Michael Jordan 1998 Finals: Gm 1 Vs. Utah Jazz, 33pts

Out of Michael Jordan's career 179 playoff games, he has the astonishing record of 109 playoff games with 30+pts so this one might be lucky to make his list of top 100 playoff games if one wants to judge it on efficiency and victory. However, all MJ games - wins or losses - should be required viewing because of Magic Johnson's superlative quote: "...even if he hits just one shot, it might be the most amazing shot you've ever seen." Well, 35 year-old MJ went 13-29 here (which was respectable for the Finals but still a paltry 45% by his standards) and even with the tough loss, there was no doubt the smooth fades and perimeter-post footwork alone were worth our paycheck and 2.5 hours.

But more importantly, this was the last leg of MJ's historic dominance and the world was watching closely. Curious non-basketball fans who never saw one basketball game were tuned in to this one. As underdogs for the first time during the running of the Bulls, some experts suddenly lost their minds and predicted MJ would go out losing because the team was too old with an average age of almost 32 years. And when the Bulls let this one get away at the last second in OT, those voices grew louder and were adamantly set in stone. Bob Costas himself just knew it was over for the Bulls.

And what, one might ask, was I thinking during this entire time? The Bulls were coming off a grueling 7 gamer against the Pacers with just 2 days rest (which was only the 2nd time MJ was pushed to 7 games during his reign); the Jazz were motivated and hungry with 10 days rest; the game was in the loudest arena at Utah; two buckets by MJ were called off in crunch time that might have changed the outcome; the game went to OT with MJ and the rest at half-speed still bringing them back in the 4th; and it took a tremendous, brilliant shot by Stockton to eke out the win for Utah in the last few possessions.

So what was I thinking? I knew right then MJ had ring #6 in the bag.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Michael
• Jordan
• Utah
• Jazz
• Finals
• Magic
• Shaq
• Karl
• Malone
• Stockton
• Pippen
• Lebron
• Wade
• Iverson
• Kobe
• Bulls
• Yao
• Lakers
• Garnett

[ChocoThundaRazzleDaz]

People who say Kobe and LeBron are better than MJ obviously haven't seen him play. Granted they are good, but MJ had the full package and was the God of basketball.

[energytic]

in game two against utah vs lakers. reggie was asked if who's better. here's a line from the question to reggie miller " you played against MJ and kobe. do u think kobe is the right heir to the throne? reggie replied. no. kobe is a better outside shooter while Mj is a btter post up player and kobe is not just the rightful heir to the throne.. see even Reggie miller admitted that. Mj the best

[GoatAirJordanFTW]

@jaymum23 that is true, if he played in this era HE WOULD BE UNSTOPPABLE. In the Jordan era (Hand-Checking) you must touch or grab jordan or he will always out play you.

[jaymum23]

@GoatAirJordanFTW At this rate, Kobe may not even be physically able to play at 40. People who didn't see him don't understand how strong Jordan was mentally and physically. He wasn't afraid to get knocked on his butt, and his freakish strength and perfect conditioning helped him avoid serious injury. Kids today think Jordan wasn't that strong because he doesn't look like Wilt or Malone or LeBron, but the reality is Jordan was probably the strongest guard ever to play.

[GoatAirJordanFTW]

@jaymum23 lol and when their 35, an age 38 Jordan still plays better then them :D or 40. His the only player in history to score 40 points at age 40.

[iTzeXile13]

great drama this whole series. the jazz have homecourt advantage and win this first one. its over for the bulls right?? Not if Michael Jordan is on the team.

[utihomes]

You didn't want to show that they lost.

[clutchcity25]

Bob Costas looked so small.

[SneakerGiantCom]

Such great basketball back then. The NBA nowadays is....

[uberathlete]

There is no comparison to '87 to '92 Jordan. None. That version was a machine. '96 - '98 Jordan is more human, but was still the best.

[jaymum23]

@ChocoThundaRazzleDaz Man, MJ at age 35 was better than those guys (Kobe, Lebron, Wade, etc.) in their 20s at the height of their prime.