'96 Bulls vs '95 Rockets (with Clyde Drexler) - Could've Jordan defeated Olajuwon?

[bulls96]

HOUSTON -- It's the battle of the two greatest teams in the 90s. Olajuwon and the Rockets vs Jordan and the Bulls. Some say if Jordan did not retire, these Rockets teams wouldnt have won. Do you agree?

Game link: https://youtu.be/2XX-QAckZOU

It was a rough start for the Bulls in the first quarter, starting the game shooting 1/6 as the Rockets take an early 9-2 lead. Regrouping on the defensive end starting with a block by Pippen on a Smith drive, the Bulls were able to go on a quick 8-0 run to tighten things up. Jordan was struggling with his shot, but he was supported by his sidekick Scottie Pippen who carried the Bulls with 9 pts in the period and helped them grab a 4-pt lead going into the 2ndq.


The second quarter remained close with Olajuwon and Jordan answering baskets at times. Sam Cassell came off the Rockets bench and provided much needed lift on offense. But as Hakeem sat down, the ROckets offense dragged and the Bulls became more effective. Jordan would shoot better in the 2ndQ, 6/10 to finish with 12 for the period to giv e the Bulls a 4 pt lead going into the half 50-46.

Jordan got off quickly in the 3rd quarter, scoring 10 and had the Bulls up by as muchg as 9. HE took an early rest to prepare t=for the 4thm and at this time, the Rockets pounded the ball down inside to Hakeem who would respond in a big way. He had 13 3rd quarter points to keep the Rockets within striking distance as they trail the Bulls by 5 going in to the final quarter.

The Bulls appeared to be in control of the game at this point, and they led by as much as 9 pts. Sam Cassell would provide a spark on the offense for the ROckets to get the home team back to within 2 with 4 mins to go in the game. However, Jordan was not going to be denied. He would connect on 2 consecutive jumpers and assist on another to get the Bulls back up to 10. Hakeem and Drexler would try but again denied by Jumper who would connect on a huge And1 dunk over RObert Horry to seal the win.

Bulls take Game 1 at Houston 96-89.

Hakeem Olajuwon filled up the stat sheet and finished with 28 pts 17 rebs 4 assts 3 blks 1 stl. Clyde Drexler finished with 19 pts on 8/22 shooting. Cassell had 14 off the bench.

Jordan shook off a rough start to finish with 39 pts on 19/37 shooting. Pippen added 20 pts 8 rebs 5 assts 1 blk 1 stl.

[LRBTODAY]

Good stuff!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by bulls96

HOUSTON -- It's the battle of the two greatest teams in the 90s. Olajuwon and the Rockets vs Jordan and the Bulls. Some say if Jordan did not retire, these Rockets teams wouldnt have won. Do you agree? Game link: https://youtu.be/2XX-QAckZOU It was a rough start for the Bulls in the first quarter, starting the game shooting 1/6 as the Rockets take an early 9-2 lead. Regrouping on the defensive end starting with a block by Pippen on a Smith drive, the Bulls were able to go on a quick 8-0 run to tighten things up. Jordan was struggling with his shot, but he was supported by his sidekick Scottie Pippen who carried the Bulls with 9 pts in the period and helped them grab a 4-pt lead going into the 2ndq. The second quarter remained close with Olajuwon and Jordan answering baskets at times. Sam Cassell came off the Rockets bench and provided much needed lift on offense. But as Hakeem sat down, the ROckets offense dragged and the Bulls became more effective. Jordan would shoot better in the 2ndQ, 6/10 to finish with 12 for the period to giv e the Bulls a 4 pt lead going into the half 50-46. Jordan got off quickly in the 3rd quarter, scoring 10 and had the Bulls up by as muchg as 9. HE took an early rest to prepare t=for the 4thm and at this time, the Rockets pounded the ball down inside to Hakeem who would respond in a big way. He had 13 3rd quarter points to keep the Rockets within striking distance as they trail the Bulls by 5 going in to the final quarter. The Bulls appeared to be in control of the game at this point, and they led by as much as 9 pts. Sam Cassell would provide a spark on the offense for the ROckets to get the home team back to within 2 with 4 mins to go in the game. However, Jordan was not going to be denied. He would connect on 2 consecutive jumpers and assist on another to get the Bulls back up to 10. Hakeem and Drexler would try but again denied by Jumper who would connect on a huge And1 dunk over RObert Horry to seal the win. Bulls take Game 1 at Houston 96-89. Hakeem Olajuwon filled up the stat sheet and finished with 28 pts 17 rebs 4 assts 3 blks 1 stl. Clyde Drexler finished with 19 pts on 8/22 shooting. Cassell had 14 off the bench. Jordan shook off a rough start to finish with 39 pts on 19/37 shooting. Pippen added 20 pts 8 rebs 5 assts 1 blk 1 stl.

[bulls96]

HOUSTON -- After losing Game 1 on their Homecourt, the Houston Rockets turn to their leader and return to the basics - Solid Rockets Defense, and its bread and butter Inside-Out offense. Will it be enough?

Game link: https://youtu.be/Vb029jGhhII

It was a highly defensive 1st quarter as both teams shot under 40%. Drexler was the high man with 10 as the ROckets take a 2pt lead after one, 19-17. The low scoring continued in the 2nd, as JOrdan continued to struggle with this shot. Kenny SMith caught fire and helped the Rockets lead by as much as 11. Late baskets from Pippen and Kerr helped narrow the lead down to 5 at halfime 43-38.

Jordan's struggles continued in the 3rd quarter going just 1/7 form the field, while the ROckets were killing it with their inside-outside game. Hakeem was dominant inside, scoring 12 in a variety of moves and when Chicago increased the defensive pressure, he found his teammates who responded by connecting with their 3s and cuts to the basket. THe ROckets led by as much as 18, and were up 17 heading into the 4th and final quarter.

At this point, Jordan was having one of his worst shooting nights in the Finals. He was 5/22 from the field, and the Bulls were down by double digits. He did not give up though. He would go on a personal 12-2 run against the ROckets to start the 4th, finally getting a rhythm going offensively. Bulls were down by just 4 with 5 mins to go. ANd with the rest of the starters returning, the Bulls were within 1 pt with just 3 mins to go.

Facing the possibility of a 0-2 deficit going on the road, Hakeem Olajuwon would answer the call for the Rockets. He would immediately answer with some huge plays consecutively, starting with an offensive putback, that put the lead back up to 3, followed by a steal off of Jordan while finishing with an and-1 to give the Rockets a 5-pt lead with 1:43 to go. Jordan would then run out of steam, missing some crucial jumpers in the final possessions and the Rockets hold on to win Game 2. 95-88.

Hakeem Olajuwon was POG with 33 pts 18 rebs. Drexler added 24 pts 7 rebs 4 assts nad 2 steals.

Jordan finished with 32 pts on 12/35 shooting overall. He added 6 rebs 7 assts and a steal. Pippen had 30 pts while Rodman had a game-high 20 rebs.

Series shifts to Chicago tied 1-1.