Bulls Nation

Lore & Background

The Bulls swept the Cleveland Cavaliers 3–0 in the Eastern Conference First Round, winning Games 1 and 2 at home and Game 3 on the road in overtime. In the Eastern Conference Semi-finals, the Bulls lost to the New York Knicks in seven games, losing Game 7 at Madison Square Garden 87–77. A notable incident occurred in Game 3 of that series: Scottie Pippen refused to enter the game after a play was designed for Toni Kukoč to take the game-winning shot; Kukoč hit the buzzer-beater to win 104–102.

In Their Own Story

The playoffs featured a dramatic Eastern Conference Semi-finals against the New York Knicks, a series that ended Chicago's quest for a fourth straight title. After splitting the first four games, the series swung to Game 7 at Madison Square Garden where the Bulls fell 87–77. However, the most memorable moment occurred in Game 3 at the Chicago Stadium on May 13, 1994. With 1.8 seconds remaining and the score tied 102–102, head coach Phil Jackson designed a final shot for Toni Kukoč rather than Scottie Pippen. An upset Pippen refused to enter the game, forcing Jackson to sub in Pete Myers. Myers inbounded to Kukoč, who hit a 22-foot jumper over Anthony Mason at the buzzer to win 104–102. The series also saw a brawl involving Jo Jo English and Derek Harper that spilled into the stands before Commissioner David Stern, resulting in suspensions for both players.

Reader's Guide

Scottie Pippen averaged 22.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 2.9 steals per game, and was named to the All-NBA First Team and NBA All-Defensive First Team. Horace Grant averaged 15.1 points and 11.0 rebounds per game, and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. B. J. Armstrong provided 14.8 points and 3.9 assists per game. Off the bench, Toni Kukoč averaged 10.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. Steve Kerr contributed 8.6 points per game, Pete Myers 7.9 points per game, Bill Wennington 7.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, and Bill Cartwright 5.6 points per game in 42 games.

Did You Know?

• Scottie Pippen was named NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player in 1994, scoring 29 points with 11 rebounds and 4 steals.
• Toni Kukoč made his NBA debut this season after being drafted by the Bulls as the 29th overall pick in the 1990 NBA draft.
• The Bulls traded Stacey King to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Luc Longley at mid-season.
• This was the Bulls' last season at the Chicago Stadium before moving to the United Center.