The Flu Game

In 1997, it was game five of the NBA finals and the Bulls were playing the Jazz.

The series was tied 2-2.

But the day of the game, Michael Jordan came down with the flu.

He played anyway.

In the first quarter, he was cold, scoring merely four points and not contributing much.

Then, in the second quarter, he was hot.

He scored 17 points.

In the third quarter, he was cold again, scoring a couple of baskets.

In the fourth quarter, he was hot again.

The Bulls went on a 10-0 run, erasing the Jazz’s 77-69 lead.

Jordan scored 7 of those points, including a clutch three-pointer to seal the game with 30 seconds left.

The Bulls won 90-88.

At points, he had difficulty standing, but he persevered.

In fact, Scott Pippen practically carried Jordan off the court at the end of the game.

Last Friday, my daughter had flu-like symptoms.

She came home early from school and went to the doctor.

I was concerned because we had Knicks tickets that night!

She loves basketball and was looking forward to the game.

The doctor didn’t think anything was wrong with her, but I did.

She proceeded to take two naps, and was determined to go to the game.

She intently watched and enjoyed the game.

After halftime, we persuaded her to leave because it was after 9PM.

While on the train, she seemed drained and fell asleep in my arms.

When we returned home, she had 102 temperature.

I wondered how she made it through the game.

I thought of Michael Jordan’s famous flu game.

I realized kids are so resilient and strong.

They all have a bit of Michael Jordan in them, especially when they really want something.

Like Jordan, this will forever be known as her flu game.