Michael's Shot

Firstly, a little background information is necessary to fully appreciate this photo. This picture was taken at the end of Game 6 of the NBA Finals. The Chicago Bulls were leading the Utah Jazz in the series 3-2, and one more win would give the Bulls an NBA Championship. The score of the game at the time of this shot? 86-85, Utah. Thus, the happenings described by this photo are of utmost importance in the context of the game, the Finals, and the NBA.




The focal points of the picture stand out easily because the entire background of the photograph is painted with a united front of fans (the fans’ concentration on the game further demonstrates the utter importance of the situation). First, the viewer sees the players on the court, as they stand out as central figures relative to the background. Mainly, the bold red jerseys of the Chicago Bulls-the best team in the league- stand out. The easiest player to pick out in the picture is superstar Michael Jordan, fittingly, because he is regarded as the best player of all time, and appropriately is taking the shot that matters the most. Also notice the shot clock, otlined in yellow at the top of the photo. It stand out due to its color and solid shape, but it also signals the significance of the shot; it shows a mere 6.6 seconds remaining in the game. Everything-the outcome of the game, the fans’ reaction, the oher players’ emotion- relies on him, and therefore he is the makeup of the photo. All else is dependent on his shot. Also

The preceding objects the viewer notices are tools which Michael needs to complete his endeavor: the ball, gloriously hanging in the air and about to test fate, and the backboard, patiently waiting there, on the verge of answering everyone’s questions. These are the only onjects not dependent on Michael Jordan’s shot, and thus stand out equally in the photograph.



Michael made the shot and the Bulls won 87-86 over the Jazz, thus capturing the NBA Title.