?It?s all about desire, you just gotta come out here and do what you gotta do. We wanted it real bad. Me as a leader, I had to come out here and do my best.? – Michael Jordan
Fifteen years ago in Salt Lake City, the best basketball player in the world was sick before the biggest game of the season. Real sick. Suffering from flu like symptoms and wondering if he?d been poisoned, Michael Jordan battled the sweats, the shakes, and the spins for the worser part of the day leading up to Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals. With the series knotted up at 2-2, there was no way MJ would let the tide turn. He woke up just three hours before tip off, laced up his Black/Red?Air Jordan 12s, and put mind over matter for the game he loved.
That night, the Jazz showed no sympathy by jumping out to a healthy lead. John Stockton, Shandon Anderson, and Karl Malone drained shots while the sick star sought out help from his teammates and pushed through the pain.?Physically shaken and visibly exhausted, it was only Jordan?s will to win that was contagious. By halftime, the Bulls were down by four with Michael doing his best in motion but struggling at rest. A cold third quarter set the stage for a fever finish, as MJ threw up the game sealing shot and put the Jazz to bed. Carried off the court, Michael Jordan leaned on Scottie Pippen and supported his status as the greatest player to ever do it.
44 minutes, 38 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and most importantly, the win. Fifteen years later and it?s still inspiring. Thanks, Mike.
Who: Michael Jordan
Kicks: Air Jordan 12 Black/Red
Event: Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals @ Utah Jazz
Date: June 11, 1997
Click next for detailed images of the OG Air Jordan 12 Black/Red
