David Axelrod is a former senior adviser to former POTUS Barack Obama and a big Michael Jordan fan. He has been watching the Chicago Bulls live since the ’70s and has witnessed an array of historic moments with the team.
However, the one that always stood out to Axelrod was Jordan’s famous “flu game.” Unlike other Bulls fans, he said the flu game was memorable not only because of how MJ performed that night despite being sick.
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According to Axelrod, what made that night even more special was how he and his body reacted upon learning that Jordan might be unable to play because of the flu. To this day, Axelrod still vividly recalls how he almost felt sick as well after hearing the news.
“We found a broker and paid a usurious $1,200 a ticket for seats five rows from the court,” Axelrod once recounted. “We figured, Michael, Game 5 … why not go all the way? I called my wife, Susan, to check in before the game (and she said he was sick and might not play). … I looked at the ticket I had in my hand and began feeling ill myself. … To my relief, when we reached our gold-plated seats, a sickly Michael was on the floor.”
“In the end, the flu-bitten Michael would score an astonishing 38 points, including a 3-pointer to clinch the game, before famously slumping into Scottie Pippen’s arms,” he added.
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An immortalized moment
Even though Axelrod would never forget that game, he still immortalized one of the greatest moments of Jordan’s career through a painting.
Whenever he looks at it, Axelrod is reminded of his epic NBA Finals experience that almost turned out to be one of the most disappointing moments of his life as a Bulls fan if it hadn’t been for Jordan.
“An artist friend later gave me a charcoal painting of that scene,” Axelrod divulged. “A lasting memory of the day Michael saved the Bulls, and the ass of a die-hard fan who paid way too much for a ticket.”
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MJ’s reflection on the flu game
The flu game took place in Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals. With the series tied at 2-2, MJ and the Bulls had to secure a win to regain a commanding lead.
Jordan ordered pizza from his hotel room the night before and began to feel sick heading into the game. Despite being a little weak and dehydrated, MJ gained the strength to show up and play.
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Despite the flu, Jordan still finished with 38 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. He also lifted the Bulls to victory with his crucial 3-pointer in the final seconds of the game.
As he reflected on it, Jordan stated that he believed he was able to do the unthinkable because of his will to win.
“The motivation was: I’ve always been there for my team. As long as I am able to walk, run, and shoot,” MJ said after the flu game. “To do that, it’s gratifying that you have pushed yourself past the point that even you didn’t think you would get past.”
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Jordan’s flu game is already historic as it is. However, it’s quite fascinating to discover that even some of the fans who witnessed his greatness also have an unforgettable story to tell from that game.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.