Bulls vs Knicks Rivalry

Lore & Background

The rivalry peaked in intensity from the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, when both teams became huge playoff contenders. This was due to a variety of factors: the great frequency in which the teams competed against each other in high-stakes contests and playoff series; well-known players such as Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Patrick Ewing, and John Starks; the reputations of the team's respective cities; and personnel changes and conflicts between the teams. The two teams met in the playoffs during six of the eight years from 1989 to 1996, with the Bulls winning five of those series.

Reader's Guide

The rivalry began in the early years (1966–1980) when the Bulls and Knicks were inter-conference rivals. Their first playoff meeting was in 1981, a sweep by the Bulls. The rivalry intensified in 1989 when the Bulls upset the Knicks 4–2. In 1991, the Bulls swept the Knicks. The 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals went to Game 7, won by the Bulls. In the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals, the Bulls came back from 2–0 down to win 4–2, highlighted by Jordan's 54 points in Game 4 and Charles Smith being stopped four times in Game 5. In 1994, the Knicks won their only playoff series against the Bulls in this era, 4–3, after a controversial foul call by Hue Hollins in Game 5. In 1996, the Bulls defeated the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 5 games.

Did You Know?

• The Bulls and Knicks first met in the playoffs in 1981, a best-of-three series won by Chicago 2–0.
• Scottie Pippen and Jrue Holiday are the only players to have won an NBA championship and Olympic gold medal in the same year twice.

Origins and Conference Realignment

Before becoming one of basketball's most heated feuds, the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks existed as inter-conference rivals following the Bulls' entry into the NBA in 1966. During this initial era spanning until 1980, both franchises frequently qualified for the postseason, yet their paths rarely crossed in the championship rounds. The Knicks enjoyed significant success during these years, securing two championships and three Finals appearances with legendary figures like Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, and Earl Monroe. Conversely, the Bulls, led by stars such as Jerry Sloan and Bob Love, struggled to overcome dominant opponents like the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks. A pivotal shift occurred in the 1980 offseason when Chicago relocated to the Eastern Conference, transforming their dynamic into a direct intra-conference battle.

The Draft That Defined an Era

The rivalry reached its zenith following two consecutive draft selections that would alter the trajectory of both franchises. In 1984, Chicago utilized a third-overall pick to select Michael Jordan, while New York took Patrick Ewing with the first overall pick in 1985. These choices established the core identities for the next decade, pitting Jordan's explosive scoring ability against Ewing's defensive dominance and mid-range mastery. The Bulls eventually constructed a dynasty around Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman under Phil Jackson, who ironically had previously coached the Knicks to titles.

Meanwhile, Ewing anchored New York as their most notable player for fifteen years. This personnel alignment created a perfect storm of talent and city pride, ensuring that whenever these teams met, it was not merely a game but a clash of eras defined by two generational talents vying for supremacy in the Eastern Conference.

Playoff Battles and Iconic Moments

From 1989 to 1996, the Bulls and Knicks faced off in the playoffs six times out of eight years, with Chicago winning five series. The intensity escalated dramatically during the early 1990s, highlighted by a grueling 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals that required a decisive Game 7 victory for Chicago to advance. This series was marked by heated arguments involving key players like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen against New York's roster. The rivalry produced legendary individual performances, including Jordan's record-setting 54 points in a 1993 playoff game against the Knicks. That same year, the Eastern Conference Finals featured 'The Charles Smith Game,' where the Bulls overcame a two-game deficit after Smith was repeatedly denied on final-second shots by Chicago defenders. These high-stakes contests cemented the series as some of the most memorable in NBA history.

Olympic Unity and Lasting Legacy

Amidst the fierce on-court hostility, a unique moment of peace emerged during the 1992 Summer Olympics when Jordan, Ewing, and Pippen united as members of the 'Dream Team' to win gold medals. This achievement highlighted their shared excellence beyond club loyalties, with these three players becoming part of an exclusive group to win Olympic gold as both amateurs and professionals. The rivalry's impact extended far beyond the 1990s, influencing how NBA franchises viewed city pride and playoff intensity. While Jordan retired in 1993 following his third title, the competitive spirit established during this era defined the relationship between Chicago and New York for generations. Their frequent meetings in high-stakes games transformed them into Eastern Conference powerhouses, replacing previous dynasties like the Pistons and Celtics as the primary contenders for the league's attention.