Jordan's championship-winning shot was his last

He held his follow-through for an extra second or two after the ball swished through the basket, as if relishing what he knew would be his final shot.

Michael Jordan's championship-winning bucket against the Utah Jazz in Game 6 last season was one of his most memorable shots in a 13-year career.

In his last 17 seconds as an NBA player, Jordan stole the show.

Utah was ahead 86-85 and Karl Malone had the ball as he tried to back up toward the basket against Dennis Rodman. But Jordan sneaked up behind Malone and swatted the ball away.

Jordan grabbed it and dribbled upcourt as Bryon Russell shadowed him. Jordan faked a drive, sending Russell to the floor, and pulled up near the top of the key for the shot.

The 17-footer swished through with 5.2 seconds left, giving Chicago an 87-86 lead and Jordan an opportunity for a classic pose. Except Jordan says he really wasn't posing.

"I was getting tired and I guess the lessons that you learn over the years is stick with that shot a little longer, make sure you get that extra little bit," Jordan said Wednesday at the news conference to announce his retirement. "And that was my thinking, was to make sure that I extend and do the necessary fundamentals to get the ball to the basket.

"It turned out to look as if I was posing for all the photographers, but that was not the case."

After Jordan's basket, John Stockton's desperation shot at the buzzer bounced off the rim. The Bulls had their sixth title and Jordan could leave the game the way he played it - as a champion.