"He did it again!" - The words spoken by the Chicago Bulls' play-by-play television commentator following Jordan's game-winning shot with no time left on the clock to beat the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center in Chicago on February 13, 1998.
Offered here is perhaps the most well-documented Michael Jordan jersey we have ever seen and easily the finest we have handled. Worn by Jordan during his historic final season with the Bulls, which was chronicled in the "The Last Dance" documentary, this jersey was sourced directly from the Chicago Bulls and has been conclusively photo matched by both MeiGray Group and Sports Investors Authentication. Each company has independently photo matched the jersey to a game against the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center on February 13, 1998, and has provide a full letter of authenticity. Also accompanying the jersey is a full letter of authenticity from the Chicago Bulls attesting to its use by Jordan during the club's 1997-1998 World Championship season. All three letters can be viewed in their entirety on our website.
The game this jersey has been matched to was a regular-season contest that once again showcased Jordan's amazing talents on the hardwood and his penchant for dramatic finishes. When the Bulls and Hawks took the floor at the United Center on February 13th, both teams were on two-game winning streaks, and the Hawks trailed the Bulls by five and a half games in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. From the outset, it looked like it would be an easy night for the Bulls. Jordan led all scorers with ten points in the first quarter as the Bulls led 36-26. That lead ballooned to 64-49 at the half and then 91-74 after third quarter. Then the Hawks woke up. As the Bulls went scoreless for over four minutes, the Hawks battled back and eventually tied the game 108-108 with thirty-four seconds left. That's when Jordan took over. Taking an inbounds pass with sixteen seconds left, he coolly dribbled around the top of the key and banked home a jumper with ten seconds left on the clock. Scottie Pippen then fouled Steve Smith in the act of shooting with four seconds left. Smith made both foul shots to knot the score once again. As they had done countless times in the past, the Bulls once again put the game in Jordan's hands. The Bulls took the ball out of bounds at half court, and as if preordained, Jordan worked his way free from a defender and received the inbounds pass at the top of the key. He then dribbled right and deftly hit a fifteen-foot jumper as the buzzer sounded giving the Bulls the win. For the game, Jordan finished with 37 points to lead all scorers. He also had seven rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Highlights from the game, including the winning shot, can be seen on various YouTube videos, including one at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewIrfv-ckXI
Although Jordan surely savored the moment, the win was just one of many in what would become an unforgettable final season in Chicago. Jordan played in all 82 games that year and averaged a league-high 28.7 points per game in leading the Bulls to a 62-20 record and their third consecutive World Championship. Included among Jordan's many achievements and accomplishments that year were his fifth regular-season MVP Award, his sixth NBA Finals MVP Award, his third NBA All-Star MVP Award, and his selection to both the All-NBA First Team and NBA All-Defensive First Team.
The white mesh home jersey is lettered "Bulls" across the front and features the number "23" on the front and reverse. "Jordan" is lettered on the reverse above the number. All letters and numerals are applied in red on black tackle twill. Tagging on the left front tail consists of a Nike size 50 label, a Chicago Bulls tag, an NBA Authentics tag, and flag tag reading "Length +4." The jersey is all original, with no modifications. Moderate wear is displayed throughout, including a few loose threads and light puckering.
Very few professional athletes have transcended their sport to become cultural icons. Jordan is one of those rare exceptions and like Babe Ruth and Muhammad Ali, his sports memorabilia, especially game-worn items, continue to greatly appreciate in value. This is one of the finest Jordan jerseys in the hobby and while some may be astounded for what it sells for, in the future, many might look back upon its final sale price and deem it to have been a bargain.
Estimate: $300,000-$400,000