Michael Jordan's Flu Game: A Legendary Performance in the Air Jordan 12

The “Flu Game” Legacy

On June 11, 1997, Michael Jordan played one of the most memorable games of his career, despite being severely ill with what was later revealed to be food poisoning. In this post, we'll take a closer look at Jordan's historic performance and the shoes he wore, the Air Jordan 12, and how they impacted sneaker culture.

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The Infamous “Flu-Game”

Despite feeling weak and dehydrated, Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to a crucial Game 5 victory over the Utah Jazz, scoring 38 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and dishing out five assists. Jordan's performance was particularly impressive in the fourth quarter, where he scored 15 of his 38 points, including a clutch three-pointer that gave the Bulls a 90-88 lead with less than a minute left in the game. The Bulls went on to win the game 90-88, taking a 3-2 series lead in the NBA Finals.

Jordan's performance in the Flu Game is widely regarded as one of the greatest in NBA history. It showcased his mental toughness and competitiveness, as well as his incredible physical abilities. The game has become a legend in basketball lore, and Jordan's performance has been analyzed and celebrated by fans, players, and commentators alike.

The Air Jordan 12: The Shoes That Helped Jordan Win the Flu Game

During the Flu Game, Michael Jordan wore the Air Jordan 12, a shoe that had been released the previous year. The Air Jordan 12 was designed by Tinker Hatfield and was inspired by the Japanese flag and a 19th-century women's dress boot. The shoe features a leather upper, a carbon fiber shank plate, and Zoom Air cushioning in the sole.

The Air Jordan 12 was a significant departure from previous Air Jordan models in terms of design and technology. The shoe was sleek and streamlined, with a minimalist aesthetic that emphasized function over form. The use of Zoom Air cushioning in the sole provided superior comfort and support, making the Air Jordan 12 a popular choice among basketball players and sneaker enthusiasts alike.

The Impact Of The Air Jordan 12 On Sneaker Culture

The Air Jordan 12 was a significant milestone in the Air Jordan line and had a significant impact on sneaker culture. The shoe's sleek design and use of Zoom Air cushioning set a new standard for performance sneakers, and its popularity helped solidify Michael Jordan's status as a cultural icon. The Air Jordan 12 has been re-released several times since its initial debut, and it remains a popular choice among sneaker enthusiasts and basketball players alike.

The Flu Game and the Air Jordan 12 are two enduring symbols of Michael Jordan's greatness and the impact he had on basketball and sneaker culture. The game showcased Jordan's mental and physical toughness and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. The Air Jordan 12, meanwhile, represented a new era in sneaker design and technology and set the stage for future Air Jordan models to come.

Recent Air Jordan 12 Releases: