: Behind Jordan's fifth ring was a decade of obsessive work; the flu game honored a perseverance that refused to quit.
: Jordan's 32-7-6 against Utah proved a complete leader who lifted teammates, not just a scorer hunting his own shot.
: The 1997 title was the hinge of Jordan's second three-peat, confirming a returned legend as the era's undisputed head.
: Jordan's flu-game 38 showed a will no scheme could solve; his two-way poise made him the Finals' most complete weapon.
: Jordan beat the Jazz 4-2 with 32 points a game and a famous flu-game 38 in Game 5, claiming his fifth Finals MVP.
Duncan joined in 1997 with David Robinson to form the Twin Towers; in 1999 they won the first title together, the old Admiral as sidekick, Duncan as the load-bearer.
1997-98 was the final season of the Bulls core; locker-room strife and pending deals hung over them. After the title Jordan retired, ending an era.