6/19/23

Jay C. Brandriet

It was June of 1998.

The Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls were in the middle of another Finals showdown.

Chicago was one victory away from their sixth title in eight years.

I was 23 years old and working at Sportman’s Warehouse.

One of our security guards had some news.

His buddy had a ticket to Game 6 and would not be able to go.

The seat was row five, center court.

He wanted $650 and needed a decision fast.

It felt once in a lifetime.

I had to jump on it.

I wasn’t looking forward to telling my landlord I’d be late on the rent.

JUNE 14th, 1998

That Sunday afternoon in Salt Lake City had a different vibe than most.

There was a nervous tension in the air, and the fans of Utah were ALL IN.

I arrived at the arena three hours before tip-off.

Being that close to the court was intense.

To my right, Toni Kukoc knocked down 22 straight warm up threes.

On my left, Chris Morris makes 19 in a row.

I grew up on the Jazz. I’ve always liked them.

In this matchup, I was more intoxicated by the Michael Jordan standard continuing.

For 47 minutes and 55 seconds, I showed zero emotion towards either side.

The guy next to me shouted, “NICE ASSIST JORDAN” every time Mike shot the ball.

All 35 times!

Born MJ basher Nick Wright claims this was “Jordan’s best ever game.” He factors in Pippens injured back, the load #23 had to carry, and called the contest a “rock fight.”

This was NOT Michael’s best career performance.

It WAS a clutch masterpiece for the ages.

MJ IN THE LAST MINUTE OF GAME 6

59: Makes free throw. Makes second free throw.

37: Makes driving layup.

18: Steals the ball.

5: Makes 17-foot jump shot.

Follow through. Held the pose.

During the timeout I couldn’t help myself. I say to the dude next to me, “It’s kind of crazy that only 20 players in history have more assists than Jordan.”

The Jazz last attempt fell short.

I shot out my chair like a rocket and out came a roar.

Bulls 87 Jazz 86 F

I hear a familiar voice behind me say, “you sit perfectly still the entire night, and we have to watch you do that? Sad situation Jay.”

The last guy I would’ve wanted to witness that specific moment would be Spencer Smith.

Sarcasm was a strength of his.

I stayed for the trophy presentation.

On the ride home, I could sense the heartbreak of a proud city.

THIS LAST WEEK WAS THE 25th ANNIVERSARY

This was at the apex of the NBA’s popularity.

It will forever be an iconic event in all of sports.

Jordan’s last shot as a Bull completed a second three-peat.

Knowing I was 30 feet away makes for a good story.

I’m glad that guy had the ticket.

I’d thank Sloan, Stockton, Malone, and Hornacek for being so good.

Being 10 miles away was helpful.

My landlord understood.

I’ve experienced pro basketball in person many times.

To be at that game was wild.

Jay C. Brandriet