2K23 The JORDAN Era - JORDAN and the BULLS in ACTION

[bulls96]

HOUSTON -- After a hard fought double overtime victory over Jordan and the CHicago Bulls in Game 3 (https://youtu.be/He7gEs0GQTQ), Hakeem fights to even it up in Game 4 with a tremendous 38 pt & 23 rebs. WIll it be enough to withhold Jordan and the Bulls?

WATCH THE GAME: https://youtu.be/WheB-KGqSCM

THe first quarter was close with the lead changing hands multiple times. ROckets came out on top by 1, 22-21. In the second, the Rockets gained the upper hand behind strong work on the boards, offensive boards, by Otis THorpe who was dominating the Bulls frontline. THey led by as much as 6, but as he sat down, and the ROckets bench took over, the Bulls got back in it behind a strong finish by Pippen. He tied the game with 4 secs left and we are deadlocked heading into the half at 43.

IN the 3rd quarter, the superstars started clicking. First was Jordan who would get in a rhythm early en route to 15 pts in the period. He gives the Bulls as much as a 6 pt lead, until Olajuwon got going as well. He responded with 14 pts and 9 rebs in this quarter alone to bring the ROckets back in the game. THey would tie the game multiple times, and end the 3rd down by a basket, 64-62 goin to the final period.

The superstars conitnued to duel in the 4th quarter. Olajuwon led Houston with 15 pts in the 4th, and forced some double teams leading to open shots for his teammates who made their jumpers. The lead for Houston was 6 pts with 5 mins to go. Jordan, then, went on attack mode. He would score 12 pts, igniting a 21-14 run, leading up to a HUGE dunk over Hakeem Olajuwon with 13.7 secs left to grab a 1-pt lead for the Bulls. Houston would get the ball inside to Hakeem on their last play. He would pump fake and go up for a shot and gets fouled by Horace Grant. With chants of M-V-P from the crowd, Olajuwon would sink both FT's to regain the lead for Houston with 3.6 secs left.

Bulls down 1 with few seconds left and the ball. This scenario has played out several times this series. Jordan would have the last say, shoots a jumper over Horry as time expired. Ball bounces of the back rim and Rockets escape with the narrowest of margins, 88-87 to tie the series 2-2.


Olajuwon finished with 38 pts, 29 pts in the 2nd half, to go along with 23 rebs, 2 stls 3 blks. Vernon Maxwell was next with 12 pts.

Jordan had 49 pts 6 rebs 6 assts, while Pippen had a double double with 21 pts 10 rebs.

[bulls96]

CHICAGO -- Down to a best of 3, this great series heads to Chicago for Game 5. What started ouit as a Lopsided game in the 1st Q turned into another NAILBITER in the final minutes. Will JORDAN trail after 5 games in the NBA Finals for the first time in his career?

Watch the game here: https://youtu.be/gK9ThTi8pGE

The Bulls got off to a great start, their defense was quite literally stifling, allowing only 4 pts in the first 8 mins of the game. BJ Armstrong who has been struggling with his shot the entore series, hit 2 early 3's, setting the stage as the Bulls led by double digits early on. The Rockets could manage only 8 pts in the first quarter, setting an NBA Finals Record and a point shy of the NBA playoffs record for fewest points in a quarter - 8 pts. It's 22-8 CHicago.

In the second quarter, Hakeem Olajuwon came alive in time for the ROckets to save them from an embarassing loss. Assertive on both ends, Hakeem scored 10 pts in a 19-5 run to cut the lead to just 1 halfway thru the 2nd. Jordan did come back to help improve the Bulls flow on offense. The Rockets momentum failed to sustain after Hakeem sat down, and the Bulls were able to rebuild their lead to 9 at the end of the 2ndQ, 40-31.

THe 3rd quarter showed the ROckets' resolve. After an embarassing 1st quarter, the ROckets are now within striking range, starting the 3rdq strong behind strong play from Hakeem, and Maxwell, who had a 3-pt play to almost tie the game at 47. Mad Max had 9 pts in the period. Jordan helped keep them in bay not just by scoring but also by passing out of the double teams effectively. The ROckets benched stepped up here, with great play by Brooks, Cassell and Bullard, getting the ROckets to within just 1 pt at the end of the period, 59-58.

The 4th quarter was close with the ROckets actually taking the upper hand early on. The ROckets showed they too can play strong defense, forcing the Bulls into a lot of turnovers and Hakeem patroling the lane taking away penetrations and blocking the ball (3 blocks in the 4th period alone). They could not take full advantage however as their shooters missed some makeable open outside shots, and they could not lead beyond 3 pts. This opened up the game for Jordan to take over. MJ would string together 5 straight points after the Rockets went up, helping regain the lead for the Bulls.

The last 3 minutes was a constant back and forth exchanging leads, ending with Houston holding a 1 pt lead with 2 mins left. Quite a miracle that after a historically bad 1st quarter, they find themselves in the drivers seat with 2 mins left in the game.

The game now became a matter of who would make the first defensive stop as both JOrdan and Hakeem were going.

The crucial defensive stop came with 1 minute left and Bulls up by 1. Hakeem was doubled by Jordan and Perdue in the paint, challenging his shot and causing the miss. Jordan would grab the rebound and would run to the other end of the court, escaping Maxwell and Brooks for a baseline dunk to give the Bulls a 3 pt lead with 1:06 left.

The Rockets would still respond tho, with a jumper from Brooks, and then also from Maxwell. JORDAN though was not going to be denied. He was determined to win this crucial game, driving ferociously to the basket, including a huge tomahawk dunk over Thorpe that would give the Bulls a 3 pt lead with 28 secs to go. On the next possession, the Bulls again effectively double teamed Olajuwon, with Pippen this time, forcing him to give up the ball. The shot would come from Kenny Smith who would miss the jumper with 9 secs left. Grant would get fouled, and he would make 1 of 2 FT's, enough for the Bulls to hang on for the win.

Final score. 87-83. Bulls take a 3-2 lead in this tremendously close series. It goes back to Houston where the ROckets hope to force a game 7.

Jordan almost finished with a triple-double. 33 pts, 9 rebs 11 assts 2 stls 3 blks. He scored 8 of CHicago's 11 pts in the last 2 mins to grab the lead. Pippen had 20 pts 10 rebs.

Hakeem Olajuwon led the Rockets with 30 pts 12 rebs 3 assts 3 stls 6 blks. Vernon Maxwell 24 pts added.

[bulls96]

HOUSTON -- It's Game 6 and Hakeem Olajuwon and the Rockets hope their home crowd can help them push this fantastic series to a winner-take-all 7th game.

Game link: https://youtu.be/xNHipKGbS1g

Hakeem Olajuwon was locked in from tipoff. He scored 10 of his team's first 12 pts (assisted on the other 2), and blocked Jordan early, igniting the ROckets to a 12-2 advantage after 6 mins of play. Hakeem would have the best quarter in this series yet, scoring 18 pts 6 rebs 2 stls and 2 blks in the 1st period alone. Rockets led by double figures until Hakeem sat down. Pippen would then make the move, scoring 6 pts late to narrow the gap to 5, 24-19.

In tne second quarter, the Bulls opened with a 7-0 run, highlighted by a fastbreak dunk by Jordan over Hakeem for the Bulls to retake the lead. Jordan would score 16 pts in the period to help the Bulls take the lead. The Rockets remained in striking distance however afer a strong late push by Hakeem. Bulls up by one, 45-44 at the half.

Both team battled closely in the 3rd with no one getting a clear advantage. Jordan had a productive quarter, but this was answered by strong play inside by Otis Thorpe who had 9 in the quarter. It was tied going into the 4th quarter 64-64.

One more quarter, and it is do or die for Houston. Win or go home.

It did not look too good initially as Jordan and Pippen were able to get going, pushing the Bulls ahead by 5 with 2 and a half minutes to go. The Rockets were also shut out effectively on the defensive boards, one of the Rockets greatest strengths in this series. But they were able to amp up the defensive pressure and get to the basket. Kenny Smith made a jumper then Hakeem was able to get to the line, cutting it to 1 with 1:29 left. Jordan, who has been great all game, would answer with a big fadeaway to make it 3 pt lead for the Bulls with just 1:06 left. Hakeem would again be fouled on the next play. In what could have been a huge choke move, Hakeem would miss both FT's, BUT HE WAS ABLE TO GET THE OFFENSIVE REBOUND and score a huge follow up bucket to cut it to 1 with 53 secs left!

Again, the Rockets defense would intensifY their pressure on MJ, forcing him to a tough jumper with 27 secs to go that he would miss. On the next possession, they would find Hakeem isolated on the left shoulder. MJ would come to double, but Hakeem would still be able to make the TOUGH JUMPER with 11.4 secs left to give the ROckets the lead!

11 secs left. 11 secs from Game 7 or Championship Number 4 for the Bulls. Ball goes to Jordan. He had RObert Horry again on top of him. He runs down the clock, and shoots a tough fadeaway jumper as time expires. HITS THE BACK IRON and MISSES!

Rockets escape with a 1 pt victory to force Game 7 in CHicago, 83-82.

HAKEEM is the hero, salvaging the ROckets from elimination and the gamewinning hot. The Dream comes up big for Houston, finishes with 39 pts to go along with 15 rebs 4 assts 5 stls 3 blks. Otis THorpe had his bes game of the series with 15pts 8rebs Maxwell 10.

Jordan finished with 37pts 4rebs 7assts 3 stls. Pippen had 18 pts 7 rebs 5assts.

[bulls96]

CHICAGO -- This is it. Game 7. What if Jordan did not retire in 1993? Will he be able to beat Hakeem Olajuwon and the ROckets in 1994? This stared as a curiosity and turned out to become one of the best Finals series ever. Jordan and Hakeem face off for the last time to determine who is the better team and who was the best player in '94.

Game link: https://youtu.be/Zff0Q5oB9iE

The first quarter showed jitters on both sides as both teams shot poorly. Both teams shot under 40% from the field, as either team could not get any of their outside shots to fall, as open as some shots were. Rockets did get to the foul line more, and the Bulls did not get to double digits until 2 and a half remaining as Pippen started having some success in the post. Its possibly the lowest scoring quarter so far in this series, with the ROckets up by 4, 18-14 after one.

THe sluggishness continued for the Bulls at the start of the 2nd. They were also taking more chances on defense leaving some openings inside. In Game 7 at home, the Bulls found themselves behind by double digits midway thru the 2nd 29-18 with the Rockets looking sharper in their execution. In comes Steve Kerr, who got things going for the Bulls with 5 straight pts off the bench, ingiting an 18-6 run. Jordan and Pippen also got going, with MJ scoring 13 in the 2nd, as the Bulls came back alive and retook the lead with one minute to go in the 2nd. Rockets had the last say as Sam Cassell hit a 3-pointer to end the period, and give Houston back the lead going into the half 38-36.

In the 3rd quarter, the ROckets continued to look like the better team. Bulls could not make a shot, while the Rockets were able to take advantage of the perimeter. Their lead once again grew to double digits with 7 mins in the 3rd. THe Bulls, again, however, was able to turn it around. In other words, Jordan put on his cape once again, scoring 8 straight points in a 10-0 run that got the Bulls to within 1 with 3 mins to go. The Rockets were able to counter, but Jordan would not let them run away. He would score 16 pts int he 3rd all in all, and the Houston lead was 3, going into the 4th. 61-58.

At the start of the 4th, Pippen was able to carry the load for the Bulls as Jordan rested on the bench. HOwever, the Bulls were badly beaten on the offensive glass, giving the Rockets multiple chances to score. The Houston lead remained at 3 with 8 mins remaining as Jordan made his way back into the game. Here, Jordan and Pippen worked together to get the Bulls back in the game, and they did it on both sides of the court, causing turnovers, and effectively doubling Hakeem down low. Still, it was a back and forth affair with both teams exchanging leads, with leads of no more than 3 pts at interchanging times in the last few minutes of the game. Houston was getting their chances but they could not hit their open perimeter shots, as the Bulls took a 3 pt lead in the last 2 mins. ROckets were able to cut it to 1 with 1 min remaining of a pass inside from Olajuwon to Thorpe. THe crucial basket came with Jordan on the post vs Maxwell scoring on a spinmove to give the Bulls a 3 pt lead with 50 secs to go. Olajuwon had the chance to respond on their next play, but, as he has struggled all game long, he fails to convert on his shot with 35 secs. He would foul out on the Bulls next play, fouling Jordan on his drive. MJ would make both FT's and comfortably put the Bulls up by 5 with 20 secs left.

Robert Horry and Bullard made some improbable 3-pointers in the final secs, but the Jordan was able to secure the win by converting all his FT's down the stretch.

Bulls win it 82-81, and put a stamp on this outstanding series with the championship trophy at hand.

Jordan finsihed with 40 pts 10 assts with 4 stls. Pippen had his best game of the series with 30 pts, 12 in the 4th.

Olajuwon ran out of steam in this game, although he found himself in foul trouble early. After an outstanding 6 games, he comes up short this time, finishing with 18 pts 19 rebs 5 assts 2 stls 2 blks. All the Rockets starters though scored in double figures in a more balanced attack.

[bulls96]

It's 1995, and Jordan wearing #45 comes back and scores 55 pts in the garden, setting a record for an opponent in the garden.

https://youtu.be/Ba9NEXl574M

But at current day, this no longer is the record. Jordan though managed to TIE THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN RECORD 62 pts 12 assts 3 rebs 3 stls. Kukoc was also solid allround with 16 pts 6 rebs 9 assists. Pippen had a double-double with 13 pts 11 rebs.

Ewing had 35 pts 16 rebs. john Starks had 24 pts.

[JAY_D1]

Loving these journal entries... I'm doing somewhat the same thing.

Keep it up!

[bulls96]

DALLAS -- It's Jason Kidd's rookie year, and he's teamed up with Mashburn and Jim Jackson, to make the triple J Mavs, a long forgotten strong trio of the 90s.

Though it was a lopsided game: https://youtu.be/3Q-5ncejoEA

Scottie Pippen led the Bulls this game with 24 pts 9 rebs 6 assts 2 stls 1 blk. Jordan shot poorly in this game 8/23, finished with 20 pts 5 rebs 9 assts 2 stls.

Jason Kidd had 25 pts 3 rebs 7 assts.

[bulls96]

CHICAGO -- The 1995 Denver Nuggets were a team on the rise. This year, MUtombo won his first Defensive PLayer of the Year averaging 11.5 points, 12.5 rebounds and 3.9 blocks per game. Abdul-Rahuf was still a lightning quick SG, and the team acquired Dale Ellis, joining Laphonso Ellis in the lineup.

Catch the game here: https://youtu.be/I5nuKAJNBTc

Mutombo was a monster in this game. He finished with 24 pts 23 rebs.

Jordan had an off night. He was 5/19 from the field, finished with 20 pts 8 rebs 6 assts 3 stls.