June 14, 1998. Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls are trying to complete their second three-peat. History was bound to be made.
Michael Jordan Hits Final Shot
On the road in a hostile Delta Center. With forty seconds left in the 4th quarter, Michael Jordan fiercely drove to the hoop past Bryon Russell for his 42nd and 43rd points of the night, cutting the Jazz lead to 86-85. On the ensuing Utah possession, Karl Malone came off a screen to accept the ball in the post on a pass from John Stockton. Preoccupied by the defense of Dennis Rodman, Malone didn’t see Jordan come from the baseline to apply the double-team. MJ cleanly swiped the ball away from Malone and gained possession. As His Airness crossed midcourt with 17 seconds left, everyone in the building (and the tens of millions watching at home) knew what was happening next. Jordan was going to win the game, the series, and his team’s 6th ring.
Dribbles right, crosses over Russell (no push-off), jumps, shoots, swishes, and that glorious extended follow through. Bulls lead 87-86. Jordan’s 44th and 45th points of the night, the final points he scored in his legendary career*.
*If you mention the Washington Wizards, I will cut you.
With 5 seconds left and the ball advanced to midcourt after the timeout, Stockton took the inbounds pass and dribbled to the top of the key. Despite getting screened by Malone, Bulls guard Ron Harper was able to contest Stockton’s three pointer at the last second. The ball clanged off of the front rim, kicked off the backboard and sailed harmlessly out of the painted area as the clocks struck 00.00.
The second three-peat was complete. It wasn’t John Paxson or Steve Kerr or any other role player to get it done for the 6th and final time. It was Jordan. It could only be Jordan.
Here’s the final minute of the game:
Enjoy the memories, because that’s all us Bulls fans have right now!
