Basketball great Scottie Pippen looked back on Michael Jordan's famous “Flu Game” for the Chicago Bulls. He shared several details on what went on before and during the game, while at the same time, dropping a few witty jokes along the way.

Pippen was with Rachel Nichols in The Jump to discuss Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, or what's famously known as the “Flu Game.”

Pippen narrated how Jordan was obviously sluggish and weak in the first few minutes of the game. Because of this, Pippen said that he put his offensive hat on at first, hoping to lift the Bulls early. He believed that sooner or later, Jordan will get his game going as he's always been the team's closer.

After the Bulls won, Jordan clung to Pippen as they walked away from the floor — this became one of the most iconic photographs in all of basketball. Asked about what was it like carrying Jordan off the floor, Pippen joked:

“It was easy, he carried me for like 11 seasons…”

“It was great. You know me and Michael we have a special bond. We've been together for so long.”

Below is the full video:

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
image thumbnail
Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton has noticeable limp after Game 2 loss to ThunderJedd Pagaduan ·
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots the ball against Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) during the second half during game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center
Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander opens up about ‘punches thrown’ in Game 2 winJosue Pavon ·
image thumbnail
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s honest reaction to NBA Finals recordJedd Pagaduan ·
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) dribbles the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the second half during game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Thunder’s unexpected Game 2 performer gets ‘huge’ praiseYasmin Edañol ·
Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) and forward Pascal Siakam (43) and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) battle for the rebound during the second quarter of game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Pascal Siakam shares what Thunder did that led to Pacers’ fallLorenzo J Reyna ·
Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) shoots the ball
Pacers HC Rick Carlisle’s eye-opening take on Tyrese Haliburton’s 17-point effortJedd Pagaduan ·

Pippen also felt that Jordan wasn't fully aware of what was going on:

“I felt that at some moment, he didn't know where he was at. He didn't know what he was doing or what was going on. Because he was probably medicated a little bit.”

Jordan's Flu Game has been replayed and discussed countless of times. But the story took on another meaning once Pippen — Jordan's partner in crime and best friend — narrated the events in great detail. It just felt more authentic.