June 11, 1997. The Flu Game. One of the most legendary basketball games of all time. With the series tied at 2-2 between Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz heading into game five, there was no way Michael Jordan was going to miss this one.
But MJ was feeling seriously under the weather and played like it throughout the first quarter as the Jazz built up a 17 point lead. However, in the second quarter, he fought back, hitting 17 points to drag his side back into the game. Raw desire fuelled ‘His Airness’ through his illness and arguably the greatest player to ever grace the court ran the show once more. In a 90-88 win, he scored 38 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block. He could barely stand up straight and still he put in this sort of performance.
Now, this iconic game has been commemorated in a fresh batch of Air Jordans. The Jumpman team are back with another hit retro edition, this time in the form of the Air Jordan 12s, which marks the final piece of the ‘Jordan’s Holiday 2020 retro lineup’ puzzle. This latest installment is in a striking ‘Varsity Red’, in honour of the flu game with strikes of black throughout. Suede is melted perfectly into this design while pebbled leather fabrics arrange the mudguard. Classic branding features on the tongue and TWO 3 is spelled out tonally. Towards the heels you’ll spot the traditional Jordan-branded banner, as well as heel tabs, with 23, Jordan’s number also starring.
These will be out on Boxing Day at select retailers and will cost £140.
