Nearly two months have passed since the NBA suspended it’s season indefinitely and left fans in the dark. Recently, some team facilities began to reopen, but there’s still uncertainty as to whether the season will continue at all. Luckily, ESPN and Netflix blessed us with a 10-part documentary, The Last Dance. The series highlights some of the best Michael Jordan games, his career, and tells the story of his final season with the Chicago Bulls.

With only two episodes remaining in the series, basketball fans could use some more hoops to watch while they’re stuck at home. And that’s where we come in. We’ve ranked some of the best games from Michael Jordan’s career that you can watch as you quarantine.

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The ‘Double Nickel’ Game

In his fifth game back after retiring for 18 months, Jordan scored 55 in a road win against the Knicks in MSG. Michael Jordan always put on a show in New York, and this time was no different. This is easily a must-watch as one of his best performances in The Garden.

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‘The Shot’ Game

Next up on our list of the best Michael Jordan games is ‘The Shot’ game. With the Bull’s tied 2-2 with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the ‘89 playoffs, Jordan did what he does best. MJ hit plenty of game-winners during his career, and it’s definitely one of our favorites.

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Career High Points Scored

If ‘The Shot’ didn’t hurt Cleveland’s spirit enough, Jordan’s career-high on the road definitely sealed the deal less than a year later. What makes things even better is that he only needed two 3-pointers to do it. In the highest-scoring game of his career, the GOAT finished with a final stat line of 69 points, 18 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals.

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Playoff Dominance

Despite what you might think, Mike didn’t win every game of his career. After missing 64 games during the regular season with a broken foot, Jordan scored 63 points against the Celtics in the ‘86 playoffs. Larry Bird described it as, “God disguised as Michael Jordan”, which is fitting considering the Celtics needed double overtime to scrape by with the win.

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The Flu Game

Michael Jordan faced many challenges in his career, including the flu during the 1997 NBA Finals. In a must-win game, the Bulls faced the Utah Jazz on the road with the series tied 2-2. Jordan shows he can’t lose mentality in this gutsy victory.

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’93 NBA Finals Game 6

We covered this one in our favorite highlights games from Chicago sports history, and there’s a good reason for it. With the team pursuing their first three-peat, Michael Jordan scores a game-high 33 points in the nail-biter against the Suns.

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’98 Finals Game 6 & Final Bulls Game

Our last and best Michael Jordan game of all-time marks the second Bulls three-peat in the decade. If that wasn’t enough, this is also Michael’s final game in a Bulls uniform, and a perfect game to end the team’s dynasty on.

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In just a matter of weeks, COVID-19 has shut down nearly every public center across the nation. Parks, malls, stadiums, and our beloved movie theaters are currently collecting dust. We are now limited to good ol’ fashioned TV with the occasional Netflix prompt, “Are you still watching this?” Although we can’t sink into cozy theater seating to catch the latest flick on the silver screen right now, we can do our part to support local movie theaters. Here’s how.

Logan Square Theater

Thanks to Magnolia Pictures, you can now stream films from the comfort of your living room. Sign up and login to rent a movie for up to 3 days. You can also send a rental to your friends and family which would be a solid quarantine birthday gift, in our opinion. Top off your movie experience by ordering two jumbo bags of fresh popcorn and candy for only $10. Pick it up and prepare for an enjoyable movie night at home!

Music Box Theater

Ready for some virtual entertainment? Now through June 4th, you can buy tickets online to “view-at-home” exclusive new films that would normally be on the big screen. The theater also just launched Music Box to-go which offers curbside concession stand pickup. Plus, they’re still hosting fun interactive events like an Instagram Live Tiger King Bingo on May 12th. All sales help support the Music Box during their closure.

Facets Cinematheque and Facets Video

As Chicago’s best venue for independent cinema, the Facets Cinematheque has been a local staple for over four decades. But with the theater closed, they’re now offering a modern-day solution: a digital home viewing experience. Get their full schedule and watch one of the latest indie flicks by purchasing tickets on their website.

Gene Siskel Film Center

The Art Institute of Chicago’s premier movie theater has partnered with distributors to livestream the latest international and independent films. Sink into your sofa and stay connected to support the theater. What’s more, the film center is offering “screen to screen” virtual chats with special guests. Enjoy exclusive Q&As with directors, cast, and crew, as well as film critics and other community leaders. Get the latest details here.

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Recently, Governor Pritzker laid out a five-phase plan to reopen Illinois as the global pandemic starts to dwindle. The plan divides our state into five regions, allowing each region to open depending on the health risk. Currently, every region is at the end of the second phase. Infections have slowed and people have started to return to some normalcy — while maintaining distance and wearing face masks, of course.

According to Pritzer, the earliest any region of Illinois could move into phase three of the plan is May 29. But we’re hopeful! Here’s a look at what might happen, starting May 30th.

Social Interaction

Yay! You can finally see friends and family again. Just make sure to keep your reunion parties small with 10 people or fewer.

Colleges Reopen

University students might be able to return to campus. But sorry kiddos, schools will remain closed. Remote learning will continue indefinitely.

Personal Care Shops Reopen

Need a haircut? Your favorite beauty parlor, barbershop, and nail salon will be allowed to reopen, following strict guidelines from the city.

Non-essential Retail Reopens

Fashionistas, rejoice! Your favorite retail shops may open once again, with capacity limits.

Restaurants Remain Open for Takeout

Many eateries have already transformed their operations allowing for drive-thru, curbside pickup, and delivery. Dine-in service is still prohibited, though.

Non-essential Employees Can Go Back to Work

After months of Zoom calls and sweatpants, employees may return to their desks and cubicles. Executives will have to take extra steps to keep their employees safe, especially in common areas.

Essential Retail Remains Open

Open with restrictions, business as usual. Local grocery stores like Mariano’s have taken serious precautions to keep shoppers and employees safe. You’ve likely seen arrows taped to the floor directing one-way traffic, extra clean carts, and plexiglass shields to avoid contact with the cashier.

Non-essential Travel Resumes

Throughout the pandemic, travel has been allowed, following CDC guidance, but was not encouraged. Now, non-essential travel is resuming almost as normal. Make sure to review the rules before you fly, drive, or take a train.

Health Clubs Reopen

Feeling soft in quarantine? You may be able to hit the gym again soon. Fitness centers and health clubs will be able to once again offer limited training and activities.

Child Care Resumes

There’s still hope for some summertime fun! Youth activities can open and limited child care can return to normalcy.

Outdoor Activities

Phase two has already allowed golfing, fishing, and boating. But now, state parks may open for the summer.

Entertainment Venues Remain Closed

Sorry, folks, but movie theaters, large events, and stadiums will remain closed.

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Do you need some comforting, stick-to-your-ribs food for late-night munchies and cold rainy days? You can order some classic Midwestern food from Chicago restaurants to warm your bones.

Chicago-style deep dish pizza

Many Chicago locals agree that one of the best spots for pan pizza is Pequod’s, which allows you to call or order online for delivery or carryout. But we’ve got a full list of favorites for you right here.

Cheese curds

This salty finger food, associated closely with Wisconsin cuisine (but found commonly in Quebec), can be easily delivered to you from such establishments as the beloved Cheesie’s Pub and Grub.

Coney dogs

The Detroit staple, topped with a hearty helping of chili, mustard, and onions, is made to satisfy your meat cravings at Lola’s Coney Island.

Chicago-style hot dogs

No one’s asking you to sacrifice your Vienna beef and sport peppers during this trying time— get your fix from Devil Dawgs.

Pierogies

With huge Polish populations in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Cleveland, these delicious dumplings absolutely qualify as one of the jewels in the Midwestern culinary crown, and you can get them delivered from Staropolska.

Burnt ends

Originating in the Kansas City-style barbecue tradition, burnt ends can be found in Chicago at Smoke Daddy.

Corn dogs

Get this fried, state fair-flavored snack from Wrigleyville Dogs.

Toasted ravioli

This appetizer first achieved notoriety in St. Louis, Missouri, and can be ordered from a couple of Italian restaurants in Chicago, including The Pasta Bowl.

Frozen custard

Once you’ve had your fill of fried cheese and hot dogs, you can get this Wisconsonian delicacy for dessert at Lickity Split.

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Summer is finally around the corner, meaning it is officially brunch season. However, with the shelter-in-place order still in effect, it makes brunching and sipping mimosas with your friends a little more difficult, but not impossible. Virtual brunch allows you to enjoy a delicious meal with friends even during a quarantine.

Brunch & Bubbly

Saturday, May 16 | 10:30 am

Pay what you can to join in on this virtual cooking class. Hosted by Amanda of Earth Made Kitchen and in collaboration with ADHoc Events, you’ll learn how to make a fruity sangria and a sweet or savory challah french toast dish. Once you register, you’ll get an ingredients and utensils list sent to you.

Online Cooking Class: Pakistani Brunch Specials

Sunday, May 17 | 2 – 3:30 pm

Learn something new by exploring the rich and diverse flavors of Pakistan by making a homemade Pakistani brunch. Chef Kausar walks you through some of her favorite recipes such as Partha dough and more. You’ll need to prepare a simple ingredient list beforehand to be ready for the class.

Brunch & Brushes – Virtual Glass Painting Party

Sunday, May 24 | 12 pm

Join Le Painted Grape as they teach you how to paint wine glasses with a cherry blossom tree design, all from the comfort of your home! Tickets cost $15 and don’t include the necessary supplies. You can either choose to purchase them on your own, or pay to have Le Painted Grape ship it directly to your home.

Ina Mae Tavern

Every Saturday and Sunday

The Wicker Park restaurant has brunch available for pickup every weekend. If you add on a mimosa kit to your order, you get a free pair of Blackhawks pajama pants. Check out their website as they will also host virtual brunch events on the weekends.

Crunch Then Brunch Virtual Workout

Saturdays | 9 am

Pink Velvet Training is hosting a women’s workout session every week. Modifications are shown for each exercise, so women of all fitness levels are welcome. Little to no equipment is required, making it home-friendly. After the workout, join in for a fun brunch!

Young Adult Brunch with the Unitarian Universalist Community Church

Sundays | 11:30 am – 1 pm

Join the UUCC congregation after church to network with people in their 20s-30s in your community during a virtual brunch secession.

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Chicago Blackhawks: Yaroslav Askarov would be a brilliant pick by Vincent Parise

Chicago Bulls: “The Last Dance” and Jordan silencing critics by John-Mark Mallory

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Chicago Cubs (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

With no Chicago Cubs baseball on TV, it’s time to look back at key moments during the Cubs 2016 World Series championship.

2016 was a historic year, not just for the Chicago Cubs but for the entire baseball world, as well as for American Sports. Everyone knew what happened. The Chicago Cubs, who hadn’t won a World Series in 108 years finally broke the curse by defeating the Cleveland Indians

Despite being four years removed from the Cubs World Series Championship, it’s still something that’s talked about amongst the Cubs fanbase. And why? For generations, Cubs fans never saw a World Series win. For many, the 2016 championship was an emotional one since many also had loved ones who’d never seen the Cubs win it all.

As if the World Series wasn’t crazy enough, the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers that year also provided plenty of highlights and memories for Cubs fans. The Cubs would win the National League pennant in six games, defeating the Clayton Kershaw led Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field.

And whether you’re a Cubs fan or not, it’s clear that this was World Series that rewrote the history books and was perfect matchup considering both teams were looking to end championship droughts and bring their respective fanbases what they had been longing for.

The World Series would provide plenty of excitement as well. We know what the final result was but four years later, it’s time to go back and recap some key moments from the entire series. What were the moments that shaped the Cubs path to a World Series Victory? Let’s take a road trip down memory lane and find out.

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Chicago Cubs: Remembering key moments from 2016 World Series by Usayd Koshul

The 1996 Chicago Bulls were the greatest basketball team of all time by Vincent Parise

The 1990s Chicago Bulls are once again atop the sports world as ESPN’s “The Last Dance” is a huge hit. Still, not everyone is a fan of the series. One of Sunday’s episodes turned a critique into a strength.

It’s inevitable that once something becomes massively popular and well-known, someone will come out of the woodwork to criticize. It happened to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in 1993 when Jordan abruptly retired.

After the shocking murder of Jordan’s father James that summer, rumors started to pop up that it was a coordinated hit in response to the gambling debts Michael owed.

A consipracy theory later surfaced that NBA commissioner David Stern enacted a secret suspension for the superstar after the gambling scandal and forced his retirement. As NBA communications advisor Brian McIntyre put it in episode seven, “Total bull****”.

Jordan’s overwhelming popularity and global appeal made him an easy target. He also didn’t do himself any favors by cutting a massive check to James “Slim” Bouler to repay gambling debts. Rumors seem more credible when you were a witness in a federal money-laundering trial.

An emotional Jordan during the powerful ending of Episode 7 #TheLastDance pic.twitter.com/EDEABvHTWP

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) May 11, 2020

While Jordan made it through that scandal, his squeaky clean reputation took a hit. Even one of the most beloved men in the country couldn’t shake off all the haters, and neither can “The Last Dance” itself.

One of the greatest documentary filmmakers of all time declared his disdain for ESPN’s smash hit. Ken Burns knows a thing or two about making episodic documentaries, and clearly he doesn’t think this one respect the “spirit of the game” or something, I don’t know. (Via Variety):

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I find it the opposite direction of where we need to be going. If you [Jordan] are there influencing the very fact of it getting made, it means that certain aspects that you don’t necessarily want in aren’t going to be in, period. And that’s not the way you do good journalism, and it’s certainly not the way you do good history, [which is] my business.

I’m a fan of Burns and his work, but he doesn’t wear jealously well. I understand his apprehension about having Jordan’s production company involved in “The Last Dance”. However, giving Jordan control and editorial power was the only way this footage would see the light of day.

In addition, this isn’t like a “Civil War” style historical saga that Burns mastered. Is this even truly sports journalism? It’s unseen footage from over 20 years ago spliced with archival clips and interviews. It certainly has a story to tell, but accuracy is an odd hill to die on here.

The question for Burns and anyone else who has an issue with Jordan’s involvement is: Would you rather this footage just remain unreleased? I’d like to hear a good argument in favor of that take because I don’t think it exists.

The only other criticism I’ve seen leveled against “The Last Dance” by is the fact that the film jumps around in time and doesn’t attempt to be chronological. I could see how that bothers some, but I think it worked perfectly in Sunday’s episode seven.

The episode masterfully jumped back and forth between Jordan’s first retirement in 1993 and his final season with the Bulls in 1998. It showed how mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted he was leading into both retirements.

It painted a clearer picture of why a guy who still had so much left to give the game had to walk away, twice. Bulls fans and NBA fans at large are obviously aware of how important it is that this footage wasn’t lost to time.

Related Story: How Bulls fans grew to hate the NY Knicks

If getting Jordan involved and giving him final cut is what it took, so be it. This story is too important not to be told with this depth of coverage. With the final two episodes of the series airing this Sunday, Michael Jordan is again letting the world know that he will always dominate.

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Chicago Bulls: “The Last Dance” and Jordan silencing critics by John-Mark Mallory

Chicago Bulls: Could Michael Jordan have played in MLB? by Vincent Parise

The Chicago Bulls were amazing in 1996 as they broke the single-season wins record and went on to win it all in the playoffs.

Ahead of the 1995-96 NBA season, the Chicago Bulls had a lot of hopes but they also had something to prove to some people. It is hard to think about a team that won three straight titles a couple of years prior, had something to prove but they did. Michael Jordan was coming back from playing baseball and they were defeated in the playoffs the year prior.

Michael got himself ready for the grind of a full season again while the Bulls acquired Dennis Rodman from the San Antonio Spurs. Rodman was a defensive/rebound specialist that would give the Bulls another key piece that could help them in their quest to win more NBA titles. Rodman also had some championship experience from his days with the Detroit Pistons. He had two titles with them while Jordan and Scottie Pippen had three each.

Over that season they proved that they were the greatest NBA team ever assembled. They were elite with the big three but their support players were very good as well. They went 72-10 which stood as the greatest record in NBA history for 20 years. They were also the first team in NBA history to reach the 70 win plateau. They capped off this great season with their NBA Title that they won over the Seattle SuperSonics in six games.

So are the 1995-96 Bulls actually the best team in NBA history? Well, as mentioned before, that record stood for 20 years. The 2015-16 Golden State Warriors went 73-9 to break Chicago’s record. They, like the Bulls, had a loaded roster with players like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson. They also had Steve Kerr as their head coach, who was a member of that 72-10 Bulls team in 1995-96.

Hot: The Chicago Bulls Dynasty had its hand in forming “The Dream Team”

The difference between the two teams? The Bulls went on to win the title and the Warriors did not. Golden State had a 3-1 series lead over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers before they blew it. For that reason alone, you have to see the Bulls team as the squad with the slight advantage. It was such a dominant year for Chicago that season from start to finish so you basically have no choice but to see them as the best NBA team of all time.

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The 1996 Chicago Bulls were the greatest basketball team of all time by Vincent Parise

The Chicago Bulls lost Michael Jordan for a year and a half because he went and played baseball in the Chicago White Sox organization.

The Chicago Bulls were so dominant in the 1990s. They were so good that they won six titles in eight years as is well known by the sports world. It was one of the most dominant stretches in the history of team sports that saw them have two three-peats. Well, in between those two three-peats, the Chicago White Sox had the honor of having Michael Jordan play in their organization.

He retired from the National Basketball Association after the first three-peat. It was just following the passing of his father. He claimed at the time that he had just had enough and needed to retire. The plan at the time was for him to not come back. Well, it was baseball time for Michael as he moved on.

He played for the White Sox during the 1994 Spring Training. He was invited to as a non-roster player to Spring Training in February. He practiced with Herm Schneider, a White Sox trainer, in December of 93. He played some exhibition games with the White Sox before being sent down to the minors. He probably would have been in AAA but they couldn’t handle the media there so he went to the Birmingham Barons of AA instead.

He had Terry Francona as his MiLB manager which is really cool to know. Francona is one of the best coaches in all of baseball today so to see him in the White Sox organization coaching Michael Jordan was really something special.

Jordan had himself a 13-game hitting streak with the Barons which is incredibly impressive. He played in 127 games and had 436 at-bats, a .202 batting average, 88 hits, three home runs, 46 runs scored, 51 RBIs, and 30 stolen bases. It was certainly a nice little year for the basketball superstar turned baseball player.

Related Story: The New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls rivalry

Francona had some nice things to say about Jordan’s game. He believed that he would have found a way to the MLB if he reached 1500 at-bats in the MiLB. So could he actually have? The answer is probably yes. He went back to the NBA instead while the White Sox had to cancel the 1994 season thanks to the player strike. They were an elite team during those years so they didn’t have all that much space, but you have to assume Jordan would have been given a shot in the MLB.

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