When Greatness Overcame Illness

June 11, 1997, remains etched in NBA history as the night Michael Jordan defied human limits during Game 5 of the Finals. Battering severe food poisoning, Jordan scored 38 points against the Utah Jazz in what became known as the legendary "Flu Game" – a 48-minute testament to competitive spirit that redefined athletic perseverance.

The Championship Pressure Cooker

The Chicago Bulls entered Game 5 tied 2-2 with the Jazz after a record-breaking 69-win season. Salt Lake City's hostile environment and Jordan's mysterious illness – later confirmed as food poisoning from a tainted pizza – created a perfect storm of adversity. Teammate Steve Kerr recalled: "Michael looked ghostly pale during warmups. We weren’t sure he could stand up."

A Superhuman Effort

Key moments from Jordan’s iconic performance:

• » 17 points in the 2nd quarter to erase Utah's 16-point lead
• » 15 clutch points in the final period
• » Game-winning 3-pointer with 25 seconds left
• » Played 44 of 48 possible minutes

The Human Cost of Victory

Jordan collapsed into Scottie Pippen’s arms after the final buzzer, needing assistance to leave the court. Medical staff recorded:

• » Severe dehydration
• » 103°F (39.4°C) fever
• » Zero solid food intake in 24 hours

Legacy of the Flu Game

The Bulls clinched their 5th championship three days later, but Jordan’s Game 5 became instant sports folklore. Current NBA star Jimmy Butler observes: "Young players study those fourth-quarter clips – it’s the blueprint for mental toughness."

Jordan himself later clarified: "It wasn’t flu – it was food poisoning. But when you’re chasing greatness, your body becomes secondary to the mission."