There are many NBA players, current and former, who would credit Michael Jordan for inspiring them into becoming as great as they did. Without a doubt, Jordan will always be the greatest of all time, no matter whoever else enters the GOAT conversation. And on an occasion as special as the NBA’s 75th anniversary, what’s better than to pay tribute to the Chicago Bulls legend that became the epitome of greatness? In fact, Damian Lillard took it upon himself to do the honors. That too, by recreating one of the most iconic moments of Jordan’s career.
Damian Lillard makes Jordan’s ‘Last Shot’ come alive
It was 1998, June 14th, when the Utah Jazz and the Chicago Bulls met for Game 6 of the NBA Finals. For the most part of the game, Bulls fans were holding their breath because the Jazz was clearly more dominant throughout the entire matchup.
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However, with less than 20 seconds left on the clock, Michael Jordan cloaked the ball out of Karl Malone’s hands, rushing to the other end. Now with 5.2 seconds left, he pulled off a crossover against Byron Russell, and in went the title-winning shot. Despite various blames that MJ pushed Russell for that shot, it is considered one of the best moments of his career.
So, with the NBA celebrating 75 years of its existence, recreating this shot had to be at the top of the list. And who else is more clutch than Damian Lillard himself, who was able to emulate it to the T.
Here's Damian Lillard re-creating Michael Jordan's "last shot" with the Bulls in an awesome #NBA75 ad for @NBAonTNT. pic.twitter.com/hiPw3B57S7
— Jack Winter (@ArmstrongWinter) October 19, 2021
WATCH THIS STORY: Looking Back at The Sneakers Michael Jordan Donned En route to His Six NBA Championships
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Dame admits Michael Jordan is the GOAT
In the behind-the-scenes video of this commercial, Lillard admitted, “I think Jordan is the GOAT.” He even spoke further about the moment the famous ‘Last Shot’ took place and said, “You don’t realize how much pressure is in that moment. People who have had a lot of success in the closing moments, they wear that as a badge of honor.”
Moreover, as he was getting ready to be clicked, Lillard joked around and said, “Here’s Jordan with an H-E-I-R.” Unfortunately, there has been and never will be another player who will ever be able to take Jordan’s throne. The one who has come closest, Kobe Bryant, also got his famous game-winner over Dwyane Wade, recreated, but Jayson Tatum did that deed.
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