Mackenzie Forbes overcomes Michael Jordan-like burden, USC turns heads with win

Michael Jordan’s Flu Game is one of the most iconic moments in NBA history. The game ended up being the defining moment of Jordan’s career after battling illness. A young star for the USC Trojans faced a similar moment as his team was short-handed and had to find new options to help them win.

Mackenzie Forbes earned high praise from her head coach after a Michael Jordan-like performance. Despite the odds her team faced, Forbes took action and showed everyone why she is a McDonald’s All-American defender.

Mackenzie Forbes is a special talent

The USC Trojans were without most of their starters against Long Beach State. Of the three who missed the game, two were sick. But Mackenzie Forbes overcame her difficulties. Forbes hasn’t practiced much with the team all week due to illness. Plus, she didn’t even participate in the pregame shootaround. However, Mackenzie Forbes went on to score 36 points for the USC Trojans.

With star players like JuJu Watkins and Raya Marshall sidelined, Forbes was left alone to carry the team across the finish line, even though she had mostly been viewed as a role player up until that point. According to Trojans Wire, after the game, head coach Lindsay Gottlieb said: “Kenzie’s flu game is one I’ll never forget.“

Forbes had a Michael Jordan moment as the USC Trojans defeated Long Beach State 85-77. There are 36 points left. Forbes also had 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals, solidifying his place on the team.

Michael Jordan’s historic performance

During the 1997 NBA Finals, the series was tied 2-2 and the Chicago Bulls had to return to Utah for Game 5. But a few hours before the game, news broke that Jordan was feeling unwell and showing flu-like symptoms.

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Even though Michael Jordan was struggling physically, he decided to give it his all and get on the court. Jordan scored 38 points and went on to put on a performance that fans will always remember.

What did you think of Mackenzie Forbes’ performance? Let us know what you think in the comments!