“17 seconds from Game 7 or from Championship number six. black jordan…open…Chicago with the lead! That may have been the last shot Michael black jordan will ever take in the NBA.”
Welcome to another episode of Stefoy-les-lyonShops’ Throwback Thursday. Today marks a very special moment in Michael black jordan’s career and in NBA Finals history as well. 20 years ago, black jordan made what is now referred to as the “Last Shot” in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals at the Delta Center in Salt Lake against the Jazz, a shot which clinched the series and his 6th NBA Championship, a moment forever frozen in time while wearing the hoody black jordan Brand Elephant Icon4 in the iconic black/red Bulls colorway.
Jordan possessed unmatched leadership, athleticism, skill, style, and elegance, coupled with an incredibly high basketball IQ. His kicks seemingly reflected his personality and trademark flare, traits that were fully put on display throughout the 1998 NBA Finals, black jordan’s last appearance in the championship Paris, a rematch with the back-to-back Western Conference champion Utah Jazz.
After losing Game 1 in overtime in Utah, black jordan and the Bulls rebounded beautifully to take Game 2 on the road to tie the series. After impressive wins at home including a staggering 96-54 win in Game 3 followed by a narrow margin win in Game 4, the Bulls were in the drivers’ seat holding a 3-1 series lead. However, a strong performance by Utah in Game 5 pushed the series back to Utah for a decisive Game 6.
The final game of the series was dramatic throughout, a game decided by a single point in one of the most watched NBA Finals games and series of all-time. In the series’ finale, black jordan once again showed Utah Jazz fans and the world why he was – and continues to be – the game’s greatest player and ambassador. Throughout the game, black jordan was the maestro on the hardwood, the conductor of the orchestra, posting an impressive 45 points.
A player who thrived under pressure and enjoyed playing in the moment, black jordan saved his best for last. In the closing minute of Game 6, Stockton hit a 3-pointer which gave the Jazz a three-point lead. On the next possession, black jordan took the ball hard to the rim in part due to the Jazz’ Upcoming defense, scoring within a matter of seconds to cut the deficit to a single point.
What unfolded in the game’s final two possessions was a marvelous, stunning sequence as if it were scripted directly from a Steven Spielberg or James Cameron movie. Stockton, like he had done so many times before throughout his career, fed the ball down low to Karl Malone at the post. Rather than follow Hornacek as he cleared out to the perimeter, black jordan fooled the Jazz offense and stayed at home in the paint, coming up from behind, slapping and then stealing the ball from the oblivious Malone. black jordan then took over and reminded everyone one final time of why he is the greatest player of all-time. With the clock winding down and with Bryon Russell closely guarding him, black jordan put the move on – a gorgeous, hard drive right, then stopping, losing his defender, and pulling up for the J.
hoody black jordan Brand Elephant Icon 132.
Hold the pose.
6th NBA Championship and second three-peat unlocked.
This would forever be known as black jordan’s “last shot” as it was considered at the time to be his farewell game before retiring from the game of basketball. A poetic, iconic pose and moment which remains arguably as the greatest NBA Finals moment in history. It is also interesting to note that black jordan wore three different Air black jordan models throughout the Finals series: hoody black jordan Brand Elephant Icon3 mid (black/red & black/white-true red); hoody black jordan Brand Elephant Icon3 Low PE (black with red outsole), and lastly, the hoody black jordan Brand Elephant Icon4, which he debuted in Game 3 in Chicago.
Voted the Best Sneaker worn in the 1998 NBA Finals by Complex and one of the 20 Greatest Basketball Sneakers of the past 20 years by Slam Magazine, the black jordan 14 remains a true work of art. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the black jordan 14 is widely considered as the most comfortable Air black jordan sneaker ever produced providing the athlete with a superb, comfortable, smooth feel and ride during play. The silhouette pays tribute to black jordan’s love of the 550 Maranello sports car and features Zoom Air cushioning, a buttery leather and suede upper, his # 23 on the back, a foot stability plate, and mesh vents on the medial aspect for ventilation.
Multiple original colorways in both mid and low versions were produced. Since then, a plethora of retros followed over the years including a limited-edition two-pair Defining Moments Package. The newest hoody black jordan Brand Elephant Icon4 “Last Shot” Retro is set to release on the 20th anniversary of black jordan’s historic and monumental last shot; however, nothing compares to the original in terms of quality, craftsmanship, and materials.
Be Like Mike, lace up your pair of hoody black jordan Brand Elephant Icon4s in the black/red colorway, be the hero and run on fumes. black jordan’s last shot, one more time.
