15 Years Ago Today: Jordan's Golden Moment

CLEVELAND - It remains one of the most seminal moments in the history of the NBA Finals; Michael Jordan punctuating another virtuoso performance with a cold blooded jump shot with 5.2 seconds remaining on the game clock to propel his Chicago Bulls to their sixth NBA championship title in eight years.

Call him "the ultimate legend."

Crazy how time flies, but that event took place 15 years ago today as the then-two-time defending NBA champion Bulls played Game 6 of the finals at the Delta Center, the home court of their opponent, the Utah Jazz. Jordan was forced to carry a larger-than-normal load for his team after his superstar teammate Scottie Pippen strained his back in the opening moments of the game. Even though he managed to play 26 minutes, Pippen was greatly reduced in his effectiveness, meaning MJ had to find another gear.

Boy did he ever.

With Jordan being in the twilight of a truly historic, spectacular career at age 35, his athleticism and stamina were far below what they had been in his glorious prime. Even still, he remained a transcendent player capable of anything when the stakes were highest. This is why he was able to score 16 huge points in the fourth quarter of a very tight game and deliver three breathtaking and game-changing plays in the game's final 42 seconds.

After Jazz star John Stockton drilled a three-pointer with 41.9 seconds remaining, Utah led, 86-83. After a Bulls timeout, Jordan, running on fumes during an exhaustive fourth period took the ball and drove hard to the right baseline and scored majestically over Antoine Carr to pull his team to within one with 37.1 seconds left.

Back in possession, the Jazz went to their bread and butter play; their superstar Karl Malone with the ball in the post. Malone began to make his move on Dennis Rodman as Jordan came out of nowhere and stripped the ball from Malone before he could ever get a shot off. The steal happened with around 18 seconds left in the game. Instead of calling a timeout to set up a play, Jordan brought the ball upcourt as he faced Jazz swingman Bryon Russell. Even though Russell and Jordan were now matched up one-on-one, it was actually Jordan matched up one-on-one with history and the legacy of indelible greatness.

He won.

Jordan drove to his right with Russell defending, then (with a very surreptitious nudge) crossed over to his left and rose up for a cocky jumper from 18 feet out with an unobstructed view of the hoop.

All net.

Jordan, as the Jazz called a timeout while the entire building of thousands of fans sat in stunned disbelief, held his follow through pose for a shot worthy of such theatrics.

Moments later, it was all over. Jordan scored 45 points, the Bulls won the game 87-86 along with championship number 6 and MJ's status as the greatest basketball player in history was locked in place.

Just like that great moment.