Michael Jordan Reveals the 'Most Nervous' He’s Been in Years

Although the 63-year-old didn’t specify which Ryder Cup he was referring to, it was long after he stepped away from the sport. And then, complying with the homeowner’s and his grandkids’ wishes made him nervous.

After all, “those kids heard the stories from the parents. About what (he) did 30 years ago.” So automatically, “their expectation (was) 30 years prior,” a long while ago since he last played the game he once ruled.

That nervousness, however, was a rare exception for a man built for pressure.

The 1998 Finals Game 6 jumper against the Utah Jazz is an example of a performance that made people believe that Michael Jordan rarely missed when he needed to.

In the last 40 seconds, he made a driving layup, took the ball away from Karl Malone, and then crossed over Bryon Russell to make room before hitting the jumper that won the championship 87–86 with 5.2 seconds left.

The play gave the Chicago Bulls their sixth title and is still one of the most famous clutch moments in NBA Finals history.

Ultimately, Jordan sank the shot, calling it the most gratifying moment of the week. And if he could, Michael Jordan would prefer to go back in time all over again.

Michael Jordan’s Undying Love for Basketball

MJ landed the shot, and it was about how he “was able to please that kid, not knowing if (he) could.” But it was also probably his love for the sport itself. That he was able to do what he loved, once more.

“In all honesty, I wish I could take a magic pill, put on shorts, and go out and play the game of basketball today,” Jordan said. “Because that’s who I am. That type of competition, that type of competitiveness, is what I live for.”

“And I miss it. I miss that aspect of playing the game of basketball, being able to challenge myself against what people see as great basketball,” he added.

Jordan scored 32,292 points and won five regular-season MVP awards and six Finals MVP awards. These accomplishments helped him become one of the best players in NBA history.