Michael Jordan: 3 revelations from episodes 7 and 8 of ‘The Last Dance’

Taking a closer look at three of the biggest takeaways from episodes 7 and 8 of ‘The Last Dance,’ centered around the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan.

Episodes 7 and 8 of ESPN’s ‘The Last Dance’ will likely go down as the two best episodes from the documentary, without knowing how episodes 9 and 10 will turn out. Nevertheless, they were loaded with excellent content.

Episode 7 opens with Michael Jordan detailing his relationship with his father, James Jordan. It leads into the passing of James and the impact, as you’d expect, it had on Michael. The episode continues into Michael’s decision to retire in 1993.

Perhaps somewhat curiously, the documentary then touches on the gambling conspiracy theory and the secret suspension that is out there regarding Jordan’s first retirement. Needless to say, it simply doesn’t make much sense or hold water. But I suppose the creators of the documentary believed that it needed to be included.

For the record, both Michael and David Stern, the NBA commissioner at the time, both denied the claims.

Michael’s baseball career is touched on and the documentary ends with highlighting the Chicago Bulls‘ 1993-94 season without Jordan.

Episode 8 begins with more stories about his competitiveness and the team’s start to the 1998 playoffs, beating the Nets and Hornets in the first two rounds. It then moves on to the baseball strike of 1995 and the whispers of Jordan possibly making a return to the NBA.

Then, “I’m Back.”

Jordan returns to the NBA.

It then details the loss to the Magic in the 1995 playoffs and how it fueled Michael heading into the next season, as he shot Space Jam.

Episode 8 then concludes with Michael Jordan and the Bulls getting back on top. In somewhat of a fairytale ending, Jordan won his fourth NBA Championship on Father’s Day.