Flashback #31: Jordan Flu Game (1997)

As of 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary on January 3rd, the station has begun to reveal (in chronological order) the Top 100 Chicago Sports Stories that have occurred since they first went on the air 20 years ago. Once all 100 of these "flashbacks" have been revealed, fans will be able to vote for which stories they believe are the most significant in the 20 year history of The Score. To see all of the Flashbacks that The Score has posted so far, please visit 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary page.

June 11, 1997 - Jordan flu game

This game proved that Michael Jordan sick was better than most people well.

With NBA Finals series tied at two games apiece, Jordan woke up on the off day before Game 5 with some type of stomach virus. Though team doctors told him there was no way he could play the next day, Jordan was determined to play and bring the series back to Chicago for Game 6.

Despite the warning of team physicians, Jordan woke up at 3pm to make it to the Delta Center for the 6pm tip-off.

In the first quarter, Jordan look sluggish and extremely ill. As a result, the Jazz built a 16-point lead in the second quarter.

That's when Jordan went off.

The Bulls' ace scored 17 second-quarter points to pull the Bulls within four points at halftime.

The Jazz led for most of the second half, until Jordan's fourth-quarter clutch gene kicked in. With 46.5 seconds left and Chicago down 85-84, Jordan was to shoot two free throws. He made the first, but the second rimmed out.

Luckily, Toni Kukoc grabbed the offensive board and kicked it back out to Jordan, who immediately dished it to Scottie Pippen. Pippen was quickly double-teamed, so he tossed it back to an open Jordan, who drained a 3-pointer, giving the Bulls the 88-85 lead.

Chicago would hold on to win Game 5, 90-88, behind 15 fourth-quarter points from Jordan. After playing 44 minutes, Jordan finished the game leading all scorers with 38 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block.

In the final seconds of the game, Jordan collapsed into Pippen's arms, creating one of the lasting images from Jordan's flu game.

The Score will continue to release a new Flashback each weekday until they reach 100. Check back tomorrow for a new one, or check out all of the previous Flashbacks: 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary »