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Bulls Clinch Fourth NBA Title

Chicago vs. Seattle

For exciting 1997 Playoff coverage, click on the logo

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In Preparation | Game 1 | Game 2 | Game 3 | Game 4 | Game 5 | Game 6 | After the Victory

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In Preparation:

There are only two members left from the Three-peat teams of 1991-92-93, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. MJ explains some of his motivation for the finals. Jordan's comments (28k, real audio).

Coach Phil Jackson and his staff had a full eight days to prepare for Seattle. All the starters were given a few days off to rest various aches and pains, while everyone else went back to work. Were those practices light? Not according to backup center Bill Wennington. Phil is a great strategist and motivator, plus he knows he can count on previous playoff experience. Jackson's comments (39k, real audio). Michael Jordan's comments (18k, real audio).

Each player gets his game face on in their own unique ways. NBA veteran John Salley earned two championship rings as a member of the Detroit Pistons. John shares his insights. (17k, real audio).

Game 1 at Chicago June 5, 1996

The Bulls' eight day layoff left the team in somewhat of an offensive funk. However, the defense was running on all five cylinders as Chicago held the high-flying Seattle Supersonics to 13 fourth quarter points on 7 for 20 shooting. Ron Harper paced the Bulls with two key steals in the final quarter. Tony Kukoc contributed 14 second- half points off the bench to thwart any possibility of a Seattle comeback. After the game Michael Jordan (28 points) commented on Tony's performance. "He came out and really gave us a big lift offensively. He made a couple of big shots." Jordan added, "I think his confidence has started to grow a little bit... that's what it's all about...get some confidence where you can perform."

Jordan was asked how his stamina held up during the game. Jordan's comments: (26k, real audio)

Seattle coach George Karl knows he how tough the challenge to regroup is. Karl's comments (21k, real audio)

The line of the game belonged to Bull's guard Ron Harper: 15 pts., 7 assists, 5 rebs., 2 steals, 1 block, and only 1 turnover in thirty minutes of play.

Game 2 at Chicago June 7, 1996

Seattle's Hersey Hawkins poured in 11 second quarter points as the Bulls clung to a narrow 46-45 halftime lead. The Sonics pulled to within 2 points at 66-64 when Gary Payton hit a short jumper with just over two minutes left in the third period. Once again, Toni Kukoc (11 points) came off the bench to hit a pair of three-point shots as the Bulls surged ahead to a 76-65 lead to start the fourth quarter. Missed free throws were the only thing that kept the score close as the Bulls, now 2-0, held off a late Sonics rally for the narrow victory. Shawn Kemp made his presence felt again with 29 points and 13 rebounds.

After the game Seattle coach George Karl said, "I'm really proud of our basketball team. We've gained some confidence in these two games.... Chicago did what they had to....we need an energy game." He added, "We've got to make some threes for our inside game to be effective." Dennis Rodman was a demon on the boards grabbing a NBA Finals record-tying 11 offensive rebounds (20 total) to go along with his ten points. He also converted one of two free throws with 6.9 seconds left to seal the Bulls' victory.

Line of the game: Michael Jordan 9-22 FG, 10-16 FT, 6 rebs, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 29 points

Game 3 at Seattle June 9, 1996

Game 4 at Seattle June 12, 1996

Game 5 at Seattle June 14, 1996

Game 6 at Chicago June 16, 1996

In the end it was experience and veteran play that led the "Greatest Team Ever" to a four games to two series victory, despite 23 points from Detlef Schrempf, 19 from Gary Payton, and Shawn Kemp's 18 points. The Bulls grabbed the lead for good midway through the first quarter and never looked back.

Bulls' owner Jerry Reinsdorf was asked if he was worried about dropping 2 of 3 games in Seattle.

Jerry's comments: (26k, real audio)

After the Victory

After the dramatic loss to Orlando in the 1995 NBA Conference Finals, Michael Jordan set his sights on a championship in 1996. He put everything into perspective after the Game 6 victory.

Michael's comments: (24k, real audio)

Ironically, the clinching game occurred on Father's Day, a bitter reminder of his father's tragic murder three years prior.

Michael's thoughts: (25k, real audio)

One of the unsung heroes of the 1996 season was the brainchild of the organization, Jerry Krause, a man who seldom gets credit for building the supporting cast behind Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. His boss, Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf was singing his praises during the lockeroom celebration.

Reinsdorf's thoughts: (21k, real audio)

Go to 1996 NBA Playoffs coverage - 1^st Round, 2^nd Round, and the Conference Finals

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