24 Years Ago Today Michael Jordan Did His Finals Hand Switch Layup

June 5th, 2015 by Yale Schalk / 0

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In the range of iconic Michael Jordan moments, his hand-switch layup during Game 2 of the 1991 NBA Finals ranks among the most scintillating, quintessential Jordan moves ever. After a very narrow 93-91 loss to the Lakers in Game 1, the Bulls were shocked into refocusing their years-long mission to become NBA champions. Which they did in Game 2, leading throughout the game, even running up a 24-point lead in the fourth quarter when it happened. With just under eight minutes left in the fourth quarter and the Bulls on a drive, Air Jordan VI-clad MJ took a kickout pass from reserve forward Cliff Levingston, charged the lane, and elevated for a right hand layup until the appearance of Lakers big Sam Perkins persuaded Jordan to switch the ball to the left side to complete the play. The Chicago Stadium faithful, predictably, freaked.

The Bulls went on for a 107-86 victory to tie the series 1-1, and aced the next three games at the Great Western Forum to clinch their first ever NBA championship.

Relive MJ’s famous layup with the archival video below.