Michael Jordan's Final Shot and Steal to Win the 1998 NBA Finals Game 6

On June 14, 1998, with 5.2 seconds remaining and the Bulls trailing by one point, Jordan stripped the ball from Karl Malone on defense, then drove down the court and hit a jumper over Bryon Russell with seconds left to give Chicago an 87-86 victory and their sixth championship

The shot is famous not only for sealing the Bulls' second three-peat but because it was Jordan's final shot as a Chicago Bull — he pushed off slightly on Russell (visible in the replay) to create separation, a move that has been debated by fans for decades but went uncalled

The broadcast commentary captures the real-time uncertainty about Jordan's future, with announcers speculating this might be "the last shot Michael Jordan will ever take in the NBA," which added to the moment's legendary status

Jordan finished the game with 45 points and made three crucial plays in the final seconds: the steal from Malone, the crossover on Russell, and the championship-clinching jumper — a masterclass in clutch performance

The Bulls won the series 4-2, claiming their sixth title in eight years under Phil Jackson, while the Jazz were left to contemplate narrow losses, including a controversial Howard Eisley free throw that was waved off earlier in the game