 12 jersey without a name on the back.
credits: [object Object] “That has never happened to me before,” Jordan told the Orlando Sentinel after the game. “It’s pretty irritating because you’re accustomed to certain things and you don’t like to have things misplaced.”
“People were accusing Magic personnel of stealing the jersey, cleaning crews, just about anyone working in the building that day,” said Rodney “Sid” Powell, the equipment manager and director of team operations.
“A couple days later, they found out from security that one of their personnel had set up a plan to get the jersey, had actually gone through another locker room, climbed over the ceilings, came through a ceiling tile, grabbed the jersey, put it back in the ceiling,” Powell added. “Planning for, I guess, a few days later to come back and get it after thinking no one would figure it out.”
The jersey swap didn’t seem to affect Jordan, who scored 49 points on 21-of-43 shooting. The Magic did end up winning, 135-129, in overtime, however.
At 41, LeBron James Is Still Dominating the NBA Playoffs
Three NFL Teams That Can’t Afford To Screw up 2026 NFL Draft
These NHL Playoff Sleepers Shouldn’t Be Counted Out
- Best Value Betting Picks Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
- UFC Winnipeg Betting Picks: Best Bets for April 18th Card
- NBA Play-In Picks: Best Player Props for Hornets vs Magic, Warriors vs Suns
- Friday April 17th Expert MLB Betting Picks, Predictions
- NHL Betting Picks April 16: Top Plays for Final Regular Season Games
- MLB Picks Today: Best Bets for Diamondbacks vs Orioles and Cubs vs Phillies
- NBA Play-In Picks: Best Bets for Warriors vs Clippers and Magic vs 76ers

