The fifth game of the 1997 NBA Finals was burned into the memory of basketball fans as the “Flu Game” of Michael Jordan. During the golden age of Chicago Bullsin one of the most critical points in the history of the league, the image of a M.J. visibly affected by a intestinal flufighting dehydration and exhaustion to lead his team to a crucial victory over the Utah Jazzbecame a legend.
But what really happened in the hours before that historic match? The story of the “Flu Game” is not limited to a superhuman performance on the court, but also delves into a mystery that still generates debate today: from a possible food poisoning until a night of partying that was never confirmed.
Long before this chapter of history, Michael Jordan already wrote his name in the most glorious books of the NBA. Since his arrival at Chicago Bulls in 1984MJ not only transformed a losing team into a dynasty, but it redefined basketball forever. His aerial acrobatics, insatiable thirst for victory and incomparable talent of his made him a world legend.
The 1996-1997 season marked the return of Jordan to the top of the NBA after his brief time in baseball. With a renewed team hungry for glory, the Chicago Bulls dominated the league from the start, setting an all-time record of 72 wins in regular season. Led by number 23, who won his ninth title of top scorer and the MVP of the season, the Bulls once again demonstrated their basketball supremacy.
On the eve of the game, Jordan experienced severe symptoms that were initially attributed to the flu. According to her, she revealed Tim Groverhis personal trainer, those symptoms were the result of food poisoning resulting from a pizza consumed the night before. “They brought us a pizza to our hotel room, and five people came to deliver it. “No one else ate it except him.”detailed in North American media.
Jordan’s health was so serious that he was in the fetal position, suffering from vomiting and a high fever. Despite this, Michael arrived at the stadium just an hour before the game began, visibly weakened. “Probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done. “I almost fainted just to win a basketball game,” the basketball player highlighted.
Despite dealing with a serious food poisoning, Michael Jordan surprised everyone by appearing in the Delta Center minutes before the start of the crucial match against the Utah Jazz.
The Chicago Bulls They were prepared to face the possibility that their star would not be able to play. The team was on the verge of panic, with doctors suggesting that Jordan He would need complete rest to recover. However, his legendary determination carried him to the stadium against all odds.
Worn but determined, Michael Jordan He entered the venue just one hour before the start of the game. He looked like someone more suited to a bed than a basketball court. The Bulls’ No. 23 could barely stand, but the expression on his face showed his unbreakable competitive spirit.
When the initial whistle sounded and the ball was launched into the air, it was clear that M.J. He wasn’t going to let food poisoning keep him out of the game.
Despite his visible physical limitations, the player completed the first quarter with 4 points, but his team finished down 29-16. However, in the second quarter, Jordan rediscovered his usual performance, scoring 17 points and being the engine that allowed the Bulls to stay in the game, as reported NBA.
The third quarter was particularly difficult for Jordan, accumulating just 2 points and clearly showing the effects of his discomfort. However, the Bulls managed not to fall too far behind on the scoreboard, ending the period with a 72-67 deficit. Entering the final quarter, with energy at its limit, Jordan returned to the court determined to seal the victory. He scored 15 points and, in the final moments, was the protagonist of a crucial conversion that gave Chicago the final lead of 90-88.
The most iconic moment of the game came when with 25 seconds left, MJ hit a three-pointer that put the Bulls up by three points. Then, helped by his partner Scottie Pippenleft the field visibly exhausted, leaving an image that would be engraved in the memory of the fans and in the history of the NBA.
The superhuman effort in this match, known as the “Flu Game”, enhanced the myth of Jordan as an unbeatable competitor. “I played until I dropped,” Jordan said.
This episode is just one of many that cement his legend, adding to his six NBA championships, two Olympic gold medals and five MVP awards.
Phil Jacksonthen coach of the Bulls, correctly summed up the general feeling: “This was a heroic effort, one more for the collection of efforts that make up his legend,” as he told the league’s portal. NBA.
In addition to the impact on the court, the narrative built around this event highlights elements such as Jordan’s competitive instinct and his ability to overcome extreme adversity. The documentary series The Last Dance delves into these aspects, showing how Jordan transcended basketball and became a global icon.
The victory in game 5 It allowed the Bulls to close the series in six games, thus winning their fifth NBA title. Jordan was once again named Finals MVP, demonstrating his unmatched ability to influence the sport’s most crucial moments.
