1997–98 Chicago Bulls season explained

Team:Chicago Bulls
Divisionwin:yes
Conferencewin:yes
Championshipwin:yes
End Year:1998
Wins:62
Losses:20
Division:Central
Division Place:1
Conf Place:1
Coach:Phil Jackson
Gm:Jerry Krause
Arena:United Center
Owners:Jerry Reinsdorf
Television:WGN-TV
SportsChannel/Fox Sports Chicago
Radio:WMVP
Playoffs:NBA Champions
(Defeated Jazz 4–2)
Bbr Team:CHI

The 1997–98 NBA season was the Bulls' 32nd season in the National Basketball Association.[1] The Bulls entered the season as the two-time defending NBA champions, and in the Finals, they met the Utah Jazz in a rematch from the prior year's NBA Finals and just like that year, they would go on to defeat the Jazz in six games to win their sixth championship in eight years and complete the franchise's second "3-peat".

During the off-season, the Bulls acquired Scott Burrell from the Golden State Warriors,[2] [3] [4] and signed free agent Joe Kleine.[5] However, All-Star forward Scottie Pippen would miss the first half of the season due to an injured toe on his left foot sustained from the 1997 NBA Playoffs.[6] [7] [8] [9] Without Pippen, the Bulls started with a slow 9–7 record in November, but then would go on a 15–4 record until he returned in January. However, three-point specialist Steve Kerr went down with a fractured collarbone in January, and played just 50 games.[10] [11] [12] Despite the injuries, the Bulls held a 34–15 record at the All-Star break.[13]

At mid-season, the team traded Jason Caffey to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for David Vaughn.[14] [15] [16] Vaughn would only play just three games with the Bulls before being waived on March 2, 1998. Also in early March, the team re-signed former Bulls reserve forward Dickey Simpkins, who was previously released by the Warriors, and played in the final 21 games of the regular season.[17] The Bulls would post a 13-game winning streak between March and April, and still finish first place in the Central Division and Eastern Conference with a 62–20 record.[18] The Bulls had the third best team defensive rating in the NBA.[19]

In the playoffs, the Bulls swept the New Jersey Nets, 3–0 in the Eastern Conference First Round,[20] [21] [22] [23] defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 4–1 in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals,[24] [25] [26] [27] despite losing Game 2 at the United Center, 78–76,[28] [29] [30] and then defeated the Indiana Pacers, 4–3 in the Eastern Conference Finals en route to advance to the NBA Finals.[31] [32] [33] [34] In the Finals, they met the Utah Jazz in a rematch from the prior year's NBA Finals and just like last year, they would go on to defeat the Jazz in six games to win the championship. The championship was their sixth in eight years and completed the franchise's second "3-peat".[35] [36] [37] [38] [39]

The season also saw Michael Jordan earn his fifth and final NBA Most Valuable Player Award,[40] [41] [42] [43] while being selected for the 1998 NBA All-Star Game,[44] [45] [46] where he also won his third and final All-Star Game MVP Award.[47] [48] [49] [50] [51] [52] He once again led the league in scoring averaging 28.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game, while being named to the All-NBA First Team, and NBA All-Defensive First Team, and also finished in fourth place in Defensive Player of the Year voting.[53]

In addition, Pippen averaged 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game in 44 games, and was selected to the All-NBA Third Team, and also to the All-Defensive First Team, while finishing in tenth place in Most Valuable Player voting,[53] and rebound-specialist Dennis Rodman once again led the league in rebounding with 15.0 rebounds per game. Toni Kukoč provided the team with 13.3 points per game, playing most of the season as the team's starting small forward in Pippen's absence, while Luc Longley averaged 11.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, Ron Harper contributed 9.3 points and 1.3 steals per game, and Kerr contributed 7.5 points per game off the bench.[54]

This was Jordan's last season as a Bull, as he announced his second retirement after it was over.[55] [56] [57] [58] [59] However, he did make a second comeback with the Washington Wizards in 2001.[60] [61] [62] [63] [64] Following the season, Phil Jackson resigned as head coach,[65] [66] [67] [68] while Pippen was traded to the Houston Rockets,[69] [70] [71] [72] [73] Rodman left for the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent,[74] [75] [76] [77] Longley was dealt to the Phoenix Suns,[73] [78] [79] Kerr was traded to the San Antonio Spurs,[80] [73] [81] [82] Burrell signed with the New Jersey Nets,[83] Jud Buechler signed with the Detroit Pistons,[84] and Kleine re-signed with the Suns, his former team.

Because of this dismantling of the team, this was the last season for the Bulls dynasty that had headlined the NBA throughout the 1990s. What followed was a long rebuilding process between 1998 and 2004, and the Bulls did not return to the postseason until 2005.

The story of this season was captured in ESPN's The Last Dance, which aired in April 2020.

Offseason

NBA draft

See main article: 1997 NBA draft.

RoundPickPlayerPositionNationalitySchool/Club Team
128SFMaryland
258Roberto DueñasCFC Barcelona (Spain)

Roster

Roster Notes

Regular season

Record vs. opponents

1997–98 NBA records
width=100TeamATLBOSCHACHICLEDALDENDETGSWHOUINDLACLALMIAMILMINNJNNYKORLPHIPHOPORSACSASSEATORUTAVANWAS
— 2–1 4–0 1–3 4–0 2–0 2–0 2–2 2–0 1–1 1–3 2–0 0–2 1–3 3–1 0–2 1–2 2–2 2–2 3–1 0–2 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 4–0 0–2 2–0 4–0
1–2 — 1–2 1–3 1–3 1–1 1–1 2–2 1–1 1–1 0–4 2–0 1–1 0–4 2–2 1–1 2–2 2–2 2–2 3–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 3–0 0–2 2–0 3–2
0–4 2–1 — 1–3 2–2 2–0 2–0 3–1 1–1 2–0 3–1 2–0 1–1 3–1 3–1 1–1 2–2 1–3 3–1 2–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 4–0 1–1 2–0 2–2
Chicago 3–1 3–1 3–1 — 2–2 1–1 2–0 3–1 2–0 2–0 2–2 2–0 1–1 2–1 4–0 1–1 4–0 4–0 3–1 2–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 1–1 4–0 0–2 2–0 3–1
0–4 3–1 2–2 2–2 — 1–1 2–0 3–1 2–0 1–1 2–2 2–0 1–1 1–3 2–2 2–0 3–1 1–2 2–2 3–1 2–0 1–1 2–0 0–2 0–2 3–1 1–1 2–0 1–2
0–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 — 3–1 0–2 1–3 0–4 1–1 1–3 0–4 0–2 0–2 2–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 0–2 0–4 0–4 0–4 0–4 2–2 1–1 0–4 4–0 1–1
0–2 1–1 0–2 0–2 0–2 1–3 — 0–2 1–3 0–4 0–2 2–2 0–4 0–2 0–2 1–3 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–4 2–2 1–3 0–4 0–4 0–2 0–4 1–3 1–1
2–2 2–2 1–3 1–3 1–3 2–0 2–0 — 2–0 1–1 1–3 2–0 0–2 1–2 2–2 0–2 2–2 2–2 1–2 3–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 4–0 0–2 0–2 2–2
0–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 3–1 3–1 0–2 — 1–3 0–2 1–3 1–3 0–2 0–2 0–4 0–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 0–4 1–3 2–2 1–3 1–3 0–2 0–4 1–3 0–2
1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–1 4–0 4–0 1–1 3–1 — 1–1 4–0 1–3 0–2 1–1 1–3 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–3 1–3 4–0 2–2 1–3 2–0 0–4 3–1 1–1
3–1 4–0 1–3 2–2 2–2 1–1 2–0 3–1 2–0 1–1 — 2–0 0–2 3–1 4–0 2–0 2–1 2–1 3–1 4–0 1–1 1–1 2–0 0–2 0–2 4–0 1–1 2–0 4–0
0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 3–1 2–2 0–2 3–1 0–4 0–2 — 0–4 0–2 0–2 0–4 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–4 0–4 3–1 1–3 0–4 1–1 1–3 1–3 0–2
L.A. Lakers2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 4–0 4–0 2–0 3–1 3–1 2–0 4–0 — 1–1 2–0 4–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 0–2 2–2 2–2 4–0 4–0 1–3 2–0 3–1 4–0 1–1
3–1 4–0 1–3 1–2 3–1 2–0 2–0 2–1 2–0 2–0 1–3 2–0 1–1 — 3–1 1–1 3–1 2–2 3–1 4–0 0–2 2–0 2–0 0–2 0–2 4–0 1–1 2–0 2–2
1–3 2–2 1–3 0–4 2–2 2–0 2–0 2–2 2–0 1–1 0–4 2–0 0–2 1–3 — 1–1 0–4 3–1 2–1 2–2 0–2 2–0 2–0 0–2 1–1 3–1 0–2 1–1 1–2
2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 0–2 2–2 3–1 2–0 4–0 3–1 0–2 4–0 0–4 1–1 1–1 — 2–0 1–1 0–2 2–0 3–1 1–3 3–1 1–3 1–3 1–1 1–3 4–0 0–2
2–1 2–2 2–2 0–4 1–3 2–0 2–0 2–2 2–0 1–1 1–2 1–1 1–1 1–3 4–0 0–2 — 2–2 3–1 3–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 0–2 3–1 0–2 2–0 1–3
2–2 2–2 3–1 0–4 2–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 1–1 1–1 1–2 2–0 1–1 2–2 1–3 1–1 2–2 — 4–0 2–2 2–0 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 3–1 0–2 2–0 1–3
2–2 2–2 1–3 1–3 2–2 2–0 2–0 2–1 1–1 2–0 1–3 2–0 1–1 1–3 1–2 2–0 1–3 0–4 — 4–0 0–2 2–0 0–2 0–2 1–1 3–1 0–2 2–0 3–1
1–3 1–3 1–2 1–2 1–3 2–0 2–0 1–3 2–0 1–1 0–4 1–1 2–0 0–4 2–2 0–2 1–3 2–2 0–4 — 1–1 1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 2–2 0–2 2–0 3–1
2–0 2–0 1–1 1–1 0–2 4–0 4–0 1–1 4–0 3–1 1–1 4–0 2–2 2–0 2–0 1–3 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–1 — 2–2 3–1 3–1 2–2 2–0 1–3 4–0 1–1
1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 4–0 2–2 2–0 3–1 3–1 1–1 4–0 2–2 0–2 0–2 3–1 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 2–2 — 3–1 2–2 0–4 2–0 3–1 2–2 1–1
0–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 4–0 3–1 1–1 2–2 0–4 0–2 1–3 0–4 0–2 0–2 1–3 0–2 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–3 1–3 — 0–4 1–3 1–1 2–2 2–2 1–1
1–1 2–0 1–1 0–2 2–0 4–0 4–0 1–1 3–1 2–2 2–0 3–1 0–4 2–0 2–0 3–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 2–0 1–3 2–2 4–0 — 2–2 2–0 1–3 4–0 1–1
1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 4–0 2–0 3–1 3–1 2–0 4–0 3–1 2–0 1–1 3–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 4–0 3–1 2–2 — 2–0 2–2 4–0 1–1
0–4 0–3 0–4 0–4 1–3 1–1 2–0 0–4 2–0 0–2 0–4 1–1 0–2 0–4 1–3 1–1 1–3 1–3 1–3 2–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 0–2 — 0–2 1–1 0–3
2–0 2–0 1–1 2–0 1–1 4–0 4–0 2–0 4–0 4–0 1–1 3–1 1–3 1–1 2–0 3–1 2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 3–1 1–3 2–2 3–1 2–2 2–0 — 4–0 0–2
0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–4 3–1 2–0 3–1 1–3 0–2 3–1 0–4 0–2 1–1 0–4 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–4 2–2 2–2 0–4 0–4 1–1 0–4 — 1–1
Washington0–4 2–3 2–2 1–3 2–1 1–1 1–1 2–2 2–0 1–1 0–4 2–0 1–1 2–2 2–1 2–0 3–1 3–1 1–3 1–3 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 3–0 2–0 1–1 —

Game log

Regular season

|- style="background:#fcc;"| 1| October 31| @ Boston| L 85–92| Michael Jordan (30)| Dennis Rodman (9)| Harper & Jordan (4)| FleetCenter
18,624| 0–1|- style="background:#cfc;"| 2| November 1| Philadelphia| W 94–74| Ron Harper (17)| Dennis Rodman (13)| Ron Harper (8)| United Center
24,196| 1–1|- style="background:#cfc;"| 3| November 3| San Antonio| W 87–83 (OT)| Michael Jordan (29)| Dennis Rodman (22)| Jordan & Harper (4)| United Center
23,868| 2–1|- style="background:#cfc;"| 4| November 5| Orlando| W 94–81| Michael Jordan (29)| Michael Jordan (17)| Steve Kerr (5)| United Center
23,809| 3–1|- style="background:#fcc;"| 5| November 7| @ Atlanta| L 78–80| Michael Jordan (27)| Jordan & Longley (9)| Michael Jordan (6)| Georgia Dome
45,790| 3–2|- style="background:#cfc;"| 6| November 8| New Jersey| W 99–86| Steve Kerr (21)| Dennis Rodman (12)| Toni Kukoč (7)| United Center
23,898| 4–2|- style="background:#fcc;"| 7| November 11| @ Cleveland| L 80–101| Michael Jordan (19)| Jason Caffey (8)| Brown & Kerr (5)| Gund Arena
20,562| 4–3|- style="background:#fcc;"| 8| November 12| Washington| L 83–90| Michael Jordan (28)| Dennis Rodman (14)| Harper & Longley (5)| United Center
23,749| 4–4|- style="background:#cfc;"| 9| November 14| Charlotte| W 105–92| Michael Jordan (28)| Dennis Rodman (14)| Michael Jordan (7)| United Center
23,894| 5–4|- style="background:#cfc;"| 10| November 15| Cleveland| W 79–70| Michael Jordan (27)| Dennis Rodman (18)| Toni Kukoč (7)| United Center
23,906| 6–4|- style="background:#fcc;"| 11| November 20| @ Phoenix| L 85–89| Michael Jordan (30)| Dennis Rodman (14)| Ron Harper (5)| America West Arena
19,023| 6–5|- style="background:#cfc;"| 12| November 21| @ L.A. Clippers| W 111–102 (2OT)| Michael Jordan (49)| Luc Longley (17)| Toni Kukoč (6)| Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
16,199| 7–5|- style="background:#cfc;"| 13| November 23| @ Sacramento| W 103–88| Michael Jordan (33)| Dennis Rodman (14)| Toni Kukoč (8)| ARCO Arena
17,317| 8–5|- style="background:#fcc;"| 14| November 25| @ Seattle| L 90–91| Toni Kukoč (30)| Dennis Rodman (17)| Harper & Kukoč (6)| KeyArena
17,072| 8–6|- style="background:#fcc;"| 15| November 28| @ Indiana| L 83–94| Michael Jordan (26)| Dennis Rodman (11)| Toni Kukoč (4)| Market Square Arena
16,736| 8–7|- style="background:#cfc;"| 16| November 29| @ Washington| W 88–83| Michael Jordan (29)| Dennis Rodman (17)| Ron Harper (7)| US Airways Arena
18,756| 9–7|- style="background:#cfc;"| 17| December 3| @ Boston| W 97–87| Michael Jordan (29)| Dennis Rodman (17)| Toni Kukoč (11)| FleetCenter
18,624| 10–7|- style="background:#cfc;"| 18| December 5| Milwaukee| W 82–64| Toni Kukoč (19)| Dennis Rodman (14)| Dennis Rodman (5)| United Center
24,041| 11–7|- style="background:#cfc;"| 19| December 9| New York| W 100–82| Michael Jordan (29)| 3 players tied (9)| Harper & Jordan (4)| United Center
24,107| 12–7|- style="background:#fcc;"| 20| December 10| @ Orlando| L 98–106| Michael Jordan (25)| Dennis Rodman (16)| Toni Kukoč (7)| Orlando Arena
17,248| 12–8|- style="background:#fcc;"| 21| December 12| @ Charlotte| L 77–79| Michael Jordan (28)| Dennis Rodman (19)| Toni Kukoč (7)| Charlotte Coliseum
24,042| 12–9|- style="background:#cfc;"| 22| December 13| Toronto| W 97–70| Ron Harper (20)| Dennis Rodman (14)| Toni Kukoč (6)| United Center
23,867| 13–9|- style="background:#cfc;"| 23| December 15| Phoenix| W 111–104| Michael Jordan (31)| Dennis Rodman (21)| Brown & Rodman (6)| United Center
23,888| 14–9|- style="background:#cfc;"| 24| December 17| L.A. Lakers| W 104–83| Michael Jordan (36)| Dennis Rodman (14)| Toni Kukoč (8)| United Center
24,119| 15–9|- style="background:#cfc;"| 25| December 20| @ New Jersey| W 100–92| Michael Jordan (24)| Dennis Rodman (24)| Dennis Rodman (5)| Continental Airlines Arena
20,049| 16–9|- style="background:#cfc;"| 26| December 23| L.A. Clippers| W 94–89| Michael Jordan (27)| Dennis Rodman (25)| 3 players tied (4)| United Center
23,904| 17–9|- style="background:#cfc;"| 27| December 25| Miami| W 90–80| Michael Jordan (24)| Dennis Rodman (13)| Toni Kukoč (5)| United Center
24,182| 18–9|- style="background:#cfc;"| 28| December 27| Atlanta| W 97–90| Michael Jordan (47)| Dennis Rodman (29)| Dennis Rodman (5)| United Center
24,131| 19–9|- style="background:#cfc;"| 29| December 29| Dallas| W 111–105| Michael Jordan (41)| Dennis Rodman (27)| Dennis Rodman (8)| United Center
23,712| 20–9|- style="background:#fcc;"| 30| December 30| @ Minnesota| L 95–99| Michael Jordan (33)| Dennis Rodman (13)| Toni Kukoč (8)| Target Center
20,097| 20–10|- style="background:#cfc;"| 31| January 2| Milwaukee| W 114–100| Michael Jordan (44)| Dennis Rodman (21)| Luc Longley (8)| United Center
23,897| 21–10|- style="background:#cfc;"| 32| January 3| @ Detroit| W 105–96| Michael Jordan (34)| Dennis Rodman (18)| Michael Jordan (9)| The Palace of Auburn Hills
22,076| 22–10|- style="background:#cfc;"| 33| January 6| Boston| W 90–79| Jordan & Kukoč (19)| Dennis Rodman (20)| Toni Kukoč (6)| United Center
23,804| 23–10|- style="background:#fcc;"| 34| January 7| @ Miami| L 72–99| Michael Jordan (26)| Dennis Rodman (17)| Brown, Harper (4)| Miami Arena
15,200| 23–11|- style="background:#cfc;"| 35| January 9| @ New York| W 90–89| Michael Jordan (44)| Luc Longley (10)| Luc Longley (6)| Madison Square Garden
19,763| 24–11|- style="background:#cfc;"| 36| January 10| Golden State| W 87–82| Michael Jordan (32)| Dennis Rodman (16)| Scottie Pippen (5)| United Center
23,902| 25–11|- style="background:#cfc;"| 37| January 13| Seattle| W 101–91| Michael Jordan (40)| Dennis Rodman (17)| Dennis Rodman (6)| United Center
24,112| 26–11|- style="background:#fcc;"| 38| January 15| @ Philadelphia| L 96–106| Scottie Pippen (22)| Dennis Rodman (20)| Harper & Pippen (5)| CoreStates Center
21,104| 26–12|- style="background:#cfc;"| 39| January 16| @ Milwaukee| W 96–86| Michael Jordan (27)| Dennis Rodman (12)| Luc Longley (5)| Bradley Center
18,717| 27–12|- style="background:#cfc;"| 40| January 18| Houston| W 106–100| Michael Jordan (45)| Longley & Rodman (5)| Scottie Pippen (10)| United Center
24,209| 28–12|- style="background:#cfc;"| 41| January 21| Charlotte| W 110–79| Michael Jordan (33)| Luc Longley (13)| Scottie Pippen (7)| United Center
23,967| 29–12|- style="background:#cfc;"| 42| January 23| @ New Jersey| W 100–98 (OT)| Michael Jordan (32)| Scottie Pippen (7)| Kukoč & Pippen (9)| Continental Airlines Arena
20,049| 30–12|- style="background:#fcc;"| 43| January 25| Utah| L 94–101| Michael Jordan (32)| Dennis Rodman (14)| Scottie Pippen (10)| United Center
24,361| 30–13|- style="background:#cfc;"| 44| January 27| @ Vancouver| W 103–85| Scottie Pippen (29)| Dennis Rodman (22)| Pippen & Rodman (6)| General Motors Place
19,193| 31–13|- style="background:#cfc;"| 45| January 29| @ Portland| W 100–87| Michael Jordan (29)| Dennis Rodman (20)| Longley & Pippen (8)| Rose Garden
21,538| 32–13|- style="background:#cfc;"| 46| January 30| @ Golden State| W 87–80| Scottie Pippen (22)| Dennis Rodman (22)| Scottie Pippen (4)| The Arena in Oakland
19,804| 33–13|- style="background:#fcc;"| 47| February 1| @ L.A. Lakers| L 87–112| Michael Jordan (31)| Dennis Rodman (15)| Brown & Pippen (5)| Great Western Forum
17,505| 33–14|- style="background:#cfc;"| 48| February 2| @ Denver| W 111–72| Scott Burrell (24)| Dennis Rodman (16)| Buechler & Caffey (4)| McNichols Sports Arena
17,171| 34–14|- style="background:#fcc;"| 49| February 4| @ Utah| L 93–101| Michael Jordan (40)| Luc Longley (11)| Dennis Rodman (4)| Delta Center
19,911| 34–15|- align="center"|colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff"|All-Star Break|- style="background:#cfc;"|- bgcolor="#bbffbb"|- style="background:#cfc;"| 50| February 10| Toronto| W 93–86| Toni Kukoč (21)| Dennis Rodman (17)| Scottie Pippen (9)| United Center
23,881| 35–15|- style="background:#cfc;"| 51| February 11| @ Charlotte| W 92–90| Michael Jordan (29)| Dennis Rodman (11)| 3 players tied (6)| Charlotte Coliseum
24,042| 36–15|- style="background:#cfc;"| 52| February 13| Atlanta| W 112–110| Michael Jordan (37)| Michael Jordan (7)| Scottie Pippen (7)| United Center
24,207| 37–15|- style="background:#cfc;"| 53| February 15| Detroit| W 99–90| Toni Kukoč (22)| Michael Jordan (12)| Jordan & Pippen (5)| United Center
24,139| 38–15|- style="background:#cfc;"| 54| February 17| Indiana| W 105–97| Michael Jordan (27)| Dennis Rodman (13)| Michael Jordan (6)| United Center
24,131| 39–15|- style="background:#cfc;"| 55| February 19| @ Toronto| W 123–86| Scottie Pippen (22)| Dennis Rodman (19)| Scottie Pippen (6)| SkyDome
30,172| 40–15|- style="background:#cfc;"| 56| February 21| @ Washington| W 94–88| Scottie Pippen (23)| Dennis Rodman (17)| Toni Kukoč (5)| MCI Center
20,674| 41–15|- style="background:#cfc;"| 57| February 23| Cleveland| W 97–75| Michael Jordan (17)| Ron Harper (10)| Brown & Kukoč (7)| United Center
23,902| 42–15|- style="background:#fcc;"| 58| February 25| Portland| L 101–106| Michael Jordan (33)| Dennis Rodman (14)| Kukoč & Pippen (6)| United Center
23,821| 42–16|- style="background:#cfc;"| 59| February 28| Sacramento| W 109–94| Scottie Pippen (29)| Dennis Rodman (18)| Pippen & Rodman (6)| United Center
23,914| 43–16|- style="background:#cfc;"| 60| March 3| Denver| W 118–90| Michael Jordan (30)| Dennis Rodman (17)| Toni Kukoč (10)| United Center
23,810| 44–16|- style="background:#cfc;"| 61| March 8| @ New York| W 102–89| Michael Jordan (42)| Dennis Rodman (20)| Jordan & Pippen (6)| Madison Square Garden
19,763| 45–16|- style="background:#cfc;"| 62| March 10| Miami| W 106–91| Michael Jordan (37)| Dennis Rodman (10)| Kukoč & Pippen (8)| United Center
24,102| 46–16|- style="background:#fcc;"| 63| March 12| @ Dallas| L 97–104 (OT)| Michael Jordan (26)| Dennis Rodman (22)| Toni Kukoč (6)| Reunion Arena
18,255| 46–17|- style="background:#cfc;"| 64| March 14| @ San Antonio| W 96–86| Michael Jordan (30)| Dennis Rodman (16)| Scottie Pippen (5)| Alamodome
37,492| 47–17|- style="background:#cfc;"| 65| March 16| New Jersey| W 88–72| Toni Kukoč (21)| Dennis Rodman (16)| Kukoč & Rodman (5)| United Center
23,908| 48–17|- style="background:#cfc;"| 66| March 17| @ Indiana| W 90–84| Michael Jordan (35)| Dennis Rodman (19)| Scottie Pippen (5)| Market Square Arena
16,729| 49–17|- style="background:#cfc;"| 67| March 20| Vancouver| W 98–92| Michael Jordan (24)| Toni Kukoč (11)| Ron Harper (4)| United Center
24,023| 50–17|- style="background:#cfc;"| 68| March 22| @ Toronto| W 102–100| Jordan & Pippen (33)| Dennis Rodman (18)| 3 players tied (5)| SkyDome
33,216| 51–17|- style="background:#cfc;"| 69| March 23| Boston| W 111–88| Scottie Pippen (27)| Dennis Rodman (14)| Toni Kukoč (10)| United Center
23,944| 52–17|- style="background:#cfc;"| 70| March 25| @ Orlando| W 85–70| Scottie Pippen (23)| Dennis Rodman (18)| Michael Jordan (8)| Orlando Arena
17,248| 53–17|- style="background:#cfc;"| 71| March 27| @ Atlanta| W 89–74| Michael Jordan (34)| Dennis Rodman (15)| Ron Harper (6)| Georgia Dome
62,046| 54–17|- style="background:#cfc;"| 72| March 29| @ Milwaukee| W 104–87| Michael Jordan (30)| Dennis Rodman (17)| Toni Kukoč (8)| Bradley Center
18,717| 55–17|- style="background:#cfc;"| 73| March 31| Detroit| W 106–101 (OT)| Scottie Pippen (27)| Dennis Rodman (18)| Michael Jordan (8)| United Center
23,942| 56–17|- style="background:#cfc;"| 74| April 3| Minnesota| W 107–93| Scottie Pippen (27)| Dennis Rodman (18)| Michael Jordan (8)| United Center
23,985| 57–17|- style="background:#cfc;"| 75| April 5| @ Houston| W 109–94| Michael Jordan (40)| Dennis Rodman (12)| Pippen & Rodman (8)| Compaq Center
16,285| 58–17|- style="background:#cfc;"| 76| April 7| Washington| W 103–85| Michael Jordan (30)| Dennis Rodman (20)| Scottie Pippen (7)| United Center
23,969| 59–17|- style="background:#fcc;"| 77| April 9| @ Cleveland| L 85–91| Michael Jordan (29)| Dennis Rodman (20)| Scottie Pippen (8)| Gund Arena
20,562| 59–18|- style="background:#cfc;"| 78| April 11| Orlando| W 87–78| Michael Jordan (37)| Dennis Rodman (10)| Pippen & Rodman (6)| United Center
24,104| 60–18|- style="background:#fcc;"| 79| April 13| Indiana| L 105–114| Scottie Pippen (28)| Dennis Rodman (9)| Harper & Rodman (4)| United Center
23,957| 60–19|- style="background:#fcc;"| 80| April 15| @ Detroit| L 79–87| Michael Jordan (19)| Dennis Rodman (15)| Harper & Kukoč (5)| The Palace of Auburn Hills
22,076| 60–20|- style="background:#cfc;"| 81| April 17| @ Philadelphia| W 87–80| Michael Jordan (24)| Dennis Rodman (17)| Scottie Pippen (4)| CoreStates Center
21,305| 61–20|- style="background:#cfc;"| 82| April 18| New York| W 111-109| Michael Jordan (44)| Dennis Rodman (8)| Scottie Pippen (10)| United Center
24,182| 62–20

Playoffs

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 1| April 24| New Jersey| W 96–93 (OT)| Michael Jordan (39)| Dennis Rodman (8)| 3 players tied (5)| United Center
23,844| 1–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 2| April 26| New Jersey| W 96–91| Michael Jordan (32)| Dennis Rodman (16)| Burrell & Rodman (4)| United Center
23,844| 2–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 3| April 29| @ New Jersey| W 116–101| Michael Jordan (38)| Dennis Rodman (17)| Scottie Pippen (10)| Continental Airlines Arena
19,889| 3–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 1| May 3| Charlotte| W 83–70| Michael Jordan (35)| Dennis Rodman (14)| Jordan & Pippen (4)| United Center
23,844| 1–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 2| May 6| Charlotte| L 76–78| Michael Jordan (22)| Dennis Rodman (18)| Michael Jordan (6)| United Center
23,844| 1–1|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 3| May 8| @ Charlotte| W 103–89| Michael Jordan (27)| Dennis Rodman (17)| Michael Jordan (6)| Charlotte Coliseum
23,799| 2–1|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 4| May 10| @ Charlotte| W 94–80| Michael Jordan (31)| Dennis Rodman (18)| Scottie Pippen (8)| Charlotte Coliseum
23,799| 3–1|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 5| May 13| Charlotte| W 93–84| Michael Jordan (33)| Dennis Rodman (21)| Longley & Pippen (5)| United Center
23,844| 4–1|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 1| May 17| Indiana| W 85–79| Michael Jordan (31)| Dennis Rodman (10)| Scottie Pippen (7)| United Center
23,844| 1–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 2| May 19| Indiana| W 104–98| Michael Jordan (41)| Ron Harper (9)| Jordan & Pippen (5)| United Center
23,844| 2–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 3| May 23| @ Indiana| L 105–107| Michael Jordan (30)| Dennis Rodman (12)| Michael Jordan (7)| Market Square Arena
16,576| 2–1|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 4| May 25| @ Indiana| L 94–96| Michael Jordan (28)| Dennis Rodman (16)| Scottie Pippen (10)| Market Square Arena
16,560| 2–2|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 5| May 27| Indiana| W 106–87| Michael Jordan (29)| Scottie Pippen (8)| Kukoč & Pippen (7)| United Center
23,844| 3–2|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 6| May 29| @ Indiana| L 89–92| Michael Jordan (35)| Dennis Rodman (12)| 3 players tied (2)| Market Square Arena
16,566| 3–3|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 7| May 31| Indiana| W 88–83| Michael Jordan (28)| Scottie Pippen (12)| Michael Jordan (8)| United Center
23,844| 4–3|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 1| June 3| @ Utah| L 85–88 (OT)| Michael Jordan (33)| Dennis Rodman (10)| Steve Kerr (5)| Delta Center
19,911| 0–1|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 2| June 5| @ Utah| W 93–88| Michael Jordan (37)| Kukoč & Rodman (9)| Scottie Pippen (4)| Delta Center
19,911| 1–1|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 3| June 7| Utah| W 96–54| Michael Jordan (24)| Ron Harper (10)| Ron Harper (7)| United Center
23,844| 2–1|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 4| June 10| Utah| W 86–82| Michael Jordan (34)| Dennis Rodman (14)| Scottie Pippen (5)| United Center
23,844| 3–1|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 5| June 12| Utah| L 81–83| Toni Kukoč (30)| Scottie Pippen (11)| Scottie Pippen (11)| United Center
23,844| 3–2|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 6| June 14| @ Utah| W 87–86| Michael Jordan (45)| Dennis Rodman (8)| Kukoč & Pippen (4)| Delta Center
19,911| 4–2

Player stats

Regular season

PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
6 0 2.8 .333 .000 1.000 .7 .2 .00 .00 1.7
71 6 16.2 .384 .000 .718 1.3 2.1 1.00 .17 4.1
74 0 8.2 .483 .385 .500 1.0 .7 .30 .20 2.7
80 3 13.7 .424 .354 .734 2.5 .8 .80 .46 5.2
51 8 13.9 .503 .000 .660 3.4 .7 .25 .33 5.3
82 82 27.9 .441 .190 .750 3.5 2.9 1.32 .59 9.3
82 82 38.8 .465 .238 .784 5.8 3.5 1.72 .55 28.7
50 0 22.4 .454 .438 .918 1.5 1.9 .52 .10 7.5
46 1 8.6 .368 .000 .833 1.7 .7 .09 .11 2.0
74 52 30.2 .455 .362 .708 4.4 4.2 1.03 .50 13.3
14 0 10.0 .408 .250 .625 .6 .4 .21 .07 3.5
58 58 29.4 .455 .000 .736 5.9 2.8 .59 1.07 11.4
44 44 37.5 .447 .318 .777 5.2 5.8 1.80 .98 19.1
80 66 35.7 .431 .174 .550 15.0 2.9 .59 .22 4.7
21 0 11.3 .634 .000 .591 1.5 .8 .19 .14 3.7
3 0 2.0 1.000 .000 .500 .3 .0 .00 .00 1.3
48 8 9.7 .436 .000 .810 1.7 .4 .08 .10 3.5

Postseason

PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
14 5.1 .167 .000 .833 .6 .6 .14 .00 .6
16 4.0 .364 .600 .000 .7 .2 .19 .06 .7
21 12.4 .438 .300 .909 2.0 .5 .90 .14 3.8
21 21 26.8 .459 .263 .615 3.7 2.3 .95 .86 6.7
21 21 41.5 .462 .302 .812 5.1 3.5 1.52 .57 32.4
21 19.8 .434 .463 .818 .8 1.7 .33 .00 4.9
21 17 30.3 .486 .377 .645 3.9 2.9 1.24 .48 13.1
18 16 25.3 .450 .000 .872 5.0 1.9 .67 .83 7.9
21 21 39.8 .415 .228 .679 7.1 5.2 2.14 .95 16.8
21 9 34.4 .371 .250 .605 11.8 2.0 .67 .62 4.9
13 5.7 .375 .000 .444 1.0 .2 .15 .08 1.2
16 7.4 .526 .000 .500 .9 .2 .38 .12 2.8

NBA finals

1998 NBA Finals Roster

Chicago BullsUtah Jazz
Head Coach: Phil JacksonHead Coach: Jerry Sloan
Michael Jordan
Scottie Pippen
Dennis Rodman
Luc Longley
Ron Harper
Steve Kerr
Keith Booth
Scott Burrell
Randy Brown
Dickey Simpkins
Rusty LaRue
Bill Wennington
Jud Buechler
Toni Kukoč

Series summary

Legend: OT denotes a game decided in overtime

Game Date Home teamResultRoad team
Game 1 June 3 Utah 88-85 (OT) Chicago
Game 2 June 5 Utah 88-93 Chicago
Game 3 June 7 Chicago 96-54 Utah
Game 4 June 10 Chicago 86-82 Utah
Game 5 June 12 Chicago 81-83 Utah
Game 6 June 14 Utah 86-87 Chicago
Bulls win series 4-2

Games 1 and 2

This was the first time in the 1990s that the same two teams played each other in two consecutive finals. The Jazz had won both regular season match-ups, and many analysts predicted a hard-fought seven-game series. Predictions of a Jazz championship were strengthened with their game one victory in overtime in Utah. The Bulls would tie the series in game 2 putting together a fourth quarter run to silence the Delta Center and holding on to win 93–88, finally securing their first victory against Utah all season.

Games 3, 4 and 5

The Finals would move to Chicago with control of the series at stake in Game 3. Though anticipation was high, no one could have expected a blow-out of the proportions seen in Game 3. With a 96–54 triumph over Utah, the Bulls would help the Jazz set an embarrassing record for the lowest points scored in Finals history and biggest margin of defeat, while everyone on the Bulls scored. The Jazz would pull themselves together in Game 4 in a better attempt to tie the series, but lost 86–82.

The early Jazz series-lead seemed like a distant memory, a false indication of a tough series as they hit the floor for Game 5 behind 3–1. Chicago fans prepared for the last game they would host with the Jordan-led Bulls of the 1990s. But any notions of a championship at the United Center would be snuffed out when, with 0.8 seconds on the game, Michael Jordan airballed an off-balance 3 to the right of the basket giving the Jazz a narrow 83–81 win. The play might have been for Toni Kukoč to shoot a three. With the series shifting back to Utah with a far more generous 3-2 Bulls advantage, the promise of another Chicago championship was not so certain.

Game 6

The Chicago Bulls had never let a Finals series go to a Game 7. As they arrived at the Delta Center for Game 6, things didn't look good for the Bulls. Scottie Pippen's back gave out when he dunked the opening basket of the game and he was slowed down and held to just 8 points. The Jazz suffered a bad break when the referees incorrectly nullified a Howard Eisley three-pointer that, replays showed, was clearly released just before the 24-second clock expired. In the 4th quarter, the Bulls closed the gap as Michael Jordan tallied many of his 45 overall points. Then things got worse for Chicago when John Stockton hit a clutch 3 with 41.9 seconds left to give Utah an 86–83 lead as the Delta Center crowd roared happily. Down by 3, the Bulls had one last chance to stay alive. Running perilously low on energy, it would be imperative for Chicago to win the series before the game went into OT, and also for the Bulls to avoid a Game 7 on the road when Scottie Pippen was so badly injured and their entire lineup was exhausted.

After Michael Jordan made a quick layup to cut the Jazz lead to one, the Bulls needed to stop the Jazz from scoring again. When John Stockton passed the ball to Karl Malone, Michael Jordan stole the ball away and dribbled to the front. Guarding him was Bryon Russell, one of the Jazz's best perimeter defenders. Jordan drove inside the 3-point line, executed a quick cross-over, and drilled a 20-ft. jump shot to give the Bulls an 87–86 lead with 5.2 seconds left. After Utah took a timeout, Stockton's 3 hit the rim and bounced away, giving the Bulls their 6th title in 8 years. The famous winning shot has been immortalized in many records, as Jordan completed a perfect sextet: 6 NBA Finals, 6 championships, and 6 NBA Finals MVP trophies.[37]

Awards and honors

NBA All-Star Game

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 1997-98 Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats - Basketball-Reference.com.
  2. News: Armour . Terry . Simpkins-Burrell Trade in Works . Chicago Tribune . September 20, 1997 . July 18, 2021.
  3. News: Steele . David . Warriors Acquire Bulls' Simpkins; Burrell Swapped for 6-10 Power Forward . SFGate . September 23, 1997 . December 15, 2022.
  4. News: Wire Services . Bulls, Warriors Swap . The Spokesman-Review . September 23, 1997 . October 20, 2023.
  5. News: Bulls Sign Wennington for 1 Year . Chicago Tribune . September 9, 1997 . December 27, 2022.
  6. News: Wise . Mike . PRO BASKETBALL; Bulls' Pippen Will Miss 2-3 Months After Toe Surgery . The New York Times . October 8, 1997 . May 12, 2022.
  7. News: Armour . Terry . Foot Surgery Sidelines Chicago Bulls' Scottie Pippen for 3-4 Months in 1997 . Chicago Tribune . October 8, 1997 . January 2, 2023.
  8. News: Armour . Terry . Pippen's Foot Injury Worries the Bulls . Chicago Tribune . October 22, 1997. June 17, 2021.
  9. News: Associated Press . Pippen Hints at Bull Return . Los Angeles Times . December 27, 1997 . October 3, 2022.
  10. News: Armour . Terry . Kerr Hammered on Drive, Suffers Fractured Collarbone . Chicago Tribune . January 16, 1998 . October 7, 2022.
  11. News: Armour . Terry . Ill-Starred Kerr Sidelined at Least 8 Weeks . Chicago Tribune . January 17, 1998 . June 17, 2021 .
  12. News: Associated Press . Barkley Trial Waits for End of Season . The Spokesman-Review . January 17, 1998 . September 25, 2023.
  13. Web site: NBA Games Played on February 5, 1998 . Basketball-Reference . July 19, 2022.
  14. News: Sheridan . Chris . Bulls' Caffey Traded to Warriors . Associated Press . February 19, 1998 . December 15, 2022.
  15. News: Armour . Terry . Players Puzzled Over Caffey Trade . Chicago Tribune . February 20, 1998 . July 18, 2021.
  16. News: Steele . David . WARRIORS NOTEBOOK; Bulls Knock Caffey Deal . SFGate . February 21, 1998 . October 22, 2022.
  17. News: Armour . Terry . Simpkins a Bull Again? They're Mulling It Over . Chicago Tribune . February 28, 1998 . July 1, 2022.
  18. Web site: 1997–98 Chicago Bulls Schedule and Results. Basketball-Reference. June 21, 2021.
  19. Web site: Teams Defense. NBA.com. April 16, 2021.
  20. News: Popper . Steve . THE N.B.A. PLAYOFFS; Jordan Silences Nets with a Sweep . The New York Times . April 30, 1998 . February 18, 2022.
  21. News: Associated Press . Jordan Finishes Off the Nets; Rockets Put Jazz on the Ropes . Los Angeles Times . April 30, 1998 . November 25, 2022.
  22. News: Johnson . K.C. . Rodman Saves Best for Last . Chicago Tribune . April 30, 1998 . May 30, 2022.
  23. Web site: 1998 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Nets vs. Bulls . Basketball-Reference . February 3, 2023.
  24. News: Associated Press . THE N.B.A. PLAYOFFS; The Bulls Finish Off Charlotte to Advance . The New York Times . May 14, 1998 . July 26, 2021.
  25. News: Associated Press . It's Bulls vs. Pacers for Title in East . Los Angeles Times . May 14, 1998 . November 25, 2022.
  26. News: Armour . Terry . Buzz Off, Hornets . Chicago Tribune . May 14, 1998 . May 30, 2022.
  27. Web site: 1998 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals: Hornets vs. Bulls . Basketball-Reference . February 3, 2023.
  28. News: Armour . Nancy . Hornets 78, Bulls 76 . Associated Press . May 6, 1998 . February 24, 2023.
  29. News: Associated Press . N.B.A.: PLAYOFFS; Charlotte Stuns Chicago as Reserves Take Over . The New York Times . May 7, 1998 . May 24, 2022.
  30. News: Bembry . Jerry . Hornets Steal One from Bulls, 78-76 Controlling Jordan, Charlotte Ties Series . The Baltimore Sun . May 7, 1998 . June 24, 2021.
  31. News: Roberts . Selena . THE N.B.A. PLAYOFFS; An Era Continues as Jordan Pushes Bulls Past Pacers . The New York Times . June 1, 1998 . June 25, 2021.
  32. News: Bucher . Ric . Bulls Rebound for Final Shot . The Washington Post . June 1, 1998 . November 9, 2022.
  33. News: Bayless . Skip . Even Exhausted, Chicago's Batman a Savior . Chicago Tribune . June 1, 1998 . May 30, 2022.
  34. Web site: 1998 NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Pacers vs. Bulls . Basketball-Reference . February 3, 2023.
  35. News: Araton . Harvey . Sports of the Times; At the End, Jordan Lifts Bulls to Their Sixth N.B.A. Title . The New York Times . June 15, 1998 . January 14, 2022.
  36. News: Howard-Cooper . Scott . A Rousing Six-cess . Los Angeles Times . June 15, 1998 . June 28, 2022.
  37. News: Armour . Terry . Michael Jordan Hits 'The Shot', and the Chicago Bulls Beat Utah Jazz for Their 6th NBA Championship . Chicago Tribune . June 15, 1998 . June 18, 2021.
  38. News: Robinson . Doug . M.J.'s Moment: A Finals Finale . Deseret News . June 15, 1998 . December 12, 2022.
  39. Web site: 1998 NBA Finals: Bulls vs. Jazz . Basketball-Reference . February 3, 2023.
  40. News: Wise . Mike . THE N.B.A. PLAYOFFS; Jordan Is Winner of M.V.P. a 5th Time . The New York Times . May 19, 1998 . September 23, 2022.
  41. News: Jordan Wins His 5th MVP Award . Chicago Tribune . May 18, 1998 . July 18, 2021.
  42. News: Springer . Steve . Malone Takes MVP Outcome in Stride . Los Angeles Times . May 19, 1998 . October 22, 2022.
  43. Web site: NBA MVP & ABA Most Valuable Player Award Winners . Basketball-Reference . November 29, 2022.
  44. News: Armour . Terry . Jordan Top All-Star Vote-Getter; Bryant, 19, Youngest Ever Picked . Chicago Tribune . January 26, 1998 . December 27, 2022.
  45. News: Howard-Cooper . Scott . Lakers Get Four-Star Rating as Van Exel, Jones Honored . Los Angeles Times . January 28, 1998 . April 20, 2023.
  46. Web site: 1997-98 All-Star Events and Contestants - in New York . Eskimo North . December 27, 2022.
  47. News: Roberts . Selena . N.B.A. ALL-STAR GAME; Jordan Stars One Last Time (Probably) . The New York Times . February 9, 1998 . July 31, 2021.
  48. News: Associated Press . No Heir to Air . Los Angeles Times . February 9, 1998 . November 9, 2022.
  49. News: Mitchell . Fred . MVP to Jordan, But Bryant Lights Up All-Star Game . Chicago Tribune . February 9, 1998 . November 9, 2022.
  50. News: NBA.com Staff . 1998 NBA All-Star Recap . NBA.com . September 13, 2021 . May 16, 2023.
  51. Web site: 1998 NBA All-Star Game: East 135, West 114 . Basketball-Reference . November 27, 2021.
  52. Web site: NBA & ABA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award Winners . Basketball-Reference . November 29, 2022.
  53. Web site: 1997–98 NBA Awards Voting . Basketball-Reference . January 1, 2022.
  54. Web site: 1997–98 Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats. Basketball-Reference. June 21, 2021.
  55. News: Adande . J.A. . Say It Ain't So, Mike . Los Angeles Times . January 12, 1999 . June 25, 2022.
  56. News: Wise . Mike . PRO BASKETBALL; As Jordan Retires, Legend Swells . The New York Times . January 13, 1999 . May 12, 2022.
  57. News: Armour . Terrence E. . Michael Jordan Retires from the Chicago Bulls Again — and He's 99.9% Sure: "I'm Never Going to Say Never" . Chicago Tribune . January 13, 1999 . May 5, 2023.
  58. News: Wise . Mike . PRO BASKETBALL; The Final Word from Jordan . The New York Times . January 14, 1999 . July 21, 2017.
  59. News: Justice . Richard . Jordan Announces Retirement . The Washington Post . January 14, 1999 . July 11, 2022.
  60. News: Smith . Sam . M.J. Hints He's Returning . Chicago Tribune . September 11, 2001 . July 16, 2022.
  61. News: Wyche . Steve . Jordan Will Return, Play for Wizards . The Washington Post . September 24, 2001 . May 5, 2023.
  62. News: Wise . Mike . Jordan Makes His Return Official . The New York Times . September 25, 2001 . July 4, 2021.
  63. News: Wyche . Steve . Jordan Makes It Official: He's a Wizard . The Washington Post . September 26, 2001 . May 27, 2022.
  64. News: Wilbon . Michael . Jordan's Electricity Will Light Up Team, City . Los Angeles Times . September 30, 2001 . June 25, 2022.
  65. News: Howard-Cooper . Scott . Jackson's Options Are Limited If He Doesn't Return to Bulls . Los Angeles Times . June 16, 1998 . November 18, 2022.
  66. News: Popper . Steve . PRO BASKETBALL; Jackson Tells Bulls He Won't Return as Coach . The New York Times . June 22, 1998 . November 18, 2022.
  67. News: Smith . Sam . Jackson to Call It Quits . Chicago Tribune . June 22, 1998 . July 31, 2021.
  68. News: CBS News.com Staff . Jackson Says Goodbye to The Bulls . CBS News . June 22, 1998 . June 20, 2023.
  69. News: CBS News.com Staff . Pippen Headed to Houston . CBS News . January 18, 1999 . June 20, 2023.
  70. News: Smith . Sam . Bulls Shippin' Pippen . Chicago Tribune . January 19, 1999 . July 5, 2021.
  71. News: Sheridan . Chris . Sprewell, Pippen on the Move . The Washington Post . January 19, 1999 . July 10, 2022.
  72. News: Armour . Nancy . Scottie Pippen to Play for Rockets . Associated Press . January 19, 1999 . November 30, 2022.
  73. News: Broussard . Chris . PRO BASKETBALL; Ruining of Bulls Begins In Earnest . The New York Times . January 20, 1999 . May 12, 2022.
  74. News: Heisler . Mark . Rodman Ready to Join Lakers . Los Angeles Times . February 13, 1999 . June 8, 2022.
  75. News: Wise . Mike . N.B.A.: ROUNDUP -- L.A. LAKERS; Rodman Is Closer to Returning . The New York Times . February 23, 1999 . October 10, 2022.
  76. News: Heisler . Mark . Lakers Going Hollyweird . Los Angeles Times . February 23, 1999 . May 5, 2023.
  77. News: Rodman Signs Lakers Contract . Chicago Tribune . February 24, 1999 . September 24, 2022.
  78. News: CBS News.com Staff . Suns Sign Ex-Bull Luc Longley . CBS News . January 23, 1999 . June 21, 2023.
  79. News: Transactions . New York Times . January 24, 1999 . January 1, 2022.
  80. News: CBS News.com Staff . Kerr Leaving Bulls for Spurs? . CBS News . January 17, 1999 . June 26, 2023.
  81. News: Associated Press . NBA DEALINGS: McDyess, Divac and Smith Sign . Kitsap Sun . January 23, 1999 . June 25, 2023.
  82. News: Armour . Terry . Return a Spur to Kerr . Chicago Tribune . February 15, 1999 . June 26, 2023.
  83. News: Popper . Steve . N.B.A.: ROUNDUP -- NETS ; Burrell Agrees to a Deal . The New York Times . February 3, 1999 . November 16, 2022.
  84. News: Wise . Mike . PRO BASKETBALL; A Scrum for the Title . The New York Times . February 4, 1999 . June 28, 2022.

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