Chicago Bulls Codexery

1997 NBA Finals Game 6 vs Jazz

Steve Kerr's 17-footer with 5 seconds left clinches the 1997 title.

Game 6 of the 1997 NBA Finals was played on June 13, 1997 at the United Center in Chicago. Michael Jordan hadn't fully recovered from his illness, but he was feeling much better and led the Bulls with 39 points.

Quick Facts

Date
June 13, 1997
Venue
United Center, Chicago
Result
Chicago Bulls 90, Utah Jazz 86
Series
Bulls win 4–2
Top scorer
Michael Jordan 39 (11 rebounds)
Attendance
24,544

Facts from the source article.

Background

The Bulls trailed by 9 early in the fourth quarter, but went on a 10–0 run to take their first lead since the opening minutes when Steve Kerr hit a 3-pointer, but the Jazz regained the lead and the game remained one possession until the final score. Bryon Russell hit a 3-pointer with 1:44 left to tie the game at 86. Dennis Rodman grabbed a rebound and called time-out with 28 seconds left in a tie game. The Jazz expected Jordan to take the final shot. Instead, Jordan drew a double-team, then passed to a wide-open Steve Kerr, who hit a 17-footer with 5 seconds left to send the United Center into a frenzy.

Scottie Pippen knocked away Bryon Russell's inbound pass intended for Shandon Anderson and rolled the ball over to Toni Kukoč, who dunked the final 2 points of the game. Jordan finished with 39 points to go along with 11 rebounds and four assists, and he was named Finals MVP for the 5th time.

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