Revisiting 'The Shot': When Michael Jordan Ascended from MVP to Legend

May 7, 1989. On this day in Chicago Bulls history, Michael Jordan began his transition from superstar to legend.

Sure, the NBA was well aware of the Bulls' phenom guard at the time. Jordan had already won MVP honors and a Defensive Player of the Year award.

But the "killer" in Jordan introduced himself to the world and ultimately elevated the legend that became MJ.

Michael Jordan Hits 'The Shot'

Let's set the scene. The Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers met in the first round for the second consecutive year (Chicago won the year before). However, the Cavaliers had topped the Bulls in all six meetings that season (yes you read that right, they played each other six times back then). The Cavaliers were the favorite entering the series after winning 57 games and earning the third seed in the Eastern Conference. Chicago put together a 47-win season and held the sixth seed in the East.

While Jordan's clutch shot was memorable, the entire game was a classic.

Cleveland held a one-point lead when Jordan made his initial big bucket with six seconds left to put the Bulls ahead 99-98. Out of a timeout, the Cavaliers ran a give-and-go play between guard Craig Ehlo and forward Larry Nance, which resulted in an Ehlo layup and a 99-98 Cavs' advantage with only three seconds left. The Cleveland crowd erupted.

Out of the timeout, Brad Sellers threw the ball immediately to Jordan. MJ juked Larry Nance out of the way to receive the ball then immediately drove to his left with Ehlo in lockstep the entire way. Once he reached the free-throw line area, Jordan jumped to take a shot, and Ehlo jumped with him. But "His Airness" was able to elevate a half-second longer and release a double-pump jump shot.

Bulls fans can still hear the call of that exact moment.

"Jordan to the circle, puts the shot in the air... GOOD! The game's over! The Bulls have won!"

It was "The Shot."

And the rest we've all seen.

The double fist pump celebration from Jordan.

Ehlo grabbing his head and falling to the ground.

Doug Collins running around celebrating like a madman.

It was a perfect moment that encapsulated Jordan's ascension to the next step of his career — the stone-cold killer on the court that many NBA players try to emulate even to this day.

It's impossible to view a highlight reel of Michael Jordan's greatest plays (of which there are so many) and not see "The Shot" against Cleveland in 1989. It's been replayed countless times and was even featured in some of his Gatorade commercials. When you ask the average fan who watched basketball back then for their take on "Craig Ehlo," they'd likely mention him being on the wrong side of this historic basketball moment.

Long live "The Shot."

Long live MJ.

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