Table of Contents
In the 1998 NBA Finals, Game 6 was a historic showdown between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz. With the series tied, the final minutes of this game remain one of the most thrilling moments in basketball history. This article provides a detailed play-by-play breakdown of those crucial final moments.
The Final Minutes: A Play-by-Play Breakdown
The game was tied at 86-86 with just under two minutes remaining. The Bulls’ Michael Jordan, known for his clutch performances, took control. With 1:45 left, Jordan dribbled at the top of the key, drawing the defense. He then made a decisive drive to the basket, finishing with a smooth layup, putting Chicago ahead 88-86.
On the next possession, Utah’s Karl Malone responded with a powerful dunk, tying the game at 88-88 with 1:20 to go. The tension was palpable as both teams fought for control.
With 50 seconds remaining, the Bulls called a timeout to set up their final play. Out of the timeout, Jordan received the ball at the top of the key. He dribbled, faked a shot, and then drove left, drawing double coverage.
Jordan then passed to Scottie Pippen, who was open on the wing. Pippen took the shot but missed. The rebound was fought for fiercely, but Utah’s Greg Ostertag secured it with 10 seconds left.
Utah called a timeout to plan their final move. The Jazz’s last play centered around Malone, who received the ball at the foul line. With 5 seconds remaining, Malone made a move to the basket but was contested by Dennis Rodman. Malone’s shot was blocked, and the rebound was grabbed by Luc Longley.
As the clock expired, the Bulls secured the victory, 87-86, clinching their third consecutive NBA Championship. Michael Jordan’s final shot and the intense last-minute exchanges remain etched in basketball history.