Michael Jordan’s Last Shot Wins the Bulls a Sixth Title

On June 14, 1998, the Chicago Bulls met the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City for Game 6 of the National Basketball Association Finals. Chicago held a 3-2 series lead, seeking a third straight championship and their sixth title in eight seasons. The season had been shadowed by expectations that the Bulls dynasty was reaching its conclusion, with head coach Phil Jackson having labeled the campaign "The Last Dance" during training camp. Tensions over Scottie Pippen's contract and delayed surgery had caused him to miss substantial time during the regular season, while the Jazz entered the championship round holding home-court advantage after sweeping Chicago in their two regular-season encounters.

The physical toll of the grueling playoff run became apparent immediately in Game 6. Scottie Pippen aggravated a back injury after scoring the game's opening dunk, which severely limited his mobility and restricted him to only eight points on the night. With Pippen compromised, Chicago relied almost exclusively on Michael Jordan to generate offense. Jordan scored 23 points in the first half to keep the Bulls competitive. The contest remained contentious throughout, marked by disputed officiating in the second quarter when referee Dick Bavetta waved off a three-point basket by Utah guard Howard Eisley for a shot-clock violation, though television replays indicated the ball had left his hands before time expired.