Michael Jordan had an incredible career with the Chicago Bulls, defying and beating the odds to become a six-time NBA champion.
There wasn’t a bigger competitor than him in the NBA during his best years, and he proved it time and time again.
On the way to his fifth NBA championship, Jordan recorded one of his biggest games.
In Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, Jordan delivered a memorable performance in what was later called ‘The Flu Game.’
Feeling sick, Jordan went against the Utah Jazz, as the visitor, and dropped 38 points.
#OTD in 1997: The Flu Game
MJ dropped 38 PTS and willed the @ChicagoBulls to victory in Game 5 of the 1997 #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/88ZCJsz1Jh
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 11, 2019
Today marks 26 years since that moment and many fans are remembering this incredible game.
I Remember this like yesterday.
— Hip Hop Immortal (@HipHopImm0rtal) June 11, 2023
Jordan > LeBron
— Michael Walsh (@michael22w) June 11, 2023
This is still one of the strangest stories. Everyone involved in the telling of this story seems unnatural lol https://t.co/kMSNKP8yRg
— Paul Don't Lie (@PaulHeadleyNBA) June 11, 2023
He really left everything on the court that day to will his team to a win.
Jordan added seven rebounds and three assists, starring in one of the most iconic NBA Finals performances ever.
After many years, Jordan would reveal that he battled food poisoning during that game.
MICHAEL JORDAN: "It wasn't really the flu game. It was food poisoning." #TheLastDance
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 11, 2023
It didn’t matter, as he went off on the Jazz and made a big statement to take a 3-2 lead in the series.
The Chicago Bulls would become the 1997 NBA champions the next game, closing out a big run for Jordan and co.
The image of Scottie Pippen carrying Michael Jordan off the court is one of the most iconic in league history.
That Bulls team is one of the greatest ever, and Jordan is widely considered the greatest of all time.
Performances like this one made him the huge legend he is today, and 26 years later, fans are still celebrating him.
NEXT: Andre Drummond Makes His Thoughts Clear About Playing In Chicago