The Best Basketball Events: Michael Jordan Game Winning Shot

There is one player who is always brought up when discussing magical basketball events and that player is Michael Jordan. The debate over who was the greatest player in NBA history will rage on so long as people continue to watch the game of basketball. Ask any fan who they think was the greatest player of all time and you’re certain to get a different answer from each one. The one constant, however, is that Michael Jordan is always considered among the greatest in any discussion.

There have been numerous Michael Jordan game winning shots throughout his career but if you had to narrow it down to two choices then the jumper over Craig Ehlo in the 1989 NBA playoffs would have to be one of them. The Cleveland Cavaliers had just come off a thrilling 108 to 105 overtime victory in Chicago to even the series at 2 apiece. With the series returning to Cleveland for Game 5, the Bulls and Michael Jordan certainly had their work cut out for them. The game went back and forth until Cleveland made what they thought would be the winning basket with three seconds left. Chicago quickly called timeout and drew up a play for the final shot. After receiving the inbound pass, Jordan took a couple of quick dribbles and rose for the game winning jump shot. Craig Ehlo tried in vain to block the shot but it seemed like Michael hovered in the air just long enough to get the shot over Ehlo. Even after all the accomplishments in his illustrious career, this shot still goes down as one of his best ever.

The other Michael Jordan game winning shot that comes to mind took place during the 1998 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz. In this game, the Bulls were facing a Game 7 in Chicago if they were to lose but Jordan had other plans. The Utah Jazz were putting up fight and did not want to lose the NBA Finals on their home court. After receiving the ball at mid-court, Jordan drove to the top of the key. At the top of the foul line he pulled off an unbelievable crossover dribble move and let loose a jump shot over a stumbling Brian Russell for the game winner.

It’s no surprise that many of the memorable moments in the NBA can be attributed to the play of Michael Jordan. His play and amazing drive to win was the cornerstone of the NBA at its peak of popularity during the 1980’s and 1990’s. Having played on what was considered one of the best teams in NBA history only provided the proper stage for his heroics. Every time he touched the basketball the chance for a memorable moment was just around the corner.

Each basketball moment is more memorable when you can see the scoreboards light up. With Jordan, his facial expressions are best seen from when they lit up basketball scoreboards around the country.

One thought on “The Best Basketball Events: Michael Jordan Game Winning Shot

  1. Michael Jordan was one of the best players in the NBA and it wasn’t entirely because of his playing. Jordan was one of those professionals who understood the ins and outs of the game and what the meaning of ‘good sportsmanship’ really meant. He was charismatic as well and a goot influence. He brought class to the game.

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