1992–93 Chicago Bulls season explained

The 1992–93 NBA season was the Bulls' 27th season in the National Basketball Association.^[1] The Bulls entered the season as the back-to-back defending NBA champions, having defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1992 NBA Finals in six games, winning their second NBA championship. In the off-season, the team acquired Rodney McCray from the Dallas Mavericks,^{[2] [3] [4]} and signed free agent Trent Tucker.^{[5] [6] [7]} At mid-season, the team signed Darrell Walker, who was previously released by the Detroit Pistons.^{[8] [9]}

After two straight championships, the Bulls would make changes to their lineup, replacing John Paxson at point guard with B. J. Armstrong after Paxson went down with a knee injury, and only played 59 games.^{[10] [11] [12]} The team won nine of their first eleven games, and posted a 7-game winning streak between December and January,^[13] holding a 35–17 record at the All-Star break.^[14] The Bulls posted another 7-game winning streak between February and March,^[15] and would yet again have another successful season finishing in first place in the Central Division, and second overall in the Eastern Conference with a 57–25 record.^[16] They also advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the fifth consecutive season, becoming the first team since the 1987–88 Boston Celtics to do so.^[17]

Michael Jordan once again led the league in scoring averaging 32.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.8 steals per game, and was named to the All-NBA First Team, while Scottie Pippen averaged 18.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.1 steals per game, and was named to the All-NBA Third Team. Both players were selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, and selected for the 1993 NBA All-Star Game.^{[18] [19] [20] [21] [22]} In addition, Horace Grant averaged 13.2 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, while Armstrong provided the team with 12.3 points per game.^[23] Jordan also finished in third place in Most Valuable Player voting,^{[24] [25] [26] [27]} and tied in second place in Defensive Player of the Year voting.^{[28] [29] [30]}

In the Eastern Conference First Round of the playoffs, the Bulls swept the Atlanta Hawks in three straight games.^{[31] [32] [33] [34]} In the Eastern Conference Semi-finals, they swept the Cleveland Cavaliers in four straight games.^{[35] [36] [37] [38]} Then after losing the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals to the top-seeded New York Knicks,^{[39] [40] [41]} the Bulls would win the next four games of the series.^{[42] [43] [44] [45]} Then they would then go on to win their third consecutive NBA championship, defeating regular season MVP Charles Barkley and the Phoenix Suns in six games in the 1993 NBA Finals.^{[46] [47] [48] [49] [50]} This was the last title the Bulls won while playing at Chicago Stadium.

Chicago's off-season was also marked by Jordan's sudden retirement.^{[51] [52] [53] [54] [55]} Also following the season, McCray, Tucker, and Walker were all released to free agency.^[56] For the season, the Bulls slightly changed their uniforms, which remained in used until 2004, when they added their secondary logo on the back of their jerseys.^{[57] [58]}

Offseason

NBA draft

See main article: 1992 NBA draft.

Round	Pick	Player	Position	Nationality	School/Club Team
1	27	Byron Houston	Forward		Oklahoma State
2	33	Corey Williams	Guard		Oklahoma State
2	39	Litterial Green	Guard		Georgia

Regular season

Record vs. opponents

1992–93 NBA records
width=100	Team	ATL	BOS	CHA	CHI	CLE	DAL	DEN	DET	GSW	HOU	IND	LAC	LAL	MIA	MIL	MIN	NJN	NYK	ORL	PHI	PHO	POR	SAC	SAS	SEA	UTA	WAS
Atlanta	—	2–2	3–2	2–2	0–5	1–1	2–0	2–3	2–0	1–1	2–2	1–1	1–1	3–1	3–2	2–0	1–3	2–2	1–3	3–1	0–2	1–1	1–1	2–0	1–1	2–0	2–2
Boston	2–2	—	3–1	1–3	3–1	2–0	2–0	1–3	2–0	1–1	2–2	1–1	1–1	3–1	2–2	2–0	4–0	1–4	3–2	4–1	0–2	2–0	1–1	1–1	0–2	0–2	4–1
Charlotte	2–3	1–3	—	2–3	1–3	2–0	1–1	4–1	2–0	0–2	0–5	1–1	1–1	2–2	3–1	2–0	2–2	1–3	3–1	4–0	0–2	1–1	2–0	1–1	1–1	1–1	4–0
Chicago	2–2	3–1	3–2	—	2–3	2–0	1–1	3–1	2–0	0–2	5–0	2–0	0–2	3–1	4–1	2–0	4–0	1–3	3–1	2–2	1–1	2–0	2–0	0–2	2–0	2–0	4–0
Cleveland	5–0	1–3	3–1	3–2	—	2–0	1–1	3–2	2–0	1–1	4–0	1–1	2–0	2–2	4–1	2–0	2–2	1–3	2–2	4–0	2–0	0–2	1–1	1–1	1–1	1–1	3–1
Dallas	1–1	0–2	0–2	0–2	0–2	—	1–5	1–1	0–4	1–4	1–1	0–4	1–3	0–2	0–2	1–4	0–2	0–2	1–1	1–1	0–4	0–4	0–4	0–5	1–3	0–5	1–1
Denver	0–2	0–2	1–1	1–1	1–1	5–1	—	1–1	3–1	2–3	1–1	2–2	1–3	0–2	1–1	3–2	1–1	1–1	0–2	1–1	1–3	1–3	3–1	1–4	1–3	2–3	2–0
Detroit	3–2	3–1	1–4	1–3	2–3	1–1	1–1	—	0–2	1–1	3–2	1–1	1–1	1–3	2–2	1–1	3–1	2–2	3–1	3–1	0–2	1–1	2–0	0–2	0–2	0–2	4–0
Golden State	0–2	0–2	0–2	0–2	0–2	4–0	1–3	2–0	—	2–2	0–2	2–3	1–4	2–0	1–1	3–1	1–1	0–2	1–1	1–1	1–4	0–5	4–1	3–1	1–4	3–1	1–1
Houston	1–1	1–1	2–0	2–0	1–1	4–1	3–2	1–1	2–2	—	2–0	4–0	3–1	2–0	1–1	4–2	1–1	1–1	1–1	2–0	2–2	1–3	4–0	4–1	1–3	4–1	1–1
Indiana	2–2	2–2	5–0	0–5	0–4	1–1	1–1	2–3	2–0	0–2	—	1–1	1–1	2–2	2–3	1–1	3–1	1–3	2–2	3–1	1–1	1–1	2–0	1–1	2–0	0–2	3–1
L.A. Clippers	1–1	1–1	1–1	0–2	1–1	4–0	2–2	1–1	3–2	0–4	1–1	—	3–2	0–2	2–0	4–0	0–2	2–0	1–1	1–1	3–2	2–3	3–2	0–4	1–4	2–2	2–0
L.A. Lakers	1–1	1–1	1–1	2–0	0–2	3–1	3–1	1–1	4–1	1–3	1–1	2–3	—	0–2	1–1	3–1	0–2	0–2	1–1	2–0	0–5	3–2	3–2	2–2	1–4	1–3	2–0
Miami	1–3	1–3	2–2	1–3	2–2	2–0	2–0	3–1	0–2	0–2	2–2	2–0	2–0	—	2–2	2–0	2–3	0–5	3–2	1–3	0–2	1–1	1–1	1–1	1–1	0–2	2–3
Milwaukee	2–3	2–2	1–3	1–4	1–4	2–0	1–1	2–2	1–1	1–1	3–2	0–2	1–1	2–2	—	1–1	0–4	1–3	2–2	2–2	0–2	0–2	1–1	0–2	0–2	0–2	1–3
Minnesota	0–2	0–2	0–2	0–2	0–2	4–1	2–3	1–1	1–3	2–4	1–1	0–4	1–3	0–2	1–1	—	1–1	0–2	0–2	0–2	0–4	1–3	1–3	1–4	0–4	1–4	1–1
New Jersey	3–1	0–4	2–2	0–4	2–2	2–0	1–1	1–3	1–1	1–1	1–3	2–0	2–0	3–2	4–0	1–1	—	1–3	3–2	3–2	1–1	0–2	2–0	1–1	1–1	1–1	4–1
New York	2–2	4–1	3–1	3–1	3–1	2–0	1–1	2–2	2–0	1–1	3–1	0–2	2–0	5–0	3–1	2–0	3–1	—	2–2	5–0	1–1	1–1	2–0	2–0	1–1	1–1	4–1
Orlando	3–1	2–3	1–3	1–3	2–2	1–1	2–0	1–3	1–1	1–1	2–2	1–1	1–1	2–3	2–2	2–0	2–3	2–2	—	3–2	0–2	2–0	2–0	0–2	0–2	1–1	4–0
Philadelphia	1–3	1–4	0–4	2–2	0–4	1–1	1–1	1–3	1–1	0–2	1–3	1–1	0–2	3–1	2–2	2–0	2–3	0–5	2–3	—	0–2	0–2	1–1	0–2	1–1	0–2	3–1
Phoenix	2–0	2–0	2–0	1–1	0–2	4–0	3–1	2–0	4–1	2–2	1–1	2–3	5–0	2–0	2–0	4–0	1–1	1–1	2–0	2–0	—	3–2	5–0	3–1	2–3	3–1	2–0
Portland	1–1	0–2	1–1	0–2	2–0	4–0	3–1	1–1	5–0	3–1	1–1	3–2	2–3	1–1	2–0	3–1	2–0	1–1	0–2	2–0	2–3	—	5–0	2–2	2–3	2–2	1–1
Sacramento	1–1	1–1	0–2	0–2	1–1	4–0	1–3	0–2	1–4	0–4	0–2	2–3	2–3	1–1	1–1	3–1	0–2	0–2	0–2	1–1	0–5	0–5	—	2–2	1–4	2–2	1–1
San Antonio	0–2	1–1	1–1	2–0	1–1	5–0	4–1	2–0	1–3	1–4	1–1	4–0	2–2	1–1	2–0	4–1	1–1	0–2	2–0	2–0	1–3	2–2	2–2	—	3–1	3–3	1–1
Seattle	1–1	2–0	1–1	0–2	1–1	3–1	3–1	2–0	4–1	3–1	0–2	4–1	4–1	1–1	2–0	4–0	1–1	1–1	2–0	1–1	3–2	3–2	4–1	1–3	—	2–2	2–0
Utah	0–2	2–0	1–1	0–2	1–1	5–0	3–2	2–0	1–3	1–4	2–0	2–2	3–1	2–0	2–0	4–1	1–1	1–1	1–1	2–0	1–3	2–2	2–2	3–3	2–2	—	1–1
Washington	2–2	1–4	0–4	0–4	1–3	1–1	0–2	0–4	1–1	1–1	1–3	0–2	0–2	3–2	3–1	1–1	1–4	1–4	0–4	1–3	0–2	1–1	1–1	1–1	0–2	1–1	—

Game log

Regular season

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 1| November 6, 1992
7:00p.m. CST| @ Cleveland| W 101–96| Jordan (29)| Grant (15)| Pippen (10)| Richfield Coliseum
20,273| 1–0|-style="background:#fcc;"| 2| November 7, 1992| Atlanta| L 99–100| Michael Jordan (35)| Horace Grant (11)| Michael Jordan (11)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 1–1|-style="background:#cfc;"| 3| November 9, 1992| Indiana| W 102–87| Michael Jordan (24)| Scottie Pippen (13)| Michael Jordan (12)| Chicago Stadium
18,084| 2–1|-style="background:#cfc;"| 4| November 11, 1992| Detroit| W 98–96 (OT)| Michael Jordan (37)| Horace Grant (14)| Scottie Pippen (10)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 3–1|-style="background:#cfc;"| 5| November 13, 1992| @ Milwaukee| W 101–96| Michael Jordan (34)| Scottie Pippen (13)| Scottie Pippen (8)| Bradley Center
18,633| 4–1|-style="background:#cfc;"| 6| November 14, 1992| Denver| W 117–84| Michael Jordan (18)| Will Perdue (13)| Michael Jordan (7)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 5–1|-style="background:#cfc;"| 7| November 17, 1992| @ Minnesota| W 124–103| Michael Jordan (32)| Scott Williams (6)| Scottie Pippen (12)| Target Center
19,006| 6–1|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 8| November 19, 1992
9:00p.m. CST| @ Seattle| W 108–99| Jordan (35)| Pippen,
Williams (9)| Pippen (8)| Kingdome
37,401| 7–1|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 9| November 20, 1992
9:30p.m. CST| @ L.A. Lakers| L 118–120 (OT)| Jordan (54)| Grant (14)| Grant,
Jordan (7)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 7–2|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 10| November 22, 1992
8:00p.m. CST| @ Phoenix| W 128–111| Jordan (40)| Grant,
King (8)| Armstrong (9)| America West Arena
19,023| 8–2|-style="background:#cfc;"| 11| November 24, 1992| @ Golden State| W 101–92| Michael Jordan (49)| Horace Grant (17)| Jordan & Pippen (7)| Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena
15,025| 9–2|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 12| November 28, 1992
12Noon CST| @ New York| L 75–112| Jordan (17)| Grant,
Pippen (7)| Jordan,
Pippen (4)| Madison Square Garden
19,763| 9–3|-style="background:#fcc;"| 13| December 2, 1992| @ Boston| L 96–101| Horace Grant (20)| Horace Grant (11)| Scottie Pippen (10)| Boston Garden
14,890| 9–4|-style="background:#cfc;"| 14| December 4, 1992| Portland| W 111–99| Michael Jordan (38)| Michael Jordan (13)| Scottie Pippen (9)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 10–4|-style="background:#cfc;"| 15| December 5, 1992| Boston| W 96–89| Michael Jordan (24)| Horace Grant (10)| Scottie Pippen (11)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 11–4|-style="background:#fcc;"| 16| December 8, 1992| @ Atlanta| L 114–123| Michael Jordan (32)| Michael Jordan (12)| Michael Jordan (8)| The Omni
16,441| 11–5|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 17| December 9, 1992
7:30p.m. CST| Cleveland| W 108–91| Jordan (28)| Grant (15)| Pippen (11)| Chicago Stadium
18,142| 12–5|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 18| December 11, 1992
7:30p.m. CST| Houston| L 96–110| Jordan (26)| Jordan (11)| Pippen (8)| Chicago Stadium
18,147| 12–6|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 19| December 12, 1992
7:30p.m. CST| New Jersey| W 95–89| Jordan (38)| Grant (11)| Pippen (7)| Chicago Stadium
18,232| 13–6|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 20| December 15, 1992
7:30p.m. CST| Charlotte| W 125–110| Pippen (26)| Pippen (9)| Pippen (10)| Chicago Stadium
18,088| 14–6|-style="background:#cfc;"| 21| December 17, 1992| @ Washington| W 107–99| Michael Jordan (28)| Scottie Pippen (13)| Michael Jordan (8)| Capital Centre
18,756| 15–6|-style="background:#fcc;"| 22| December 19, 1992| Philadelphia| L 96–98| Michael Jordan (23)| Horace Grant (11)| Michael Jordan (10)| Chicago Stadium
18,270| 15–7|-style="background:#cfc;"| 23| December 21, 1992| Miami| W 86–82| Scottie Pippen (22)| Michael Jordan (8)| 3 players tied (4)| Chicago Stadium
18,147| 16–7|-style="background:#cfc;"| 24| December 23, 1992| Washington| W 107–98| Michael Jordan (57)| Horace Grant (16)| Michael Jordan (10)| Chicago Stadium
18,109| 17–7|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 25| December 25, 1992
8:00p.m. CST| New York| W 89–77| Jordan (42)| Pippen (9)| Jordan,
Pippen (5)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 18–7|-style="background:#cfc;"| 26| December 26, 1992| @ Indiana| W 95–84| Horace Grant (30)| Horace Grant (20)| Michael Jordan (8)| Market Square Arena
16,530| 19–7|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 27| December 29, 1992
6:30p.m. CST| @ Charlotte| W 114–103| Jordan (28)| Jordan (12)| Jordan (11)| Charlotte Coliseum
23,698| 20–7|-style="background:#cfc;"| 28| December 30, 1992| @ Miami| W 105–100| Michael Jordan (39)| Horace Grant (9)| Jordan & Pippen (8)| Miami Arena
15,008| 21–7|-style="background:#cfc;"| 29| January 2, 1993| Indiana| W 109–100| Michael Jordan (39)| Horace Grant (16)| Scottie Pippen (7)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 22–7|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 30| January 5, 1993
7:00p.m. CST| L.A. Lakers| L 88–91| Jordan (36)| Cartwright,
Pippen (7)| Jordan (5)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 22–8|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 31| January 6, 1993
6:30p.m. CST| @ Cleveland| L 95–117| Pippen (24)| Pippen (9)| Jordan (3)| Richfield Coliseum
20,273| 22–9|-style="background:#cfc;"| 32| January 8, 1993| Milwaukee Bucks| W 120–95| Michael Jordan (35)| Will Perdue (13)| Scottie Pippen (12)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 23–9|-style="background:#fcc;"| 33| January 9, 1993| @ Philadelphia| L 91–104| Michael Jordan (30)| Scottie Pippen (12)| Michael Jordan (6)| The Spectrum
18,168| 23–10|-style="background:#cfc;"| 34| January 12, 1993| @ Orlando| W 122–106| Horace Grant (26)| Scottie Pippen (10)| Scottie Pippen (10)| Orlando Arena
15,151| 24–10|-style="background:#cfc;"| 35| January 15, 1993| Golden State| W 122–101| Michael Jordan (26)| Michael Jordan (12)| Michael Jordan (10)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 25–10|-style="background:#fcc;"| 36| January 16, 1993| Orlando| L 124–128 (OT)| Michael Jordan (64)| Horace Grant (19)| Scottie Pippen (8)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 25–11|-style="background:#cfc;"| 37| January 18, 1993| Boston| W 103–93| Michael Jordan (29)| Horace Grant (12)| Scottie Pippen (8)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 26–11|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 38| January 21, 1993
6:30p.m. CST| @ New Jersey| W 107–94| Jordan (30)| Grant (12)| Pippen (8)| Brendan Byrne Arena
20,049| 27–11|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 39| January 22, 1993
7:30p.m. CST| Charlotte| L 97–105| Jordan (28)| Grant (13)| Armstrong,
Pippen (5)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 27–12|-style="background:#fcc;"| 40| January 24, 1993
12Noon CST| @ San Antonio| L 99–103| Jordan (42)| Jordan (11)| Pippen (6)| HemisFair Arena
16,057| 27–13|-style="background:#cfc;"| 41| January 26, 1993| @ Dallas| W 123–88| King & Pippen (19)| King & Pippen (11)| Scottie Pippen (7)| Reunion Arena
17,502| 28–13|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 42| January 28, 1993
7:30p.m. CST| @ Houston| L 83–94| Jordan (26)| Pippen (8)| Pippen (7)| The Summit
16,611| 28–14|-style="background:#fcc;"| 43| January 30, 1993| @ Denver| L 102–109| Michael Jordan (39)| Scott Williams (14)| B. J. Armstrong (6)| McNichols Sports Arena
17,022| 28–15|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 44| February 1, 1993
7:00p.m. CST| @ Utah| W 96–92| Jordan (37)| Grant (19)| Armstrong (4)| Delta Center
19,911| 29–15|-style="background:#cfc;"| 45| February 3, 1993| @ Sacramento| W 107–88| Michael Jordan (36)| Horace Grant (11)| Scottie Pippen (9)| ARCO Arena
17,317| 30–15|-style="background:#cfc;"| 46| February 4, 1993| @ L.A. Clippers| W 107–105 (OT)| Michael Jordan (33)| Horace Grant (14)| 3 players tied (4)| Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
15,989| 31–15|-style="background:#cfc;"| 47| February 7, 1993| @ Portland| W 101–91| Michael Jordan (34)| Horace Grant (13)| Scottie Pippen (7)| Memorial Coliseum
12,888| 32–15|-style="background:#cfc;"| 48| February 10, 1993| @ Indiana| W 115–104| Michael Jordan (40)| Horace Grant (14)| Michael Jordan (8)| Market Square Arena
16,530| 33–15|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 49| February 12, 1993
7:00p.m. CST| New York| L 98–104| Pippen (35)| Grant (12)| Tucker (6)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 33–16|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 50| February 13, 1993
7:30p.m. CST| Cleveland| L 111–116| Jordan,
Pippen (25)| Grant,
Perdue (8)| Armstrong,
Jordan,
Pippen (5)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 33–17|-style="background:#cfc;"| 51| February 15, 1993| Sacramento| W 119–101| Michael Jordan (32)| Scott Williams (12)| Michael Jordan (6)| Chicago Stadium
18,237| 34–17|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 52| February 17, 1993
7:30p.m. CST| Utah| W 114–96| Jordan (27)| Grant (9)| Pippen (7)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 35–17|- align="center"|colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff"|All-Star Break|- style="background:#cfc;"|- bgcolor="#bbffbb"|-style="background:#cfc;"| 53| February 23, 1993| Milwaukee| W 99–95| Michael Jordan (34)| Horace Grant (13)| Scottie Pippen (9)| Chicago Stadium
18,197| 36–17|-style="background:#cfc;"| 54| February 25, 1993| @ Orlando| W 108–106| Michael Jordan (36)| Grant & Perdue (9)| Scottie Pippen (7)| Orlando Arena
15,151| 37–17|-style="background:#cfc;"| 55| February 27, 1993| Atlanta| W 112–92| Michael Jordan (34)| Scott Williams (11)| Armstrong & Jordan (8)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 38–17|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 56| March 2, 1993
7:00p.m. CST| @ New Jersey| W 87–80| Jordan (24)| Grant (11)| Jordan (8)| Brendan Byrne Arena
20,049| 39–17|-style="background:#cfc;"| 57| March 3, 1993| Dallas| W 125–97| Scottie Pippen (24)| Scott Williams (8)| Trent Tucker (8)| Chicago Stadium
18,062| 40–17|-style="background:#fcc;"| 58| March 5, 1993
7:00p.m. CST| San Antonio| L 102–107 (OT)| Pippen (39)| Pippen (13)| Pippen (10)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 40–18|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 59| March 9, 1993
7:30p.m. CST| Seattle| W 86–83| Jordan (38)| Pippen (12)| Jordan (9)| Chicago Stadium
18,531| 41–18|-style="background:#fcc;"| 60| March 11, 1993| @ Miami| L 95–97| Michael Jordan (29)| Scott Williams (9)| Michael Jordan (8)| Miami Arena
15,008| 41–19|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 61| March 12, 1993
7:30p.m. CST| Charlotte| W 123–108| Jordan (52)| Perdue (10)| Armstrong (7)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 42–19|-style="background:#fcc;"| 62| March 14, 1993| @ Detroit| L 99–101| Michael Jordan (28)| Scott Williams (10)| Jordan & Pippen (6)| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454| 42–20|-style="background:#cfc;"| 63| March 15, 1993| L.A. Clippers| W 101–94| B. J. Armstrong (28)| Horace Grant (17)| B. J. Armstrong (7)| Chicago Stadium
18,482| 43–20|-style="background:#cfc;"| 64| March 19, 1993| Washington| W 104–99| Michael Jordan (25)| Will Perdue (12)| Scottie Pippen (7)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 44–20|-style="background:#cfc;"| 65| March 20, 1993| @ Washington| W 126–101| Michael Jordan (47)| Michael Jordan (8)| Armstrong & Jordan (4)| Capital Centre
18,756| 45–20|-style="background:#cfc;"| 66| March 23, 1993| Minnesota| W 107–100| Michael Jordan (34)| Scott Williams (13)| Michael Jordan (7)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 46–20|-style="background:#cfc;"| 67| March 24, 1993| @ Philadelphia| W 113–100| Michael Jordan (43)| Scottie Pippen (10)| Scottie Pippen (8)| The Spectrum
18,168| 47–20|-style="background:#cfc;"| 68| March 26, 1993| Orlando| W 107–86| Scottie Pippen (20)| Scottie Pippen (13)| Scottie Pippen (8)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 48–20|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 69| March 30, 1993
7:00p.m. CST| Phoenix| L 109–113| Jordan (44)| Grant (16)| Pippen (10)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 48–21|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 70| April 2, 1993
7:30p.m. CST| New Jersey| W 118–105| Jordan (40)| Grant (11)| Pippen (8)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 49–21|-style="background:#cfc;"| 71| April 4, 1993| @ Boston| W 101–89| Michael Jordan (32)| Scottie Pippen (9)| Armstrong & Grant (4)| Boston Garden
14,890| 50–21|-style="background:#fcc;"| 72| April 6, 1993| @ Milwaukee| L 109–113| Michael Jordan (30)| Scottie Pippen (11)| Scottie Pippen (8)| Bradley Center
18,633| 50–22|-style="background:#cfc;"| 73| April 9, 1993| @ Atlanta| W 88–87| Michael Jordan (30)| Michael Jordan (12)| Armstrong & Jordan (4)| The Omni
16,510| 51–22|-style="background:#cfc;"| 74| April 10, 1993| @ Indiana| W 92–87| B. J. Armstrong (27)| Horace Grant (14)| 3 players tied (5)| Market Square Arena
16,530| 52–22|-style="background:#cfc;"| 75| April 12, 1993| @ Detroit| W 98–95| Michael Jordan (23)| Horace Grant (11)| Horace Grant (7)| The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454| 53–22|-style="background:#cfc;"| 76| April 14, 1993| Miami| W 119–92| Michael Jordan (34)| Horace Grant (8)| John Paxson (8)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 54–22|-style="background:#cfc;"| 77| April 16, 1993| Milwaukee| W 119–105| Michael Jordan (47)| Jordan & Pippen (7)| John Paxson (8)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 55–22|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 78| April 18, 1993
4:30p.m. CDT| @ Cleveland| L 94–103| Jordan (32)| Grant (9)| Jordan (9)| Richfield Coliseum
20,273| 55–23|-style="background:#cfc;"| 79| April 20, 1993| Philadelphia| W 123–94| Michael Jordan (28)| Scott Williams (10)| B. J. Armstrong (14)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 56–23|-style="background:#cfc;"| 80| April 22, 1993| Detroit| W 109–103 (OT)| Michael Jordan (36)| Scottie Pippen (13)| Scottie Pippen (8)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 57–23|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 81| April 23, 1993
7:00p.m. CDT| @ Charlotte| L 103–104| Jordan (38)| Grant,
King,
Pippen,
Williams (6)| Grant,
Pippen (5)| Charlotte Coliseum
23,698| 57–24|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 82| April 25, 1993
12Noon CDT| @ New York| L 84–89| Michael Jordan (21)| Scott Williams (9)| Michael Jordan (7)| Madison Square Garden
19,763| 57–25

Playoffs

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 1| April 30, 1993| Atlanta| W 114–90| Michael Jordan (35)| Horace Grant (10)| Trent Tucker (7)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 1–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 2| May 2, 1993| Atlanta| W 117–102| Michael Jordan (29)| Horace Grant (8)| John Paxson (7)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 2–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 3| May 4, 1993| @ Atlanta| W 98–88| Michael Jordan (39)| Horace Grant (9)| B. J. Armstrong (6)| The Omni
15,141| 3–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 1| May 11, 1993
7:00p.m. CDT| Cleveland| W 91–84| Jordan (43)| Cartwright,
Williams (10)| Jordan,
Pippen (4)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 1–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 2| May 13, 1993
7:00p.m. CDT| Cleveland| W 104–85| Grant (20)| Williams (10)| Pippen (7)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 2–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 3| May 15, 1993
2:30p.m. CDT| @ Cleveland| W 96–90| Jordan (32)| Pippen (9)| Pippen (6)| Richfield Coliseum
20,273| 3–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 4| May 17, 1993
7:00p.m. CDT| @ Cleveland| W 103–101| Jordan (31)| Grant (10)| Jordan (6)| Richfield Coliseum
20,274| 4–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 1| May 23, 1993
2:30p.m. CDT| @ New York| L 90–98| Jordan (27)| Grant (8)| Jordan (5)| Madison Square Garden
19,763| 0–1|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 2| May 25, 1993
7:00p.m. CDT| @ New York| L 91–96| Jordan (36)| Jordan (9)| Pippen,
Williams (4)| Madison Square Garden
19,763| 0–2|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 3| May 29, 1993
2:30p.m. CDT| New York| W 103–83| Pippen (29)| Jordan (8)| Jordan (11)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 1–2|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 4| May 31, 1993
2:30p.m. CDT| New York| W 105–95| Jordan (54)| Pippen (7)| Pippen (4)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 2–2|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 5| June 2, 1993
8:00p.m. CDT| @ New York| W 97–94| Jordan (29)| Pippen (11)| Jordan (14)| Madison Square Garden
19,763| 3–2|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 6| June 4, 1993
8:00p.m. CDT| New York| W 96–88| Jordan (25)| Grant (11)| Jordan (9)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 4–2|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 1| June 9, 1993
8:00p.m. CDT| @ Phoenix| W 100–92| Jordan (31)| Williams (10)| Armstrong,
Grant,
Jordan,
Pippen (5)| America West Arena
19,023| 1–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 2| June 11, 1993
8:00p.m. CDT| @ Phoenix| W 111–108| Jordan (42)| Jordan,
Pippen (12)| Pippen (12)| America West Arena
19,023| 2–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 3| June 13, 1993
6:00p.m. CDT| Phoenix| L 121–129 (3OT)| Jordan (44)| Grant (17)| Pippen (9)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 2–1|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 4| June 16, 1993
8:00p.m. CDT| Phoenix| W 111–105| Jordan (55)| Grant (16)| Pippen (10)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 3–1|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 5| June 18, 1993
8:00p.m. CDT| Phoenix| L 98–108| Jordan (41)| Grant,
Jordan (7)| Jordan (7)| Chicago Stadium
18,676| 3–2|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 6| June 20, 1993
8:00p.m. CDT| @ Phoenix| W 99–98| Jordan (33)| Pippen (12)| Jordan (7)| America West Arena
19,023| 4–2

Player stats

Regular season

Player	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
	82	74	30.4	.499	.446	.861	1.8	4.0	.80	.07	12.3
	2	0	6.5	.429	.000	.000	1.5	.5	1.00	.00	3.0
	63	63	19.9	.411	.000	.735	3.7	1.3	.32	.16	5.6
	5	0	6.8	.444	.000	.750	.4	.2	.40	.20	2.2
	6	0	5.2	.300	.000	.000	1.0	.2	.50	.33	1.0
	77	77	35.6	.508	.200	.619	9.5	2.6	1.16	1.25	13.2
	78	78	39.3	.495	.352	.837	6.7	5.5	2.83	.78	32.6
	76	3	13.9	.471	.333	.705	2.7	.9	.34	.26	5.4
	64	5	15.9	.451	.400	.692	2.5	1.3	.19	.23	3.5
	11	0	7.2	.435	.200	1.000	1.5	.2	.27	.09	2.1
	59	8	17.5	.451	.463	.850	.8	2.3	.64	.03	4.2
	72	16	13.9	.557	.000	.604	4.0	1.0	.31	.65	4.7
	81	81	38.6	.473	.237	.663	7.7	6.3	2.14	.90	18.6
	69	0	13.2	.485	.405	.818	1.0	1.2	.35	.09	5.2
	28	0	13.1	.403	.000	.500	1.4	1.6	.82	.07	2.6
	35	0	6.9	.365	.333	.818	.9	.7	.11	.06	2.3
	71	5	19.3	.466	.000	.714	6.4	1.0	.77	.93	5.9

Playoffs

Player	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
	19		33.8	.524	.512	.909	1.5	3.3	1.00	.11	11.4
	19		23.4	.465	.000	.778	4.5	1.5	.58	.16	6.3
	19		34.3	.546	.000	.685	8.2	2.3	1.21	1.21	10.7
	19		41.2	.475	.389	.805	6.7	6.0	2.05	.89	35.1
	19		12.1	.394	.000	.806	2.1	.7	.47	.21	4.1
	7		5.6	.167	.000	.000	1.9	.7	.00	.14	.3
	19		17.4	.583	.625	.727	1.0	1.7	.32	.05	4.9
	13		7.8	.500	.000	.500	2.3	.4	.08	.15	1.9
	19		41.5	.465	.176	.638	6.9	5.6	2.16	.68	20.1
	19		10.9	.413	.462	.500	.9	1.0	.37	.00	2.8
	9		2.4	.250	.000	.667	.1	.6	.00	.00	.4
	19		20.8	.506	.000	.552	5.8	1.4	.37	.89	5.5

NBA Finals

The 1993 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1992–93 NBA season, featuring the Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, and the Phoenix Suns, winners of 62 games and led by regular season MVP Charles Barkley. The Bulls became the first team since the legendary Boston Celtics of the 1960s to win three consecutive championship titles, clinching the "three-peat" with John Paxson's game-winning 3-pointer that gave them a 99–98 victory in Game 6. The road team won five of the six games, with Chicago winning at home in Game 4, 111–105.^[59]

• The Phoenix Suns won game 3 in 3OT, 129–121.^[60] Suns Head Coach Paul Westphal was the only person to appear in both triple-overtime NBA finals games. The first was the classic 1976 contest against Boston, in Game 5 as a player. His Suns also played in that year's finals, thus becoming the only team to appear in two triple-overtime finals games. Back in 1976, the Suns lost 126–128 against Boston.
• The Bulls got off to a good start in Game 6 but struggled in the fourth quarter, wasting a double-digit lead to trail 98–94. Michael Jordan made a layup to cut the margin to 2 points, and the Suns missed a shot on their next possession. Trailing 98–96 and facing a Game 7 on the road if they lost that day, John Paxson took a pass from Horace Grant and buried a three-point shot with 3.9 seconds left, giving the Bulls a 99–98 lead. The victory was secured by a last-second block from Horace Grant.^[46]
• Michael Jordan, who averaged a Finals-record 41.0 points per game during the six-game series, became the first player in NBA history to win three straight Finals MVP Awards. He joined Magic Johnson as the only other player to win the award three times. The NBA started awarding the Finals MVP in 1969.

(W1) Phoenix Suns vs. (E2) Chicago Bulls: Bulls win series 4–2

• Game 1 @ America West Arena, Phoenix (June 9): Chicago 100, Phoenix 92
• Game 2 @ America West Arena, Phoenix (June 11): Chicago 111, Phoenix 108
• Game 3 @ Chicago Stadium, Chicago (June 13): Phoenix 129, Chicago 121 (3OT)
• Game 4 @ Chicago Stadium, Chicago (June 16): Chicago 111, Phoenix 105
• Game 5 @ Chicago Stadium, Chicago (June 18): Phoenix 108, Chicago 98
• Game 6 @ America West Arena, Phoenix (June 20): Chicago 99, Phoenix 98

1993 NBA Finals roster

1993 Chicago Bulls

Head Coach:Phil Jackson
Michael Jordan |Scottie Pippen |Horace Grant |B. J. Armstrong |Scott Williams |Bill Cartwright |Stacey King |Trent Tucker |John Paxson |Will Perdue |Rodney McCray |Ricky Blanton |Darrell Walker |Corey Williams |Jo Jo English |

1993 Phoenix Suns

Head Coach:Paul Westphal
Charles Barkley |Dan Majerle |Kevin Johnson |Tom Chambers |Danny Ainge |Richard Dumas |Negele Knight |Oliver Miller |Mark West |Jerrod Mustaf |Frank Johnson |Tim Kempton |

Award winners

• Michael Jordan, Associated Press Athlete of the Year
• Michael Jordan, All-NBA First Team
• Scottie Pippen, All-NBA Third Team
• Michael Jordan, NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award
• Michael Jordan, NBA All-Defensive First Team
• Scottie Pippen, NBA All-Defensive First Team
• Horace Grant, NBA All-Defensive Second Team

NBA All-Star Game

• Michael Jordan, Guard
• Scottie Pippen, Forward

References

• Bulls on Database Basketball
• Bulls on Basketball Reference

Notes and References

1. Web site: 1992-93 Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats.
2. News: Associated Press . BASKETBALL; Bulls Get McCray from Dallas in 3-Team Deal . The New York Times . September 19, 1992 . July 26, 2021.
3. News: Staff and Wire Reports . Bulls Acquire McCray in Three-Team Deal . Los Angeles Times . September 19, 1992 . June 22, 2023.
4. News: Smith . Sam . Bulls Get McCray for Houston . Chicago Tribune . September 19, 1992 . November 10, 2022.
5. News: Isaacson . Melissa . Bulls Sign Tucker for Backup Role . Chicago Tribune . October 6, 1992 . July 26, 2021.
6. News: Araton . Harvey . ON PRO BASKETBALL; Bashing and Trashing Becoming the Word . The New York Times . October 28, 1992. July 8, 2023.
7. News: Araton . Harvey . ON PRO BASKETBALL; Are Bulls Overplaying Their Hand? . The New York Times . December 2, 1992 . November 10, 2022.
8. News: Darrell Walker . Chicago Tribune . June 24, 1993 . February 8, 2023.
9. News: Armour . Terry . NBA Title Ring Enough for Walker, But Not McCray, Perdue . Chicago Tribune . June 24, 1993 . February 8, 2023.
10. News: Isaacson . Melissa . Paxson Stays Home, Tries Rest Cure . Chicago Tribune . December 27, 1992 . November 10, 2022.
11. News: Isaacson . Melissa . Paxson Ready to Test His Rested Knee . Chicago Tribune . December 29, 1992 . April 8, 2023.
12. News: Pierson . Don . John Paxson: a Perfect Fit in a Winning Team . Chicago Tribune . June 18, 1993 . June 25, 2021.
13. News: Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls Box Score, January 2, 1993 . Basketball-Reference . January 17, 2022.
14. News: NBA Games Played on February 18, 1993 . Basketball-Reference . July 24, 2022.
15. News: Dallas Mavericks at Chicago Bulls Box Score, March 3, 1993 . Basketball-Reference . January 17, 2022.
16. Web site: 1992–93 Chicago Bulls Schedule and Results. Basketball-Reference. June 22, 2021.
17. News: Chicago Bulls . Basketball-Reference . January 31, 2022.
18. News: Isaacson . Melissa . All-Star Break Really Will Be Special for Pippen . Chicago Tribune . January 8, 1993 . November 10, 2022.
19. News: Associated Press . Manning Gets All-Star Berth: Pro Basketball: He Is Selected for the First Time. The Lakers and Celtics Are Shut Out for the First Time Since Game Began . Los Angeles Times . February 10, 1993 . April 20, 2023.
20. News: Sorensen . Mike . Life at the Top of the NBA Has Put Jordan Under Considerable Scrutiny . Deseret News . February 19, 1993 . December 26, 2022.
21. News: NBA.com Staff . 1993 NBA All-Star Recap . NBA.com . September 13, 2021 . May 17, 2023.
22. Web site: 1993 NBA All-Star Game: West 135, East 132 (OT) . Basketball-Reference . October 13, 2021.
23. Web site: 1992–93 Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats. Basketball-Reference. June 22, 2021.
24. News: Barkley Named MVP . Deseret News . May 25, 1993 . May 23, 2023.
25. News: Sheinin . Dave . Barkley Named NBA's MVP . The Washington Post . May 26, 1993 . April 8, 2023.
26. News: NBA MVP . The Baltimore Sun . May 26, 1993 . April 8, 2023.
27. News: MVP Voting . Tampa Bay Times . May 26, 1993 . May 23, 2023.
28. News: SPORTS PEOPLE: PRO BASKETBALL; Hakeem for the Defense . The New York Times . May 15, 1993 . September 25, 2022.
29. News: Staff and Wire Reports . Pro Basketball . Los Angeles Times . May 15, 1993 . April 8, 2023.
30. News: 1992–93 NBA Awards Voting . Basketball-Reference . January 3, 2022.
31. News: Associated Press . PRO BASKETBALL; Jordan (39) and Bulls Sweep the Hawks . The New York Times . May 5, 1993 . July 23, 2022.
32. News: Associated Press . NBA ROUNDUP: Not Even an Ankle Injury Can Slow Jordan . Los Angeles Times . May 5, 1993 . December 4, 2022.
33. News: Isaacson . Melissa . A Bulls Scare, Sweep . Chicago Tribune . May 5, 1993 . July 3, 2021.
34. News: 1993 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Hawks vs. Bulls . Basketball-Reference . February 7, 2023.
35. News: Berkow . Ira . PRO BASKETBALL; Bulls Win in 4, and Three Guesses Who Cut the Net . The New York Times . May 18, 1993 . July 23, 2022.
36. News: Associated Press . Same Player, Same Place, Same Result: Bulls Win: NBA Playoffs: Chicago Eliminates the Cavaliers on Michael Jordan's Game-Winning Shot at the Buzzer (Again) . Los Angeles Times . May 18, 1993 . December 4, 2022.
37. News: Isaacson . Melissa . It's Bulls, Jordan at Buzzer . Chicago Tribune . May 18, 1993 . June 25, 2021.
38. News: 1993 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals: Cavaliers vs. Bulls . Basketball-Reference . February 7, 2023.
39. News: Brown . Clifton . PRO BASKETBALL; Knicks Head to Second City with Second Victory . The New York Times . May 26, 1993 . December 31, 2021.
40. News: Heisler . Mark . Bulls Bullied, Leave New York in Sorry State: NBA East: They Are Manhandled by the Knicks in 96-91 Loss, and Return Home Trailing in Series, 2-0 . Los Angeles Times . May 26, 1993 . February 20, 2023.
41. News: Lupica . Mike . Jackson's Reaction to Knicks' Defense a Crying Shame . Chicago Tribune . May 26, 1993 . July 23, 2022.
42. News: Brown . Clifton . PRO BASKETBALL; Bulls Snatch 4th Straight to Earn Shot at 3d Title . The New York Times . June 5, 1993 . July 23, 2022.
43. News: Heisler . Mark . Pippen Powers Bulls to Finals: Game 6: He Scores Seven Points During the Fourth Quarter, While Jordan Goes Cold During 96-88 Victory Over the Knicks . Los Angeles Times . June 5, 1993 . November 18, 2022.
44. News: Isaacson . Melissa . Pippen, Bulls Finish Knicks . Chicago Tribune . June 5, 1993 . June 25, 2021.
45. News: 1993 NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Bulls vs. Knicks . Basketball-Reference . February 7, 2023.
46. News: Araton . Harvey . ON PRO BASKETBALL; A Basket Gives Bulls Some Poetic Justice . The New York Times . June 21, 1993 . September 6, 2017.
47. News: Associated Press . Paxson 3-Pointer Finishes Off Suns: Game 6: Shot Gives Bulls a One-Point Lead, and Then Grant Blocks Johnson's Shot to Seal Third Consecutive Title, 99-98 . Los Angeles Times . June 21, 1993 . July 24, 2022.
48. News: Aldridge . David . Paxson's Three Gives Bulls 3 in a Row . The Washington Post . June 21, 1993 . December 25, 2022.
49. News: Isaacson . Melissa . Bulls 99, Suns 98 . Chicago Tribune . June 21, 1993 . July 24, 2022.
50. News: 1993 NBA Finals: Bulls vs. Suns . Basketball-Reference . February 7, 2023.
51. News: Araton . Harvey . PRO BASKETBALL; Jordan, N.B.A.'s Greatest Star, to Announce Retirement Today . The New York Times . October 6, 1993 . January 6, 2023.
52. News: Cotton . Anthony . Basketball Star Michael Jordan Plans to Retire . The Washington Post . October 6, 1993 . July 22, 2022.
53. News: Isaacson . Melissa . Michael Jordan to Retire from the Chicago Bulls . Chicago Tribune . October 6, 1993 . January 6, 2023.
54. News: Berkow . Ira . Suddenly, Michael Doesn't Play Here Anymore . The New York Times . October 7, 1993 . April 5, 2023.
55. News: Downey . Mike . Without 'Anything Else to Prove,' Jordan Retires: Sports: The Bulls' Star Says the Sense of Motivation Is Gone. But He Doesn't Rule Out a Return to the NBA . Los Angeles Times . October 7, 1993 . July 22, 2022.
56. Web site: 1992–93 Chicago Bulls Transactions. Basketball-Reference. December 15, 2021.
57. News: Chicago Bulls Uniform . Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page - SportsLogos.Net. . January 23, 2022.
58. News: Chicago Bulls Uniform . Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page - SportsLogos.Net. . January 23, 2022.
59. News: PRO BASKETBALL; Bulls Fly Air Jordan to 3-1 Lead Over the Suns . The New York Times . June 17, 1993 . January 17, 2022.
60. News: PRO BASKETBALL; After Three Overtimes, the Suns Say Not Yet! . The New York Times . June 14, 1993 . January 17, 2022.