This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/6/2021
To be the greatest ever at your craft, you have to accomplish three important things: perform consistently at an exceptional level, maintain that exceptionalism in the face of adversity, and deliver an even higher level of supremacy when the situation demands it. Having already led the Chicago Bulls to three consecutive NBA championships, Michael Jordan abrupted "retired" from the sport to pursue a professional baseball career, and upon his return to the hardcourt, took "The Windy City" squad to three more consecutive titles in the three full seasons following his return. Though already considered by many to be the greatest basketball player in history, Chicago's Michael Jordan certified his legacy as the GOAT with a performance in the 1998 NBA Finals that is still talked about today. In a season now known as "The Last Dance", Jordan and his Bulls squad defended their title status in a repeat victory over the Utah Jazz in 6 games, limiting Malone, Stockton, and company to just over 80 points per game on average. The Bulls averaged 88 points per game but the Jazz was helpless to deny MJ, who tallied 33.5 ppg and willed himself to drop 38 points on Utah while flu-stricken in Game 5, at times staggering on the court from dehydration. The featured pair of Nike Air Jordan XIII shoes were issued to and worn by Michael Jordan in Game 1 of the 1998 NBA finals, an 88-85 Jazz victory where MJ scored a game-high 33 points. The red suede and green holographic bubble with Nike Jordan Logo and "23" are telltale signs of the shoe model. The shoes have come to MHCC directly from the former ballboy of the Utah Jazz, who served in that capacity from 1996-99, testifying that they were given to him by MJ following Game 1 of the series. Sports Investors Authentication LLC has provided a full LOA and apparent evidence to confirm their origins, citing several photos from Game 1 and providing an identical match as far as the pattern of the creases in the upper of both shoes of the size 13.5 shoes, a unique "fingerprint" that vary with new shoes from game to game. "JORDAN" appears on a tag near the base of the laces, and the manufacturer's tagging inside the tongue is an exact match to other known game-worn Air Jordan XIII shoes. The shoes show plenty of use considering they were in service for a single game. Each shoe is autographed by Jordan in silver marker by the toe, authenticated with a full LOA from JSA. Also included is a signed and notorized letter from the ballboy who was given the sneakers.