Bulls vs Sonics 1996 - Game 5 - Michael Jordan 26 points

[CURRY4DIAS]

peytons the only person who could shut down jordan like that.

[samtheman7975]

@CURRY4DIAS peyton manning? It's PAYTON

[cbaldwinjr]

@ThadeoftheNorse WTF are you talking about? Payton didn't start covering MJ until Game 4. Karl's BIGGEST mistake was putting Hawkins on MJ those first few games. Payton held MJ to 6-19 and 5-19 those last three games. And this game...GP was in foul trouble. So try again with that revisionist history. Seattle lost this series because they didn't have enough OFFENSE

[victorjulio15]

a lot of people will wonder why payton didn't d jordan full time in this series. the answer: he couldn't. he'd pick up 6 before half, and that's the truth. jordan was too strong for his little ass.

[jaboo82681]

@MrYoyoma33 May God bless you!!!!

[ddtstayfly]

@4.16 sweet ass move....... The greatest

[timlarabel]

@aristrela1 , where can I get the complete games? help, dont want just the highlights

[1979galway]

gary paton is dumb

[bballmemories]

notice how Jordan didn't spin the ball after the dribbles like he normally would on his free throws. He did that throughout the 96 playoff.

[Ladiestreat]

Blah that foul call on Jordans 3 point attempt was bs. He also traveled like a son of a bitch at 6:39. Don't get me wrong he was the greatest player of all time but don't think the calls didn't go his way 90% of the time. Anyways bring the Sonics back to Seattle. I hate David Stern with a passion.

[1loverkw]

HA HA 6:01 Rodman new he could do watever he wants bec hes on MJs team...MJ is the dad, Pippen is the mom, and Rodman is the bad ass son allwase getting yeld at ha JK.

[puaDreamBoy]

It's not a travel, he grabs the ball, jump and takes 2 steps - that's regular, he just took it to the extreme form of it which is rarely used, unprofessional eye may think it's a travel.

[fhab525]

@puaDreamBoy its a travel man, but who cares the nba doesnt call travel anyway, i just noticed that

[glocsta707]

@puaDreamBoy and you have played in the NBA so you can say that right?? LOL get the fuc outta here. he traveled

[puaDreamBoy]

@glocsta707

I play since I was 3... that makes it 20 years now.

[fhab525]

jordan traveled twice on 1 play at 6:45

[UnLocke1]

@fhab525 Yes, palming and 3 steps. puaDreamBoy lives in MJ Land

[TheBloxxer]

Screw you Clay Bennett.

[UserAllusion]

Seriously miss watching the Sonics. Dosnt feel right not having them here.

[mariko2294]

Jack9988 if you really like this visit NBAPremium(.)tk you will love stuff there :P

[Seattleboiiii]

Seattle sonics and the Chicago bulls were one of the greatest teams back then

[jeanrollan]

@Seattleboiiii Uh, that's why they were in the Finals.

[neverbackdown1983]

so epic. ABC, TNT and ESPN have never set up an NBA game like NBC, even in the playoffs.

[victorjulio15]

i wish jordan called out gary payton during his retirement, and not not poor bryon russell. just leave him and ehlo alone already. they probably have nightmares of him.

[Ladiestreat]

6:27 the most blatant travel never called in the NBA finals?

[FuturePBABowler]

It's MJ. As great as he was, he got away with a ton of travels and carries. I counted 4 steps on that drive.

[killerfocker]

damn i live in chicago and i totally forgot it was call windy city

[bugsquish71]

i have never seen that move at 412 by kobe

[joncuesta95]

By kobe?! wtf JORDAN lol

[tysonakamrsmooth]

@bugsquish71 Why Kobe? Nobody in the history of the NBA has made that move, stop hating on Kobe.

[FuturePBABowler]

I have this game on tape. The first half was pretty even, but the Sonics dominated the second half.

[willside4life]

Why in the hell is G.P. saying anything negative about MJ. Just say I'll do my best guarding the guy, see no ass kissin there. Dude ur down 3-1, people who fire up MJ don't last long and get burnt in the end

[Rodzilla97]

this is the one finals jordan didn't have any huge clutch moments. the games weren't close enough. that tip toe behind the back dribble layup was the play of series though. fairly dull finals for the bulls standards, their least exciting. the sonics played great defense

[mj45jh23sp33]

its interesting this was the end of that great sonics team, I know Kemp was there for 97 but he was not interested in playing hard by that point the sonics GM had alienated him, biggest mistake the sonic organisation ever made was letting him go

[gbm420]

tha move at 4:12 is beautiful and the finish to avoid the charge is just as good

[nickgators]

louder than most arenas today

[birdnestboy]

Micheal Jordan's style, charisma in his dunk is just simply breathtaking to watch....1:36(slow mo)

[devario234]

this year when i wasborn

[outspoken34]

those NBC pre-game intros are classic. got me so fired up to watch these games

[kakatanka]

6:10 Jordan with the crab dribble.

[luistacoaman]

so who won?

bulls or sonics?

[dragondawgzz]

sonics

[Kito343]

MJ greatest of ALL time, he shouldn't draw comparison form Kobe, LeBron, nor D-Wade. MJ already cemented his reputation as the greatest ever... heck, the league should pull a Jackie Robinson and retire his number... nobody right now is worthy of wearing #23. U read that right.. NOBODY

[westside159]

the glove aka one of the best point guards to ever play and the reignman too much ....... bulls got lucky .... Sonics were great

[Domini478]

You can't be lucky when you're win 6 NBA rings, dumbass. The Bulls is one of the greatest teams ever

[FlagellumDei78]

I mean, we are probably talking about the best team ever, the '96 Bulls. Would it be so painful to admit that the Sonics back in 96 were an AMAZING team as well? Kemp, Payton, amazing duo. I am really sorry that this team had to play in 1996 instead of today.

[LuigiLaker]

Fools..I loved the Bulls in the '90s...and this '96 team could very well be the greatest to ever take the court..all im saying is a series sweep in the Finals would have left absolutley no doubt...there will always be those who think they are, and those who think they aren't.

[mt883]

So 87-13 leaves doubt that 87-11 wouldn't? Please. The Bulls were up 3-0 and had probably lost interest more than anything. No team in the history of the game could've beaten that Bulls team 4 games in a row,  And they knew it. They relaxed and took the Sonics for granted. When it was time to get back to business they waxed that ass.

[passerby23]

That's probably true, although that complacency probably ended after Game 4. Breathing life into a team is never a good idea. Game 4 they took off and Game 5 it looks like they tried to win. In any event, I agree, best Bulls team of all-time. Would've been interesting to see this team against the 2001 Lakers who absolutely destroyed every team they played and only lost one game in OT to the Sixers that year. I thought the best team the Bulls played in their championship years was the '98 Jazz.

[mt883]

Gary Payton done lost his god damn mind. lol. What's sad is I think he really believed what he just said.

[LuigiLaker]

This hurt because this loss put a pretty sizeable dent in their invinciblity..and thier arugement for the greatest team in basketball history..

[mt883]

This loss hurt? A pretty sizeable dent? They went 87-13 that year. lol. Let's not be retarded because the Lakers never did that.

[redmantomahawk]

ahhhhhhhhh payton........u stupid idiot

[xxNIKEDAN63bb]

Marv Albert & Bill Walton were so biased...They were just kissing Jordan's ass the whole game.

[char4ever]

then you would say mark jackson and greg anthony the same way when they call the Lakers' game.

[bossu3konn]

when george Karl moved Payton on Jordan (after game 3) Payton and Jordan played at the same level, Payton frustrated MJ and in these finals he went over 30 just once, and finished with the lowest ppg avarage for a final in his career. Not comparing GP to MJ, but Payton was one of the best (if not the best) defender MJ ever played against

[char4ever]

that might be true, but you can see MJ is shooting with good percentage. 26 points with 50%.

[jaa0702]

Consider this, if you see games 1-3, the bulls had big leads. I've seen other games where the bulls dominate and michael scoring less points. So,if the bulls have big leads, MJ doesn't have to score too much. Decreasing his finals average down. The bulls were 3-0. Total domination. Does that mean that Payton slowed him down in games 3-6? My personal opinion, NO, but everyone is entitled to their opinion. GP's defense is that year wouldn't slow down MJ if they won 70+ games...

[jumpnam]

Hang time and body control at 3:12. Phenomenal. The recognition that there's no need to attempt an unneccessary, elaborate move to elude the defence; just keep the ball just outa the defence's reach and wait for the right look at the hoop. And maintain concentration while absorbing the contact.

I can imagine Kobe trying to make some pointless spinning reverse lay up that he hasn't got the ability to make, hoping to look good. And missing the shot.

[BroadwayJoe88]

The foolishness of youth - Bill Walton

Classic line, I was thinking the same thing, like what are you thinking payton? Haven't you learned from all the others that said something other than jordan is the greatest?

[ForEmily23]

I wish I had a nickel for every time Marv Albert said, "What a move by Michael Jordan."

[passerby23]

No kidding. Marv Albert's commentary was legendary and you could tell he loved doing Bulls' games. At the time, I always cheered against Jordan, but when it's all said and done, how do you not respect the guy? Lebron has the potential to be better than Jordan, but it will take some more work, including a lot of championships.

[Amir883]

There are a few post up moves I've seen Jordan do that I haven't seen Kobe do. Where on several possessions he actually sets them up with previous moves. You can watch game 7 of the 92 series vs Knicks. Jordan's baseline spin from the post was setup with a couple fade aways that way. So that play he goes back then drives to the hole because his defender expects a fade away. There are other examples but, Jordan had more versatility in the post and produced out of the post better.

[Amir883]

I don't downplay ball handling skills. I downplay superficial dribbling. Even though I brought up Jordan going between his legs 3 times in 1986 vs Bird, that's still absurdly unnecessary. He got his separation from that move by quickly moving left for a jump shot. And Jordan has all the post up moves Kobe Does plus more I haven't seen Kobe do. So I mean. The only difference is. Jordan has a better first step. And second and third for that matter.

[JKFrazier]

Post moves...eh, I don't know. Kobe pretty much has Jordan's game down pat there. I will agree that he's not as effective as Jordan in post. And you are right, Jordan was quicker. Never disputed that claim.

[RohoicRamz94]

Man I respect your opinion but Kobes post game is no where near as effective as Jordans game.Yeah he may have had copied Jordans style a little bit but he is in no way shape or form Jordans equal in the post.

[passerby23]

I tend to agree. Jordan's post-game was so refined in the latter half of his career, and his defense was probably a step above Kobe's as well. As good as Kobe is, Jordan struck fear into everyone's hearts more than any other player.

[mj45jh23sp33]

JORDAN was a FAR FAR FAR better defender than KOBE

[jeanrollan]

@RohoicRamz94 Very, very good point. A lot of people don't realize how dominant Jordan was in the post. Kobe scores mostly from the perimeter, facing the basket.

[passerby23]

I agree. I think Jordan realized that quickly as his career progressed. In the prime of his career, you never saw any unnecessary dribbling. Every move was with a deliberate purpose.

[jeanrollan]

that play at by mj 4:30 was sick!

[kinfolk441]

Michael Jordan on the breakaway. That dunk was just sick!!!

[Amir883]

People need to stop saying Kobe is a great 3 point shooter. 34% IS NOT GREAT. And "better ball handling than Jordan" Why? Because he can do that Allen Iverson Crossover that's a carry? Yeah OK! I'll take the quick first step and footwork over superficial dribbling anytime. And do people not remember Jordan doing between the legs 3 times vs bird in 86? Stop it, you're just embarrassing yourself trying to say Kobe is better than Jordan. Shame!

[JKFrazier]

He's got a lot more than a AI crossover. He's got a nasty pullback reverse crossover that creates a ton of separation for him when he's going by a defender. Some of them are very useful. Don't downplay dribbling skills because they are pretty valuable.

You are right though, I'd rather have the quick 1st step. Just different ways in which they play...

[RohoicRamz94]

Pull back that dribble looks stiff as hell man Kobe needs to bend his knees for more animation he looks stiff but thats just my opininon.

[JKFrazier]

Problem is, Kobe's had a few surgeries on those knees. I'm surprised that he can still produce on such a high level despite that.

[RohoicRamz94]

I never knew Kobe had mutliple surgeries on his knees,No wonder why he looks so slow at time.

[passerby23]

I agree with all of that. Kobe may be a better three-point shooter than Jordan was, but that's about where the comparisons end in my opinion. You have to think the Bulls could've possibly won 9 or 10 titles had Jordan never retired and had they kept the Bulls intact after 1998.

[RohoicRamz94]

So true passerby Jordan was one of a kind you notice Kobe fanatics never compare him to Magic or Larry because Jordan is their most hated player ever if it wasnt for him than Kobe would have his way with greatest player ever they would run wilder than ever.

[JCR1992]

Kobe isn't a better 3 point shooter than Jordan. He just takes a lot more than MJ which makes his 3pt FG% higher and if you look at both of there percentages Kobe's might be higher by just 3%. And as he gets older that might go down even more.

[passerby23]

In looking at the career numbers, Kobe is a percentage point higher in 3 pt FG%, so it's basically a wash. I don't really see one area aside from that small number where Kobe is better. The real question is whether Lebron will be considered the best of all-time by the time his career ends. He's got a lot of work to do in terms of winning championships.

[JCR1992]

Yes I agree but MJ won his first in his 7th season so maybe Lebron will do the same. But even if he doesn't he still has a whole lot of time he's going to be 24-25 in the 09-10 season. I just hope he stays in Cleveland and doesn't follow the money.

[passerby23]

I think Cleveland losing to Orlando exposed a big hole in Cleveland's roster -- a legitimate low post scorer to take the pressure off Lebron and spread the floor. If they could bring in someone like Shaq or Amare, they'd be in great shape. Lebron's already logged some serious minutes in his young career. I just hope he doesn't wear down by the time he's 30.

[JCR1992]

I hope not either I think he will be ok many people said that about Jordan because he logged in heavy minutes and all the physical play and we all know he was fine,but I've heard rumors of Amare, Shaq, Chris Bosh, Rasheed Wallace, or Carlos Boozer coming in. I think Shaq or Sheed would be the best picks they have the most experience and are very respected among the players in the league inpaticularly Lebron.

[passerby23]

I'm not sold on Rasheed. He's getting a little older and floats outside for too many 3's. Plus, there's the attitude issue. Shaq or Boozer are great fits in my mind. The only questions are Shaq's age and Boozer's health. It's gonna be difficult for Cleveland to sign Bosh for big money and pay Lebron. I don't think Toronto will get any trade value from Cleveland if they dealt him either.

[mambaKB24mvp]

@Amir883 Kobe is a better ballhandler, shooter, tough shot maker. u name it. MJ had more ups, more strength, better dirver. Kobe is more double teamed and triple teamed cause his team isnt what MJ's team was. yea Odom, Gasol, and Artest r sick. but they cant handle the ball like Pippen. Pippen, Kerr, Paxson, Kukoc, could all nail 3s. no one can on the Lakers. not to mention Kobe plays boston and MJ plays thes shmucks. Kobe gets doubled by a D deisgned to stop him. while MJ shot bad vs shit man.

[Amir883]

@mambaKB24mvp The best part about posts like these is how easily they are to rip apart with actual facts. "Kobe gets doubled by a D designed to stop him" Do you know what the Jordan rules or the Pistons from 88-91or the Knicks from 92-96 were? This alone proves you lack the knowledge to even bring up the topic of Defense, let alone any of the other asinine points you mustered up. Btw Kobe shoots 45.5% fg MJ shot 49.7%. Which number is higher. You can't shoot a lower fg% and be a better shooter.

[peteandjordanlover23]

Gary Payton has be and i have to say one of the dumbest people i have ever seen

[nathanpillay41]

so what, he's one of the greatest point guards, not to mention players, to ever play the game.

[archDeluxxe]

1996 Sonics were my fave NBA team of all time. Obvs Bulls were better, but the Sonics were far more entertaining to watch as far as i'm concerned. Why are all the highlights on here showcasing Jordan (even when he loses)? how about Kemp dunking on Rodman's head... or payton throwing 3/4 court alley-oops?

[ForEmily23]

sometimes I can't justify putting Gary Payton or Shawn Kemp in a spot where the greatest of all time could go...

[UnLocke1]

@ForEmily23 Payton locked Jordan up.

[TBlake34]

Really? I think that Bulls team was the most entertaining team of my lifetime. They used to go on the most amazing runs, locking down on D while Scottie and MJ just devoured ball-handlers. And it's MJ, enough said.

[UnLocke1]

@archDeluxxe Because Jordan is "untouchable." Nike and ESPN sure enhanced his legacy.

[vidaa11]

i remember this finals. this was the first time i saw gary payton dunk. i also remember mike crying after they won on fathers day.

[Squish888]

i thought this was a review on the whole game. not a video sucking jordans dick..

[tmack85ive]

Is the background music for the intro taken from a movie?

[576HemP]

I´ve seen it live on German television at half past three in the morning !

I love the SonicS

[byff23]

If the Sonics had played anyone else that year...you get the point. Just that fact that they took the Bulls to 6 was amazing. Too bad they choked during the Rockets championship years.

[iamrupertgrint]

leahcim nadroj skcus

figure it out. im just kidding.

[SkeffingtonP]

I remember falling asleep watching this Finals.

[ForEmily23]

I really have no clue why this video has more than 11,600 views, while others of mine haven't cracked 300...

I'm not complaining - I appreciate you all for watching - it's just funny to me that this one, out of all of them, is the big winner so far

[nelsonf11]

Naw it's more like...jordan is so good that he makes the other team look weak!!!

[GGLuvGawda]

Kebo got blocked by celtic cuz there's good player in celtic...and jordan gets those dunk.rebounce and 3 point cuz the other team sucks.

[koreen23]

da greatest eva!

[polarisRMKMAN]

Ill give you a challenge! Watch this video! Then go watch a hi-light real of Kobe from this years 08 finals! Sorry he is not even close to a Jordan! Jordan is all over the court! Celtics keeping Kobe out! Jordans slamming,3-point,stealing, rebounding, driving, fad-away, and lay ups! Come on! KOBe is no Jordan! Now Shaq and kobe thats a better comparsion!

[ForEmily23]

preach on

[hey424]

This was game 4 stupid learn your basketball man

[ForEmily23]

I encourage you to watch and listen at about the 1:13 to 1:15 mark.

Thank you.

[DieHardChicagoFan96]

MJ was the best player ever wish he was still on da team dat would be SWEET sonics suck

[chrisz]

Fuck you

[bat4k]

if u wanna argue jordan is the greatest, there is no need, coz he is the greatest...

hehe

jordan forever

[bat4k]

i'm a great fan of jordan. But i don't wanna be bias. Kobe has a better 3 point shooting skill, more creative drives thru the hoops. Kobe is a better ball handler.

Yet, jordan has more control in the air, his hands are big, and he has a better hang time and fade away.

In terms of defense, both of them are flawless.

[ForEmily23]

but that's the thing-everybody misses the boat here

MJ's greatness was not his jumper or his driving ability or his defense or his leadership

It's that he used all those things to dominate a professional sports league for nearly 10 years-he was consistently the greatest player in basketball, even when he had already won multiple titles and individual awards

Kobe has great skill, no doubt. And I'll give you he shoots 3s a little better,but skill alone doesn't make you the greatest

[bat4k]

i agree wit u, mj's leadership has even been used nowadays in academic studies, and how his charisma can approach his teammates without emerging jealousy among each other. About drive thru da lane, i think it's matter of preference. I'ved watched all of jordan's videos in da past, kobe has modified many of jordan's moves, yet kobe can't copy the smoothness & fines of jordan's jumpshots. the driving thru da lane is a matter of preference, but u got's to admit that bryant is a better ball handler

[YellowMK2T]

Jordan had bigger hands than KB. These gigantic hands would make MJ better in the handling department.

Isiah Thomas got better handles than both.

[glocsta707]

@YellowMK2T How? If having bigger hands makes you a better ball handler then Connie Hawkins would be the greatest,his hands were bigger then MJ's.

[rdotpatterson]

@YellowMK2T of course not because scrubs guarded jordan

[ForEmily23]

and one more thing... your point about Kobe having more creative drives through the lane... I'm not sure how old you are, so I'll be nice..

but damn, man... check some highlight film from Jordan's days before he went to play baseball for a bit

then talk

[ForEmily23]

can you guys believe all this talk lately about whether Kobe is better than Jordan?

Why? Because he's led a team to the Finals once? It was Shaq's team when they won 3 straight..so don't go there.

Have people forgotten that MJ dominated the NBA for nearly an entire decade?

Nobody can touch what MJ did...not Kobe...not anyone.

[mathdaddy8]

I agree. Kobe is no Jordan. How people forget so easily. Jordan is way stronger and more aggressive. Jordan would never kick back for 3 quarters and try to be the hero in the 4th. Jordan worked for all 4 quarters. Kobe is a crybaby.

[passerby23]

Exactly. Lest people forget that Shaq was the NBA finals MVP all three times during their championship years. It's true that Kobe carried them to this most recent championship, but still, I think the comparisons are totally unfounded.

[westcanto]

jordan is the best. he has pyschic powers man! he can fly in mid air that is called flying jordan

[kaliaelizabeth]

hey... see that hop @ 1:36....... damn that's 33 year old leg

[rashadelliott]

Jordan's behind the back in mid air move @ 4:11 is one of his all-time greats in my opinion. Spur of the moment type of things.

[jordanlover23]

All anyone has to do to see that Payton had little to do with Jordan's poor shooting (it should be noted that Pippen shot 38% this series, Kerr 38% and Harper 39%) is watch the entire series. Jordan was missing EASY shots that he normally makes. He was just off. Wide open layups (you can see a couple in this video), offensive putbacks, wide open baseline 15-footers. He NEVER missed these type of shots, but in this series he bricked everything. Payton played him well, but wasnt the reason.

[chrisz]

Well if you're saying he was missing shots he usually makes, maybe it was because of the D from Payton. Either way when Payton played him Jordan was held to some of his lowest PPG.

But they Still won in the end, I know.

My favorite moment had to be the Kemp Dunk on Rodman where he sits on Rodmans face and he's just hanging from the rim. Great Stuff.

Either way the Seattle Supersonics need to stay here in Seattle.

Save Our Sonics

[jordanlover23]

Yeah, but my point was that these were WIDE OPEN shots. It's not like Payton was challenging them in any way. Most of the time he wasn't even in the play. Missed layups, offensive putbacks, wide open baseline 15-footers that Jordan was HITTING THE SIDE OF THE BACKBOARD with -- you just know something was up, since that literally NEVER happens.

[jaboo82681]

Save the Sonics!!!

[mnkhan2020]

Great game. MJ's worse NBA Finals series in terms of stats. Had to to do NOT with Gary Payton as some of you are making out to be. MJ was 10 pounds heavy & caused fatigue late in the playoffs he stated. something he shed in '96-'97 season.

[jaboo82681]

I agree this was his worst shooting Finals. It could have been due to a lot of things, fatigue because of the long regular season, having to guard Gary Payton because Ron Harper was hurt.

[chrisz]

Gary Psyton can talk trash to whoever the hell he wants. It's part of his game. He did get in Jordans head a bit too. Not to mention Nate Mcmillian one of our better defenders was injured for part of the series, and we switched Payton to guard Jordan in I think Game 3 or 4 and his scoring was reduced.

[ForEmily23]

I'll admit, Payton did a pretty decent job on MJ... aside from game 3, Jordan didn't have a really great game during this series...the supporting cast stepped up big time, though and Gary Payton was never heard of again until he hopped on Shaq and Wade's back to finally get a ring

[char4ever]

the jordan move on 6:09 is the only i would see him close to traval. Well i should say its a 50/50 on that call. Everything comes true on the fathers day. :)

[jordanlover23]

He used similar footwork on a baseline drive and dunk vs. Miami in the '97 playoffs. It's legal, though it looks a bit sketchy. What's funny is that I've had a Kobe fan point out Kobe doing this exact thing and claiming that it's evidence that Kobe has superior footwork, since Jordan never did it (or so he thought). Then when I showed him this clip and the other clip he shut up lol. The explosion on the crossover past Payton to set it up is ridiculous btw.

[nunadas]

Payton always was an arrogant prick. A good player but still..

[ForEmily23]

yeah, I don't understand why anybody would talk shit on MJ...Payton had to feel like a real fool after watching Jordan dominate the league for two more years after beating his ass in the finals....

granted, MJ didn't play his best game, really through the whole playoffs, but he was still the greatest and impossible to beat

[JCR1992]

Yeah MJ said there was some tendinitis in his knee the entire playoffs and he hurt his back and a minor ankle injury but yet he still avgeraged 30 ppg in the playoffs and most importantly won the title