MICHAEL JORDAN · THE LAST SHOT
His Airness
1998 NBA Finals · United Center, Chicago · One shot, forever frozen in time
Relive The Last ShotAbout Michael
Michael Jeffrey Jordan, born February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York, is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. Known as "Air Jordan" and "His Airness," he wore No. 23 for the Chicago Bulls and defined the 1990s NBA with two separate three-peats (1991–1993 and 1996–1998).
- Full nameMichael Jeffrey Jordan
- BornFeb 17, 1963 · Brooklyn, NY
- Height / Position6'6" · Shooting Guard
- Jersey23 (Bulls) / 45 (return stint)
- NBA Championships6 (two three-peats)
- MVPs5 Regular Season · 6 Finals
The Last Shot
With 20.8 seconds remaining in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals, the Bulls trailed the Utah Jazz 85–86. Jordan stole the ball from Karl Malone, drove the length of the floor against Bryon Russell, crossed him over at the top of the key, and with 5.2 seconds left rose for the game-winning jumper. Chicago won 87–86, clinching its sixth championship.
The sequence
- Stole the ball from Karl Malone in the low post
- Dribbled downcourt against Bryon Russell
- Executed a crossover at the top of the key (5.2 seconds left)
- Released the game-winning jumper with 5.2 seconds remaining
- Held the follow-through until the ball swished through
87–86
Final Score
45
Jordan's Points
6×
NBA Championships
Why it's remembered
- Sealed the Chicago Bulls' 6th NBA Championship
- Completed the second "Three-peat" (1996–1998)
- Marked Jordan's final shot in a Bulls uniform
- Considered the greatest clutch shot in NBA history
Glory & Achievements
"I never doubted myself. I knew we had a chance to win this battle."
— Michael Jordan