OTD in 1998: Michael Jordan Drained “The Shot” in Final Playoff Game for 6th Title

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.