The Michael Jordan Flu Game
One of the most iconic moments in sports history happened on June 11th, 1997. The setting was Game 5 of the NBA finals and The Chicago Bulls took on The Utah Jazz. The series was tied 2-2 and the setting was a sold out Delta Center, who’s crowd would get so loud that you couldn’t hear yourself think. Suffering from flu like symptoms, Michael Jordan could barely stand up unsupported. He was visibly shaken and did not appear to be in any shape to play this game. Dehydrated and exhausted, Jordan willed him team unlike anything I ever seen before. He would drop 38 points and get the victory in the pivotal game of the NBA Finals 7 game series.
Jordan suffering from Flu symptoms willed his team to victory 90-88 in game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals. Photo solecollector.com
In 1997 the Chicago Bulls were at the top of the NBA food chain and there weren’t many ways for Jordan and the Bulls to be considered an underdog. But playing through flu symptoms changed the landscape. The Jazz sensing a sick Jordan, wanted to take advantage of the situation by any means. Lacking energy, Jordan appeared to be lethargic during the first quarter of the game. Utah would jump out to a 16 point lead and they felt really good about the direction of the game so far. With the world looking on, Jordan would muster up all the strength he could to score 17 points in the second quarter. Every stoppage in play it looked like Jordan’s illness had got the best of him. He slumped over with his hands on his knees as he tried to gasp for air. He would slouch back in his seat during timeouts with ice packs on his head while drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Jordan’s Bulls went on a 10-0 run in the third quarter to erase an 8 point Utah lead. With the game hanging in the balance Jordan hoisted up a three pointer and gave Chicago a lead that they held onto. The Bulls would win the game 90-88. This nail in the coffin three pointer set up the iconic photo of Jordan staggering off the court in Scottie Pippen’s arms. This photo would be the definition of perseverance and strength for years to come. The image is unforgettable, no matter how many times you’ve seen it.
Jordan was said to have food poisoning due to some bad Pizza. The legend of the Flu Game lives on. Photo stupiddope.com
Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player to ever play, managed to score 38 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 1 block, all while sick with what many people dubbed as the flu. The game was even called the “Flu Game” by media outlets and personalities. Although he had flu symptoms, it turned out not to be the flu after all. 15 years after the game Jordan’s former personal trainer Tim Grover revealed that what many thought was the flu was actually food poisoning from a meal that Jordan ate at the team hotel the night before. Many people were even skeptical of how sick he actually was during the game. The legend of the Michal Jordan flu games will live on for a long time. So when these debates about who the greatest player was you can look at this game and use it as a measuring stick. Many players of the modern era wouldn’t have even showed up to the arena let alone play in the game. Forget all the championships, MVP awards, All Star appearances and the Gold Medals… this is the game that cemented Jordan as the best player who ever played the game for me.