Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball: The 25th Anniversary of “The Flu Game”

By Nick Delahanty

CHICAGO, UNITED STATES: Chicago Bulls player Michael Jordan sticks out his tongue as he goes past Jeff Hornacek of the Utah Jazz 04 June during game two of the NBA Finals at the United Center in Chicago, IL. The Bulls lead the best-of-seven series 1-0. AFP PHOTO/Vincent LAFORET (Photo credit should read VINCENT LAFORET/AFP via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES: Chicago Bulls player Michael Jordan sticks out his tongue as he goes past Jeff Hornacek of the Utah Jazz 04 June during game two of the NBA Finals at the United Center in Chicago, IL. The Bulls lead the best-of-seven series 1-0. AFP PHOTO/Vincent LAFORET (Photo credit should read VINCENT LAFORET/AFP via Getty Images) /
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It’s been 25 years since the famous “Flu Game,” as UNC basketball legend Michael Jordan put together one of the most memorable performances of his career. 

Can you imagine that it’s been 25 years since Michael Jordan’s famous “Flu Game!”

On June 11, 1997, the Chicago Bulls were preparing to play a crucial Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz. With the series knotted up at two games a piece, the winner would certainly have the upper edge in the remainder of the series.

However, the Bulls had one major concern, as Jordan, the UNC basketball legend, was dealing with flu-like symptoms. There are other stories about Jordan’s illness (such as that he suffered from food poisoning after ordering a pizza the night before), but nonetheless, this was a major storyline in this finals matchup.

Although they weren’t sure if he was going to play, Jordan battled through (as we all thought he would) and put together one of the most memorable performances of his entire NBA career.

Jordan led all scorers with 38 points, as he led the Bulls to a 90-88 victory over the Jazz. He was clearly not feeling right, but still was able to play over 44 minutes in the contest!

A few days later, the Bulls returned to Chicago and finished off the series, capturing their second consecutive title as well as the franchise’s fifth overall championship.

After Game 5 concluded, of course, the talk around the sports world was Jordan’s performance given the circumstances of his health. It was fitting that Stuart Scott, a former SportsCenter anchor, and Tar Heel alum, had the honor of breaking down the highlights.

In typical  Stuart Scott fashion, he simply did not disappoint:

It was a special night for Jordan and the Bulls, as this illness did not slow down the former UNC basketball standout one bit. Needless to say, it’s an individual performance that will always go down as one of the greatest in NBA history.

In honor of Stuart Scott, who passed away in 2015, can we get a “Boo-Yah!”

dark. Next. Former UNC Basketball standout on the trade block?

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