via Getty
SALT LAKE CITY – JUNE 14: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls shoots a jump shot against Bryon Russell #3 the Utah Jazz in Game Six of the 1998 NBA Finals against the Chicago Bulls at the Delta Center on June 14, 1998 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Bulls defeated the Jazz 87-86. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1998 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
via Getty
SALT LAKE CITY – JUNE 14: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls shoots a jump shot against Bryon Russell #3 the Utah Jazz in Game Six of the 1998 NBA Finals against the Chicago Bulls at the Delta Center on June 14, 1998 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Bulls defeated the Jazz 87-86. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1998 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Michael Jordan struck fear into the hearts of many rivals when he played on the basketball court. His reputation often preceded his otherworldly talents as opponents feared facing Jordan and his menacing Chicago Bulls. His expertise often eluded various NBA coaches’ game plans. A throwback photo shows how Michael Jordan made an NBA coach look clueless on the sidelines.
A Twitter account called, ‘Hoops Nostalgia’ Twitter posted a rare photo. It shows Michael Jordan and a Utah Jazz coach and players. The photo displays Jordan keeping the ball away from Jazz star Bryon Russell in the background. The foreground of the image shows the Jazz head coach at the time, Jerry Sloan looking dejected and staring at his players on the bench.
The Twitter post’s caption says, “Coach Jerry Sloan looks at his team (probably helpless and in disgust) as Michael Jordan keeps the ball away from Bryon Russell during Game 3 of the ’98 Finals. The Bulls won by 42 points.”
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Coach Jerry Sloan looks at his team (probably helpless and in disgust) as Michael Jordan keeps the ball away from Bryon Russell during Game 3 of the '98 Finals.
The Bulls won by 42 points. pic.twitter.com/0w5Khjzdjo
— Hoops Nostalgia (@HoopsNostalgia) January 20, 2022
Bryon Russell played for the Utah Jazz between 1993 to 2002. Interestingly, Russell played alongside Jordan at the Washington Wizards in the 2002-03 season. Jerry Sloan worked as an assistant coach at the Bulls before Jordan’s time at the franchise. He remained the Jazz head coach from 1988 to 2011.
Jordan eventually left the Bulls in 1998 and retired from the NBA in 2003.
NBA fans react to Michael Jordan and his demolition of the Utah Jazz
NBA fans reacted to the tweet with hilarious replies as they roasted Utah Jazz for the franchise’s failure to stop Michael Jordan. Some fans poked fun at Bryon Russell who faced the tough task of handling an in-form Jordan. Fans also made light of Jazz fans’ woes as the Bulls dominated them.
The REAL GOAT
— basketballStudy (@basketballStu22) January 21, 2022
He’s just tryna live his best life in the middle of a Jordan storm that’s all. pic.twitter.com/oQZZOBE95R
— The Realest Realist 🗣️ (@LePointBlames) January 21, 2022
Everybody had the crying Jordan face when facing him. 😂
— lesane parish crooks (@Lee_Duram) January 21, 2022
😂🤣 Bryan Russell had to guard MJ. 🤦🏾♂️
— Harry Ellerby (@Big_Ell10) January 21, 2022
One of the weirdest games I’ve ever seen. Utah couldn’t score for shit.
— Ben Stone (@KBenjaminStone) January 21, 2022
Y’all actually know Jazz fans?
— Ty (@tyfromnewyork) January 21, 2022
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This was actually the score? – Jerry Sloan after the game!
— Dimitris Ioannou (@gavrojim007) January 20, 2022
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The 1998 Finals completed the Bulls and Jordan’s campaign for a second three-peat. Incredibly, the Bulls achieved this feat during Jordan’s return spell from retirement. Jordan averaged 33.5 points in the 1998 NBA Finals and scored an incredible 45 points in Game 6.
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