As much as Kidd fueled this NJ team's offense in transition, the '02 Nets had the highest defensive efficiency rating that year, helping them reach the NBA Finals. It showed in the game's first half, limniting the Bulls to 31 pts, leading them by 13
But the tables were turned in the second half as the Bulls defense stifled them to 34 pts in the entire 2nd half, while exploding for 60.
Bulls win by 13, 90-78.
But the Nets had no answer for MJ. He had his way, especially in the second half, finishing with 48 pts . Pipen added 26 and Kukoc 10. ROdman had 15 rebs.
Kidd finished with 27 pts 10 assts, while Kittles added 18.
The Bulls struggled in the first half in their offensive sets, causing several turnovers that led to the SOnics going on the break. The Sonics also outshot the Bulls in 3s and they were up by douboe digits at the half, 55-41.
The second half was a completely different story. Scottie Pippen caught fire in the 3rd, making all 6 of his shots, including 3/3 from 3-prt range. It helped wake up the Bulls offense that was reliant on MJ in the 1st half. Kerr and Kukoc started connecting in the perimeter and they were able to cut the lead to 5 going into the 4th.
With Jordan starting the 4th on the bench, Pippen continued his brilliance offensively and shouldered the lead, keeping the Bulls in the game. Jordan would come back in with 5 mins left and finished the comeback. They would end the game on a 17-6 run in the final minutes to earn the W.
Bulls come back from as much as 16 pts down to win it, 108-102.
Jordan and Pippen both scored over 30 pts. They had 36 and 37 pts respectively. Steve Kerr and TOni Kukoc combined for 33 off the bench.
4 Sonics starters were in double-figures. Gary Payton led the SOnics with 42 pts 6 rebs 9 assts. Hawkins had 18 and Kemp 14.
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