Just days before his 40th birthday, Michael Jordan put on a show in his last NBA All-Star Game ever.
Despite his immense name recognition, Jordan did not get voted in as a starter – with Allen Iverson and Vince Carter nabbing the east guard spots. It would’ve been the first time in his career that he Mike would come off an all-star bench, but Carter stepped in and offered his spot.
Mike would show signs of his old self, particularly in overtime. With the score tied 136 all, MJ received a pass from Jason Kidd in what looked to be the last shot. Michael posted up on the perimeter on Suns Forward Shawn Marion then drove right. Marion played perfect defense, not letting Jordan get free. Mike faded away in the corner over Shawn’s outstretched arms, with the difficult shot hitting nothing but net. If not for an errant foul the following play from the east, this would’ve been the perfect swan song for Mike – who sat out most of the second overtime.
The sneakers that Mike wore this game was the Air Jordan 18. The shoe featured a full-length Zoom Air unit with an additional heel Zoom unit stacked in the heel for extra impact protection. The rubber heel wrap was added as a nod to race car driving shoes, while the carbon fiber plate was made to match the material build of Formula 1 cars.
The white and Sport Royal Blue colorway worn in this moment can be found HERE.
You can find other colorways of the Air Jordan 18 at StockX, GOAT, Flight Club, and Stadium Goods.
Cover image via Medium
