Watch: Throwback to Michael Jordan’s Flu Game in 1997 Finals

Jordan somehow managed to play for 44 minutes that night and finished with 38 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Late in the game, he hit a three-pointer over John Stockton to secure a 90-88 victory. The Bulls eventually went on to win the series in game 6 with a 90-86 score.

Right after the final buzzer, Jordan admitted it was probably the most difficult thing he had ever done, almost passing out. Jackson praised the performance as heroic, stating it was a legendary display of willpower. But there is an alternate telling of this story.

What Really Happened That Night?

For over two decades, everyone knew it as the “Flu Game.” But in 2013, MJ’s trainer, Tim Grover, revealed the food poisoning theory, pointing back to a strange late-night delivery.

Grover stated that five individuals had arrived to deliver the pie, which raised his suspicion about the food delivered. Regardless, Jordan proceeded to eat the entire pizza himself.

In the 2020 documentary ‘The Last Dance’, Jordan stated on camera that it was not the flu, but rather food poisoning from the whole pizza.

Grover later also spoke about finding Jordan in a fetal position, clearly in pain, and requesting a doctor.

Former teammate Steve Kerr noted on the ‘Runnin’ Plays’ podcast that such a performance is unrepeatable in today’s game due to modern player safety protocols. It remains widely considered one of the greatest clutch performances in sports history.

Jordan managed to turn physical weakness into dominance when his team needed it most. Which is your favorite memory from this iconic Finals series?