It was on this day in 1997 that the Chicago Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz in Game 6 of the finals to win the NBA Championship.  It was the Bulls’ fifth championship in franchise history, and their second in the last two seasons.

After winning the first two games at home in Chicago and losing the second two games on the road in Utah, the Bulls were able to win their final game on the road, giving themselves a chance to close the series out in six games.  They did just that in front of their fans at the United Center, thanks to a nail-biting 90-86 victory.  The Bulls were led by Michael Jordan, who played through the flu in the final two games of the series, but still put up 38 and 39 points in Games 5 and 6, respectively.  He would go on to earn his fifth NBA Finals MVP award.

The Bulls went on to win one more championship the following year, but they have not won another since.  However, with a strong core that includes the likes of Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer, it may not be long before the Bulls return to their championship ways.

Here are some highlights of Michael Jordan’s legendary “Flu Game.”

Notable Birthdays

Florent Malouda, Soccer – Born on June 13, 1980 (age 32) in Cayenne, French Guiana

Valeri Bure, NHL – Born on June 13, 1974 (age 38) in Moscow, Russia

Sam Adams, NFL – Born on June 13, 1973 (age 39) in Houston, Texas