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1997–98 Chicago Bulls season

The 1997–98 NBA season was the Bulls' 32nd season in the National Basketball Association.[1] The Bulls entered the season as the two-time defending NBA champions, and in the Finals, they met the Utah Jazz in a rematch from the prior year's NBA Finals and just like that year, they would go on to defeat the Jazz in six games to win their sixth championship in eight years and complete the franchise's second "3-peat".

1997–98 Chicago Bulls season
NBA champions
Conference champions
Division champions
Head coachPhil Jackson
General managerJerry Krause
OwnersJerry Reinsdorf
ArenaUnited Center
Results
Record62–20 (.756)
PlaceDivision: 1st (Central)
Conference: 1st (Eastern)
Playoff finishNBA Champions
(Defeated Jazz 4–2)
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com
Local media
TelevisionWGN-TV
SportsChannel/Fox Sports Chicago
RadioWMVP
< 1996–97 1998–99 >

During the off-season, the Bulls acquired Scott Burrell from the Golden State Warriors,[2][3][4] and signed free agent Joe Kleine.[5] However, All-Star forward Scottie Pippen would miss the first half of the season due to an injured toe on his left foot sustained from the 1997 NBA Playoffs.[6][7][8][9] Without Pippen, the Bulls started with a slow 9–7 record in November, but then would go on a 15–4 record until he returned in January. However, three-point specialist Steve Kerr went down with a fractured collarbone in January, and played just 50 games.[10][11][12] Despite the injuries, the Bulls held a 34–15 record at the All-Star break.[13] At midseason, the team traded Jason Caffey to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for David Vaughn.[14][15][16] Vaughn would only play just three games with the Bulls before being waived on March 2. Also in early March, the team re-signed former Bulls reserve forward Dickey Simpkins, who was previously released by the Warriors, and played in the final 21 games of the regular season.[17] Despite the slow start, with the help of Scottie's return which was limited to just 44 games, the Bulls would post a 13-game winning streak between March and April, and still finish first place in the Central Division and Eastern Conference with a 62–20 record.[18] The Bulls had the third best team defensive rating in the NBA.[19]

In the playoffs, the Bulls swept the New Jersey Nets, 3–0 in the Eastern Conference First Round,[20][21][22][23] defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 4–1 in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals,[24][25][26][27] despite losing Game 2 at the United Center, 78–76,[28][29][30] and then defeated the Indiana Pacers, 4–3 in the Eastern Conference Finals en route to advance to the NBA Finals.[31][32][33][34] In the Finals, they met the Utah Jazz in a rematch from the prior year's NBA Finals and just like last year, they would go on to defeat the Jazz in six games to win the championship. The championship was their sixth in eight years and completed the franchise's second "3-peat".[35][36][37][38][39]

The season also saw Michael Jordan earn his fifth and final NBA Most Valuable Player Award,[40][41][42][43] while being selected for the 1998 NBA All-Star Game,[44][45][46] where he also won his third and final All-Star Game MVP Award.[47][48][49][50][51][52] He once again led the league in scoring averaging 28.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game, while being named to the All-NBA First Team, and NBA All-Defensive First Team, and also finished in fourth place in Defensive Player of the Year voting.[53] In addition, Pippen averaged 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game, and was selected to the All-NBA Third Team, and also to the All-Defensive First Team, while finishing in tenth place in Most Valuable Player voting,[53] and rebound-specialist Dennis Rodman once again led the league in rebounding with 15.0 rebounds per game. Toni Kukoč provided the team with 13.3 points per game, playing most of the season as the team's starting small forward in Pippen's absence, while Luc Longley averaged 11.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, Ron Harper contributed 9.3 points and 1.3 steals per game, and Kerr contributed 7.5 points per game off the bench.[54]

This was Jordan's last season as a Bull, as he announced his second retirement after it was over.[55][56][57][58][59] However, he did make a second comeback with the Washington Wizards in 2001.[60][61][62][63][64] Following the season, Phil Jackson resigned as head coach,[65][66][67][68] while Pippen was traded to the Houston Rockets,[69][70][71][72][73] Rodman left for the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent,[74][75][76][77] Longley was dealt to the Phoenix Suns,[73][78][79] Kerr was traded to the San Antonio Spurs,[80][73][81][82] Burrell signed with the New Jersey Nets,[83] Jud Buechler signed with the Detroit Pistons,[84] and Kleine re-signed with the Suns, his former team.

Because of this dismantling of the team, this was the last season for the Bulls dynasty that had headlined the NBA throughout the 1990s. What followed was a long rebuilding process between 1998 and 2004, and the Bulls did not return to the postseason until 2005.

The story of this season was captured in ESPN's The Last Dance, which aired in April 2020.

Offseason

NBA draft

RoundPickPlayerPositionNationalitySchool/Club Team
128Keith BoothSF  United StatesMaryland
258Roberto DueñasC  SpainFC Barcelona (Spain)

Roster

1997–98 Chicago Bulls roster
PlayersCoaches
Pos.No.NameHeightWeightDOBFrom
F22Booth, Keith6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)226 lb (103 kg)1974–10–09Maryland
G1Brown, Randy6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)190 lb (86 kg)1968–05–22New Mexico State
F30Buechler, Jud6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)220 lb (100 kg)1968–06–19Arizona
F24Burrell, Scott6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)218 lb (99 kg)1971–01–12Connecticut
G9Harper, Ron6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)185 lb (84 kg)1964–01–20Miami (OH)
G23Jordan, Michael (C)6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)215 lb (98 kg)1963–02–17North Carolina
G25Kerr, Steve6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)175 lb (79 kg)1965–09–27Arizona
C53Kleine, Joe6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)255 lb (116 kg)1962–01–04Arkansas
F7Kukoč, Toni6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)192 lb (87 kg)1968–09–18Croatia
G5LaRue, Rusty6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)210 lb (95 kg)1973–12–10Wake Forest
C13Longley, Luc7 ft 2 in (2.18 m)265 lb (120 kg)1969–01–19New Mexico
F33Pippen, Scottie (C)6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)220 lb (100 kg)1965–09–25Central Arkansas
F91Rodman, Dennis6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)210 lb (95 kg)1961–05–13SE Oklahoma State
F8Simpkins, Dickey6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)248 lb (112 kg)1972–04–06Providence
C34Wennington, Bill7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)245 lb (111 kg)1963–04–26St. John's
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (S) Suspended
  • Injured

Roster
Last transaction: March 2, 1998

Roster Notes

Regular season

Season standings

Central Division
 W L PCT GB Home Road Div
y-Chicago Bulls6220.756–37–425–1621–7
x-Indiana Pacers5824.707432–926–1519–9
x-Charlotte Hornets5131.6221132–919–2216–12
x-Atlanta Hawks5032.6101229–1221–2019–9
x-Cleveland Cavaliers4735.5731527–1420–2114–14
Detroit Pistons3745.4512525–1612–2912–16
Milwaukee Bucks3646.4392621–2015–269–19
Toronto Raptors1666.195469–327–342–26
#
Eastern Conference
Team W L PCT GB
1c-Chicago Bulls6220.756–
2y-Miami Heat5527.6717
3x-Indiana Pacers5824.7074
4x-Charlotte Hornets5131.62211
5x-Atlanta Hawks5032.61012
6x-Cleveland Cavaliers4735.57315
7x-New York Knicks4339.52419
8x-New Jersey Nets4339.52419
9Washington Wizards4240.51220
10Orlando Magic4141.50021
11Detroit Pistons3745.45125
12Boston Celtics3646.43926
12Milwaukee Bucks3646.43926
14Philadelphia 76ers3151.37831
15Toronto Raptors1666.19546

Record vs. opponents

1997–98 NBA records
TeamATLBOSCHACHICLEDALDENDETGSWHOUINDLACLALMIAMILMINNJNNYKORLPHIPHOPORSACSASSEATORUTAVANWAS
Atlanta—2–14–01–34–02–02–02–22–01–11–32–00–21–33–10–21–22–22–23–10–21–12–01–11–14–00–22–04–0
Boston1–2—1–21–31–31–11–12–21–11–10–42–01–10–42–21–12–22–22–23–10–21–11–10–21–13–00–22–03–2
Charlotte0–42–1—1–32–22–02–03–11–12–03–12–01–13–13–11–12–21–33–12–11–12–01–11–11–14–01–12–02–2
Chicago3–13–13–1—2–21–12–03–12–02–02–22–01–12–14–01–14–04–03–12–11–11–12–02–01–14–00–22–03–1
Cleveland0–43–12–22–2—1–12–03–12–01–12–22–01–11–32–22–03–11–22–23–12–01–12–00–20–23–11–12–01–2
Dallas0–21–10–21–11–1—3–10–21–30–41–11–30–40–20–22–20–21–10–20–20–40–40–40–42–21–10–44–01–1
Denver0–21–10–20–20–21–3—0–21–30–40–22–20–40–20–21–30–20–20–20–20–42–21–30–40–40–20–41–31–1
Detroit2–22–21–31–31–32–02–0—2–01–11–32–00–21–22–20–22–22–21–23–11–10–21–11–10–24–00–20–22–2
Golden State0–21–11–10–20–23–13–10–2—1–30–21–31–30–20–20–40–21–11–10–20–41–32–21–31–30–20–41–30–2
Houston1–11–10–20–21–14–04–01–13–1—1–14–01–30–21–11–31–11–10–21–11–31–34–02–21–32–00–43–11–1
Indiana3–14–01–32–22–21–12–03–12–01–1—2–00–23–14–02–02–12–13–14–01–11–12–00–20–24–01–12–04–0
L.A. Clippers0–20–20–20–20–23–12–20–23–10–40–2—0–40–20–20–41–10–20–21–10–40–43–11–30–41–11–31–30–2
L.A. Lakers2–01–11–11–11–14–04–02–03–13–12–04–0—1–12–04–01–11–11–10–22–22–24–04–01–32–03–14–01–1
Miami3–14–01–31–23–12–02–02–12–02–01–32–01–1—3–11–13–12–23–14–00–22–02–00–20–24–01–12–02–2
Milwaukee1–32–21–30–42–22–02–02–22–01–10–42–00–21–3—1–10–43–12–12–20–22–02–00–21–13–10–21–11–2
Minnesota2–01–11–11–10–22–23–12–04–03–10–24–00–41–11–1—2–01–10–22–03–11–33–11–31–31–11–34–00–2
New Jersey2–12–22–20–41–32–02–02–22–01–11–21–11–11–34–00–2—2–23–13–11–11–12–01–10–23–10–22–01–3
New York2–22–23–10–42–11–12–02–21–11–11–22–01–12–21–31–12–2—4–02–22–01–11–10–21–13–10–22–01–3
Orlando2–22–21–31–32–22–02–02–11–12–01–32–01–11–31–22–01–30–4—4–00–22–00–20–21–13–10–22–03–1
Philadelphia1–31–31–21–21–32–02–01–32–01–10–41–12–00–42–20–21–32–20–4—1–11–11–10–20–22–20–22–03–1
Phoenix2–02–01–11–10–24–04–01–14–03–11–14–02–22–02–01–31–10–22–01–1—2–23–13–12–22–01–34–01–1
Portland1–11–10–21–11–14–02–22–03–13–11–14–02–20–20–23–11–11–10–21–12–2—3–12–20–42–03–12–21–1
Sacramento0–21–11–10–20–24–03–11–12–20–40–21–30–40–20–21–30–21–12–01–11–31–3—0–41–31–12–22–21–1
San Antonio1–12–01–10–22–04–04–01–13–12–22–03–10–42–02–03–11–12–02–02–01–32–24–0—2–22–01–34–01–1
Seattle1–11–11–11–12–02–24–02–03–13–12–04–03–12–01–13–12–01–11–12–02–24–03–12–2—2–02–24–01–1
Toronto0–40–30–40–41–31–12–00–42–00–20–41–10–20–41–31–11–31–31–32–20–20–21–10–20–2—0–21–10–3
Utah2–02–01–12–01–14–04–02–04–04–01–13–11–31–12–03–12–02–02–02–03–11–32–23–12–22–0—4–00–2
Vancouver0–20–20–20–20–20–43–12–03–11–30–23–10–40–21–10–40–20–20–20–20–42–22–20–40–41–10–4—1–1
Washington0–42–32–21–32–11–11–12–22–01–10–42–01–12–22–12–03–13–11–31–31–11–11–11–11–13–02–01–1—

Game log

Regular season

1997–98 game log
Total: 62–20 (Home: 37–4; Road: 25–16)
October: 0–1 (home: 0–0; road: 0–1)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Record
1October 31@ BostonL 85–92Michael Jordan (30)Dennis Rodman (9)Harper & Jordan (4)FleetCenter
18,624		0–1
November: 9–6 (home: 6–1; road: 3–5)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Record
2November 1PhiladelphiaW 94–74Ron Harper (17)Dennis Rodman (13)Ron Harper (8)United Center
24,196		1–1
3November 3San AntonioW 87–83 (OT)Michael Jordan (29)Dennis Rodman (22)Jordan & Harper (4)United Center
23,868		2–1
4November 5OrlandoW 94–81Michael Jordan (29)Michael Jordan (17)Steve Kerr (5)United Center
23,809		3–1
5November 7@ AtlantaL 78–80Michael Jordan (27)Jordan & Longley (9)Michael Jordan (6)Georgia Dome
45,790		3–2
6November 8New JerseyW 99–86Steve Kerr (21)Dennis Rodman (12)Toni Kukoč (7)United Center
23,898		4–2
7November 11@ ClevelandL 80–101Michael Jordan (19)Jason Caffey (8)Brown & Kerr (5)Gund Arena
20,562		4–3
8November 12WashingtonL 83–90Michael Jordan (28)Dennis Rodman (14)Harper & Longley (5)United Center
23,749		4–4
9November 14CharlotteW 105–92Michael Jordan (28)Dennis Rodman (14)Michael Jordan (7)United Center
23,894		5–4
10November 15ClevelandW 79–70Michael Jordan (27)Dennis Rodman (18)Toni Kukoč (7)United Center
23,906		6–4
11November 20@ PhoenixL 85–89Michael Jordan (30)Dennis Rodman (14)Ron Harper (5)America West Arena
19,023		6–5
12November 21@ L.A. ClippersW 111–102 (2OT)Michael Jordan (49)Luc Longley (17)Toni Kukoč (6)Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
16,199		7–5
13November 23@ SacramentoW 103–88Michael Jordan (33)Dennis Rodman (14)Toni Kukoč (8)ARCO Arena
17,317		8–5
14November 25@ SeattleL 90–91Toni Kukoč (30)Dennis Rodman (17)Harper & Kukoč (6)KeyArena
17,072		8–6
15November 28@ IndianaL 83–94Michael Jordan (26)Dennis Rodman (11)Toni Kukoč (4)Market Square Arena
16,736		8–7
16November 29@ WashingtonW 88–83Michael Jordan (29)Dennis Rodman (17)Ron Harper (7)US Airways Arena
18,756		9–7
December: 11–3 (home: 9–0; road: 2–3)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Record
17December 3@ BostonW 97–87Michael Jordan (29)Dennis Rodman (17)Toni Kukoč (11)FleetCenter
18,624		10–7
18December 5MilwaukeeW 82–64Toni Kukoč (19)Dennis Rodman (14)Dennis Rodman (5)United Center
24,041		11–7
19December 9New YorkW 100–82Michael Jordan (29)3 players tied (9)Harper & Jordan (4)United Center
24,107		12–7
20December 10@ OrlandoL 98–106Michael Jordan (25)Dennis Rodman (16)Toni Kukoč (7)Orlando Arena
17,248		12–8
21December 12@ CharlotteL 77–79Michael Jordan (28)Dennis Rodman (19)Toni Kukoč (7)Charlotte Coliseum
24,042		12–9
22December 13TorontoW 97–70Ron Harper (20)Dennis Rodman (14)Toni Kukoč (6)United Center
23,867		13–9
23December 15PhoenixW 111–104Michael Jordan (31)Dennis Rodman (21)Brown & Rodman (6)United Center
23,888		14–9
24December 17L.A. LakersW 104–83Michael Jordan (36)Dennis Rodman (14)Toni Kukoč (8)United Center
24,119		15–9
25December 20@ New JerseyW 100–92Michael Jordan (24)Dennis Rodman (24)Dennis Rodman (5)Continental Airlines Arena
20,049		16–9
26December 23L.A. ClippersW 94–89Michael Jordan (27)Dennis Rodman (25)3 players tied (4)United Center
23,904		17–9
27December 25MiamiW 90–80Michael Jordan (24)Dennis Rodman (13)Toni Kukoč (5)United Center
24,182		18–9
28December 27AtlantaW 97–90Michael Jordan (47)Dennis Rodman (29)Dennis Rodman (5)United Center
24,131		19–9
29December 29DallasW 111–105Michael Jordan (41)Dennis Rodman (27)Dennis Rodman (8)United Center
23,712		20–9
30December 30@ MinnesotaL 95–99Michael Jordan (33)Dennis Rodman (13)Toni Kukoč (8)Target Center
20,097		20–10
January: 13–3 (home: 6–1; road: 7–2)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Record
31January 2MilwaukeeW 114–100Michael Jordan (44)Dennis Rodman (21)Luc Longley (8)United Center
23,897		21–10
32January 3@ DetroitW 105–96Michael Jordan (34)Dennis Rodman (18)Michael Jordan (9)The Palace of Auburn Hills
22,076		22–10
33January 6BostonW 90–79Jordan & Kukoč (19)Dennis Rodman (20)Toni Kukoč (6)United Center
23,804		23–10
34January 7@ MiamiL 72–99Michael Jordan (26)Dennis Rodman (17)Brown, Harper (4)Miami Arena
15,200		23–11
35January 9@ New YorkW 90–89Michael Jordan (44)Luc Longley (10)Luc Longley (6)Madison Square Garden
19,763		24–11
36January 10Golden StateW 87–82Michael Jordan (32)Dennis Rodman (16)Scottie Pippen (5)United Center
23,902		25–11
37January 13SeattleW 101–91Michael Jordan (40)Dennis Rodman (17)Dennis Rodman (6)United Center
24,112		26–11
38January 15@ PhiladelphiaL 96–106Scottie Pippen (22)Dennis Rodman (20)Harper & Pippen (5)CoreStates Center
21,104		26–12
39January 16@ MilwaukeeW 96–86Michael Jordan (27)Dennis Rodman (12)Luc Longley (5)Bradley Center
18,717		27–12
40January 18HoustonW 106–100Michael Jordan (45)Longley & Rodman (5)Scottie Pippen (10)United Center
24,209		28–12
41January 21CharlotteW 110–79Michael Jordan (33)Luc Longley (13)Scottie Pippen (7)United Center
23,967		29–12
42January 23@ New JerseyW 100–98 (OT)Michael Jordan (32)Scottie Pippen (7)Kukoč & Pippen (9)Continental Airlines Arena
20,049		30–12
43January 25UtahL 94–101Michael Jordan (32)Dennis Rodman (14)Scottie Pippen (10)United Center
24,361		30–13
44January 27@ VancouverW 103–85Scottie Pippen (29)Dennis Rodman (22)Pippen & Rodman (6)General Motors Place
19,193		31–13
45January 29@ PortlandW 100–87Michael Jordan (29)Dennis Rodman (20)Longley & Pippen (8)Rose Garden
21,538		32–13
46January 30@ Golden StateW 87–80Scottie Pippen (22)Dennis Rodman (22)Scottie Pippen (4)The Arena in Oakland
19,804		33–13
February: 10–3 (home: 6–1; road: 4–2)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Record
47February 1@ L.A. LakersL 87–112Michael Jordan (31)Dennis Rodman (15)Brown & Pippen (5)Great Western Forum
17,505		33–14
48February 2@ DenverW 111–72Scott Burrell (24)Dennis Rodman (16)Buechler & Caffey (4)McNichols Sports Arena
17,171		34–14
49February 4@ UtahL 93–101Michael Jordan (40)Luc Longley (11)Dennis Rodman (4)Delta Center
19,911		34–15
All-Star Break
50February 10TorontoW 93–86Toni Kukoč (21)Dennis Rodman (17)Scottie Pippen (9)United Center
23,881		35–15
51February 11@ CharlotteW 92–90Michael Jordan (29)Dennis Rodman (11)3 players tied (6)Charlotte Coliseum
24,042		36–15
52February 13AtlantaW 112–110Michael Jordan (37)Michael Jordan (7)Scottie Pippen (7)United Center
24,207		37–15
53February 15DetroitW 99–90Toni Kukoč (22)Michael Jordan (12)Jordan & Pippen (5)United Center
24,139		38–15
54February 17IndianaW 105–97Michael Jordan (27)Dennis Rodman (13)Michael Jordan (6)United Center
24,131		39–15
55February 19@ TorontoW 123–86Scottie Pippen (22)Dennis Rodman (19)Scottie Pippen (6)SkyDome
30,172		40–15
56February 21@ WashingtonW 94–88Scottie Pippen (23)Dennis Rodman (17)Toni Kukoč (5)MCI Center
20,674		41–15
57February 23ClevelandW 97–75Michael Jordan (17)Ron Harper (10)Brown & Kukoč (7)United Center
23,902		42–15
58February 25PortlandL 101–106Michael Jordan (33)Dennis Rodman (14)Kukoč & Pippen (6)United Center
23,821		42–16
59February 28SacramentoW 109–94Scottie Pippen (29)Dennis Rodman (18)Pippen & Rodman (6)United Center
23,914		43–16
March: 13–1 (home: 6–0; road: 7–1)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Record
60March 3DenverW 118–90Michael Jordan (30)Dennis Rodman (17)Toni Kukoč (10)United Center
23,810		44–16
61March 8@ New YorkW 102–89Michael Jordan (42)Dennis Rodman (20)Jordan & Pippen (6)Madison Square Garden
19,763		45–16
62March 10MiamiW 106–91Michael Jordan (37)Dennis Rodman (10)Kukoč & Pippen (8)United Center
24,102		46–16
63March 12@ DallasL 97–104 (OT)Michael Jordan (26)Dennis Rodman (22)Toni Kukoč (6)Reunion Arena
18,255		46–17
64March 14@ San AntonioW 96–86Michael Jordan (30)Dennis Rodman (16)Scottie Pippen (5)Alamodome
37,492		47–17
65March 16New JerseyW 88–72Toni Kukoč (21)Dennis Rodman (16)Kukoč & Rodman (5)United Center
23,908		48–17
66March 17@ IndianaW 90–84Michael Jordan (35)Dennis Rodman (19)Scottie Pippen (5)Market Square Arena
16,729		49–17
67March 20VancouverW 98–92Michael Jordan (24)Toni Kukoč (11)Ron Harper (4)United Center
24,023		50–17
68March 22@ TorontoW 102–100Jordan & Pippen (33)Dennis Rodman (18)3 players tied (5)SkyDome
33,216		51–17
69March 23BostonW 111–88Scottie Pippen (27)Dennis Rodman (14)Toni Kukoč (10)United Center
23,944		52–17
70March 25@ OrlandoW 85–70Scottie Pippen (23)Dennis Rodman (18)Michael Jordan (8)Orlando Arena
17,248		53–17
71March 27@ AtlantaW 89–74Michael Jordan (34)Dennis Rodman (15)Ron Harper (6)Georgia Dome
62,046		54–17
72March 29@ MilwaukeeW 104–87Michael Jordan (30)Dennis Rodman (17)Toni Kukoč (8)Bradley Center
18,717		55–17
73March 31DetroitW 106–101 (OT)Scottie Pippen (27)Dennis Rodman (18)Michael Jordan (8)United Center
23,942		56–17
April: 6–3 (home: 4–1; road: 2–2)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Record
74April 3MinnesotaW 107–93Scottie Pippen (27)Dennis Rodman (18)Michael Jordan (8)United Center
23,985		57–17
75April 5@ HoustonW 109–94Michael Jordan (40)Dennis Rodman (12)Pippen & Rodman (8)Compaq Center
16,285		58–17
76April 7WashingtonW 103–85Michael Jordan (30)Dennis Rodman (20)Scottie Pippen (7)United Center
23,969		59–17
77April 9@ ClevelandL 85–91Michael Jordan (29)Dennis Rodman (20)Scottie Pippen (8)Gund Arena
20,562		59–18
78April 11OrlandoW 87–78Michael Jordan (37)Dennis Rodman (10)Pippen & Rodman (6)United Center
24,104		60–18
79April 13IndianaL 105–114Scottie Pippen (28)Dennis Rodman (9)Harper & Rodman (4)United Center
23,957		60–19
80April 15@ DetroitL 79–87Michael Jordan (19)Dennis Rodman (15)Harper & Kukoč (5)The Palace of Auburn Hills
22,076		60–20
81April 17@ PhiladelphiaW 87–80Michael Jordan (24)Dennis Rodman (17)Scottie Pippen (4)CoreStates Center
21,305		61–20
82April 18New YorkW 111-109Michael Jordan (44)Dennis Rodman (8)Scottie Pippen (10)United Center
24,182		62–20
1997–98 schedule

Playoffs

1998 playoff game log
Total: 15–6 (Home: 10–2; Road: 5–4)
First Round: 3–0 (home: 2–0; road: 1–0)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Series
1April 24New JerseyW 96–93 (OT)Michael Jordan (39)Dennis Rodman (8)3 players tied (5)United Center
23,844		1–0
2April 26New JerseyW 96–91Michael Jordan (32)Dennis Rodman (16)Burrell & Rodman (4)United Center
23,844		2–0
3April 29@ New JerseyW 116–101Michael Jordan (38)Dennis Rodman (17)Scottie Pippen (10)Continental Airlines Arena
19,889		3–0
Conference Semifinals: 4–1 (home: 2–1; road: 2–0)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Series
1May 3CharlotteW 83–70Michael Jordan (35)Dennis Rodman (14)Jordan & Pippen (4)United Center
23,844		1–0
2May 6CharlotteL 76–78Michael Jordan (22)Dennis Rodman (18)Michael Jordan (6)United Center
23,844		1–1
3May 8@ CharlotteW 103–89Michael Jordan (27)Dennis Rodman (17)Michael Jordan (6)Charlotte Coliseum
23,799		2–1
4May 10@ CharlotteW 94–80Michael Jordan (31)Dennis Rodman (18)Scottie Pippen (8)Charlotte Coliseum
23,799		3–1
5May 13CharlotteW 93–84Michael Jordan (33)Dennis Rodman (21)Longley & Pippen (5)United Center
23,844		4–1
Conference Finals: 4–3 (home: 4–0; road: 0–3)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Series
1May 17IndianaW 85–79Michael Jordan (31)Dennis Rodman (10)Scottie Pippen (7)United Center
23,844		1–0
2May 19IndianaW 104–98Michael Jordan (41)Ron Harper (9)Jordan & Pippen (5)United Center
23,844		2–0
3May 23@ IndianaL 105–107Michael Jordan (30)Dennis Rodman (12)Michael Jordan (7)Market Square Arena
16,576		2–1
4May 25@ IndianaL 94–96Michael Jordan (28)Dennis Rodman (16)Scottie Pippen (10)Market Square Arena
16,560		2–2
5May 27IndianaW 106–87Michael Jordan (29)Scottie Pippen (8)Kukoč & Pippen (7)United Center
23,844		3–2
6May 29@ IndianaL 89–92Michael Jordan (35)Dennis Rodman (12)3 players tied (2)Market Square Arena
16,566		3–3
7May 31IndianaW 88–83Michael Jordan (28)Scottie Pippen (12)Michael Jordan (8)United Center
23,844		4–3
NBA Finals: 4–2 (home: 2–1; road: 2–1)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation
Attendance		Series
1June 3@ UtahL 85–88 (OT)Michael Jordan (33)Dennis Rodman (10)Steve Kerr (5)Delta Center
19,911		0–1
2June 5@ UtahW 93–88Michael Jordan (37)Kukoč & Rodman (9)Scottie Pippen (4)Delta Center
19,911		1–1
3June 7UtahW 96–54Michael Jordan (24)Ron Harper (10)Ron Harper (7)United Center
23,844		2–1
4June 10UtahW 86–82Michael Jordan (34)Dennis Rodman (14)Scottie Pippen (5)United Center
23,844		3–1
5June 12UtahL 81–83Toni Kukoč (30)Scottie Pippen (11)Scottie Pippen (11)United Center
23,844		3–2
6June 14@ UtahW 87–86Michael Jordan (45)Dennis Rodman (8)Kukoč & Pippen (4)Delta Center
19,911		4–2
1998 schedule

Player stats

Legend
  GPGames played  GS Games started MPG Minutes per game
 FG% Field-goal percentage 3P% 3-point field-goal percentage FT% Free-throw percentage
 RPG Rebounds per game APG Assists per game SPG Steals per game
 BPG Blocks per game PPG Points per game

Regular season

PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
Keith Booth602.8.333.0001.000.7.2.00.001.7
Randy Brown71616.2.384.000.7181.32.11.00.174.1
Jud Buechler7408.2.483.385.5001.0.7.30.202.7
Scott Burrell80313.7.424.354.7342.5.8.80.465.2
Jason Caffey51813.9.503.000.6603.4.7.25.335.3
Ron Harper828227.9.441.190.7503.52.91.32.599.3
Michael Jordan828238.8.465.238.7845.83.51.72.5528.7
Steve Kerr50022.4.454.438.9181.51.9.52.107.5
Joe Kleine4618.6.368.000.8331.7.7.09.112.0
Toni Kukoč745230.2.455.362.7084.44.21.03.5013.3
Rusty LaRue14010.0.408.250.625.6.4.21.073.5
Luc Longley585829.4.455.000.7365.92.8.591.0711.4
Scottie Pippen444437.5.447.318.7775.25.81.80.9819.1
Dennis Rodman806635.7.431.174.55015.02.9.59.224.7
Dickey Simpkins21011.3.634.000.5911.5.8.19.143.7
David Vaughn III302.01.000.000.500.3.0.00.001.3
Bill Wennington4889.7.436.000.8101.7.4.08.103.5

Postseason

PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
Randy Brown145.1.167.000.833.6.6.14.00.6
Jud Buechler164.0.364.600.000.7.2.19.06.7
Scott Burrell2112.4.438.300.9092.0.5.90.143.8
Ron Harper212126.8.459.263.6153.72.3.95.866.7
Michael Jordan212141.5.462.302.8125.13.51.52.5732.4
Steve Kerr2119.8.434.463.818.81.7.33.004.9
Toni Kukoč211730.3.486.377.6453.92.91.24.4813.1
Luc Longley181625.3.450.000.8725.01.9.67.837.9
Scottie Pippen212139.8.415.228.6797.15.22.14.9516.8
Dennis Rodman21934.4.371.250.60511.82.0.67.624.9
Dickey Simpkins135.7.375.000.4441.0.2.15.081.2
Bill Wennington167.4.526.000.500.9.2.38.122.8

NBA finals

1998 NBA Finals Roster

Chicago BullsUtah Jazz
Head Coach: Phil JacksonHead Coach: Jerry Sloan
Michael JordanKarl Malone
Scottie PippenJeff Hornacek
Dennis RodmanJohn Stockton
Luc LongleyBryon Russell
Ron HarperShandon Anderson
Steve KerrAdam Keefe
Keith BoothHoward Eisley
Scott BurrellAntoine Carr
Randy BrownGreg Foster
Dickey SimpkinsGreg Ostertag
Rusty LaRueChris Morris
Bill WenningtonJacque Vaughn
Jud BuechlerTroy Hudson
Toni KukočWilliam Cunningham

Series summary

Legend: OT denotes a game decided in overtime

GameDateHome teamResultRoad team
Game 1June 3Utah88-85 (OT)Chicago
Game 2June 5Utah88-93Chicago
Game 3June 7Chicago96-54Utah
Game 4June 10Chicago86-82Utah
Game 5June 12Chicago81-83Utah
Game 6June 14Utah86-87Chicago

Bulls win series 4-2

Games 1 and 2

This was the first time in the 1990s that the same two teams played each other in two consecutive finals. The Jazz had won both regular season match-ups, and many analysts predicted a hard-fought seven-game series. Predictions of a Jazz championship were strengthened with their game one victory in overtime in Utah. The Bulls would tie the series in game 2 putting together a fourth quarter run to silence the Delta Center and holding on to win 93–88, finally securing their first victory against Utah all season.

Games 3, 4 and 5

The Finals would move to Chicago with control of the series at stake in Game 3. Though anticipation was high, no one could have expected a blow-out of the proportions seen in Game 3. With a 96–54 triumph over Utah, the Bulls would help the Jazz set an embarrassing record for the lowest points scored in Finals history and biggest margin of defeat, while everyone on the Bulls scored. The Jazz would pull themselves together in Game 4 in a better attempt to tie the series, but lost 86–82.

The early Jazz series-lead seemed like a distant memory, a false indication of a tough series as they hit the floor for Game 5 behind 3–1. Chicago fans prepared for the last game they would host with the Jordan-led Bulls of the 1990s. But any notions of a championship at the United Center would be snuffed out when, with 0.8 seconds on the game, Michael Jordan airballed an off-balance 3 to the right of the basket giving the Jazz a narrow 83–81 win. The play might have been for Toni Kukoč to shoot a three. With the series shifting back to Utah with a far more generous 3-2 Bulls advantage, the promise of another Chicago championship was not so certain.

Game 6

The Chicago Bulls had never let a Finals series go to a Game 7.

As they arrived at the Delta Center for Game 6, things didn't look good for the Bulls. Scottie Pippen's back gave out when he dunked the opening basket of the game and he was slowed down and held to just 8 points. The Jazz suffered a bad break when the referees incorrectly nullified a Howard Eisley three-pointer that, replays showed, was clearly released just before the 24-second clock expired. In the 4th quarter, the Bulls closed the gap as Michael Jordan tallied many of his 45 overall points. Then things got worse for Chicago when John Stockton hit a clutch 3 with 41.9 seconds left to give Utah an 86–83 lead as the Delta Center crowd roared happily. Down by 3, the Bulls had one last chance to stay alive. Running perilously low on energy, it would be imperative for Chicago to win the series before the game went into OT, and also for the Bulls to avoid a Game 7 on the road when Scottie Pippen was so badly injured and their entire lineup was exhausted.

After Michael Jordan made a quick layup to cut the Jazz lead to one, the Bulls needed to stop the Jazz from scoring again. When John Stockton passed the ball to Karl Malone, Michael Jordan stole the ball away and dribbled to the front. Guarding him was Bryon Russell, one of the Jazz's best perimeter defenders. Jordan drove inside the 3-point line, executed a quick cross-over, and drilled a 20-ft. jump shot to give the Bulls an 87–86 lead with 5.2 seconds left. After Utah took a timeout, Stockton's 3 hit the rim and bounced away, giving the Bulls their 6th title in 8 years. The famous winning shot has been immortalized in many records, as Jordan completed a perfect sextet: 6 NBA Finals, 6 championships, and 6 NBA Finals MVP trophies.[37]

Awards and honors

NBA All-Star Game

Transactions

References

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