Rumors circulated about the disbandment of Chicago’s great dynasty throughout the ’97-’98 season. Relationships between Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and General Manager Jerry Krause had been deteriorating for years. Despite the turmoil within and the media circus around them, Chicago managed a successful season to earn the top seed going into the playoffs as Jordan earned his sixth regular-season MVP and tenth scoring title. The Bulls retained the focus of champions, and after a decade of greatness, the stage was set for a climactic finish.
MICHAEL JORDAN HIT ‘THE LAST SHOT’ FOR CHICAGO’S 6TH TITLE & RECORD 6TH FINALS MVP
The Bulls blazed through the early rounds of the Eastern Conference playoffs before escaping a tight seven-game series against the Larry Bird-coached Indiana Pacers in the Conference Finals. John Stockton, Karl Malone, and the Utah Jazz awaited them in the title series, itching for revenge after falling short the previous year in six games. Chicago lost the first game in overtime before winning three straight, including a historical Game 4 96-54 blowout. They would be unable to close out the series at home in Game 5 and traveled to Utah for Game 6.
With Scottie Pippen not close to 100%, the Bulls trailed by five going into the final quarter but would cut it to one, led by 16 points from MJ. Utah had a chance to increase their lead with less than a minute remaining. Stockton passed the ball to Malone in the post, but Jordan saw it coming. He brilliantly left his man, stripped the ball from behind, and collected the steal.
Dribbling down the court by himself, MJ was met by defender Bryon Russell at the top of the key. Then came the iconic play, Michael’s final offensive possession as a Bull. He went into Russell before jabbing back to make room for a shot with a (controversial) push off slightly by his left arm. Jordan knocked down the “Last Shot” with five seconds left to give Chicago the lead. They would hold on to win for the Bulls third straight championship and sixth title in eight years with MJ claiming his record 6th Finals MVP.
June 14, 1998: In NBA Finals Game 6, #Bulls Michael Jordan hit the iconic “Last Shot” in UTA for CHI’s 6th NBA title in 8 years (2nd 3-peat) along with his record 6th Finals MVP award, shooting the most % (52%; 35/67) of a team's FGA in NBA Playoff historypic.twitter.com/Nig6DFFPJU
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) June 14, 2021
Full highlights from MJ’s legendary NBA Finals Game 6 performance of 45 PTS during his last playoff game while Scottie Pippen was injured pic.twitter.com/4NJQQNDGYa
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) June 14, 2021
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