1998 Eastern Conference Finals Game 7 vs Pacers

Background

With a win in Game 6, the Pacers took the Bulls to the limit, becoming one of only two teams to force a Game 7 in the Bulls' title years (the Knicks achieved this in 1992). It was the first Game 7 to take place at the United Center, and the last Game 7 the Bulls would play until 2009.

Indiana led 27–19 after the first quarter before Chicago won the second 29–18. Michael Jordan scored 28 points with 8 assists and Scottie Pippen took 12 rebounds; Reggie Miller led the Pacers with 22 points. Earlier in the series, the first playoff meeting between the Bulls and the Pacers, Miller's game-winning 3-pointer with 0.7 seconds left in Game 4 had tied it at 2–2.

Overview

The 1998 Eastern Conference Finals between the Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers was a historic series. The Pacers entered the postseason with a franchise-record 58 wins, later named by Pacers.com as the greatest team in franchise history. Game 4 featured Reggie Miller's game-winning three-pointer with 0.7 seconds left, one of the greatest postseason moments in NBA history; Michael Jordan's own game-winning three-point attempt rimmed out, tying the series at 2–2. In Game 6, the Pacers became one of only two teams to force a Game 7 in the Bulls' title years (the 1992 Knicks were the other). Game 7 was the first and, as of 2025, only Game 7 held at the United Center, and it was the last Game 7 the Bulls would play until 2009.

Home court advantage

The Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz tied for the best record in the NBA at 62–20, but Utah won the season series 2–0 and earned home court advantage throughout the playoffs. In the Eastern Conference, the Bulls clinched the best record and home court advantage for the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Bulls faced the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, their first playoff meeting. The Pacers had advanced by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round (their first playoff meeting) and the New York Knicks in the conference semifinals (their fourth playoff meeting, with the Knicks having won two of the first three). The Bulls reached the conference finals by beating the New Jersey Nets in the first round (their first playoff meeting) and the Charlotte Hornets in the semifinals (their second playoff meeting, with the Bulls winning the first).