Chicago Bulls vs New York Knicks

Lore & Background

In the 1996 Eastern Conference Semi-finals, the Bulls won the first two games at the United Center, then lost Game 3 in overtime at Madison Square Garden, 102–99, despite Michael Jordan scoring 46 points. The Bulls won Game 4 and Game 5 at home, 94–81, to take the series.

In Their Own Story

The air inside Madison Square Garden was thick enough to choke on, smelling of stale popcorn, floor wax, and sweat. It wasn't just a game; it was a trench war. As Michael Jordan drove into the lane, he didn't see an open pass; he saw a wall of blue jerseys waiting to collide with him. The crowd roared with a singular, rhythmic chant that shook the rafters, but Jordan's focus narrowed to a single point: the rim. A foul was called, a hard one, and the silence that followed was heavier than the noise before it. In this arena, respect was earned through bruises, and every free throw felt like a victory in a war that had raged for eight years.

Reader's Guide

The Bulls' series win over the Knicks advanced them to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they swept the Orlando Magic.

Did You Know?

• Michael Jordan scored 46 points in Game 3, a playoff career high at the time.
• The Bulls won the series in five games despite losing Game 3 in overtime.