Even at 33, nobody was stopping Michael Jordan during the 1996-1997 season. MJ still had all the skills that made him the greatest player in NBA history, averaging a league-leading 29.6 points per game in the regular season, leading the Bulls to a 69-13 record. However, Jordan managed to find another level during the playoffs as the Bulls steamrolled through the Eastern Conference and came up against Karl Malone and the Utah Jazz in the NBA Finals. The Bulls won the series in six games, but Jordan’s performance is Game 5 is what truly sealed the series. In what is now known as “The Flu Game,” Jordan poured in 38 points from the field while suffering terribly from a stomach ailment. Jordan as a player, is incomparable and a true giant in a sport of giants.

     This impeccable red 1996-97 Chicago Bulls road Michael Jordan jersey was worn by “His Airness” during the regular season features “BULLS” sewn on the front in black on white tackle-twill and “JORDAN” on the back in black on white tackle-twill. Jordan’s iconic number “23” is sewn on the front and back in the same manner. The jersey is size 46 with the Champion tag sewn on the bottom front left tail. There is also a “DESIGNED & TAILORED 96/97 EXCLUSIVELY FOR CHICAGO BULLS BODY LENGTH +3” tag, indicating that it was tailored for Jordan’s specifications, as he preferred lengthened jerseys. Also dating this jersey to the 1996-97 is the gold NBA logo embroidered on the upper left chest for the NBA’s 50th season. The open arms and collar have a white, black, and red ribbed border and this jersey displays light game use. Jordan signed his name in silver marker diagonally on the “2” on the back of the jersey and inscribed “Best Wishes” on the top of the “2”. Goldin Auctions previously sold a Michael Jordan game used road jersey from the same season for $49,000 with a Bulls LOA, UDA and PSA/DNA. This jersey comes with a full and detailed LOA from experts at Mears, who have given this jersey a perfect A10 grade, its highest possible rating. There is also a LOA from the Chicago Bulls on behalf of the CharitaBulls charity foundation authenticating the use of this jersey during the 1996-97 season and Jordan’s signature. Jordan’s signature has also been authenticated by PSA/DNA and is accompanied by a full LOA (AB06435).

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