On June 14, 1998, the Chicago Bulls cemented their dynasty with a dramatic 87-86 victory over the Utah Jazz in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, securing their sixth championship in eight seasons. The moment that defined the game—and arguably Jordan’s career—came in the final seconds, when Michael Jordan delivered one of the most legendary shots in basketball history.
With 18.9 seconds left, the Jazz held an 86-85 lead, putting the Bulls on the brink of a Game 7. As Utah’s Karl Malone posted up in the paint, Jordan snuck behind him, swiped the ball, and immediately pushed the ball up the court. With the clock ticking down, Jordan dribbled to the top of the key, squared up against Bryon Russell, and executed a crossover dribble—sending Russell stumbling backward.
Jordan then rose up and released a 20-foot jumper, holding his follow-through as the ball swished through the net with 5.2 seconds remaining. The Bulls took an 87-86 lead, and the Jazz, despite a last-second attempt by John Stockton, failed to respond.
Jordan’s game-winner was more than just a clutch basket—it was the perfect ending to his Bulls career. He finished the game with 45 points, carrying Chicago to victory despite Scottie Pippen’s back injury limiting his effectiveness. The shot also secured Jordan his sixth NBA Finals MVP, as he averaged 33.5 points per game in the series.
The image of Jordan holding his follow-through, with the crowd frozen in anticipation, remains one of the most iconic moments in sports history. It was the culmination of years of dominance, marking the end of the Bulls’ dynasty and Jordan’s second retirement (before his eventual return with the Washington Wizards).
Game 6 was the final game for Jordan and head coach Phil Jackson with the Bulls. The franchise would enter a rebuilding phase, while Jordan’s legacy as the greatest clutch performer in NBA history was solidified. The game also marked the highest television ratings for an NBA game ever recorded.
Even decades later, Jordan’s 1998 Finals performance remains the gold standard for championship greatness. His ability to rise to the occasion, deliver under pressure, and leave the game on his own terms is why “The Shot” is still revered as one of the most defining moments in basketball history.
