On June 7th in sports history, one significant event took place in 1997 during the NBA Finals between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz. This was Game 5 of the series, with the Bulls leading 3-1, and the game was played at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The game is remembered for a legendary moment known as "The Flu Game" or "The Sick Game." Michael Jordan, the Bulls' superstar, was suffering from severe flu-like symptoms, including a high fever, dehydration, and exhaustion. Despite his illness, Jordan decided to play and delivered one of the most iconic performances in NBA history.
Jordan was visibly weakened and struggled early in the game. However, he found the strength to lead his team when they needed him most. He scored 38 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, dished out 5 assists, and made 3 steals, playing a total of 44 minutes. The game was tight throughout, but Jordan's clutch play in the fourth quarter sealed the victory for the Bulls.
One of the most memorable moments came in the final minutes when Jordan hit a crucial three-pointer to give the Bulls a lead they would never relinquish. The image of a visibly exhausted Jordan, hunched over with his hands on his knees during timeouts, became an enduring symbol of his determination and competitive spirit.
The Bulls won the game 90-88, taking a 3-2 series lead. They would go on to win the series in Game 6, clinching their fifth NBA championship in seven years. Jordan's performance in Game 5, battling through illness to lead his team to victory, further solidified his status as one of the greatest players in basketball history.
