1995–96 NBA Championship

The 1995–96 Chicago Bulls: 72 wins, an NBA title, and a place among the greatest teams ever.

The 1995–96 Chicago Bulls season was the 30th season for the Chicago Bulls in the National Basketball Association. The Bulls finished with a league-best 72–10 record, won the NBA championship, and are widely regarded as one of the greatest teams in NBA history.

Quick Facts

Season record

72–10

Nba championship result

Defeated Seattle SuperSonics (4–2)

Regular season wins

72 (NBA Record at the time)

Key leaders

Michael Jordan
Scottie Pippen
Dennis Rodman

Head coach

Phil Jackson

Home arena

United Center

Lore & Background

The Bulls acquired Dennis Rodman from the San Antonio Spurs during the off-season. With Rodman, the Bulls won their first five games, posted a 13-game winning streak between November and December, and an 18-game winning streak between January and February. They became the first NBA team to win 70 regular season games, finishing 72–10. Michael Jordan averaged 30.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, and was named NBA Most Valuable Player. Scottie Pippen averaged 19.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.7 steals. Toni Kukoč was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year. The Bulls swept the Miami Heat in the first round, defeated the New York Knicks in five games, swept the Orlando Magic in the conference finals, and beat the Seattle SuperSonics in six games in the NBA Finals. Jordan was named NBA Finals Most Valuable Player.

Reader's Guide

The 1995–96 Bulls set the record for most wins in an NBA regular season at the time. They had the best team offensive rating and best team defensive rating in the NBA. Their 33 road wins were the most in NBA history until the 2015–16 Warriors won 34. They are the only team in NBA history to win more than 70 games and an NBA title in the same season. The Bulls had the best combined regular and postseason record in NBA history at 87–13.