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by: Chris Maynard
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Today is the 30th anniversary of Game Four of the 1996 NBA Finals between the Seattle SuperSonics and Chicago Bulls. I have gone ahead and rewatched this game, listing my observations of what I saw with a fresh set of eyes.
Game Three Recap: After less-than-stellar victories during the first two games of the 1996 NBA Finals, the Chicago Bulls came out and dominated from the get-go of Game Three, breaking out as a team and superstar. At one point during the first quarter Chicago led 34-12. By halftime the lead was 24 points (62-38), with Michael Jordan scoring 27 of this game-high 36 points during the first 24 minutes. With the exception of a shaky third quarter, Chicago cruised in the third game, winning by 22 points, even with guard Ron Harper not starting and playing only one minute due to a bothersome knee. Luc Longley scored a playoff career-high 19 points, Scottie Pippen and Toni Kukoc stuffed the stat sheets, and Dennis Rodman got into the head of Seattle big man Frank Brickowski. The Sonics looked completely outclassed against a Bulls team that was finally clicking and was now just one game away from a series sweep and fourth NBA title.
([email protected])
Today is the 30th anniversary of Game Four of the 1996 NBA Finals between the Seattle SuperSonics and Chicago Bulls. I have gone ahead and rewatched this game, listing my observations of what I saw with a fresh set of eyes.
Game Three Recap: After less-than-stellar victories during the first two games of the 1996 NBA Finals, the Chicago Bulls came out and dominated from the get-go of Game Three, breaking out as a team and superstar. At one point during the first quarter Chicago led 34-12. By halftime the lead was 24 points (62-38), with Michael Jordan scoring 27 of this game-high 36 points during the first 24 minutes. With the exception of a shaky third quarter, Chicago cruised in the third game, winning by 22 points, even with guard Ron Harper not starting and playing only one minute due to a bothersome knee. Luc Longley scored a playoff career-high 19 points, Scottie Pippen and Toni Kukoc stuffed the stat sheets, and Dennis Rodman got into the head of Seattle big man Frank Brickowski. The Sonics looked completely outclassed against a Bulls team that was finally clicking and was now just one game away from a series sweep and fourth NBA title.
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5 Observations from Game Three
1. Jordan the aggressor. Entering Game Three, Jordan was not too happy with his or the team's performances through the first two games of the 1996 NBA Finals. This was apparent right away as Jordan came out looking to score early and often. Jordan was not waiting for the game to develop and settle in on this night, often getting to the post as quickly as possible. Jordan had the killer instinct in Game Three, and his teammates picked up on his unhappiness, coming out sharp and looking to put away the Sonics.
2. Luc Longley outplays Shawn Kemp. Chicago has not only used Luc Longley to defend Kemp for much of this series but made a conscious effort to get Longley the ball early in the first three games of the Finals as Seattle did not have a big who could match his size and girth. Longley awarded his team for its faith in him during Game Three, having an excellent offensive game. Longley outscored Kemp 19 to 14 and had more made field goals (8) than Kemp had shot attempts (7).
3. Kemp and Gary Payton fail to launch early in Game Three. Kemp was nonexistent for much of Game Three, getting off to a rough start in the first quarter. While scoring 32 and 29 points during the first two games, respectively, Kemp only had 14 in Game Three. Kemp had more turnovers (5) than rebounds (4). For the series, Kemp has had 15 turnovers through three games. As for Payton, he got off to a cold shooting start in the first quarter and ultimately finished with 19 points. For too much of this series, Kemp and Payton have been hit or miss. There hasn't been enough consistency on both ends of the floor. As Seattle's superstars, Kemp and Payton needed to play with more urgency. The Bulls were too good to have so many lulls from Seattle's two best players.
4. Key Arena was an amazing venue. I absolutely loved the atmosphere for Game Three, with the home crowd deafening. Unfortunately for the Seattle crowd, the Bulls came out right away and took the Sonics out of the game. To the credit of the Seattle fans, they did not quit and sit on their hands, trying their best to get the Sonics going. It seemed to be working during the the third quarter as Seattle finally showed some defensive urgency. Ultimately, it was too little, too late for Seattle. Speaking of Key Arena, the contrast in colors of this game was spectacular. Chicago's red and Seattle's white uniforms combined with the hardwood and darker lighting at Key Arena made for an incredible visual presentation.
5. The Bulls proved to be road warriors once again. During the NBA Finals, the Bulls always seemed to be a better road than home team. This was apparent during Game Three as Chicago did not mess around with its food, realizing now was the time to put the Sonics away. I don't know what it was, but I almost felt more confident watching the Bulls on the road back in the Finals than at home, at least at the United Center, which lacked the intensity of the old Chicago Stadium. It was pretty clear watching Game Three which team had more Finals' experience. The old saying is a series never starts before a game is won on the road. Well, Chicago convincingly won its road game, and the Sonics appeared dead in the water. With the Game Three victory at Seattle, Chicago had won five straight Finals games on the road, tying an NBA record set by the Detroit Pistons.
2. Luc Longley outplays Shawn Kemp. Chicago has not only used Luc Longley to defend Kemp for much of this series but made a conscious effort to get Longley the ball early in the first three games of the Finals as Seattle did not have a big who could match his size and girth. Longley awarded his team for its faith in him during Game Three, having an excellent offensive game. Longley outscored Kemp 19 to 14 and had more made field goals (8) than Kemp had shot attempts (7).
3. Kemp and Gary Payton fail to launch early in Game Three. Kemp was nonexistent for much of Game Three, getting off to a rough start in the first quarter. While scoring 32 and 29 points during the first two games, respectively, Kemp only had 14 in Game Three. Kemp had more turnovers (5) than rebounds (4). For the series, Kemp has had 15 turnovers through three games. As for Payton, he got off to a cold shooting start in the first quarter and ultimately finished with 19 points. For too much of this series, Kemp and Payton have been hit or miss. There hasn't been enough consistency on both ends of the floor. As Seattle's superstars, Kemp and Payton needed to play with more urgency. The Bulls were too good to have so many lulls from Seattle's two best players.
4. Key Arena was an amazing venue. I absolutely loved the atmosphere for Game Three, with the home crowd deafening. Unfortunately for the Seattle crowd, the Bulls came out right away and took the Sonics out of the game. To the credit of the Seattle fans, they did not quit and sit on their hands, trying their best to get the Sonics going. It seemed to be working during the the third quarter as Seattle finally showed some defensive urgency. Ultimately, it was too little, too late for Seattle. Speaking of Key Arena, the contrast in colors of this game was spectacular. Chicago's red and Seattle's white uniforms combined with the hardwood and darker lighting at Key Arena made for an incredible visual presentation.
5. The Bulls proved to be road warriors once again. During the NBA Finals, the Bulls always seemed to be a better road than home team. This was apparent during Game Three as Chicago did not mess around with its food, realizing now was the time to put the Sonics away. I don't know what it was, but I almost felt more confident watching the Bulls on the road back in the Finals than at home, at least at the United Center, which lacked the intensity of the old Chicago Stadium. It was pretty clear watching Game Three which team had more Finals' experience. The old saying is a series never starts before a game is won on the road. Well, Chicago convincingly won its road game, and the Sonics appeared dead in the water. With the Game Three victory at Seattle, Chicago had won five straight Finals games on the road, tying an NBA record set by the Detroit Pistons.
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What I remember from the day of Game Four: I was officially on summer break, spending this Wednesday afternoon swimming at my cousin's pool. My older cousin Courtney had a couple of her high school friends over swimming so I was a bit excited/nervous being around several cute girls. I definitely had a crush on one of my cousin's friends, who was absolutely gorgeous. My elementary school also hosted the first night of its summer carnival this night. After swimming, a couple of friends and I went to the carnival, where we ran into a few of my cousin's friends. One of my buddies eventually asked one of the girls for her number, and she rejected him. :-) Anyways, for some reason, I was not too worried about the Bulls' game. A sweep seemed imminent. I remember walking around the carnival and checking in on the score at the booth where you could win goldfish by throwing a ping-pong ball into the bowl. The game was on, and Seattle was killing the Bulls at the beginning. My friends and I laughed. I figured the Bulls would come back and that I would bunker down and watch the second half. At this point a sweep seemed inevitable, with Seattle not having led for the last 72:42 of game time.
What I remember from Game Four: After missing most of the first half, I went back to my cousin's house to watch the second half. I was disappointed to see Seattle was handling the Bulls. I remember getting frustrated as Scottie Pippen was having an off night, saying something to the effect that "Pippen really sucks." One of my friends laughed at me, told me to shut up and relax, and said that he was simply having a bad game. While disappointed that the Bulls lost, I was not too worried, with Chicago up 3-1. I ended up sleeping over at my cousin's house, watching cable television. After watching some of the postgame interviews on ESPN, I stumbled upon this television show I hadn't seen in years, Friday the 13th: The Series, on the old Sci-Fi channel. I happily watched a great episode called "Double Exposure," which I have posted below. When I went home the next day, I asked my Dad for this thoughts about the Bulls' game. He said he thought the refs made sure Seattle won at least one game. To this day, my Dad feels that the NBA gave Games Four and Five to the Sonics to make the series interesting. I am intrigued to see if I feel the same way after watching the replays of these games. For some context, notorious redass Joey Crawford is officiating Game Four!
What I remember from Game Four: After missing most of the first half, I went back to my cousin's house to watch the second half. I was disappointed to see Seattle was handling the Bulls. I remember getting frustrated as Scottie Pippen was having an off night, saying something to the effect that "Pippen really sucks." One of my friends laughed at me, told me to shut up and relax, and said that he was simply having a bad game. While disappointed that the Bulls lost, I was not too worried, with Chicago up 3-1. I ended up sleeping over at my cousin's house, watching cable television. After watching some of the postgame interviews on ESPN, I stumbled upon this television show I hadn't seen in years, Friday the 13th: The Series, on the old Sci-Fi channel. I happily watched a great episode called "Double Exposure," which I have posted below. When I went home the next day, I asked my Dad for this thoughts about the Bulls' game. He said he thought the refs made sure Seattle won at least one game. To this day, my Dad feels that the NBA gave Games Four and Five to the Sonics to make the series interesting. I am intrigued to see if I feel the same way after watching the replays of these games. For some context, notorious redass Joey Crawford is officiating Game Four!
Here is Game Four of the 1996 NBA Finals, with the Chicago Bulls one game away from a sweep and fourth title in six seasons.
Make the jump to see the starting lineups and read my observations as I watch this game for the first time in years.
Starting Lineups: Chicago Bulls vs. Seattle Sonics
NBC Commentators: Marv Albert on play-by-play, Matt Guokas and Bill Walton on the color commentary.
Notes: Ron Harper is back in the starting lineup but still dealing with knee pain.
Seattle is making two switches, inserting Brickowski for Ervin Johnson and putting Payton on Jordan.
Seattle reserve guard Nate McMillan is in uniform and will attempt to play despite a nerve impingement in his back.
- Point Guard: Ron Harper vs. Gary Payton
- Shooting Guard: Michael Jordan vs. Hersey Hawkins
- Small Forward: Scottie Pippen vs. Detlef Schrempf
- Power Forward: Dennis Rodman vs. Shawn Kemp
- Center: Luc Longley vs. Frank Brickowski
- Head Coaches: Phil Jackson vs. George Karl
NBC Commentators: Marv Albert on play-by-play, Matt Guokas and Bill Walton on the color commentary.
Notes: Ron Harper is back in the starting lineup but still dealing with knee pain.
Seattle is making two switches, inserting Brickowski for Ervin Johnson and putting Payton on Jordan.
Seattle reserve guard Nate McMillan is in uniform and will attempt to play despite a nerve impingement in his back.
First Quarter, Under-6 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 10-8 with 5:50 remaining. The Sonics have their first lead in 77:27 of game time. After missing its first four shots, Seattle got on the board with a Gary Payton lob pass for a dunk by Shawn Kemp, who has a quick six points. After missing his first two threes, Payton finally canned an open one from deep, making him 2/13 from behind the arc in the series. Seattle is playing with great emotion, overcoming a 1-for-8 start from the field. Detlef Schrempf is 0-for-3 from the field. Chicago has baskets from four of its five starters. Michael Jordan hit an ice-cold fadeaway on Payton, Luc Longley stuck an open jumper, Dennis Rodman scored on a layup and Scottie Pippen had a beautiful banker, faking a Seattle defender out of his shorts. There have been a couple of ticky-tack fouls. Rodman was called for a foul as Payton drove and was later hit with a technical by Crawford for complaining about getting tripped. Jordan was called for an offensive foul posting up Payton. Frank Brickowski had a three negated by an offensive foul call on Schrempf.
First Quarter, Under-3 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 18-13 with 2:53 remaining as Chicago takes a timeout. Seattle led by as much as 10 points during this stretch as Payton and Hersey Hawkins both hit threes, and Hawkins also had a pull-up jumper in the mid-range. Payton has come out gunning, going 2/5 from three and 2/6 overall. Seattle was in the midst of a 11-2 run before Longely had a nice dunk on a nifty spin move and hit two free throws. Pippen was called for a ticky-tack foul on Payton right out of the gate during this stretch. Seattle is 3/7 from three, Chicago is 0/2. Prior to Game Four, Seattle's biggest lead was 5 points, 29-24 during Game Two.
End of First Quarter Observations
Seattle leads 25-21 at the end of the first quarter. Seattle got made baskets from reserves Sam Perkins and David Wingate, who apparently has jumped Vincent Askew in the rotation. Askew apparently missed a practice and media session in-between Games 3 and 4. Through the first three games, Seattle's bench has had nearly more turnovers (18) than made field goals (20), with Perkins really the only guy giving the team much production. Chicago has found some offensive rhythm, with Longley getting a tip in, Ron Harper scoring on a slashing layup off a nice cut, and Bill Wennington hitting a corner jumper. Inserted for the first time since Game One, the injured Nate McMillan had a nice assist to a cutting Payton for a layup. Seattle had 7 assists in the first quarter, Chicago 5. The Bulls had 5 turnovers while Seattle had just 1. Toni Kukoc was called for a questionable travel off a defensive rebound, seemingly getting bumped by a Sonic. Jordan was just 1/3 during the first quarter. Longley led the Bulls with 8 points while Payton had 8 for the Sonics.
Second Quarter, Under-10 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 34-21 as Chicago takes a timeout with 9:44 remaining. The Sonics have started the quarter on a 9-0 run, with Payton scoring off the ball on another curling layup off a McMillan assist and then burying his third three of game. Payton has 13 points and has come out aggressive. Perkins had a nice baseline spin on Wennington and Schrempf tapped in a missed Perkins scoop. Chicago is all out of sorts, with Jordan and Steve Kerr not being on the same page. Jordan threw a ball away from the top of the key, expecting Kerr to cut to the corner. Chicago followed up with more miscommunication, as Kukoc tried to reverse the ball to Jordan, who cut in, leading to the ball going out of bounds. Chicago has 8 turnovers, Seattle just 1! Payton is 5/9 for 13 points. He also has 3 assists. Jordan is just 1/4 with 3 points and 1 assist.
Second Quarter, Under-8 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 39-25 with 7:17 remaining as the Sonics take a timeout. McMillan has provided a lift, rebounding a missed Kukoc three and firing down court to Schrempf for a dunk and then hitting a three. Kukoc made a banker to snap a 3:04 scoring drought for the Bulls. Jordan also hit a jumper off a steal. The Sonics are the aggressors, and the Bulls can't throw the ball into the ocean from deep. Chicago is 0/6 from three, with Kukoc missing an open three and Kerr missing three threes during this stretch. In contrast, Seattle is 5/10 from three. Seattle has been doing all of this with Kemp on the bench. Rodman was just called for another ticky-tack foul down low. He has as many fouls, 2, as rebounds, 2.
Second Quarter, Under-3 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 47-29 with 2:58 remaining. Chicago has matched its largest deficit of the playoffs, 18 points, set during Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Orlando Magic. Seattle is getting easy shots tonight as the Bulls' defense is not what it has been all playoffs long. Kemp and Schrempf have hit open jumpers while Perkins just canned a three. The Bulls don't have much going on offensively as Jordan is forcing a bit. Longley hit a jumper for his 10 point. He is 4/5 from the field. However, he just picked up his third foul, apparently knocking an entry pass into Perkins away. Longley was also called for a questionable travel when it appeared Kemp bumped him off his pivot. Jordan also got called for an offensive foul, apparently pushing off Hawkins as Longley tried to feed him for a high-low lob. Jordan then received a quick technical for arguing the call. Pippen and Rodman also were called for fouls banging down low. The refs have been bad, but Seattle has been the far superior and aggressive team tonight. The Bulls have 9 turnovers already and are 0/7 from three while Seattle has found the stroke from deep, going 6-for-11. Seattle has outscored the Bulls 22-8 so far this quarter.
Second Quarter, Under-1 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 53-32 with 2.2 seconds remaining as the Sonics take a timeout to draw up an inbound after a Jud Buechler steal and travel. Everything is going in for the Sonics, with Perkins and Schrempf abusing the Bulls in the post for baskets. Perkins then hit a high-arching jumper over Jordan's extended hand with the shot clock running down. Chicago finally hit a three, with Kukoc connecting. However, Kukoc followed up with an up-and-down. Chicago has 11 turnovers, Seattle has 5. Jordan is just 3/9 from the field and Pippen is 1/8.
Halftime Observations
Seattle leads 53-32 at the break. Seattle outscores Chicago 28-11 in the second period. Those 11 points are Chicago's lowest output for a quarter this entire playoffs. Seattle shot 51% (22/44) in the first half while Chicago shot 38% (13/34). Chicago's starting lineup is not producing much: Longley has 10 points, Jordan 7, and Pippen, Rodman and Harper each have 2. Payton leads Seattle with 13 points.
Third Quarter, Under-11 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 55-36 with 10:16 remaining as Chicago takes a 20-second timeout following a Rodman offensive rebound. Seattle opened up with an easy layup for Payton. Chicago has started Kukoc for the injured Harper, who is sitting at the end of the bench. Kukoc scored immediately, and Pippen had a layup off a Rodman offensive board. Rodman has two quick offensive boards after only having one during the first half. Rodman now has 6 boards for the game.
Third Quarter, Under-8 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 61-45 with 7:04 remaining as Chicago takes a timeout. The Bulls were on a 11-2 run, with Kukoc scoring 5 points during this stretch, including a nice lefty floater and corner three, Rodman getting an offensive tap in, and Jordan hitting two free throws off of technicals on Brickowski and Schrempf. Brickowski elbowed Rodman in the head after the offensive tap in by the Worm. Schrempf was whistled for a technical after arguing a travel call. Seattle has found some offensive rhythm, with Payton scoring off a nice head fake and drive for a floater, Hawkins hitting a curling jumper in the key, and Kemp having a ridiculous banker go in. Kukoc has sparked Chicago with 7 of his 12 points coming this quarter. Jordan has missed all three shot attempts this quarter and has not converted his last six shots. The refs are calling tight whistles, with Rodman just whistled for his fourth foul. Chicago already has more points, 13, during the first five minutes of the third quarter than it had during the entire second quarter, 11.
Third Quarter, Under-4 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 69-51 with 3:58 remaining. Seattle had made five straight shots to respond to the Bulls' run. Payton is controlling this game, posting up and getting into the lane at will, scoring a layup and feeding Kemp for a layup. Kemp also had a ridiculous and-one dunk on Longley, who has 4 fouls, seemingly hanging in the air while playing through contact. Payton has 20 points, 8 assists and 0 turnovers. Chicago has finally gotten Jordan and Pippen somewhat going. Pippen hit a ridiculous banker and Jordan followed up with a transition layup and backdoor layup. Pippen is now 3/12 from the field, Jordan is 5/14. Still, Seattle is doing a good job maintaining this lead, which has only been trimmed by two points since halftime. Chicago's 13 turnovers have lead to 20 Sonics' points.
End of Third Quarter Observations
Seattle leads 84-63 at the end of three. Chicago had a better offensive quarter, scoring 31 points after getting 32 during the entire first half, though the halftime deficit is still the same. Seattle is shooting a blistering 55%, responding well as Chicago tries to junk up the game with a full-court press. Perkins and McMillan hit threes during this stretch, Payton fed Perkins for a dunk, and Kemp had six points in close, including a beautiful baseline spin reverse dunk on Rodman. Chicago was more active in the third quarter, but Seattle is playing inspired basketball, getting whatever it wants offensively. Jordan is up to 18 points, though a lot of his points came from the free throw line. Kukoc and Rodman had nice third quarters, as did Randy Brown off the bench, but ultimately Seattle held serve, on pace to score more than 100 points, which has not been easy against the Bulls during the 1996 NBA Playoffs. Jordan was called for a questionable flagrant foul on David Wingate, who received a technical foul for showing up an official after fouling Jordan.
Fourth Quarter, Under-10 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 90-68 with 9:23 remaining as Chicago takes a timeout. Schrempf just buried a three from the top of the key. Seattle continues to attack, with Kemp facing up and driving by Longley for a two-hand slam. Payton also had a nifty drive that resulted in free throws. Chicago has a three from Randy Brown, but is looking done in Game Four. Jordan has begun the quarter on the bench.
Fourth Quarter, Under-7 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 99-76 with 6:42 remaining. Jordan was just called for a palming/carrying violation and probably should have been given his second technical for complaining. The Seattle onslaught continues as Hawkins scores five quick points (a three and layup) and Kemp gets another easy basket inside. Pippen finally hit a three, Jordan scored a layup and Rodman had a tip in, but this game is over. It's time for Phil Jackson to remove his starters. As bad as Pippen has shot, he nearly has a triple double with 9 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists.
Fourth Quarter, 5-Minute Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 101-81 with exactly 5:00 remaining. The Sonics have been torching the nets, shooting 67% this quarter. Seattle shot 67% and 69% in the second and third quarters, respectively, after hitting at a 40% clip during the first quarter. Seattle is shooting 57% for the game. Schrempf barely touched net on a beautiful mid-range jumper off of the Chicago press. Kerr finally hit a three, and Jordan connected on two more free throws. He is 11/13 from the foul line tonight.
Fourth Quarter, Under-1 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 107-83 with 48 seconds remaining. It's all academic at this point as Jordan, Pippen, and Rodman, and Kemp and Payton have been out the last few minutes.
Final Score: Seattle SuperSonics 107, Chicago Bulls 86.
There will be no sweep as Seattle whoops the Bulls from the second quarter on. The Sonics shoot an amazing 56% from the field, getting a very balanced performance from Payton, Kemp, Perkins, Hawkins and Schrempf. Seattle played with urgency and desperation from the jump while the Bulls did not, thus deserving the loss. Here is the final box score.
Five Stars of the Game
1. Gary Payton, Seattle SuperSonics. After three frustrating games to open the series, Payton was aggressive from the onset, controlling the style of play and finishing with 21 points and 11 assists while doing a great job defending Jordan, who was just 6/19.
2. Shawn Kemp, Seattle SuperSonics. Kemp was 8-for-8 from the field in the second half, finishing 12/17 for 25 points. Simply put, Chicago had no answer during Kemp's most efficient game of the series so far.
3. Sam Perkins, Seattle SuperSonics. Perkins had 17 points off the bench on 7-for-13 from the field, with Chicago having no answer for his post-up game.
4. Nate McMillan, Seattle SuperSonics. Playing in pain, McMillan inspired with 8 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists during 14 gutty minutes.
5A. Hersey Hawkins, Seattle SuperSonics. Hawkins had a very efficient game, going 6-for-9 from the field and 4-for-4 from the field for 18 points.
5B. Detlef Schrempf, Seattle SuperSonics. Schrempf had 14 points during what was his most effective game of the series so far.
2. Shawn Kemp, Seattle SuperSonics. Kemp was 8-for-8 from the field in the second half, finishing 12/17 for 25 points. Simply put, Chicago had no answer during Kemp's most efficient game of the series so far.
3. Sam Perkins, Seattle SuperSonics. Perkins had 17 points off the bench on 7-for-13 from the field, with Chicago having no answer for his post-up game.
4. Nate McMillan, Seattle SuperSonics. Playing in pain, McMillan inspired with 8 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists during 14 gutty minutes.
5A. Hersey Hawkins, Seattle SuperSonics. Hawkins had a very efficient game, going 6-for-9 from the field and 4-for-4 from the field for 18 points.
5B. Detlef Schrempf, Seattle SuperSonics. Schrempf had 14 points during what was his most effective game of the series so far.
Duds of the Game
1. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, Chicago Bulls. This is a rarity as both Jordan and Pippen had miserable shooting performances. Jordan was just 6-for-19 from the field, with 11 of his 23 points coming from the foul line. Pippen was 4-for-17, finishing with 9 points. Pippen did have 11 rebounds and 8 assists, but it was not his most impactful game. As a team, Chicago played poorly, with the exception of Luc Longley throughout and Toni Kukoc and Dennis Rodman in the second half.
Here are the highlights of Game 4 of the 1996 NBA Finals.
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