1996 NBA Finals Game 6 vs Sonics

Lore & Background

In Game 6, Chicago won the series on Father's Day. The Bulls' victory was partly due to the stellar performance of power forward Dennis Rodman, who delivered a repeat of his Game 2 performance with 19 rebounds, tying his own NBA Finals record. Bulls star Michael Jordan finished the game with 22 points and collected his fourth Finals MVP. An emotional Jordan clutched the game ball and broke down sobbing on the locker room floor, dedicating the win to his father, who was murdered in 1993. It was Jordan's first title without his father present.

In Their Own Story

The United Center hummed with a nervous energy that felt different from any other night; this was it. As the final minute ticked away, the roar of the crowd seemed to vibrate through the hardwood floor itself. Michael Jordan dribbled near mid-court, his eyes scanning the defense, not for a shot, but for the perfect pass or the open lane. When he finally drove, the contact was heavy, but the release was pure. The ball swished through the net, and the realization hit instantly: the dynasty had done it again.

Reader's Guide

Game 6 was played in Chicago. The Bulls won the series 4 games to 2. Michael Jordan led the Bulls with 22 points. Dennis Rodman had 19 rebounds. This was the last time the Sonics played a Finals game before relocating to Oklahoma City and being renamed the Thunder.

Did You Know?

• Michael Jordan scored 22 points in Game 6, not 27 as previously stated.
• Dennis Rodman tied his own NBA Finals record with 19 rebounds in Game 6.
• This was the SuperSonics' last Finals appearance during their time in Seattle, as the team moved to Oklahoma City in 2008.
• No NBA team has ever overcome a 3-0 playoff series deficit.