1998 NBA Finals vs Chicago Bulls
The Last Dance: Jordan's final championship and the highest-rated Finals in NBA history.
The 1998 NBA Finals was the championship series of the National Basketball Association's (NBA) 1997–98 season, and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. The two-time defending NBA champion and Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls played against the Western Conference champion Utah Jazz, with the Jazz holding home-court advantage for the first 2 games in Salt Lake City. In a repeat of the previous year's Finals, the Bulls defeated the Jazz in six games for their third consecutive NBA title and their sixth in eight seasons.
Quick Facts
- Series result
- Chicago Bulls won 4–2
- Finals mvp
- Michael Jordan (Chicago)
- Jazz head coach
- Jerry Sloan
- Bulls head coach
- Phil Jackson
- Deciding game location
- United Center, Chicago
Lore & Background
Michael Jordan was voted the NBA Finals MVP of the series (he also had won the award the last five times the Bulls won the Finals: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, and 1997). This would be his sixth NBA championship and sixth Finals MVP award in six full basketball seasons. This would be his final season of winning the NBA championship and Finals MVP. Until 2021 this would be the last finals not to feature a team from California, Florida, or Texas. The 1998 Finals garnered the highest Nielsen TV ratings in NBA history at 18.7, and even surpassed the Nielsen ratings for the 1998 World Series, marking the first time the NBA had a higher rating in its championship round than of Major League Baseball's championship round.
Reader's Guide
The Bulls headed into the series as the underdogs. Bulls' small forward Scottie Pippen stated, 'It's a different feeling. We’ve never been in this situation where we’ve sort of been written off. It’s a great feeling being the underdog because you want to go out now and prove everybody wrong.' As of the source, this is Chicago's most recent championship and Finals appearance, and they currently hold the longest Finals appearance drought of the Central Division teams.
Did You Know?
- Michael Jordan scored 45 points in Game 6 and hit the game-winning shot with 5.2 seconds remaining.
- The Jazz set a record for the largest loss in Finals history in Game 3, losing 96–54.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who competed in the 1998 NBA Finals?
The Utah Jazz faced off against the Chicago Bulls in a matchup that defined an era for both franchises. This series pitted the legendary Stockton and Malone duo against Michael Jordan’s dominant team.
What was the final result of the championship series?
The Chicago Bulls secured the victory with a 4–2 series win over the Jazz. Michael Jordan earned Finals MVP honors after leading his team to their sixth title in eight years.
Where was the decisive final game played?
Game 6 took place at the United Center in Chicago, marking the end of the intense six-game contest. The location added pressure as the Jazz needed to win on the road to claim the title.
How did the series conclude historically?
The drama ended with Michael Jordan sinking a legendary jumper over Bryon Russell in the final seconds. This moment sealed the Bulls’ dynasty and left Malone and Stockton just one shot short of glory.
More in Iconic Matches & Playoff Runs
Elsewhere in Utah Jazz
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced