Legendary basketball icon Michael Jordan recently shared his unequivocal views on the modern NBA concept of 'load management,' asserting that it "shouldn't be needed." In the second installment of NBC's series "MJ: Insights to Excellence," Jordan expressed a deep-seated desire to never miss a game. For him, every game presented an invaluable opportunity to prove himself, a commitment driven by a profound respect for the fans. He articulated a strong sense of duty to those who paid to watch him play, even those who came to cheer against him, stating his intention to impress and "shut up" his detractors.

Jordan's career is replete with examples of his unwavering dedication, often playing through pain and severe illness. He recounted an early career incident where he played through a sprained ankle, driven by the ambition to make a name for himself. However, perhaps the most iconic illustration of his resilience is Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz, famously dubbed "The Flu Game." On June 11, 1997, Jordan battled what he believed to be food poisoning, rendering him bedridden until a mere 90 minutes before tip-off. Despite his debilitating condition, he forewent a traditional warmup and took to the court, ultimately scoring an astounding 38 points to lead the Chicago Bulls to a crucial victory.

Reflecting on that legendary performance, Jordan explained his mindset: "I was going to find a way to get out there, even if I was a decoy." He described how the combination of pushing himself, intense emotions, the game's situation, and the team's needs propelled him to "gut this thing out." His heroic effort put the Bulls one win away from the NBA title, which they subsequently clinched. The Bulls and Jordan would again defeat the Jazz in the 1998 NBA Finals, a series clinched by Jordan's iconic jumper over Utah's Bryon Russell with just 5.2 seconds left in Game 6.

The rivalry and these moments left an indelible mark, particularly on Utah Jazz fans. To this day, many Jazz enthusiasts firmly believe Jordan pushed off Russell to create space for that championship-winning shot. The lingering sentiment is so strong that, as recently as Monday, a wireless network in Utah's arena bore the name "JordanPushedOff," serving as a clear and humorous nod to that contentious and famous play, underscoring the enduring legacy of Jordan's competitive spirit and the memorable clashes he had with the Jazz.