This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/29/2020
Featured here is an eye-catching piece of memorabilia put together by Upper Deck Authenticated commemorating Michael Jordan's unforgettable "Last Shot" to finish off his legendary run of six NBA titles in eight years. The clutch jumper over Utah's Bryan Russell came in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals with 6.6 seconds left on the clock to put the Bulls ahead by one point, 87-86. A hardwood floor piece, measuring one square foot, upon which Jordan played his last Finals has his large 8/10 black marker signature alongside a colorful, symbolic painting. The original artwork is courtesy of renowned sports artist Jolene Jessie, whom UDA has commissioned for several products over the years. In this lovely rendition with fine detail, MJ is pictured in his road red No. 23 releasing what turns out to be his famous final shot in a Chicago Bulls uniform. She has painted a black scoreboard showing "06.6" with the score repeated in large, digital-esque white numbers plus two different-sized basketballs for effect. It's a very well-crafted, professionally done piece of artwork, one of 23 unique floor piece paintings she did in this limited series. "13/23" is hand-numbered in black on the bottom left, with a logo saying "mj's final floor" stamped on the bottom right. "Jessie" has credited her name in black on Jordan's shorts.
A plaque at the bottom reads, "MICHAEL JORDAN - Authentic 1998 Finals Floor - One of Jordan's most famous shots was the very last shot of his career. Not only was it a game winner, but this last second eighteen-foot jump shot also helped the Bulls to their sixth championship in eight years. Seen here is an original hand-painting commemorating this historic event. It sits on a unique and rare canvas -- part of the court played on during this exciting moment in 1998 NBA Finals. Limited Edition 13 of 23." Jordan's final shot took place at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, UT. We know of other UDA-sponsored MJ signed floor pieces using sections from both Chicago Stadium after it was demolished in 1995 and the United Center, which opened in 1994 and underwent a court renovation in the late 90's. We have not come across any floor pieces from the Delta Center, so we are unable to verify if UDA is implying this is from Game 6 or a Bulls home game in the Finals (Games 3-5). If this is a piece from the United Center, then that means Jordan played on it for all three Finals of his second Three-Peat run. It comes displayed in a lovely shadow box frame measuring approximately 22x27"and four inches deep under Plexiglas. A dream piece of memorabilia for a Bulls fan or any basketball collector. Authentication from Beckett (Cert. #: A27251) and UDA (Cert. #: BAG18493). Comes with special "Picture Light" for making the piece display even better.