In a recent interview, NBA legend Michael Jordan agreed with that sentiment. To him, that load management should be the antithesis of professional basketball. His position is particularly commendable in light of his own experience during the infamous “Flu Game” of June 11, 1997. In that pivotal Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz, Jordan demonstrated sheer determination, playing despite being seriously ill.
Meanwhile, Jordan was bedridden for the majority of the day, wishing he was anywhere else. He would later disclose that he was afflicted by food poisoning prior to the game. Incredibly, he was able to come back only 90 minutes before tip-off. Even in the face of his condition, he opted for a non-conventional warm-up. Instead, he dove in deep on just getting onto the court.
During the game, Jordan delivered an extraordinary performance, scoring 38 points and leading the Chicago Bulls to a crucial victory that put them just one win away from securing the NBA title. His drive and will were on full display as he jumped to go airborne for the winning jumper against Utah’s Bryon Russell. With just 5.2 seconds remaining in Game 6, that bucket gave the Bulls the title.
After winning the championship, Jordan collapsed onto Scottie Pippen’s chest. This moment was particularly poignant given the physical toll the match had clearly taken on him. Reflecting on his commitment to play through adversity, Jordan stated, “You know, I was going to find a way to get out there, even if I was a decoy.”
In his recent remarks on load management, he hit the nail on the head. He argues that no player deserves to miss a game because of it. “Well, it shouldn’t be needed, first and foremost,” he asserted. Jordan’s approach is heavily influenced by his tenure as a player. Undeniably, he played often while clearly sick and injured to showcase his team at the highest level. He recalled early in his career an experience when he played through a sprained ankle. It was the idea of the fans who had come out to support him that stoked the fire.
The effect of Jordan’s performance in those 1997 Finals is still being felt to this day. The wireless network in Utah’s arena is officially named “JordanPushedOff.” This athlete’s name pays tribute to his heroic status in the sport. In 1998, the Bulls again beat the Jazz in the Finals. In the process, this win marked Jordan’s legacy as one of the greatest basketball players in history.
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