Jordan Brand re-releases the 'Flu Game' Air Jordan 12 Retro from 1997 Finals
The iconic shoes worn by Michael Jordan are back nearly two decades later
By
Zach Harper
•
2 min read
Nineteen years ago, Michael Jordan had one of the most iconic moments in NBA Finals history. He was said to be battling the "flu" all day, and needed fluids and medical attention in order to get him ready just to play Game 5 against the Utah Jazz. The Chicago Bulls were tied 2-2 in the series with Utah and were desperately trying to avoid going down 3-2 heading back to Chicago for Game 6.
Even though he was trying to overcome the "flu," Jordan played 44 of the gutsiest minutes we've seen in a Finals game. He dropped 38 points on 13-of-27 shooting, and notched seven rebounds and five assists as the Bulls won 90-88. They'd go on to win the next game in Chicago to secure their fifth title and second straight since Jordan had fully returned from his initial retirement. As a celebration of this iconic moment, Jordan Brand re-released the Jordan 12 Retro kicks he wore in that game. From Nike:
He was drained but determined. Battered but not beaten. The battle in Salt Lake City on June 11, 1997 will forever live on as one of MJ's greatest games.
Wearing the legendary Air Jordan XII, MJ willed his way through every step, every play and every basket to eventually take down his Utah nemesis. The struggle was evident in every move, but His Airness never let it stop him, scoring 38 points with seven rebounds and five assists for a crucial 98-96 victory in Game 5.
While not the first time he laced up the Air Jordan XII in black and red, the game quickly became the defining moment for MJ in the Tinker Hatfield design. The iconic performance was officially celebrated with the 2009 release of the Air Jordan XII in a celebratory design.
Nearly two decades later, the moment is as vivid as ever and honored with the recent return of the Air Jordan XII in its truest form.
The shoes went for $190 when they were released on Saturday and predictably sold out fairly quickly. It's also an interesting but coincidental time for the shoes to be released when the 73-9 Golden State Warriors are in danger of being knocked out by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Warriors have had their MVP Stephen Curry out for a big chunk of the playoffs and trying to work his way back to 100 percent from an MCL sprain.
Jordan was able to overcome his "flu" to lead his team to a championship. Will Curry be able to avoid elimination in the conference finals and try to defend their title?
