The Last Dance Takeaways from Episode 9 & 10
The Last Dance Ep. 9 & 10 aired last night. These were the final installments of the documentary and kept the entertainment going. There was a lot covered in the finale of the series so check out my list of the biggest takeaways from the most recent episodes.
(Check out this HypeFresh article for the biggest takeaways from Ep. 7 & 8)
Episode 9
3. The Pacers Were the New Pistons
During Jordan’s first run at a championship, he had to get through the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern conference. During MJ’s second three-peat from 1996-98, he had some new competition in the form of the Indiana Pacers.
The Bulls and the Pacers met during the 1997 and 1998 Eastern Conference Finals. Both meetings were quite close. The series in 1998 went to Game 7. People wondered if the end of an era was on their hands. Before the game though, MJ ensured a win, and in typical fashion ended up being right.
2. Even MJ Had Help
Michael Jordan was known for leading the team. When it came time to take the big shot he was always ready, but even MJ needed help sometimes. Teams would take necessary steps in attempts to contain Jordan such as putting multiple defenders on him.
Flashback to the last game of the 1997 NBA Finals. The Chicago Bulls are trailing the Utah Jazz by two points. Jordan knew he would be double-covered on the last play leaving Steve Kerr open. Thankfully when the time came Kerr was ready and hit a clutch 3-pointer securing the 1998 NBA Championship for the Bulls.
1. The Flu Game
Jordan was known for winning at any cost. A prime example of this is the famous “Flu Game” from Game 4 of the 1997 NBA Finals. Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls were facing the Utah Jazz in the series. The night prior to Game 4 MJ ate some bad pizza which resulted in him getting sever food poising.
Teammates report MJ looking extremely drained during each stoppage. Even in such a sickly state, Jordan was able to play like the best player in the world. He dropped 38 points in 44 minutes. Jordan capped it all off by hitting a game-winning shot with little time left.
Episode 10
3. Rodman Needed His Time Off
Dennis Rodman was a big part of Jordan and the Bulls’ second run at a three-peat. Besides being one of the best rebounders the game has ever seen, Rodman was also known for his wild antics off the court. After Game 4 of the 1998 NBA Finals, Rodman was nowhere to be found.
It seems that he felt he need time to clear his mind, and apparently that included taking part in the WWE. Rodman skipped that day’s team practice in order to go on WWE with Hulk Hogan. This only served as a distraction to the media. The next game Dennis went off on the defensive end of the court providing a much-needed presence.
2. MJ Knew How to Win
The Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz meant again for the second time in the 1998 NBA finals. The Jazz were a more complete and experienced team than the year before.
The final game of the series truly captures Michael Jordan and his ability to win. The game ended with MJ hitting a clutch shot, followed by him stealing the ball from Karl Malone and scoring again to ensure the win. It might not sound too impressive from my description, but I suggest you check out episode 10 of The Last Dance to see for yourself.
1. Jordan Was Ready to Go for a 7th Ring
It’s wild to think that MJ retired (for a second time) after going on a three-peat of winning championships. This documentary series makes it clear that MJ felt the same way. In the final episode of The Last Dance, Jordan talks about feeling like he was at the top of his game in 1998.
He knew how to put his body and mind to use, so why night see how far he could have gone? MJ says that Phil and the others would have more than likely be willing to for a 7th run as well, but I guess we will never know.
Final Thoughts
I’ve always heard that Michael Jordan was the GOAT. It’s hard to exactly know for sure though when you weren’t even alive to see him play. The Last Dance goes to paint a great picture though. Jordan had the original Mamba mentality of winning. It seems like he figured out the recipe for winning and dominated the NBA during the 90s as a result.
What do you guys have to say though?
What’d you think of The Last Dance? Has it changed how you think about MJ? What were some of your favorite moments from the series? And who do you think the real GOAT is?
