Michael Jordan’s last shot. Well, sort of. It wasn’t really his last shot. But the shot we call his last shot happened on this date in 1998. Of course you knew this because of the Jordan 14 Retro, right?
Think about this, though. The Air Jordan 13 released in 1998. The Air Jordan 14 released in 1999. Yet, for the NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz, Michael Jordan wore both the Air Jordan 13 and Air Jordan 14. Here’s the breakdown of what MJ wore during the 1998 NBA Finals:
- Game 1 – Air Jordan 13 “Bred”
- 33 points on 13-of-29 shooting (1-of-2 3-pointers), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks
- Game 2 – Air Jordan 13 Low PE, Air Jordan 13 Bred
- 37 points on 14-of-33 shooting (0-of-2 3-pointers), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block
- Game 3 – Air Jordan 14 “Last Shot”
- 24 points on 7-of-14 shooting, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block
- Game 4 –Air Jordan 14 “Last Shot”
- 34 points on 12-27 shooting, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
- Game 5 –Air Jordan 13 Playoffs
- 28 points on 9-of-26 shooting (0-of-2 3-pointers), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals
- Game 6 –Air Jordan 14 “Last Shot”
- 45 points on 15-of-35 shooting (3-of-7 3 pointers), 1 rebound, 1 assist, 4 steals
It was no secret that Michael Jordan’s last game would be the final game of the 1998 NBA Finals. Though it wasn’t formally announced back then, the fans knew. And judging from the picturesque nature of the “last shot” over Bryon Russell, it was clear that Michael knew, too.
Of course, a few years later Michael Jordan would return to the NBA as a part of the Washington Wizards and wear shoes like the Cool Grey Jordan 11, Jordan 17 and others, but nothing was the same compared to his days with the Chicago Bulls. Looking back at the series stats and the replays makes you appreciate Michael Jordan, and also, Stephen Curry and LeBron James stat lines from this year’s NBA Finals.
Beyond the game, however, it’s incredible that Nike and Jordan had the foresight to get the Jordan 14 on MJ’s feet in what became his last games with the Bulls. But then again, that’s what makes them legendary.
