Michael Jordan with the gamewinner! (Gamewinner/buzzerbeater thread)

[bulls96]

SAN ANTONIO - Two dynasties go at it in San Antonio and it was a well-played, well-executed Instant Classic that was decided at the Buzzer!

Catch the recap here!
https://youtu.be/B86qGudOOeA


FIrst quarter started out pretty even with both teams showing great offensive efficiency. Jordan had it going early scoring 8 pts. THe Spurs would go on a 13-2 run, 6 from Duncan, and come out with a 21-14 advantage with 3.5 mins to go in the 1st. Late flurry from Kukoc and MJ, including a fadeaway from MJ as time expired helped the Bulls narrow the gap to 2 at the close of the first.

The second quarter showed the full offensive prowess of the Spurs, executing their inside-and-out game with Duncan in the post very well. THey led by 8 midway forcing an early timeout and Mj off the bench at the halfway mark. Jordan would respond, scoring 6 straight points to get them within 2. The Spurs held off the JOrdan-inspired rally and maintained a 5 pts lead in to the half, after GLenn Robinson was left wide open for a corner 3 at the last seconds of the quarter.

Jordan had 22 at the half, scoring almost half of his teams points. Pippen was actually productive too with 18. THe Spurs dynamic duo also was making a splash. Duncan led the SPurs with 15 at the hlaf. Parker had 14.

In the 3rd quarter, both teams executed very well, but Duncan was proving to be too much for the Bulls inside. He had 10 pts, and dominated the offensive glass. The Spurs led by as much as 8. Jordan got intoa groove, and with Kerr was able to cut the lead down to 2. But the Spurs defense forced Chicago into turnovers late, and they were able to score on fastbreak opportunites. Lead balloons back to 9 at the end of the 3rd, 79-70.

In the fourth quarter, the Spurs led by as much as 11 early on. 85-74 with over 8 mins left. The Bulls tightened up their defense and coverage of their shooters and they were able to go on an 9-1 run to narrow the lead to 3. The Spurs were able to keep the lead there thru the last 2 mins of the game where the championship mettle of each team was tested. Rodman had a big follow up dunk that was answered by an and-1 follow by Duncan himself which stretched the lead to 4. On the next possession, Kukoc would answer with a 3-pointer with 1:14 left. Both teams would miss on their next possessions. In a big play with 42 ses left, Harper was able to steal an entry pass to Duncan and this would lead to a breakaway dunk by JOrdan to give the Bulls a 1-pt lead wiht 36 secs left. The Spurs would respond with a successful pick-and-roll between Ginobili and Duncan giving San ANtonio back the lead with 18 secs left

It was winning time. 18 seconds. Bulls hold for the last shot. They ran a play to get the ball the Jordan in the post. Jordan would shoot a fadeaway jumper over Bowen and Duncan as time expired and MAKES IT!

Jordan wins it at the buzzer! 100-99.

Jordan finishes with 38 pts 10 assts stls. Pippen also scored 37 pts as they outplayed SPurs DYnamic duo Duncan and Parker.

Duncan led the Spurs with 34 pts 14 rebs stls 2 blks. Tony Parker finished with 26 pts 7 assts 6 stls.NBA 2K22 2022-05-19 01-00-30.jpgNBA 2K22 2022-05-19 01-00-09.jpgNBA 2K22 2022-05-19 00-55-36 THIS 2_Moment(2).jpgNBA 2K22 2022-05-19 00-55-36 THIS 2_Moment.jpg

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[bulls96]

CHICAGO -- It is another instant classic matchup that got decided in the last second!

Gamelink: https://youtu.be/RsCe8Os5sJ8


THe first half was all about the Bulls. THeir offense was clicking and they led by as much as 16. Suns made a late rally that cut the lead to single digits in the second, but the Bulls kept forcing turnovers and a buzzer beating layup by Harper brought the lead back up to 11, 61-50.

Jordan was cooking the Suns defense with 26. Booker was no slouch with 15.

THe Suns slowly gained ground on Jordan and the Bulls, double teaming JOrdan early. MJ's teammates werent able to connect on their shots from double teams, and Paul and Booker started to connect. They are able to cut the lead to 4 by the end of the 3rd, with some momentum going into the 4th.

Much of the 4th quarter was a constant back and forth, with the lead changing hands multiple times. Booker was cooking for the Suns, scoring 17 in the 4th, including 4/4 from 3. Pippen and Kukoc combined for 26 in the 4th to anchor the Bulls while Jordan was on the bench.

It was tied with 2 minutes to go. It was clutch shot after clutch shot after clutch shot in the final minute. After a layup by MJ and 2FT's by Pippen gave the Bulls a 4 pt lead, the Suns responded with an alley-oop from Paul to Ayton, followed by a 3 from Crowder. Suns take the lead. The Bulls answered with a huge 3 pointer from Kukoc that gave the Bulls back a 2 pt lead. Chris Paul would miss a jumper at the other end, and the Suns smartly fouled Rodman on the rebound with 14 secs to go. This would work as Dennis missed both FT's giving the Suns another chance. Running back down, Chris Paul would attack the lane, and Jordan would double inside only to leave Booker open at the corner for a 3. Huge defensive lapse as Booker makes the 3 with 2.9 secs left!

Bulls down one, 113-112. 2.9 secs. It was just enough time for the GOAT. Bulls run a triple screen for Jordan on their inbound play, and Jordan would shoot a double clutch fadeaway over Devin Booker as time expired.. and SWISHES IT!

JORDAN ANSWERS IN THE CLUTCH AGAIN! Bulls win 114-113.


Jordan finished with 40 pts 9 assts. Pippen had 38 pts 11 rebs. Kukoc had 17 pts 6 rebvs 6 assts.

Booker led the Suns with 38 pts. Ayton had a double-double with 24 pts 12 rebs. Chris Paul had 22 pts 9 assts.

[bulls96]

PHOENIX -- It's the 1993 NBA Finals Redeux of the Jordan Era, and Charles Barkley (user created) and the Phoenix Suns are in for the challenge. The Suns hold the homecourt advantage with a league-best 60 wins. WIll history repeat itself?

Game link: https://youtu.be/YGBDLugh3As

It was a slow start for the Bulls in the first quarter, as Jordan missed his first 6 shots. The Suns seemed more pumped to be in the Finals, with great play and domination of the boards. The Suns go up early by 11 midway the 1st quarter, forcing a early timeout by Phil Jackson. Being the champion that they are, the Bulls would respond, and they are ignited by Scotttie Pippen and Jordan's defense. THey would get into the passing lanes and fueled the fastbreak. Chicago would outscore the Suns 16-4 to end the period as they take a 1 pt lead, 19-18 after one.

In the second quarter, the Suns offense remained stymied as the Bulls took as much as a 9 pt lead. Charles Barkley however continued his strong play, and rallied his team. His inside play helped the, move the ball better and the Suns caught up to the Bulls and narrow the gap to 1 heading into the half. 37-36.

Barkley was having a great half so far, already netting 15 pts and 12 rebs.

THe third quarter the Bulls could not pull away from the SUns, as the Suns balanced attack continued. Every Bulls rally was answered by the home team, with key contributors from their bench working, Danny Ainge and Ceballos. Bulls remained within reach with just a 4 pts lead, 58-54.

In the fourth quarter, Danny Ainge provided an extra spark off the bench, scoring 8 early ponts to help PHoenix grab the lead. Tom CHambers, scoring 8 pts in the 4th gave an extra lift and the Suns led by as much as 8, with just 2:27 remaining in the game. The home crowd was feeling good.

The Bulls kept their composure though, playing solid defense in the last 2 mins while attacking the basket and getting to the line. Jordan would cut the lead to 1 with a dunk with 1:07 to go, but would get blocked on his next drive with 34 secs left, forcing the Bulls to foul. KJ would make 1/2, to bring it the SUns lead to 2 with 27 secs left. Jordan would drive and get fouled in the next play, makes 2 FT's to tie the game with25 secs left. Bulls would make a big defensive stop on the next play, forcing the ball into the hands of the rookie Dumas who would drive and miss with 9.4 secs left.

Game is tied at 83. 9.3 secs left. Everyone knew where the ball would go to. SUns elect not to double and left Majerle one on one with MJ.

THe familiar then happens.

Another Game 1 FInals classic for JOrdan.

Jordan finished with 32 pts 9 rebs 3 assts 2 stls. PIppen added 20 while Horace Grant had a double-double with 10 pts 10 rebs.

Barkley had a tempered second half and finished with 17 pts 16 rebs 5 assts. The Suns had a omre balanced attack with 5 players in double figures.

[bulls96]

PHOENIX -- The Suns once again try to stay alive with the Bulls holding a 3-1 lead in the 1993 NBA Finals. Game played in PHoenix, and just as Game 6 of the '93 FInals was, this was another INSTANT CLASSIC!

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/Ls91EK2fZ2M


CHarles Barkley once again came out aggressive, scoring 7 early points as Jordan struggled with his shot. The Suns go up by 5 midway to the quarter. As the bench started to come in, the Bulls were able to take advantage with Jordan leading the second unit. THey go on a 6-0 run and tie the game at the end of the 1st. The sluggishness conitnued into the second quarter as neither team could connect on their shots and go on a run. Though shots werent falling, the Suns showed more tenacity on the offensive boards, getting more second chance opportunities. They push ahead by 3, 43-40 at the half.

Jordan was struggling from the field 6/15 for 14 pts. Barkley had 9 pts and 8 boards.


The Suns defense continued to stifle the Bulls and they led by as much as 9 in the 3rd period. THe Bulls go on a short 6-0 run to get to within 1 but the Suns would respond. Dan Majerle had his most productive quarter yet, shooting 3/3 from the field including a 3-pointer. The Suns bench also continued to outplay their Bulls counterparts. Ceballos and CHambers would combine for the SUns last 8 pts to give the Suns a 7-point lead heading into the 4th.

Pippen would open the 4th quarter with a block and 5 straight points to help the Bulls get to within 2. But the Suns always seemed to have an answer for every Bulls run as they are able to get the lead back up with inspired play from Ceballos and CHambers. Still the Bulls remained within striking distance with Pippen leading the charge while giving Jordan the rest to finish the game strong. He anchored the Bulls offense, scoring 13, and kept the Bulls within range, 79-75 with 4 minutes to go.

THe Bulls had one final run. Suns had a 6 pt lead with 4 mins to go. Suns could stave off elimination and hold the lead, or the Bulls can make a last push, for championship #3.

Jordan would answer the call, scoring 6 points for the Bulls, but he was matched by CHarles Barkley who was equally determined to win the game. Barkley would give a 4-pt cushion for the Suns with a turnaround jumper with just 57 secs to go. Jordan would answer with a dunk on the other end off the triangle. Dan Majerle would then answer with another big jumper on the next play with 31 secs left to keep the lead at 4. On the next possession, the Suns defense managed to break the Bulls play, but at the final moment, Jordan found BJ Armstrong open for a 3-pointer at the right shoulder to bring the Bulls to within 1 with 13 secs left. Bulls foul and send Majerle to the line. He would sink both FT's.

Suns lead 89-86 with just 12.6 secs left. On the inbounds play, the Bulls got the ball into Jordan's hands would owuld successfully drive the lane for a layup with 8 secs to spare to cut the lead again to 1. Majerle gets fouled again, but this time, he misses the first FT, makes the 2nd.

Suns lead 90-88. 7.1 secs left. Bulls get the ball to JOrdan on the left side of the court. KJ comes to double him, but leaves John Paxson open at the top of the key! Jordan passes it to Paxson at the last moment, and Paxson drains the 3 as time expired to give the Bulls the win and the CHAMPIONSHIP!!


Jordan finished with 34 pts 4 rebs 10 assts. PIppen had 25 pts 7 rebs 2 stls and 2 blks.

Majerle led the Suns with 20 pts 5 stls. Barkley finished with 17 pts 12 rebs. Ceballos had 13 pts off the bench.

[bulls96]

CHICAGO -- It's 1994 and Jordan is still on the Bulls after foregoing retirement to try to make it 4 in a row. Hakeem Olajuwon and the Houson Rockets await in this CLASSIC Matchup for the NBA title.

Watch the game here: https://youtu.be/Wi80mMg1xXk

It was a close game to start, with Hakeem and Jordan finding their marks. Jordan however, would commit two early fouls and is forced to sit early. The ROckets supporting cast also faired better here, showing the Rockets' depth. THey led by as much as 5. Matt Bullard and Mario Elie had strong contributions off the bench and the ROckets take the 1st quarter 22-18.

In the second quarter, Michael Jordan came back facing constant pressure and double teams, and his backcourt failed to connect on their open jumpers. Houston was pouring it on, controlling the boards as well, and the Rockets lead by as much as 10 early on. But Jordan would not sit and wait. He put extra aggression escpaing double teams and driving the lane, and fueled the Bulls back into the game. He scored 15 pts in the 2nd period, and with Pippen, finished the quarter on a 13-4 run to grab the upper hand heading into the half.

Chicago leads 44-43 at the half.

JOrdan had 19 in the first half, Pippen 14.

Pippen drew first blood in the 3rd quarter, upping the lead to 5 with just 2 mins gone by in the 3rd. The Rockets quickly recovered, establishing their inside game, going on a 13-4 run of their own to go up by 4 halfway. Pippen would try to anchor the Bulls as Jordan rested to prepare to play the whole 4th. Hakeem Olajuwon had other plans. He caught fire. He was unstoppable on both ends. He would have a huge 3rd quarter, 11 pts 8 rebs 3 blks in the period alone to help the ROckets take control of the game, leading by as much as 7, and go into the 4th with a 5 pt lead 71-66.

The Rockets continued to outplay the Bulls in the 4th quarter, getting contributions from all players. Lead stood at 9 with 7 mins to go. The Bulls, with their Championship pedigree, regrouped, and realigned their defenses and took control over the boards in the next few mins. THey would go on a classic 10-0 Bulls run to reclaim the lead 82-81 with 4 mins to go. IT was a classic back and forth for both teams, as no one is able to take back control of the game.

Lead was 1 for Houston with 1:40 minutes to go. Olajuwon would score on a pick n roll with Smith to bring HOuston up to 3 again with 90 secs to go. Pippen would respond with a dunk on a backdoor play. ON the next play, Kenny SMith would connect on a jumper to make the lead 3 again with 1:05 left. Bulls respond with their favorite play for MJ to get a dunk off a triangle. Lead is again down to 1 with 56 secs left. Bulls play solid defense on the next play and get the ball in their court with 26 secs left. THey call a timeout.

ON the inbounds, the Bulls get it to Jordan who made a quick baseline drive away from the the defense and dunks the ball WITH A FOUL with 23 secs left! He makes the bonus FT to make it a 2 pt Chicago lead. Houston would quickly respond as Hakeem would make a sweet quick cut to the basket and get the excellent pass from Smith for an easy layup to tie the game at 89 with 19.7 secs left.

EVeryone knows what will happen next. Bulls run down the clock on this one. THey catch MJ against Maxwell over the right shoulder. Jordan backs him down as time winds down and shoots his fadeaway jumper as time expires. SWIIISH!! JORDAN DOES IT AGAIN!

Bulls win on Jordan's gamewinner, 91-89.

Jordan finishes with 38 pts 6 rebs 8 assts 3 stls 1 blk. Pippen added 28 with 7 rebs 4 assts 4 stls.

Hakeem had 25 pts 18 rebs 3 assts 2 stls 6 blks. Thorpe had 16 pts 7 rebs. Kenny Smith and Maxwell had `14 apiece.

[bulls96]

CHICAGO -- After a dramatic Game 1 victory where Jordan scored the gamewinner (catch the gaemwinner here: https://youtu.be/Wi80mMg1xXk?t=3995), Game 2 turned out to be an even bigger thriller, going into OVERTIME, and again decided in the final seconds.

WATCH it here: https://youtu.be/NPmZHi-ElTw

Game 2 continued the parttern of low scoring slow paced basketball. Even match to begin, until the Bulls bench, led by Steve Kerr who had 8 pts, gave the Bulls as much as a 9-pt lead. THe Rockets bench however, with Elie, Brooks and Bullard. Lead stood at 3, 27-24 after one. This continued in the second quarter, as both teams play excellent dewfense. Jordan di catchf ire late, and helped the Bulls keep a 3 pt lead at the half, 40-37.
At the start of the third, it was a back and fourth between Jordan and Hakeem. MJ took a rest to get fresh for the 4th, and the Rockets pushed ahead with a 2 pt lead in the last 2 and a hlaf minutes of the quarter 53-51. Hakeem, however, was on the floor, and remianed unstoppable in the inside and the boards. Rockets finishthe 3rd on a 7-0 run to grab a 3 pt lead heading into the fourth.

In the fourth quarter, the Rockets seemingly took command in the game midway as Chicago fails to capitalize on some open opportunities. THeir lead was 7 with less than 3 mins to go. The Bulls, however, made their trademark run, starting with 3 key defensive plays, that led to transition baskets on the other end, and before you know it, lead was just 1 with just 1 minute to go. On their next play, the Rockets were again defended well but left Maxwell open in the corner as time expired. Luck was on the Bulls side as he misses, but Hakeem comes up with the huge offensive rebound and tip in to give the ROckets some cushion, 3 pt lead with 49.5 secs to go. On the next play, Jordan was trapped in the corner by the ROckets defense, and it was Will Perdue who found an open lane. His first layup though did not go, but he grabs the offensive rebound and tries to slam it but gets fouled by Olajuwon with 42.9 secs left. He makes 1 of 2, keeping the Bulls within 2 pts. The Bulls played great defense on the next possession, leading to a block by Horace Grant on Maxwell's floater in the lane. Bulls call for a timeout with 18.5 secs left.

Bulls have one more play to stay in the game. Houston though, did a great job of trapping Jordan once again, forcing him to give up the ball. Ball was passed around multiple times across the floor, and somehow someway, it found its way back to Jordan's hands who found an open lane and immediately drove and dunked the ball to tie the game with 1.5 secs left.

Game tied, 81-81.

Houston inbounded on the next play and the Bulls were able to deny the shooters. Only Thorpe was open and got the ball. He shot a jumper on the right shoulder and misses.

Game goes to overtime.

In overtime, Hakeem and Jordan were dominant, but the Bulls were able to force more turnovers and Jordan was able to connect on his jumper, including one that gave them a 5 point lead with 1:26 to go. Hakeem did not give up. He scored on their next play, and Houston forced MJ into turnovers off double teams on their next 2 possessions to get to within 1 with 25 secs to go. On their last possession, Hakeem would miss, but the Bulls couldnt get the defensive rebound. They were beat by Thorpe and then Olajuwon who would dunk the ball to give the ROckets a 1 pt lead with 5.4 secs remaining.

Its clutch time again. Jordan scored the gamewinner in Game 1. Can he make it 2 consecutive gamewinners and give the Bulls another victory?

Jordan finished with a 40-pt triple-double. 43 pts 12 rebs 11 assts 2 stls. Pippen added 23 5 rebs 5 stls. Grant and Perdue did their best against the strong ROckets froncourt, and while not scoring double figures, grabbed 10 adn 12 rebs respectively.

Hakeem Olajuwon finished with 33 pts, including 9 in overtime period. He added 21 rebs 4 stls 3 blks. Otis Thorpe aded 13 pts and 11 rebs.

[bulls96]

Catch a glimpse of this gamewinner with my YT Short!

https://youtube.com/shorts/0-s-KWagBXw?feature=share

I've got a recap of the game up as well.

https://youtu.be/FTASpdDyRWQ

Sent from my Surface Duo 2 using Tapatalk

[bulls96]

CHICAGO -- It's 1995, Jordan is back and the newly drafted GRANT HILL faces the dynamic duo of Jordan and Pippen in a matchup that started lopsided but again decided on the final play!

Watch the game here: https://youtu.be/65qYvDP4OsY

The Pistons came out firing literally on all cylinders, going up early by 10, 19-9, led by Allan Houston who was connecting on the perimeter with 7 early points. After an early timeout, the Champs were able to regroup, refocus their defense and finished the period on a 15-6 tun to keep within range with Pippen leading the second unit. It Detroir leading, 25-24 after one.

The Bulls and Pistons battled out evenly in the 2nd, with the Bulls getting up on the PIstons early, but faded as Pistons caused several turnovers. It was a tied game at the half, thanks to a last second 3-pointer from Toni Kukoc.

It remained close in the 3rd, with the Bulls pulling out ahead by 3 a tthe end 74-71. Both teams shot poorly in the 4th period to start, with the Bulls failing to connect and turinng it over. A 3 pointer by Grant Hill gave Pistons a 4-pt lead with 4 mins to go, their biggest of the game. The Bulls got back into it after a quick timeout to regroup and were hanging on a thread. Jordan would have some uncharacteristic miscues towards the end. He would miss a late FT, foul Houston late with the team in penalty, and then on a drive with 46 secs left would be called for a charge against Joe Dumars and the game remains tied with 36 secs left. The Bulls played solid defense on the other end, forcing them into a tough 3 and grab the rebound with 9.9 secs left.

9.9 seconds, Enough time for Jordan time.

Jordan would start dribbling at the other side of the court, walks down the middle, spins against Dumars at the top of the key. He finds goes up to the rim and makes the off balanced layup PLUS draws the fould on Terry Mills who tried to draw the charge but was clearly in the no-charge zone. It's a FOUL and ONE! Jordan makes the FT to give the Bulls the 3 pt lead with 3 secs left. That would be enough to hang on as the time expired on Detroit.

Bulls win a close one, 99-96.

Jordan finished with 36 pts 8 rebs 11 assts 2 stls. PIppen had 18 pts 6 rebs 5 assts 3 stls. Kukoc had a solid all around effort with 14 pts 7 rebs 6 assts.

Allan Houston led the PIstons with 28 pts. Grant Hill was quite passive in this game, shot poorly with 13 pts on 3/14 shooting. Oliver and Terry Mills bpoth had double figures.