Michael's miracle saves Chicago

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Kukoc keeps the ball alive, and Jordan kills Utah's hopes of winning.
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In Game 5, it was what Malone didn't do when Michael Jordan was at the foul line that cost the Jazz a chance for victory.

Michael Jordan releases the crucial 3-pointer (998k avi).

With 46.5 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Jordan went to the line with the Bulls trailing the Jazz 85-84. Jordan made the first shot to tie the score.

But on the second attempt, the weary Jordan -- who was battling a viral infection -- came up short and the ball caromed off the front of the rim. Malone failed to block out Toni Kukoc and the lanky Bulls forward was able to tap the ball back.

Jordan outmaneuvered John Stockton for the loose ball and scooped it up off of one bounce. Jordan then dribbled the ball back out and gave it to Scottie Pippen near midcourt. The ball was swung from Pippen to Kukoc and back to Jordan at the top of the key.

With 11 seconds remaining on the shot clock, Jordan dumped it inside to the 6-foot-8 Pippen, who was posting up 6-4 Jeff Hornacek.

Bryon Russell, the man guarding Jordan, doubled down and Pippen kicked it back out to Jordan, who drained a 3-pointer before Stockton could rotate over.

Twenty-five seconds later, Utah had suffered its first home loss in 11 playoff games.

Ironically, it was the Jazz's performance on the boards that helped Utah take control of the game early. But when it mattered most, the Jazz didn't do the job.

"You can't give up offensive rebounds off free throws in the damn Finals," center Greg Foster said.

Toni Kukoc made the play that led to Jordan's heroics.

Malone blamed himself for Chicago's second chance.

"I didn't get a good body on Toni Kukoc, and he was able to tip the ball around to Michael," Malone said of the play he called the game's "turning point."

Steve Kerr thought Jordan's miss surprised the Jazz.

"It seemed like we were more ready for the rebound than they were, for whatever reason," Kerr said. "Maybe they just assumed that he was going to make it. We had about three guys in the lane that had a chance at the ball."

As for leaving Jordan alone, Utah coach Jerry Sloan said that's definitely not something he was looking for.

"We didn't want (Russell) to go down and double off it," he said. "We've never said to double off that situation with Michael Jordan."

For Jordan, the shot was the quickest way to end what felt like a very long night.

"It was there. I had just missed one the time before, and I certainly didn't want to go into overtime," he said. "Stockton jumped in the passing lane. I guess he was anticipating me passing over to Kerr. I had a good look at it."

A good enough look to make Utah sick to its stomach.