The most legendary battle with illness in NBA history
In Game 5 of the 1997 Finals, the Chicago Bulls played against the Utah Jazz. Before the game, Michael Jordan had a high fever, was severely dehydrated, and couldn’t even stand normally. However, he scored 38 points in this state and hit a key three-pointer at the last moment, helping the Bulls win 90-88. This game was later called “The Flu Game” and became one of the peak moments of Jordan’s legendary career.
But what is the truth? Was Jordan really weak because of the flu, or was there something else going on? How did he dominate the game in an almost collapsed physical state?
1. Pre-game situation: Was Jordan really just “flu”?
“Flu” or “food poisoning”?
Jordan later revealed in the documentary “The Last Dance” that he might not have the flu, but food poisoning.
The night before the game, Jordan ordered a pizza in Utah, but the five people who delivered the food behaved strangely, and he suspected that the pizza was tampered with.
At 3 a.m., Jordan began to vomit violently and had a high fever. The team doctor diagnosed him with severe dehydration and could hardly stand.
Pippen’s memories
Scottie Pippen later recalled: “Michael was pale, like a ghost, and I thought he couldn’t play.”
Bulls coach Phil Jackson even considered letting him rest, but Jordan insisted on playing.
2. Game process: How did Jordan dominate the game despite his illness?
Performance in the first quarter: weak but efficient
Jordan was obviously slow at the beginning, but still scored 7 points with a mid-range shot.
The commentator exclaimed: “He looks like he will fall down at any time, but the ball can go in!”
Collapse in the second quarter: Almost carried off the court
Jordan collapsed in Pippen’s arms during a timeout, and the team doctor gave him an emergency infusion.
At the end of the half, the Bulls were 16 points behind, and the media believed that the game was no longer suspenseful.
Explosion in the third quarter: Willpower overcomes the body
Jordan scored 15 points in a single quarter, including a tough 2+1 against Byron Russell.
Jazz coach Jerry Sloan: “We can’t defend him, even if he’s dying.”
Decisive moment: legendary three-pointer + fatal steal
With 46 seconds left, Jordan hit a key three-pointer to overtake the score.
In the final moments, he stole the ball from Malone and assisted Kerr to seal the victory.
3. Technical analysis: How did Jordan overcome his physical limitations?
Simplify the offensive method
Reduce breakthroughs and rely more on mid-range jumpers (13 of 27 shots in the game).
Use back-to-the-basket singles to create space and avoid consuming physical strength.
Psychological tactics
The Jazz thought Jordan was weak and relaxed their double-teaming on him, but they paid the price.
Jordan later said: “I let them think I was done, and then suddenly I exerted my strength.”
Key support from teammates
Pippen scored 10 points in the game, but contributed key rebounds and defense.
Steve Kerr received a pass from Jordan and hit a winning jump shot at the last moment.
4. Post-match impact: Why is this game so legendary?
Jordan’s symbol of willpower
This game became the prototype of the “Mamba Mentality”, and was later paid tribute to by Kobe many times.
Jazz fans even stood up and applauded, paying tribute to their opponents in a rare way.
Historical status improved
After this game, the Bulls led 3-2 and eventually won the championship, with Jordan winning his fifth championship.
Many media rated the “Flu Game” as the greatest individual performance in the history of the NBA Finals.
Sneaker culture classic
The black and red AJ12 that Jordan wore at the time was auctioned at a high price after the game and became the holy grail of the sneaker collection world.
5. Controversy and truth: Is it true that the pizza was poisoned?
Jordan has not yet clearly confirmed the “pizza poisoning” theory, but has repeatedly hinted that “someone doesn’t want me to play the game.”
The Jazz and the local media in Utah strongly denied it, saying it was just a coincidence.
The truth may remain a mystery forever, but the fearless spirit of this game has become eternal.
The “Flu Game” is not only a classic in basketball history, but also a symbol of human willpower. Jordan used this game to prove that great players can overcome everything, including their own bodies.