1995–96 NBA Championship

Lore & Background

The Chicago Bulls finished the season with a combined regular season and postseason record of 87–13, the best in NBA history. Chicago's 72 wins remained an NBA record until 2015–16, when the Golden State Warriors posted a 73–9 record. Michael Jordan became the only player to win the NBA Finals MVP Award at least four times. He also became the third player to earn the MVP triple crown, having won All-Star, Regular Season and Finals MVP in the same season—a feat previously achieved by Willis Reed in 1970 and Larry Bird in 1984 and 1986.

In Their Own Story

The United Center hummed with an electric tension that seemed to vibrate through the hardwood floor. It was late in the fourth quarter of Game 6 against Seattle; the score was tight, but the Bulls' defense had just forced another turnover. Michael Jordan, wearing his iconic red jersey, caught the ball near mid-court. The crowd roared as he drove, his eyes locked on the rim, embodying the relentless drive that had carried this team to 72 wins. With a final, soaring layup, the noise of the arena erupted into pure celebration, marking not just a game win, but the culmination of a season for the ages.

Reader's Guide

The Bulls won the NBA Finals 4 games to 2 over the Seattle SuperSonics.

Did You Know?

• Michael Jordan won his NBA record 8th scoring title.
• Michael Jordan was named NBA Most Valuable Player for the season.
• Toni Kukoč won the Sixth Man of the Year award.
• Phil Jackson was named NBA Coach of the Year.
• The Chicago Bulls got new black alternate uniforms with pinstripes for the 1995–96 season.