Michael Jordan’s Flu Game Not the Original Version, Claims Former College Star Who Puked While Shutting MJ Down

Michael Jordan‘s flu game, where he willed his Chicago Bulls to a big win in the 1997 NBA Finals, is one of the most iconic moments in league history. It turns out, MJ had been a part of another flu game in college but that time, he was on the other side. Dan Dakich, a former basketball player and coach, revealed some infamous stories about his battle with MJ during their college days. According to the 61-year-old, Jordan’s flu game is not the best one.

In an interview with Outkick, Dakich shared, “Three hours before the game, I didn’t know if I was starting but I was sick as hell, didn’t tell anybody. And [Bob] Knight said, ‘You’re guarding Michael Jordan’, and I’m like ‘Alright! Okay. I’ll kick his a**. That’s what I do.” However, the pre-game meal proved to be problematic for him. He revealed that he puked all over the floor in the hotel room right before the game. Anyhow, that did not stop Dakich. 

He went on to join his team on the court and decided to give Jordan a tough night. He revealed Jordan fouled out with 13 points, and that the Chicago Bulls icon only had 9 points when guarded by him. Dakich managed to limit Jordan even after puking on the bench during the first half. But he did not let his teammates know. This is something Jordan experienced in the NBA.

Moreover, Dakich made the debate about the flu game even more interesting. Without any hesitation, he revealed that he would beat Jordan, regardless of his sickness. He said, “I can beat Michael Jordan’s a**, whether I’m healthy or not…We just rise to occasions…that’s what we do.” Dakich made his flu game sound quite easy, but it was not the same for Jordan. 

Michael Jordan revealed how he almost passed out during the flu game 

Jordan ate a pizza the night before Game 5 of the 1997 Finals, which led to food poisoning. He was dehydrated the next day and was questionable to perform in a crucial game against the Utah Jazz.

Read more: “I Couldn’t Breathe, I Played Myself Into Passing Out”: The Story of Michael Jordan and His Unbelievable Flu Game

However, he got back on the court to drop 38 points and lead the Bulls to a win. He said it was “Probably the most difficult thing I’ve ever done…I almost played myself into passing out just to win a basketball game.” 

While Dakich’s excellence is to be appreciated, it might not be close when compared to Jordan’s playoff win. Moreover, that was a very young MJ. A game against the Utah Jazz in the Finals is not an easy boat to sail. He not only dropped 38 points but also led the Bulls to a 10-0 run in the final quarter to give them a win by a 2-point margin. Anyhow, Dakich’s take has now opened a platform for a new debate. 

Read more: “They Had Windows Open. He Didn’t Have a Shirt On”: The Iconic Flu Game of Michael Jordan Has an Unheard Side That Was First Revealed in 2020