On this day in 1989, Michael Jordan scores 54 in Phil Jackson's Bulls debut

(Jackson’s) only experience as a head coach came during five seasons with the Albany Patroons of the Continental Basketball Association, which named him its top coach in 1985. His ascension to the top job comes four days after (Doug) Collins, who led the Bulls to within two games of the N.B.A. finals, was dismissed for what were called philosophical differences with the owner, Jerry Reinsdorf. Asked if what happened to Collins might affect him, Jackson replied: No. I’ve got a good basketball team with me and the future’s very bright. 4-Year Pact Reported The Chicago Tribune said Jackson would get a four-year contract with the first two years guaranteed. The pact calls for about $275,000 the first season and escalates to about $350,000, the newspaper said, sums similar to those in Collins’s contract.