Michael Jordan’s game-worn shoes from Game 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals were auctioned off by Sotheby’s, fetching a price of $482,600, as reported by Darren Rovell. These shoes, like many others worn by Jordan during his illustrious career, have become highly sought-after pieces of sports memorabilia, consistently commanding hefty price tags.
Notably, a pair of Nike Air Ship shoes worn by Jordan in just his fifth NBA game sold for $624,000 in September 2023, while his Jordan XII shoes from the 1997 NBA Finals fetched $1.38 million in June of the same year.
Just Sold: Michael Jordan’s game-worn shoes from Game 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals.
Price paid at @Sothebys: $482,600 pic.twitter.com/M3r4aAxTPw
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) April 12, 2024
In a February auction, a single shoe from each of Jordan’s six NBA Finals victories was bundled together and sold for an astonishing $8 million. Despite the lower price compared to other auctions, the significance of the game itself may have impacted the value of the shoes sold on Friday. Game 5 of the 1996 finals, where Jordan’s shoes originated, saw the Chicago Bulls facing a defeat against the Seattle Supersonics with a score of 89-78.
Despite the loss in Game 5, Jordan’s performance was notable, with 26 points and four rebounds, although he missed all four of his three-point attempts. Ultimately, the Bulls bounced back to win Game 6 at home, securing the championship and marking Jordan’s fourth NBA title. This victory was part of the Bulls’ dominance during the 1990s, where they secured three consecutive NBA championships, solidifying their place in basketball history as one of the greatest dynasties in the sport.
