Sunday marked the 25th anniversary of "The Flu Game." A series-altering matchup between the Chicago Bulls (69-13) and the Utah Jazz (64-18) in the 1997 NBA Finals. Led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, the defending world champions were opposed by the reigning MVP, Karl Malone, the league's all-time assist leader, John Stockton, and the Utah Jazz, who had the Chicago Bulls on the ropes in game 5. With the best-of-seven series tied at 2-2, the Jazz took a commanding 8-point lead in the final quarter. This ignited one of the most memorable moments in NBA history as Michael Jordan's squad orchestrated a 10-0 run en route to his team narrowly escaping with a 90-88 victory on the road. The polarizing image of Scottie Pippen helping an ailing MJ walk off the court because he suffered from food poisoning became a legendary symbol of their championship coronation in Chicago two days later.
Shortly after the "Flu Game," Michael Jordan gave his game-worn "Air Jordan 12" sneakers away to a ballboy for the Utah Jazz, who used to bring him snacks before the game named Preston Thomas. Those shoes (along with a letter of authenticity) were just sold in an auction (via a collectibles marketplace called Goldin) for $1.38 million.
Scroll up to watch Goldin's promo video for the famous "Flu Game" shoes.
Source: CBS Sports
