Chicago Bulls: “The Flu Game” solidified Michael Jordan as GOAT
The Chicago Bulls were looking to win yet another Finals game but an illness to Michael Jordan made one particular game seem more in doubt than others.
The Chicago Bulls already had four championships in a span of six years. They were working on becoming one of the great dynasties in the history of the National Basketball Association. Well, they did end up winning that series in 1997 against the Utah Jazz that gave them five titles in seven years. The likes of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Steve Kerr amongst others helped them reach that feat. One moment in that series made an everlasting impact on the legacy of number 23.
It is known around the world to this day as “The Flu Game”. Michael Jordan was ill going into game five of this Finals against the Jazz. Episode 9 of “The Last Dance” went over this legendary game and exposed some details about it that some people might not know. It is called “The Flu Game” but Michael might have not had the flu after all. It was apparently food poisoning that he got from some pizza that he had delivered the night before.
Either way, the fact of the matter is that he played the game ill and had a hard time. If you’ve ever had any sort of similar illness in your life, it is difficult to get out of bed let alone play an NBA Finals game at an elite level. Well, that is exactly what Michael did that day. Based on the circumstances, it was one of the most incredible individual performances in the history of sports.
Jordan went into the game fatigued and was clearly weak on the court. He eventually started to put up some points despite not having his normal explosiveness. He did, however, end the game with 38 points and made a couple of clutch plays in the fourth quarter to seal the win for Chicago. He ended up with 38 points and gave the Bulls a 3-2 series lead. They would go back to the United Center two days later and win that fifth title on their home court.
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Jordan falling into Pippen’s arms as the clock expired in game five of this series is one of the most iconic pictures in sports history now. It is the image that represents this game forever. This Jordan signature moment was one that solidified him as the greatest player of all time. In a weak moment, he was able to rise to the occasion anyway and lift the Bulls on his back. Five titles in seven years were no joke and he might have not been able to do it if he took game five off.