Why Michael Jordan's "Last Shot" is the Best Play in NBA History
It’s a moment frozen in time that is the best play in NBA history. In what was Michael Jordan’s last shot before retiring for a first time, Jordan sunk a 17-foot game-winner with 5.2 seconds left. Ultimately it would decide the 1998 NBA Final, sealed a second three-peat for Jordan and the Bulls, and was his last ever shot playing for Chicago.
With a hang time of 0.92 seconds, Michael Jordan’s Last Shot encapsulates the player Jordan was in a single moment. The greatest player in NBA history, he was able to defy gravity and hit game-winning clutch shots like no other.
We’ve all seen the shot. Following a layup, Jordan had got the Bulls to within a point with 18.9 seconds left following a layup. Fate again determined Jordan’s legacy of dominating the NBA as he followed it up by stealing the ball from Karl Malone, snatching Malone's best chance of ever winning an NBA championship in the process.
As the clock wound down Jordan dribbled the ball up court. After a quick crossover dribble on Bryon Russell he hit a trademark clutch 20-foot jumper which became Jordan's 25th and final game winning shot for the Bulls.
There was only 5.2 seconds left on the clock, enough time for John Stockton to miss a 3-point field goal, crown the Bulls are sixth championship and cement Michael Jordan's Last Shot as the best player in NBA history.
The impact of Jordan’s Last Shot went far beyond just delivering another title for the Bulls. The shoes he wore during the shot was the Air Jordan XIV, a design inspired by the Ferrari 550 M that Jordan drove.
Released later on in 1998 the Jordan XIV went on to become a smash hit and a raving commercial success.
The culmination of everything Jordan did in his career up until that moment and hitting that shot was striking gold, as it helped to solidify Jordan’ icon status. ‘His Airness' and his bank account has benefited ever since.
If it hadn't been before the shot, the Air Jordan brand contagiously became a status symbol in not only sneaker culture but also as a fashion statement.
Jordan's net worth today? It hit $3 billion in 2023 and continues to grow.
And imagine if new photographic technology wasn't available at the time Jordan elevated himself to hit his trademark mid-range jumper. Would it be the best moment in NBA history?
Jordan's Last Shot, that moment frozen in time with 6.6 seconds left on the clock, is an image worthy of gracing the front cover of the NBA if it was a book.
But as special as Michael Jordan’s Last Shot was it wasn't his legitimate last shot in the NBA. That came in 2003 after coming out of retirement in 2001 to play for the Washington Wizards. Against the 76ers, Jordan sunk two otherwise meaningless free throws which drew the curtains on the most unbelievable of careers.
Jordan fans will attest that Jordan's last game was Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals. Whether or not we're realists or have had a sudden bout of amnesia, there's no denying that Michael Jordan's Last Shot is Wolfgang Sports best play in NBA history.
The proof is in what Jordan has been able to do with his business empire as that single moment is all he needs to showcase his entrepreneurial skills. And the fact we're able to enjoy it today at many different angles makes it even more special.
