The Last Shot - Michael Jordan's Greatest Game?

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It's much more than just "the last shot."

At age 35, Jordan played in his 331st straight game. Yes - although at a serious (especially for his time) age, the greatest basketball player of all time has not missed a single game since his memorable return to basketball in 1995. During the playoffs in 1997/98, Vazdushnia recorded an average of 41.5 minutes per game and "operated" on the floor like a robot with an inexhaustible battery.

In the final series of the season in question, the Chicago Bulls lead with 3:2 victories, but a loss in game #6 would cost the team dearly, because it also has to be held in Utah in front of the most inhospitable crowd in the NBA. The second most important player for Chicago at the time was Scottie Pippen, who had serious health problems. Moreover, a back injury is so serious that he played only 26 minutes in game #6, which forced Air Mike to play 44 minutes.

Jazz fans got a taste of victory with John Stockton's incredible 3-pointer to give the hosts the lead with 40 seconds left. However, no one should ever write Jordan off.

Immediately after the triple comes a quick basket by #23, and the difference is reduced to 1. In the next attack, he "steals" the ball from the great star of the Jazz - Karl Malone, and gives his team a final chance to take the game.

In the most important moment of the season, Jordan chooses to do everything himself. With time running out on the clock, he makes a brutal feint against Bryan Russell just outside the free-throw line and shoots - a moment when the whole hall goes silent and it's clear to all - the ball will go in.

That's exactly what happens - the ball goes through the net, and Utah doesn't even manage to organize a good attack. Jordan finished with 45 points, 1 assist and 1 rebound. Statistically, this matchup wouldn't even make the top 10 of his best outings on the floor, but this matchup, in these finals against this team, is what makes the match so meaningful - a brilliant end to an inspiring career (at least until then). And a basket that seals his legacy as the sport's best.

VIDEO OF JORDAN HERE: