1990-91 Chicago Bulls: Learning To Fly Part 2/6

In 1990-91 some of the less obvious aspects of Phil Jackson's coaching philosophy began to draw attention-and began to produce unprecedented results. Although the Bulls had the most creative offensive force in the history of the game in Jordan, they also stressed defense and teamwork.

Chicago lost the first three games of the year, then never dropped more than two in a row the rest of the way. On December 4 the Bulls set a regulation-game team record by scoring 155 points against Phoenix, a total topped only by a 156-point, four-overtime game in 1984. They had two seven-game winning streaks, in December and January, while building a 30-14 record. Then the team went on a tear in February, winning 11 straight, losing a single game, then winning nine more, to stand at 50-15 on March 20.

Finishing with a 61-21 record, the Bulls won their second division title and became just the ninth team in NBA history to win 60 or more regular-season games. They swaggered through the postseason, sweeping the New York Knicks in three games, eliminating the Philadelphia 76ers in five, and reaching the NBA Finals by winning four straight against the defending NBA-champion Detroit Pistons.

The 1991 NBA Finals matchup between the Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers was billed as a confrontation between two of the game's most charismatic figures, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson; however, the drama never unfolded. Los Angeles won the first game on a last-second three-pointer by Sam Perkins, but then Chicago ran through the Lakers in four straight contests. Jordan scored 30 points and handed out 10 assists in a 108-101 Game 5 victory, which clinched the first NBA championship in the Bulls' 25-year history.

The title capped a memorable season for Jordan. He was voted the league's Most Valuable Player for the second time, won his fifth consecutive scoring title, reached the 15,000-point plateau, and was named to the All-NBA First Team and to the NBA All-Defensive First Team. He was also voted MVP of the Finals.

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[Rucks90]

How many times Pat Ewing get DUNKED ON!

[billslover90]

it sucks that the 80s and 90s are no more. wish i was born earlier. someone build a time machine, i miss jordan

[1103bullsnation]

I was so happy when Chicago destroyed Detroit and after that series the Pistons never contended the Bulls for the title. Bill Laimbeer can kiss my ass

[PhilBurr100]

@GMoneyStillTippin420 I feel you bro. I never heard the story though between Rodman and David. Great insight.

[GMoneyStillTippin420]

@PhilBurr100 Exactly dude. When Rodman was with the Spurs Robinson pulled him aside and gave him a talking about how the Spurs are a conservative quiet small market team that doesn't wanna rock the boat. Last season though was a ton of fun to see particularly Rose an OKC. I'm from Boston so my first loyalty is to my Celtics, but I was born in 1989 so I discovered the game at the height of Jordanmania in a way I think kids now watching Lebron just have NO IDEA how big a deal this actually was lol

[PhilBurr100]

@GMoneyStillTippin420 Real shit bro. The story of the Bulls was amazing and their was a clear differential between watching the Spurs and the Bulls. And i appreciate i'm not the only individual that believes Old School hoops is far better than today's game lol.

[GMoneyStillTippin420]

Now Bulls vs Thunder? Now THAT would be an epic NBA finals matchup.

[GMoneyStillTippin420]

@PhilBurr100 To be fair, the story of the Bulls rise from the associations basement to the heights of a six time dynasty was an incredible story not only were they a great team who knew how to win but how to really put on a show to make the whole planet stand up watch this legend unfold. Who outside of serious NBA fans like us know or care about Tim Duncan or the 4 titles he won between 99-07? They're a great team sure but not exactly the most fun or exciting team which is kinda how SA likes it.

[PhilBurr100]

@ThePresident45 You are a freaking genius bro. I was saying the same shit. All they do now is summarize it as opposed to giving an insight on the teams goals and just the way it's presented, the Old School was the greatest.

[ThePresident45]

This was a classic video. Same with the '92 Video. NBA Does not make championship videos like this anymore.

[Efrain3619]

craig hodged!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1