Great Playoff Moments, Day 2: Did Michael Jordan Foul or Receive A Superstar No Call Against Utah’s Bryon Russell?

April 20 08

Ten years later, the debate rages like teenage girls picking between Usher and Justin Timberlake. Did Michael Jordan foul Bryon Russell to get open, stroke a foul-line jumper, and ultimately win his sixth Laurence O’Brien Trophy?

The set-up is well-known; game six, 1998 NBA Finals, the Chicago Bulls are leading the Utah Jazz 3-2. Only seconds remain. The Bulls are trailing 86-85, but they have the final possession.

Everybody knows who’s taking the last shot. And everybody knows the final result-even diehard Jazz fans. Of course, Jordan isolates on Russell at the top of the key, drives right, creates separation with his left hand, and nails an easy shot.

Whenever I’ve referenced this play in past posts, the caps-locked hate hits the comment box like Greenpeace activists fighting SUVs or fishing freighters they attack in motorized dingies best suited for backyard pools.

Here is the question: offensive foul or superstar leeway? Watch the clip, read both arguments, and get at me with your caps-locked rant in the comment below …

Offensive Foul …

When watching the clip close-up, Jordan actually fouls Russell twice. First, he slaps his hand like my soccer buddy ‘The Beav’ gets slapped by well-weathered women refusing his overt advances at the Signmaster team retreat on Saltspring Island ( it wasn’t just his nickname they found offensive). Second, he finds space by pushing Russell’s leg with his left palm.

Superstar Leeway …

Going by the rulebook, it’s an obvious call. But the record book, not the rulebook, is what matters. The infraction wasn’t whistled; fair or not, Chicago and Jordan are forever remembered by this illustrious shot.

Why a no call? Perhaps, the refs missed it. Basketball is a fast sport and all three black-and-whites can’t catch everything.

Most, however, cry conspiracy. They allege the NBA favours hi-profile, big market teams winning championships. Naturally, then the suits at head office would prefer the beloved Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan beating up little old Utah, right? According to this theory, the foul is small potatoes when stepping back and considering the big picture.

Our call: Neither an offensive foul or superstar leeway. Sure, all sports leagues want big market franchises to succeed, but I also question a Stone-Stern conspiracy.

The refs probably pocketed their whistles for such a monumental play. No zebra wants that call; what they do want is for the players to decide the outcome, which means no offensive foul on Jordan’s shove and no whistle if he drives and draws contact.

Of course, disagree in the comment box below ... even if it must be in militant caps lock.

Offensive foul, superstar leeway, or neither? Get at us with your thoughts on Jordan’s jumper. And come back to HoopsVibe everyday during the postseason for more great playoff moments. Image courtesy of Wally G’s portfolio.

Want more great playoff moments? Chek out:

-Great playoff moments, Day 1: Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and the L.A. Lakers Escape The ’Jail Blazers’’

17 Comments: Great Playoff Moments, Day 2: Did Michael Jordan Foul or Receive (...)

Posted by

on 09.12.2009

It is not a foul, if you look at the first camera angle from high above, it is very obvious that Russell committed to cutting off the lane. In fact he was anticipating Jordan driving down the lane, and Jordan could see the over commitment to cutting off the drive to the basket. So he crossed over, Russell could see it but he was already too far cutting off the space down the lane and momentum did the rest. Russell’s mind had caught up with Jordan cross-over but when he tried to change position it was too late for his body to catch up. Just look at that camera angle angle, there is a huge gap of space Jordan creates because of Russell over committing. .

Posted by
TJ
on 05.23.2009

Fouls happen all the time and never get called. Many players are noted for their aggressive play and even through the season would get away with it as well so no harm no foul haha no pun intended. Not like Utah was known for their non-aggressive offense or defense. Well on that play they were Jordan just does what he did best is all. .

Posted by

on 05.19.2009

Every Jordan move to the basket included grabbing the side of the defensive player to catapult himself past said player.If a defender tries to right the situation he is called for the foul.NBA needs star potental. They need a player to stand out farther than the others, usually by referee tricks/favorable calls.That’s why they lobby for lebron james, a great player, and put roadblocks in the development of the equally great, more polished player(Carmello). ie AI trade. Melo would have been the scoring champ if Iverson doesn’t show up two years ago. .

Posted by
STOP HATIN ON MJ
on 05.11.2009

NO FOUL.ITS MICHAEL JORDAN.THE GUYS A LEGEND. ITS NO SURPRISE HE GOT THE BALL.THEY SHOULD HAVE TRIPLE TEAMED HIM IF THEY WANTED TO WIN SO BAD. .

Posted by

on 06.12.2008

"No Foul. That’s why they are superstars. They are supposed to get the call. Utah fans are such crybaby whiners! ." You must be a graduate of the George W. Bush school of logic. Your reasoning is analogous to a lawyer being allowed to get away with murder because he’s learned how to work the legal system. I don’t even like the Jazz and I know that call was b*llshit. I pray to God you never get to ref... even in the t-ball leagues. .

Posted by
LOC
on 04.27.2008

Correction: Jordan hit game winner over Russell the previous nba finals game 1. .

Posted by
LOC
on 04.26.2008

Jordan’s shot did not result after a Jordan push on Russell. Three reasons why...1. Post players jockey up for position all game with much more physical contact. 2. Overwhelmed by Jordan’s enigma as well as being haunted by a game winner Jordan put up over Russell in game one. Russell tried to hard to stay in front of Mike and when Jordan made his move, momentum was all she wrote. 3. And the biggest reason why it was not a foul...THE REFS DIDN’T BLOW THE WHISTLE. DEAL WITH IT. If he didn’t know how to create space he wouldn’t have been voted by SI(sports illustrated) or espn not only as the greatest b-baller of all time, but the 20th century’s greatest athlete. Ahead of Ruth, Ali, and Wayne G. ect... p.s. I suppose Jordan fouled Malone when he stole the ball the possession before, setting up the game winner. Peace. .

Posted by
JohnK
on 04.25.2008

It probably was a foul and Jordan knew every trick in the book to get a shot off. But watch the move in full speed - it’s very hard to spot.However, the only one’s to blame were Utah. They failed to double-team Jordan with 15 seconds to go. Instead, they leave him alone at the top of the key with Russell guarding - bad move. .

Posted by
Seano
on 04.21.2008

If that’s a foul on Jordan, then it’s also a foul on Russell because his arm was also touching Jordan prior to Jordan’s "push."Also, Jordan didn’t even "push." His hand was just placed there. Plus, if it was a push, Russell would have felt that and he would have argued with the refs. He would have argued a play that ultimately was the deciding factor in the game. Instead of arguing, Russell signals and calls timeout.But it is what it is. Russell tried to step back to the right, went off balance and fell. He simply got faked. Storybook ending. .

Posted by
Nicko
on 04.21.2008

First of all, in this angle it looks like a foul. but, you cannot assure that MJ pushed Russell away with his left hand. Second: Probably the referee did not see what you understand was a foul. being nearer than us to the action.... I think this is a matter of perception. .

Posted by
Dex
on 04.21.2008

Does this apply to Heats Mavericks finals.? .

Posted by
Oly Sandor
on 04.20.2008

A good point Adam. When watching that game on NBATV, there were certain plays leading up to The Shot, which impacted the game. You are right. However, we’re just looking at this moment as opposed to missed calls throughout the entire game. On the whole, though, champions and great players seem to ge the benefit of calls. It’s like taking the belt away from the heavyweight champ-right or wrong, to win, you must knock them out! Thanks for commenting! .

Posted by
Adam Romney
on 04.20.2008

Doesn’t even scratch the surface of that game. It was an era prior to review of shots at the end of quarters. There’s a 5 point swing prior to that point where a Steve Kerr shot that was late was called good and a Howard Eisley shot at the end of the first half was waived off even though he shot it in time. .

Posted by

on 04.20.2008

stop crying utah... if thats the case then there was an important offensive foul called on rodman just minutes before that was incorrect so either way it doesnt matter... bottom line is despite what happened in that last seconds whether that game or next michael would have taken them to the championship and i base my arguement on the fact that they were the previous 2 champions. Like said above everyone is goig to get some room in those last seconds. .

Posted by

on 04.20.2008

That is a foul, but like Oly says what ref wants that call in the final seconds of an NBA Fianls! .

Posted by

on 04.20.2008

No Foul. That’s why they are superstars. They are supposed to get the call. Utah fans are such crybaby whiners! .

Posted by
A damn offensive foul
on 04.20.2008

I believe it is a foul. After all, I’m tired of the NBA giving out superstar treatment. it’s just silly and plain old a joke. Bottom line: a call is a call for eveybody, seven digit superstar or journeyman. utah got hosed again!! .

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	About Oly Sandor
Daily take on NBA Oly Sandor is an NBA analyst and sports journalist based out of Vancouver, Canada.After years of the free-lance game, Oly Sandor is bringing his unique brand of NBA analysis exclusively to (...) More

Great Playoff Moments, Day 2: Did Michael Jordan Foul or Receive A Superstar No Call Against Utah’s Bryon Russell?

Offensive Foul …

Superstar Leeway …

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