NYK 89, CHI 102 - The Last Dance: Remembering Michael Jordan's final game at Madison Square Garden with the Chicago Bulls.

"It’s Got to be The Shoes."

On March 8, 1998, Michael Jordan, clad in his signature red-and-black Air Jordan 1s, took to Madison Square Garden’s court for the final time as a Chicago Bull. It was the second-to-last matchup of the season between the Bulls and the New York Knicks. At that point, the Bulls were leading the Eastern Conference with a 44-16 record, while the Knicks held a 34-25 record, good for sixth in the conference.

The game, broadcast nationally on a Sunday, was a prime opportunity for NBA fans to catch the closing act of a storied rivalry. Jordan was in scorching form, averaging 30.3 points in his previous three games against the Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, and Denver Nuggets.

Before tip-off, Jordan performed his pre-game ritual of rubbing chalk into his hands and wiping the soles of his shoes. He was in his element, ready to deliver a memorable performance.

With over 19,000 fans in attendance, Jordan showcased his brilliance. In 43 minutes, he led the Bulls to a 42-point, 8-rebound, 6-assist, 3-steal, and 1-block effort. His shooting was precise: 17-for-33 from the field, 1-for-2 from the three-point line, and 7-for-9 from the free-throw line.

Player of the game:
Michael Jordan: 42 PTS, 17-33 FGM, 52 FG%, 1-2 3PM, 7-9 FTM, 8 REB, 6 AST, 3 STL, 1 BLK, GmSc 34.0, BPM +18.9

Jordan dazzled with his trademark fadeaways and spectacular finishes at the rim. Despite Allan Houston’s team-high 24 points for the Knicks and a first-half where Houston outscored Jordan 15 to 17, Jordan’s dominance in the third and fourth quarters secured the victory for Chicago.

Bulls head coach Phil Jackson pulled Jordan with a minute left on the clock, and he departed to a standing ovation.

Despite making it look effortless, Jordan faced a physical challenge. The Air Jordans he wore, originally a size 12.5 from 1985, were now too small for his size 13.5 feet. Postgame, Jordan reflected, "It’s been a long time since I wore them. It’s kind of fun to come back and remember some of the old days, but my feet are killing me." He added on "The Last Dance," "I couldn’t take those shoes off fast enough. When I took them off, my sock was soaked in blood."

Jordan retired with career averages of 31.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists against the Knicks.

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