On June 12th in sports history, one significant event took place in 1997 during the NBA Finals between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz. This was Game 5 of the series, and the Bulls were leading 3-1, needing just one more win to clinch their fifth championship title.

The game was a closely contested battle, with both teams trading leads throughout the match. The Jazz, led by the dynamic duo of Karl Malone and John Stockton, were determined to keep their championship hopes alive. They put up a valiant effort, with Malone scoring 39 points and Stockton dishing out 12 assists.

However, the Bulls had Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest player in NBA history, on their side. Jordan, known for his clutch performances, once again rose to the occasion. He scored 38 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists, leading his team to a hard-fought victory.

The most iconic moment of the game came in the final seconds. With the Bulls leading 88-86, Jordan found himself double-teamed by the Jazz defense. He managed to break free and passed the ball to Steve Kerr, who was wide open at the top of the key. Kerr, who had struggled with his shooting throughout the series, calmly sank the shot, giving the Bulls a 90-86 lead with just a few seconds remaining.

The Jazz had one final chance to tie the game, but Scottie Pippen, Jordan's trusted teammate, stole the inbound pass, sealing the victory for the Bulls. The final score was 90-86, and the Bulls were crowned NBA champions for the fifth time in seven years.

This game was a testament to Jordan's greatness and the Bulls' dominance during the 1990s. It also showcased the incredible resilience and determination of the Utah Jazz, who fought until the very end. The image of Jordan and Pippen embracing after the final buzzer, with the confetti raining down upon them, has become one of the most iconic moments in NBA Finals history.