1997 Nike Air Jordan XII

Posted on 7/25/2022

While memories of the 1997 series are dominated by the mid-series “Flu Game” and Jordan’s “Flu Game XII” in red and black, he wore the black-and-white “Taxi” to take home the title.

Game-worn and autographed by Michael Jordan

June 13, 1997
Game 6 of the NBA Finals
Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz

Authenticity and provenance certified by CSG


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In 1997, the Bulls once again entered the NBA Finals with the best regular season record in the league. Their opposition, the Utah Jazz, was playing in its first NBA Finals and was led by league MVP Karl Malone and all-star point guard John Stockton. The Bulls would go on to win the series in six games.

Game 5 of the series, which has been dubbed “The Flu Game,” is considered by fans to be one of Jordan’s most memorable. On the day before the game, Jordan came down with an illness that was thought to be either a stomach virus or food poisoning. The team trainer reportedly told him he would not be able to play in Game 5 the next day. Disobeying doctor’s orders, Jordan took the court in a weakened state, but was still able to deliver 38 points, including key baskets in the fourth quarter. Jordan would go on to once again be named the Finals MVP.


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The Air Jordan XII that Jordan wore for the series was the first Jordan shoe to include the Nike Zoom Air unit in its design, which was a cushioning system engineered to reduce stress on the body by absorbing impact shocks. Jordan won the series wearing the black and white “Taxi” colorway, making it the first time his NBA Finals shoes were not black and red.

The Bulls were well on their way to a history-making second three-peat.