The Shot Heard Around the World: The Epic Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals

It was June 14, 1998, and the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz were tied 2-2 going into Game 6 of the NBA Finals. In what would become one of the most memorable games in basketball history, the two teams fought fiercely for every point. Michael Jordan, in his last season with the Bulls, was nothing short of sensational, scoring 45 points in total. The Jazz, led by the legendary duo of John Stockton and Karl Malone, refused to be outdone, and kept the game close until the very end.

With just seconds remaining and the score tied at 86 apiece, Jordan took a defensive rebound and brought the ball down the court. He made a quick move, crossed over and pushed off his defender Bryon Russell. The crowd held its breath as Jordan launched the ball towards the hoop, hanging in mid-air for what felt like an eternity. The ball softly spun off the rim and fell through the hoop as the crowd erupted in celebration.

The shot heard around the world gave the Bulls a 87-86 lead and, ultimately, their sixth NBA championship in the eight-year stint with Jordan at the helm. Jordan's performance in the game and the iconic shot itself became indelibly etched in basketball history, a testament to the incredible skill and drive that made Michael Jordan one of the greatest basketball players of all time.