Chicago Bulls: “The Flu Game” solidified Michael Jordan as GOATVincent Pariseon May 18, 2020 at 3:00 pm

Either way, the fact of the matter is that he played the game ill and had a hard time. If you’ve ever had any sort of similar illness in your life, it is difficult to get out of bed let alone play an NBA Finals game at an elite level. Well, that is exactly what Michael did that day. Based on the circumstances, it was one of the most incredible individual performances in the history of sports.

Jordan went into the game fatigued and was clearly weak on the court. He eventually started to put up some points despite not having his normal explosiveness. He did, however, end the game with 38 points and made a couple of clutch plays in the fourth quarter to seal the win for Chicago. He ended up with 38 points and gave the Bulls a 3-2 series lead. They would go back to the United Center two days later and win that fifth title on their home court.

Jordan falling into Pippen’s arms as the clock expired in game five of this series is one of the most iconic pictures in sports history now. It is the image that represents this game forever. This Jordan signature moment was one that solidified him as the greatest player of all time. In a weak moment, he was able to rise to the occasion anyway and lift the Bulls on his back. Five titles in seven years were no joke and he might have not been able to do it if he took game five off.