Chicago Bulls: 30 greatest Michael Jordan moments of all time

By Luke Askew | Oct 2, 2019

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 10: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls looks on against the Utah Jazz during Game Four of the 1998 NBA Finals on June 10, 1998 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1998 NBAE (Photo by Andy Hayt/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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1. The final shot of MJ’s Bulls career

This is one of the most famous plays in NBA history. The image of Jordan holding his follow-through as Jazz fans look on in disgust is breathtaking (and one of the most iconic posters of all time).

The brilliance of this moment started before the famous jumper, though. It started on the defensive end of the floor, where Jordan took the game into his own hands – literally.

Hop in the time machine with me back to 1998.

Karl Malone catches the ball on the block with about 22 seconds left, Jazz up by one. Jordan, realizing Malone doesn’t see him, slaps at the ball, strips it loose and picks it up.

Now, with time winding down and the Bulls still down by one, Jordan brings the ball up the floor, methodically dribbling as he surveys the court for options. Once he sees his opening, he takes it. He takes a hard dribble to the middle of the floor and then hits Bryon Russell with a tight stepback. Swish.

Bob Costas struck the world with one of the most famous lines in NBA history shortly after that shot.

"“If that’s the last image of Michael Jordan, how magnificent is it?”"

After the Bulls got one more stop on the defensive end, the game was over. Michael Jordan had won his sixth and final championship with the Chicago Bulls.

Next. 15 best Bulls defenders of all time. dark

Oh, and by the way, it wasn’t a push-off.

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