The Flu Game
via Wikipedia: Flu Game shoes · see source
The Flu Game shoes are black and red size 13 Nike Air Jordan XII worn by Michael Jordan in game five of the 1997 NBA Finals, commonly called The Flu Game. The game was between Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz. It was reported that Jordan had the flu before and during the game. Later, it was revealed that he was suffering from food poisoning. Michael Jordan gave the shoes to a ball boy from the Utah Jazz after the game. The shoes were stored in a bank vault for 15 years and sold at auction for over US$104,000 in 2013. They were sold at auction a second time in June 2023 for US$1.38 million.
Lore & Background
With 25 seconds left, Jordan made a go-ahead two-point jumper, though the Bulls still needed to hold off the Jazz to secure the win.
Did You Know?
- Michael Jordan played 44 minutes in Game 5 despite being ill.
- Jordan finished the game with 38 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.
- The ball boy, Preston Truman, turned down an offer of US$11,000 for the shoes.
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