Michael Jordan was not a proponent of load management, even during severe illness.
Jordan discussed the issue of NBA players being sidelined during the second part of a series titled «MJ: Insights to Excellence,» which was broadcast on Tuesday night in between two games on NBC.
When interviewer Mike Tirico inquired about his views on load management, Jordan expressed his candid opinion.
«First of all, it shouldn’t even be a consideration,» Jordan stated. «I never wanted to skip a game because it was my chance to showcase my skills. It was something I valued, knowing the fans came to see me play. I aimed to impress that individual way up in the stands who likely went above and beyond to afford a ticket.»
Jordan noted that this principle also applied to those who attended games just to root against him.
«Absolutely, because I know they’re probably shouting at me, and I want to silence them,» Jordan remarked. «They’re calling me all sorts of names. I definitely want to put an end to that. … You owe it to the fans who want to see you, and as an entertainer, I aim to perform. Right?»
Jordan recounted how he played through a sprained ankle early in his career, as he was determined to establish his legacy. Many basketball enthusiasts—especially those in Utah—recall his performance in Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals.
Jordan believes he was suffering from food poisoning on June 11, 1997, the day of Game 5 against the Jazz. He was extremely ill and incapacitated until approximately 90 minutes prior to tip-off, at which point he skipped the usual warmup routine. Commonly referred to as «The Flu Game,» Jordan scored 38 points, leading Chicago to victory, bringing the Bulls one win away from the NBA championship, before collapsing into teammate Scottie Pippen’s arms.
«I was determined to find a way to get out there, even if I had to play a decoy role,» Jordan said. «Well, once I made it onto the court, you never know how—by pushing yourself—you never know what might occur, right? … Next thing you realize, the emotions, the circumstances, the team’s needs. All those factors drove me to say, ‘I’m going to push through this.'»
Jordan and the Bulls subsequently secured that championship and triumphed over the Jazz in the Finals again in 1998 after Jordan made a jump shot over Utah’s Bryon Russell with 5.2 seconds remaining in the decisive Game 6 to clinch the title. Jazz fans still assert that Jordan pushed off on that particular play to create the necessary space for the shot.
The Jazz haven’t forgotten. A wireless network in Utah’s arena, as recently as Monday, still goes by the name «JordanPushedOff»—a clear reference to that legendary play.
