On May 14 in sports history, one significant event occurred in 1989 during the NBA Playoffs. This day marked the iconic moment when Michael Jordan, playing for the Chicago Bulls, hit "The Shot" against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of the first round of the playoffs.
With just 3 seconds left on the clock and the Bulls trailing 100-99, Jordan received an inbound pass from Brad Sellers. Craig Ehlo, the Cavaliers defender, was tasked with guarding Jordan. As MJ dribbled to his left, he quickly changed direction, causing Ehlo to slip. Jordan then jumped, hanging in the air as he released a perfectly arced shot over the outstretched arm of Ehlo.
The ball seemed to hang in the air for an eternity as the crowd watched in anticipation. Finally, it swished through the net, giving the Bulls a 101-100 victory and clinching the series 3-2. The moment the shot went in, Jordan leapt into the air, fist pumping in celebration as he was swarmed by his teammates.
This iconic moment became one of the defining plays of Michael Jordan's illustrious career, showcasing his incredible skill, clutch performance, and ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. "The Shot" is still remembered as one of the greatest moments in NBA playoff history and a testament to Jordan's status as one of the greatest players of all time.
The image of Jordan's hanging jump shot over Ehlo has been immortalized in countless posters, photographs, and highlight reels, cementing its place in sports history. It also served as a precursor to the Bulls' dominance in the 1990s, as they went on to win six NBA championships with Jordan at the helm.
