'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.

[bulls96]

CHICAGO -- Having stolen one game in Houston, the Bulls felt good about their position heading into Game 3 of this series. And at the start, they appeared overly confident and paid a big price.

Game link: https://youtu.be/cxudsT00Vso

The first half was all about the Houston Rockets as they shot the ball extremely well, playing their inside-outside game to perfection. They shot 57% from 4, 8/14 copared to a single 3-pointer from the Bulls. They led by as much as 15, and had a 14-pt advantage going into halftime.

Clyde Drexler was phenomenal. He was hitting from everyone and had 25 pts at the half.

The second haldfwas a totally different story, and it started with a complete turnaroun by the Bulls in the 3rd. Pippen had his best quarter of the series, shooting 7/8 including 2/2 from 3 as the Bulls make a comeback and battle back into the game. Drexler would cool down significantly as the Bulls outscored the Rockets 39-21 in the period to grab a 4-pt lead into the 4th quarter.

The Bulls stifling defense conitnued in the 4th quarter, starting the period with a 17-6 run. They led by as much as 15, and limited the Rockets to just 15 pts in the 4th on 28% shooting. Jordan showed his killer instinct, scoring 13 pts in the 4th, including a monster dunk over Robert Horry that halted a Rockets raly that reduced the lead to 9 with 1:46 remaining. Bulls completed completed a 24 pt turnaround in the 2nd half to take the W in Game 3, 107-97.



Bulls take a 2-1 lead.

Drexler finished with 33 pts,but just 8 in the second half. Kenny Smith was the next high man with 19. Hakeem was rather lackluster in Game 3, finished with 16 pts but grabbed 17 rebs.

Jordan was a steady offense for the Bulls and finished with 47 pts with 11 assts. Pippen finished with 34, as they combine for 81 pts in Game 3. Rodman had 16 rebs.

[bulls96]

CHICAGO -- After 47 pts in Game 3, Jordan looks to maintain homecourt in Game 4. Can he keep the momentum or will Hakeem be able to steal a game in Chicago to get the momentum back?

Game link: https://youtu.be/yUU62rbZeTw

At the onset, Hakeem Olajuwon was in rhythm early in game 4. HE made his first 4 shots en route to a 10-pt quarter while MJ was having a hard time finding his shots. The Rockets led by as much as 7 late until a late 3 from Pippen cut the lead to 4 going in to the 2nd. The Bulls started the 2nd period on a 10-0 run and quickly took the lead. THe Rockets, however, would go on a run of their own. They responded with a 19-6 run of their own and grabbed a firm grip on the game. Jordan continued to struggle with his shot and consequently, the Bulls are down 7 at the half at home in Game 4.

Things got worse for the Bulls in the 3rd. THey continued to struggle putting the ball in the hoop, missing shots even from close range, thanks to the inside presence of Hakeem and Horry. Olajuwon continued his brilliant game here, scoring 14 pt in the 3rd quarter, while grabbing 11 rebs and blocking 2 shots. The ROckets were dominating, and led by as much as 20 pts, 73-53. WIth their starters struggling, the Bulls bench led by Kerr and Kukoc helped the Bulls rally back to get to within 13 heading into the 4thQ.

Down by double digits in game 4 at home, the Bulls tried to conjure up another run to avoid losing homecourt once again in this series. Jordan and PIppen led a last run, combined for 28 pts int he 4th to try to get back in the game. After getting the lead down to 10 with over 2 mins to go, the Rockets' own superstars closed the gates on their run. Drexler and Hakeem came up with big plays in the finals 2 minutes to help seal the victory for HOuston.

Final score. 106-99. HOuston ties the series and regains home court.

Hakeem was POG. 41 pts 24 rebs 2 stl 5 blks. Drexler added 32 pts

JOrdan finished with 36 pts on 13/36 shooting. Pippen added 26 pts 7 rebs

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[bulls96]

HOUSTON -- With the series tied at 2-2, this is the most important game of the series, and it showed. This crucial game 5 featured 17 lead changes and 16 ties as no one ever kept a firm grip on the game. The best game of the series thus far!

Game link: https://youtu.be/yI4x5d5XROw

The first half was a tight race as neither team could sustain any kind of momentum. Jordan and PIppen combined for 16 in the 1st quarter to help the Bulls grab a 2-pt lead going into the 2nd. But their shooting suffered in the following period, as the Houston Rockets were able to limit their shots inside and outside. Clyde Drexler was the high man for the ROckets with 19 first half points, including a late 3-pointer that helped the ROckets grab a 3-pt lead going into the half.

The start of the third quarter was again as tight as can be, with multiple lead changes and leads no bigger than 6. It was Kenny Smith who was a standout for the Rockets, connecting on his 3's and cuts to the basket, scored 12 in the period. Lead was 4 for the Rockets, until Jordan hit a fadeaway jumper as the buzzer ended, cutting the lead to 2 heading into the 4th.

Stage was set for an exciting finish in this crucial Game 5. It has beenm tight all the way, and both Jordan and Olajuwon were primed to head to a showdown in a final quarter. First it was Jordan who was all over the court. Determined, Jordan was rebounding, assisting, stealing, and scored 12 od his 14 pts in the 4th to help give the Bulls a 7-pt lead with over 3 mins left. But over the next few minutes, Hakeem alongside his partner in crime Clyde Drexler would claw their way back into the game. WIth a follow up shot, Hakeem got the lead down to 3 with 34 secs left.

Jordan would run their shotclock down on their next possession and he shoots a tough baseline fadeaway jumper with 13.9 secs left and misses. ROckets have one more chance. On the final play, Bulls got Drexler and Hakeem covered, but fialed to cover another clutch player on this team... Big Shot Bob. Horry received the inbounds pass and ran towards the 3-pointer and buries it! Big shot BOb delivers again and ties it with 8.9 secs to go.

Still, more than enough time for another of Jordan's heroics. Jordan has it on the right side against Drexler, runs down the clock and makes his move... But Drexler makes a HUGE defensive stop and strips the ball as he went up for his shot!

We go to OVERTIME!

In Overtime, it was all about "The African" Hakeem Olajuwon. Hakeem would score 10 pts in OT as ke hept the ROckets in the lead. BUt the biggest shot of the game came from Clyde Drexler. With HOuston hanging on to a 3-pt lead, he found himself isolated vs MJ and scored on a huge basket with 47.8 secs left to make the lead 5 pts. THis was followed by another huge basket in the post by Hakeem that kept the lead at 5 with 27 secs to go. THey would make enough FT's down the stretch to secure the victory in Game 5.

Rockets win 109-105 to take a 3-2 lead to put JOrdan on the verge of elimination.

Hakeem finished with 31 pts 23 rebs 5 assts 5 blks, while Drexler added 29 pts 8 rebs 4 assts in his best game of the series. Kenny SMith added 24.

Jordan finished with a 40pt double-double, 49 pts 10 assts, but shot poorly in OT, just 2/6 as he trails a FInals series for the first time. Pippenb had a near triple-double with 23 pts 10 rebs 8 assists.

[bulls96]

CHICAGO -- Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler and the 1995 Houston Rockets have pushed Michael Jordan and his Bulls to a place where they have never been before in their 6-year championship run: At the brink of elimination, down 2-3 in Game 6. Can they finally do it?? How will Michael, Scottie and Co. respond?

Game link: https://youtu.be/QCxxm7FC2XQ


Hakeem made a statement early in the first, dominating the glass and the inside. He had 13 pts and 9 rebs in the first quarter alone as the Rockets took a 3-pt lead going in to the 2nd.

Sensing the game slipping away, Jordan bounced back in the 2nd, scoring 9 straight points at the start (total of 15 in the period) as they were able to turn the game around. The Bulls' bench, led by Toni Kukoc, also thoroughly outplayed their counterparts. Kukoc who had 12 in the 2nd, including 2/2 from 3. That helped the Bulls outscore the Rockets 34-21 in the period, bring a 10-pt lead into the half.

In the 3rd quarter, it was Scottie Pippen's turn to dominate as the Bulls were able to extend the lead to as much as 18, while the Hakeem and the ROckets fizzled. The Bulls lead was 15 heading into the 4th as the Rockets never really were able to challenge.

Big victory for the Bulls in Game 6 to force a Game 7.


Jordan finished with 43 pts 4 revs 6 assts 2 stls 1blk. Kukoc was the next high man, scoring 20 off the bencg. Pippen had 16.

Hakeem had another 20-20 game with 26 pts 20 rebs. Drexler had a team-high with 28.

[bulls96]

HOUSTON, TX -- It's Winner Take All... "The best two words in sports".. Game 7 is upon us and after the first 3 sequences of this game, you will immediately feel this game was going to be special. Vamos!

Game link: https://youtu.be/vBYM4omfaQU

Pippen had it going in the 1st, shooting 6/9 including 3/4 from 3, scoring 16 as both teams shot well from beyond the arc. Drexler countered with 11 of his own. THe lead changed hands 6 times in the 1st, looking to be a great start to Game 7. It was tied after 1. Things remained tight in the 2nd. Rockets got up by as much as 9 behind Hakeem's play but Bulls went on a run of their own and had the game tied. Bulls would go up by 2 at the half after a buzzerbeater by Jordan over Drexler as the 2ndQ ended.

In the 3rd quarter, the Bulls shooting started to cool off as they miss some open shots. Houston took advantage and Hakeem once again led the way with 13 pts in the 3rd. They were up by as much as 9 towards the end of the quarter, until Toni Kukoc connected on a late 3-pointer at the top of the key to cut the lead to 6 heading into the 4th.

Houston had good momentum going into the final period. THey just needed 12 more minutes of solid basketball and the Championship is theirs.

But the Bulls still had Michael Jordan. And MJ would put on a clutch performance in the 4th. He would shoot 10/18 fromp the field, score 20 pts and lead the Bulls all the way back into this game. He refuses to lose. He would give the Bulls a 2-pt lead with a tremendous drive to the basket eluding the outstretched arms of Olajuwon by changing shot in mid air, with 40 secs to go. But the ROckets still had a homecrowd, and Clyde Drexler would score quickly on a drive to tie the game on the next play.

Jordan had one last chance to win the game with 0.8 secs to go. He got the in bounds pass at the top of the key and let go... IT RATTLES IN!! But the refs have to review it, and this was the closest call ever in a deciding Finals game. I even had to run the replay myself... Jordan was just a hair... A HAIR TOO LATE!

OVERTIME in GAME 7!

Jordan finished with 60 pts 6 rebs 6 asst 5 stls.
Pippen had 31 6 rebs 5 assts 3stls 1 blk
Kukoc added 14. Rodman had 18 rebs.

Hakeem had 31 pts 21 rebs 2 stls 6 blks
Drexler 29 5 rebs 9 assists.
Kenny smith had 20.