Bulls vs. Jazz: 1997 Finals Game 6

Lore & Background

In the 1998 NBA Finals, the Bulls once again faced off against the top–seeded Utah Jazz, who were led by the trio of All-Star forward Karl Malone, All-Star guard John Stockton, and Jeff Hornacek, in a rematch from the 1997 NBA Finals. Despite both teams finishing with a league-best 62–20 record, the Jazz had home-court advantage in the series, since they defeated the Bulls twice during the regular season. With the series starting at the Delta Center, the Bulls lost Game 1 to the Jazz in overtime, 88–85, but managed to win Game 2, 93–88 to even the series at 1–1. As the series moved to the United Center, the Bulls won Game 3 over the Jazz by a 42-point margin, 96–54, then won Game 4, 86–82 to take a 3–1 series lead; however, the Jazz won Game 5 on the road, 83–81. In Game 6 at the Delta Center, and despite Pippen hurting his back after making a dunk early into the game, Jordan scored 45 points, and hit a memorable game-winning shot over Jazz forward Bryon Russell, as the Bulls defeated the Jazz, 87–86. Just like last year's Finals, the Bulls won the series over the Jazz in six games to win their third consecutive NBA championship, and sixth overall in eight years to complete the franchise's second "3-peat"; Jordan was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player for the sixth and final time.

In Their Own Story

Michael Jordan sat on the bench, his head bowed, sweat dripping onto his jersey despite the cool arena temperature. He looked less like a superhero and more like a man fighting for breath. Scottie Pippen leaned over, asking if he could sit out, but Jordan shook his head weakly. 'I'm going to play,' he whispered. When he stepped back onto the hardwood, the crowd sensed something different; it wasn't just basketball anymore. Every dribble seemed heavier, every jump lower, yet when he sank a three-pointer from the corner with seconds ticking away, the arena fell silent. He collapsed into Pippen's arms after the final buzzer, a king who had conquered his own body to claim another crown.

Reader's Guide

The Bulls won the series 4–2. Game 6 was played at the Delta Center, where Jordan scored 45 points and hit the game-winning shot over Bryon Russell, despite Pippen hurting his back early in the game. The series did not go to a Game 7.

Did You Know?

• Jordan scored 45 points in Game 6 of the 1998 Finals.
• Pippen hurt his back after making a dunk early in Game 6.
• The Bulls won the series 4–2, the same result as the 1997 Finals.
• The Jazz had home-court advantage because they defeated the Bulls twice during the regular season.