During his historic run with the Chicago Bulls, Michael Jordan won five regular-season MVPs. Only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (6) has won more MVPs than him in NBA history.

When Jordan won his second MVP in 1990-91, he was very emotional while receiving the trophy at the Chicago Stadium, and it was for a heartwarming reason.

Michael Jordan averaged 31.5 ppg in 1990-91

Jordan played in all 82 games during the 1990-91 season. He averaged 31.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.7 steals while shooting 53.9% from the field, 31.2% from beyond the arc, and 85.1% from the free-throw line.

The Bulls won 61 games, finishing with the best record in the Eastern Conference and the second-best record in the NBA. Jordan received 77 first-place votes and easily won the MVP over Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson.

When NBA commissioner David Stern presented Jordan with his second MVP trophy in front of a sold-out Chicago Stadium, the Bulls superstar had tears in his eyes and was very emotional. Many fans were curious why MJ was fighting back the tears, and he told Pat Riley why.

Michael Jordan explains why he cried while getting his second MVP trophy

During the 1991 playoffs, Jordan sat down with Riley for a wide-ranging interview and revealed why he cried during his second MVP presentation. He said he got emotional because his teammates were by his side.

“This particular time, I was being given that MVP by my teammates,” Jordan said. “By people that I play with and I’m with eight months out of the year instead of the media. Our players actually gave me that because of the way they play. That was very touching for me, and when they said they were gonna go out there and help me receive this, I did all I could just to hold back the tears because it really showed to me what they really felt for me to win that award. It was a family situation.”

It was touching to see Jordan show emotion during the MVP presentation. However, his most moving moment came later in the year.

MJ breaks down after winning first title

After defeating Johnson and the Lakers in the 1991 NBA Finals in five games, Jordan broke down and cried in the locker room with the Larry O’Brien Trophy in his arms and his dad hugging him. He was so happy he finally won a title and busted through.

Jordan averaged 31.2 points, 6.6 boards, and 11.4 assists against the Lakers. The Bulls lost Game 1 at home but rattled off four straight wins and clinched the championship in LA.

Chicago won six championships in the ’90s behind Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Phil Jackson. They are one of the top dynasties in sports history.

Stats courtesy of Basketball Reference.