Michael Jordan's Final Shot: The Bulls' Championship Clincher
In one of the most iconic moments in sports history, the Chicago Bulls secured their championship victory against the Utah Jazz in a game defined by grit, controversy, and an unforgettable final sequence. While the Bulls eventually emerged victorious, the path to the trophy was fraught with physical challenges and razor-thin officiating calls.
The game began with an immediate physical toll on the Bulls. Scottie Pippen scored the opening basket with a slam dunk, but the play aggravated a back injury. This injury hampered Pippen's mobility for the remainder of the contest, limiting him to 26 minutes of play and 8 points on 4–7 shooting.
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The Dominance of Michael Jordan
With Pippen limited, the offensive burden shifted heavily toward Michael Jordan. Jordan took 35 of the Bulls' 67 total shots, playing 44 minutes to lead the team in both scoring and time on court. He finished the game with 45 points, setting a then-Finals record for the most points scored in a championship-clinching game on the road—a record that stood for 28 years until it was matched by Jalen Brunson in 2026.
Shot Clock Controversies
The game was marked by two critical shot-clock disputes that sparked debate among commentators and coaches. In the second quarter, with the Jazz leading 28–24, Howard Eisley hit a 3-pointer. However, referee Dick Bavetta ruled that the ball was released after the shot clock expired. Replays later indicated the ball had left Eisley's hands with one second remaining. Because the NBA did not implement instant replay for reviews until 2002, the call stood. Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan chose not to argue the call to avoid a second technical foul and potential ejection.
The controversy mirrored itself in the second half when Bulls guard Ron Harper hit a jump shot to tie the game at 79. While NBC's Bob Costas initially suggested the shot was on time, commentator Isiah Thomas argued it was a shot-clock violation. Costas noted that if both calls were missed, it represented a five-point swing in the game's momentum.
Game Progression Summary
| Player/Team | Key Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Jordan | 45 Points | Record for road clinching game |
| Karl Malone | 31 Points | Led Utah Jazz in scoring |
| Scottie Pippen | 8 Points | Limited by back injury |
| Chicago Bulls | 67 Shots | Jordan took 35 of these attempts |
| Utah Jazz | Halftime Lead | Led 49–45 at the half |
The Final Sequence
Despite the Jazz holding leads at halftime (49–45) and at the end of the third quarter (66–61), the fourth quarter became a battle of wills. With 41.9 seconds remaining, John Stockton hit a 3-pointer to put the Jazz up 86–83. Jordan immediately responded with a layup to bring the score to 86–84.
With 18.9 seconds left, the Jazz regained possession. In the low post, Michael Jordan stripped the ball from Karl Malone and drove down the court. Facing defender Bryon Russell, Jordan executed a quick cross-over and hit a 20-foot jump shot with 5.2 seconds remaining, giving the Bulls an 87–86 lead.
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The Jazz called their final timeout to set up a last-second play. John Stockton took the inbound pass and attempted a game-winning 3-pointer, but the shot missed. While Antoine Carr was open, the rebound fell out of reach, and the Bulls celebrated their victory. This marked Jordan's 25th game-winning shot for Chicago and his final shot as a member of the Bulls.
Key Facts
- Michael Jordan scored 45 points, a road clinching-game record until 2026.
- Scottie Pippen was limited to 8 points due to a back injury sustained on the opening dunk.
- Karl Malone led the Utah Jazz with 31 points.
- The game featured two controversial shot-clock calls involving Howard Eisley and Ron Harper.
- The championship was decided by a single point, ending 87–86 in favor of the Bulls.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points did Michael Jordan score in the clinching game?
Michael Jordan scored 45 points, leading the Chicago Bulls in both scoring and minutes played (44 minutes).
What happened to Scottie Pippen during the game?
Pippen aggravated a back injury on a slam dunk during the opening basket, which limited his movement and restricted him to 26 minutes of play.
What was the controversy regarding Howard Eisley's shot?
Referee Dick Bavetta ruled that Eisley's 3-pointer was released after the shot clock expired, though replays showed the ball left his hands with one second remaining.
How did the game end?
Michael Jordan stole the ball from Karl Malone and hit a 20-foot jump shot with 5.2 seconds left to give the Bulls an 87–86 lead. A final missed 3-pointer by John Stockton sealed the victory for Chicago.
Was instant replay used to review the shot clock calls?
No, the NBA did not begin using instant replay to review calls until 2002, meaning the officials' on-court decisions were final.