Shaq-Kobe Lakers vs Jordan-Pippen Bulls. 2K25

[bulls96]

CHICAGO -- The dynasty of the 90s vs the dynasty of the 2000s. Kobe and SHaq face off with Jordan and Pippen in this Finals series. WHo will be the better dynasty?

Game link: https://youtu.be/5RWuHXeEkPQ

Shaq established early, scoring 10 pts while grabbing 8 boards as he dominated his Bulls matchups. Despite his dominance, behind Jordan's 11, the Bulls were down by just 2 after one. The Lakers continued to shoot well int he 3rd, including 3/3 from 3, and their lead stood at 5 at the half.

The Bulls defense started to hold in the 3rd, limiting the Lakers to 44% shooting in the 3rd quarter. The supporting cast also started to produce, with Pippen who was perfect from the field. 5/5 including 2/2 from 3 and the the Bulls gained the upper hand going in the 4th, 75-73.

The 4th quarter showed the Lakers unraveling, and Kobe trying to play too much hero ball. He contineud to shoot poorly though, just 3/9 and the Bulls led by as much as 11. The Lakers did make a final push as were able to cut the lead to 5 with less than a minute ago. But Jordan would sink a dagger fadeaway over Kobe to stop the rally and seal the W for the Bulls.

Bulls take Game 1. 103-96.

Jordan finsihed with 46 pts 7 assts 3 stsls while Pippen added 25 pts 5 rebs 6 asssts 3 stls 1 blk.

Shaq led the Lakers with 35 pts 17 rebs 3 assts . Kobe shot poorly 8/25 from the field for just 18 pts. There were 6 Lakers though in double figures, showing their more balanced attack.

[bulls96]

Re: Shaq-Kobe Lakers vs Jordan-Pippen Bulls. 2K25

CHICAGO -- After leading the Bulls to a Game 1 victory, Jordan tries to hold court in Game 2. Can Shaq and Kobe respond?

Game link: https://youtu.be/UVr-hDPYoII

THe Lakers had their inside-out game going with Shaq dominating inside and the shooters making their shots. Derek Fisher would have 3 3's in the first, counteracting JOrdan's hot 16 pt start to give the Lakers the edge, 26-24 going into the 2nd. Things remained pretty even in the second as the Bulls maintained a 2-pt lead going into the half.

In the 3rd quarter, the Bulls' dynamic duo led the Bulls attack, first with MJ and his passing. Jordan and Pippen combined for 23 3rd quarter points as the Bulls ended the quarter on a 19-12 run to gain a 10-pt lead into the 4th. The Bulls piled it on the 4thQ as they led by as much as 15. Kobe was trying to take over early but was forcing the issue and missing. Meanwhile, the Bulls also started missing their shots. With 2:50 to go, the Bulls were up by 14. Kobe and Shaq would make a last minute effort, and the Lakers make an 8-0 run to cut it to 6 with just 47 secs to go. Jordan, however, with shut it down, scoring his 49th pt of a post move over Kobe to put the Bulls solidly ahead.

Bulls hold court, go up 2-0 in this best-of-7.

Series goes to LA for the next 2.

Jordan finished with 49 pts and 11 assists while Pippen had 21. Kukoc and Kerr combined for 25 off the bench.

Kobe led the Lakers with 30 pts on 11/28 shooting. Shaq had a monster night at the boards, 28 rebs to go along with 21 pts. Fisher had 22 pts.

[bulls96]

Re: Shaq-Kobe Lakers vs Jordan-Pippen Bulls. 2K25

LOS ANGELES -- After losing their first 2 on the road, LA hopes to get back into the series with a win in Game 3. Can SHaq and Kobe respond?

Game link: https://youtu.be/ZLnoWLf6Y64

Lakers had a quick start in the first, making their first 5 shots, dumping it inside to Shaq who started with a few dunks early. Kobe was aggressive too, and matched SHaq's 10 pts to help the LAkers lead early. The Bulls would settle on their defense eventually, and got back to their offense. WIth some hot shooting from Scottie who would have 2 3's, the Bulls keep it close and it was just a 1-pt lead, 22-21 after one.

THe second quarter was a defensive masterclass for Chicago. The Bulls held the Lakers to 36% shooting. Even Luc Longley got into the action, blocking Kobe, and even Shaq, as the Bulls outscored the Lakers 31-20 to be firmly ahead 52-42 at the half.

The Bulls continued to dominate in the 3rd, going up by as much as 16 in the period. But Kobe was not gonna go away without a fight. He led the Lakers to a strong rally at the end of the period, scoring 12 in the quarter, to cut the lead to 7 pts heading into the 4th.

After a thunderous slam to start the period that helped cut the Bulls lead further,Kobe's his shooting again disappeared. Kobe was forcing some shots and kept on doing isolations. IN the meantime, the Bulls bench Steve Kerr and Toni Kukoc came out in the final quarter getting their shots in. Kukoc would have 9 pts in the 4th, and help the Bulls take an 12-pt lead with just 2 mins left, 92-80. Kobe and the LAkers continued to threaten to cut into the lead, but JOrdan made another dagger fadeaway over Kobe with a minute to go put more distance from the Lakers. Enough distance to survive a FT shooting duel towards the end.

Bulls win Game 3 with strong defense, and the usual dose of MJ at the clutch. Final score, 99-94. Bulls take a commanding 3-0 lead.

Kobe finished with 41 pts 5 rebs 6 assists. SHaq had 25 pts 19 rebs.

MJ finished with a game-high 44 pts, with 3 rebs 9 assists. PIppen had 24 pts 3 rebs 5 assists.

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[bulls96]

Re: Shaq-Kobe Lakers vs Jordan-Pippen Bulls. 2K25

LOS ANGELES -- The Shaq and Kobe Lakers face an embarassing sweep at their home court as Jordan and the Bulls look confident with a 3-0 advantage in this series. How will Kobe and Shaq respond?

Game link: https://youtu.be/hRfknsiYCJc?si=OnMqvY_Aj5wTcFAq

Kobe Bryant came to play early in Game 4. He was aggressive on the offensive side of the ball, scoring 16 on a variety of shots. This took away from the rest of the team however, as the Bulls had the more balanced attack, with MJ and Pippen combining for 15 while also distributing the ball. THe result at the end of the 1st: the Bulls had 27 while LA had 20, with Kobe's teammates only adding 4 to his total.

Bulls were looking confident. In the second quarter, LA turned more to Shaq and he was able to give out the ball to his perimeter guys when double teamed. LA would shoot 4/6 from 3's while the Bulls had none. LA would take lead on a jumper off a fastbreak jumper from Rider. But the Jordan would have the last say, draining the last 2 baskets of the period, including a layup by Jordan at the buzzer to give the Bulls a 4-pt advantage heading into the half.

The 3rd quarter was pretty even, as MJ and SHaq matched each other offensive output. Jordan had 10 while Shaq had 9 but also had 10 rebs 2 blks, as the Lakers went to him more and more rather than Kobe. However, it was still a 4-pt Bulls lead heading into the 4th.

With the Big Fella on the bench to start the quarter, Kobe tried to take charge, as their season was on the line here in Game 4. He responded in a big way. Kobe scored 13 in the period, albeit on 5/11 shooting, but Kobe was also aggressive on the other end with 3 steals. LA would take the lead on a 3-pointer from Kobe with little over 2 minutes to go. THey were then able to put some distance from the Bulls with consecutive buckets from Derek Fisher, including a 3-pointer that gave LA a 7-pt lead with 1:33 to go. THat proved to be insurmountable as the Lakers sank their FT's and grabbed the Game 4 win.

LA avoids the sweep and wins it, 95-89.

Kobe was POG with 38 pts with 5 assts 4 steals. Shaq had another 20-20 double-double, 21 pts 23 boards.

Jordan had 42 in a losing effort. Pippen and Kukoc added 18 & 16, respectively. Now, they go home and try to win it in front of the home crowd.

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[bulls96]

CHICAGO -- After getting too comfortable 3-0 start and letting one go in Game 4 at LA, the Bulls go back home and hope to close it out in front of the fans in Game 5. But they still had to deal with the juggernauts of Kobe & Shaq. WIll they be the one pulling off the upset?

Game link: https://youtu.be/T7D0Rb__yHM

Shaq dominated from the get-go. In the first quarter, he shot 7-8 for 14 pts as he quickly established himself inside. He did it defensively too, getting 2 blocks in the 1stQ alone. Lakers go up 34-27 after one. Jordan and Pippen tried to counter SHaq in the 2nd, combining for 15, but SHaq was too much. Bulls go to within 3 with Shaq sitting, but again fell behind once Shaq came back on the floor. O'Neal had another 11 int he 2nd to finish the half with 25 pts.

Lakers up 60-51 at the half.

Shaq went for the jugular in the 2nd halfr. Sensing the momentum, he scored another 18 pts in the 3rd, even sinking his FTs. Jordan tried to keep pace withn 14 pts of its own, and kept the Lakers lead to single digits heading into the 4th. But this was going to be Shaq's night as the Lakers led by as much as 18.

Lakers force Game 6 back in LA.

WIth a dominant performance by Shaq, they showed they may very well pull of this stunning 3-0 comeback. Jordan finished with another 40-pt double-double with 43 pts and 16 assists. Pippen and Kukoc scored 23 each. But this won't be enough as Shaq completely dominated Game 5. Shaq finished with 51 pts 17 rebs 4 assists and 4 blocks. Kobe had 16, but this was intentionally Shaq's game. Horry and FIsher added 13 and 16, resepectively.

[bulls96]

Recap of Game 5 now out. https://youtu.be/c-fJ4iUKmd8

Game 6 is tomorrow!

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[bulls96]

LOS ANGELES -- With 2 convincing wins in Game 4 and Game 5, the LA Lakers look like they are on their way to make a historic comeback from being down 3-0 in the Finals against Jordan's '96 Bulls. Can they continue the momentum at home in Game 6?

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


Game 6 started pretty much like Game 5 did with Shaq dominating. This unstoppable force shot 6/6 from the field, for 14 pts in the frist as the Lakers took an early 10-pt lead on the Bulls. And once he sat down to rest, Kobe took over, shooting well too with 6/9 as the Lakers shot 71% as a team in the 1st. Jordan stayed active and had 19 in the 1st, but it was not enough as Lakers go to the 2nd with an 8-pt lead.

The Lakers bench came in and continued the teams strong performance in the 2nd. Lakers led by as much as 13. But then SCottie Pippen came in and had probably his best quarter of the series. He was doing everything on the floor, while shooting a perfect 7/7 from the field, including 1 3-pointer. Thanks to his hot streak, the Bulls kept within striking distance and narrowed the lead to 6 at the half, 59-53.

Jordan and Pippen continued their momentum in the 3rd quarter, aggressive on both ends. The Bulls would tie the game on a ridiculous sequence by Scottie where he blocks Shaq and then runs to the other end to get the And-1 vs Kobe on the break. This was also key as this was also Kobe's 4th personal foul with still 7 mins to go in the 3rd. He is forced to sit it out. Bulls take advantage and Pippen again finished strong with 14 pts in the 3rd as the Bulls turn the tables and go up on LA by 6 heading into the 4thQ.

Jordan was able to increase the Bulls lead by as much as 8 halfway thru the 4th, and felt the momentum was on their side to be able to win this thing and closeout the series. But the other side still had Kobe Bryant. Kobe ignited a Lakers comeback with consecutive baskets including a 3, and a steal that led to 2pts from Fox which tied the game at 99 with 1:14 to go.

Still anybody's ballgame.

In the last possessions, Jordan missed on consecutive drives and unable to seal the deal. Lakers were also unable to connect as well, thanks to good defense from Chicago. On LA's last possession, they could not find an open man, until Fox was left in the corner who shot it. Misses it! But Shaquille would grab the offensive rebound and dunk the ball to give LA the lead with 8 secs to go.

LA needs one more defensive stop to force a game 7, after being down 3-0 in this series.

WIth 8 secs to go, Jordan had the ball in his hand, to tie it or win it with a 3...

He drives and with the defense collapsing on him, passes it out to Toni Kukoc in the corner who shoots it as the buzzer sounded... AND IT GOES IN!!

KUKOC saves the day for the Bulls and forces the game into OVERTIME!

OT started with Pippen stealing the ball on LA's first play and coming down with a breakaway slam. That dictated the pace as the Bulls tied the Lakers down on D. Jordan was again brilliant in OT and scored his 55th pt with a jumper to give the balls a 6-pt lead with 1:30 left. But the Lakers would not go away silently. THey would respond with a Fox 3-pointer and a Kobe runner to get them within 2 with 30 secs to go.

With the Bulls hanging on to a 2-pt lead with 30 secs left, the Bulls would run down the clock on their final play. It would find itself in Jordan's hands as the shotclock expired. MJ shoots it over Bryant as the buzzer sounded and it goes in! 4-pt Chicago lead! THat would be the dagger as LA would run out of time, being a 2-possession game.

Bulls take it in dramatic fashion in Game 6.

SHaq finished with 39 pts 23 rebs 6 assists. Kobe finished with 26, shooting 12/25 from the field.

Jordan again with a classic performance. 58 pts, 9 pts in overtime, together with 11 assts and 2 stls. But they would not win this game without Scottie Pippen too who contribnuted 36 pts 6 rebs 5 stls 1 blk.

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