"I can't remember ever going a half without a basket" - Michael Jordan believed it was his tooth ace rather than the defense that slowed him down

Michael Jordan 's rookie campaign was nothing short of spectacular. He averaged 28.2 points per game, the third-highest in the league. His impressive showings naturally led to high expectations for his playoff debut against the Milwaukee Bucks.

However, the Bulls' shooting guard failed to score a field goal in the entire second half, and witnessing this, many credited Sidney Moncrief and the Bucks defense for containing MJ. Regardless of all beliefs, Jordan knew the real problem - his troubling tooth.

Jordan went scoreless in the second half

In Game 1 of the Bulls vs. Bucks '85 series, Jordan started the game strongly, scoring 19 points in the first half. However, as the Bulls trailed by 4 points entering the third quarter, Moncrief, the reigning DPOY, intensified his defensive efforts, applying full-court pressure on MJ.

This strategy proved effective, as young Mike failed to score a single point in the third quarter. Moreover, the 6'6" guard's lone points came in the fourth quarter when he knocked four free throw attempts. Ultimately, the Bucks won the game 109-100 as Jordan shot 7-of-19 from the field.

Although Sid modestly credited his teammates for limiting Jordan in the second half, the true story behind his struggles was revealed to be more personal.

"I'm having trouble with my teeth. I have a wisdom tooth coming up with the skin on top of it. They are taking care of it tomorrow," Jordan said . "It bothered me a lot. It really bothered me in the second half and it really kept me from getting into the game. I can't remember ever going a half without a basket."

MJ bounced back

After getting his tooth treated properly, Mike showed what he was made of by scoring 30 points on 52.9% shooting from the field and having 12 assists in Game 2. Unfortunately for him, even though three other Bulls starters scored in double digits, the Bucks still cruised to a 122-115 win. Over the next two games, Jordan averaged 32 points, but Milwaukee still closed out the series in four games.

Some may have even speculated that this might signal doubts about MJ's ability to deliver in the playoffs. Little did they know the shooting guard who had gone scoreless would become the greatest playoff performer of the '90s.

Related: MJ blamed his shoe for 1985 foot injury and almost left Nike: "Phil Knight was pretty well convinced that Michael was gonna leave Nike"