The Last Dance Season 1 Episode 9

The Last Dance Season 1 Episode 9 #thelastdance #michaeljordan #episode9
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Episode 9 Summary

Episode 9 dives into the 1998 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz and also looks back at some of the most brutal rivalries and defining moments that shaped Michael Jordan’s career.

Key Themes & Storylines:

The Flu Game (Actually the "Food Poisoning Game") – 1997 Finals

One of the most iconic games in NBA history is revisited.

Jordan becomes violently ill the night before Game 5 of the 1997 Finals against the Jazz.

His trainer, Tim Grover, explains that it wasn’t the flu — it was food poisoning from a pizza delivered late at night.

Despite barely being able to stand, Jordan plays 44 minutes, scoring 38 points, and leads the Bulls to a crucial win.

Revisiting the Indiana Pacers Rivalry – 1998 Eastern Conference Finals

The Bulls face their toughest challenge of the 1998 playoffs against Reggie Miller and the Indiana Pacers.

Miller, a fearless competitor, believed his Pacers had the best chance of knocking off Chicago during the dynasty run.

The series goes to seven games — the only time in the Bulls’ six championship runs that a series went the distance.

Jordan and the Bulls prevail in a tight Game 7 at the United Center, advancing to the Finals.

The Jazz Rivalry Intensifies

The 1998 Finals rematch between the Bulls and Jazz is framed as a war of attrition.

Jordan is aging, Scottie Pippen’s back issues are worsening, and the Jazz are hungry for revenge after losing the previous year.

The series is grueling, with both teams playing physical, defensive basketball.

Behind the Scenes with Jordan

The episode also touches on Jordan’s mentality and leadership style — often brutal and unrelenting toward his teammates.

It shows how his obsession with winning, though controversial, created an environment where excellence was demanded and achieved.

Highlights & Key Moments:

Reggie Miller recounts trash-talking Jordan, only to have Jordan respond by calling him "Black Jesus," a nickname that stuck.

Jordan’s “flu game” performance is reframed as the "food poisoning game," changing a long-standing NBA legend.

The 1998 Pacers series is remembered as one of the hardest tests the Bulls dynasty ever faced.

Viewers see how much physical and mental exhaustion the Bulls endured heading into what could be their last championship run.

Conclusion

Episode 9 sets up the final chapter of the Bulls dynasty by showing how much punishment Jordan and the team had taken before even reaching the 1998 Finals. It highlights Jordan’s resilience, legendary performances under pressure, and the narrow escapes that kept the dynasty alive.

Would you like me to also make you a point-by-point breakdown of each game in the 1998 Fi