If there was one team that has been most tormented by Michael Jordan, it’d probably be the Cleveland Cavaliers. Not only did he eliminate them in “The Shot” in 1989, he crushed their playoff hopes in 1993 as well.
This occurred in game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Mike’s Chicago Bulls had a commanding 3-0 lead, with the ball in a 101-101 game. Scottie Pippen brought the ball up on Craig Ehlo, who definitely did not want to guard MJ for this final shot. From there B.J. Armstrong received the ball and gave it to Michael with 6 seconds remaining. The ball was tipped, but Jordan retrieved it and established a high post-up towards the free throw line. The seconds ticked away before Mike shot a fallaway jumper over the outstretched arms of Gerald Wilkins.
In almost the same spot, Mike’s shot reached the bottom of the net with 0.00 seconds in front of a Cleveland crowd. This time around, Michael just froze with his arms in the air as his teammates embraced him and fans threw a bottle or two at the Cavs’ worst nightmare.
The sneakers Mike laced up for this game was the Air Jordan 8. The AJ8 is known for its cross-strap system, that many called “Bugs Bunny” ears. This helped lockdown your foot in the shoe. Heel and forefoot Air units are encased in the midsole for an extra bounce when running and landing.
The shoe also was designed with features that were purely for aesthetics. TPU plates added to the medial and lateral sides above the midsole that featured patterns and colors synonymous with the 90s. A wild pattern also appeared on the neoprene bootie on the black “Playoff” Jordan 8 to add even more eye-catching detail.
That black “Playoff” colorway that Mike played in this game can be found HERE.
You can find the Air Jordan 8 at StockX, GOAT, Flight Club, and Stadium Goods.
