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by: Chris Maynard
([email protected])
Today is the 30th anniversary of Game Five 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.
([email protected])
Today is the 30th anniversary of Game Five 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 4 Recap: After an embarrassing Game Three performance that left itself one game away from elimination via a sweep, Seattle bounced back with an inspired effort that led to a Game Four victory. Behind great play from superstars Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp, and much more balanced scoring including Hersey Hawkins, Sam Perkins and Detlef Schrempf, Seattle played its most complete game of the series. The Sonics led by 21 points at the half and ended up winning by the same amount as Chicago threw in the towel with about five minutes left in the game. With the loss, Chicago was unable to sweep and go 15-1 in the playoffs, which would have set an all-time record.
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5 Observations from Game Four
1. Gary Payton lives up to his nickname "The Glove." Switching over to Michael Jordan during Game Four, Payton held the Chicago superstar to 6-for-19 from the field. Offensively, Payton was aggressive from the get go, clearly the best player throughout Game Four, finishing with 21 points and 11 assists. After three inconsistent games to start the series, Payton finally showed his true abilities during Game Four.
2. Shawn Kemp responds after a disappointing Game Three. Kemp only had 7 shot attempts during a humiliating Game Three for himself and the team. In the second half of Game Four, Kemp was a perfect 8-for-8 from the field in the second half. Kemp punished Chicago during the last 24 minutes after his teammates got going during the first half.
3. Seattle finally finds some offensive balance from its complementary performers. Too much of this series has been Kemp followed by inconsistent play from his teammates. During Game Four, Seattle finally got a well-rounded game from its other important players, with Hawkins scoring 18 points, Perkins chipping in 17 off the bench, Schrempf adding 14 points, and Nate McMillan coming back from injury to give 14 inspiring minutes.
4. The Head Coach knows best. Phil Jackson expressed his concern prior to Game Four that his team might have been distracted with all of the hoopla heading into the contest, with the media ready to crown the Bulls as NBA champs and the greatest team of all time. While the Bulls were not looking past the Sonics during Game Four, they were clearly not as sharp or focused as during Game Three. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen both had uncharacteristically off nights during Game Four. Jordan finished with 23 points, his lowest ever-total for an NBA Finals game. Jordan and Pippen combined to go 10-for-36 from the field, including 1-for-10 from three.
5. The refs had tight whistles but were not the reason Chicago lost Game Four. My Dad has always said the referees gave Seattle Games Four and Five to make it a more competitive series. While there were certainly some quick whistles, including technical fouls, and ticky-tack calls during Game Four, the refs were not the reason Chicago lost this game. Seattle was just the far better team on this night.
1. Gary Payton lives up to his nickname "The Glove." Switching over to Michael Jordan during Game Four, Payton held the Chicago superstar to 6-for-19 from the field. Offensively, Payton was aggressive from the get go, clearly the best player throughout Game Four, finishing with 21 points and 11 assists. After three inconsistent games to start the series, Payton finally showed his true abilities during Game Four.
2. Shawn Kemp responds after a disappointing Game Three. Kemp only had 7 shot attempts during a humiliating Game Three for himself and the team. In the second half of Game Four, Kemp was a perfect 8-for-8 from the field in the second half. Kemp punished Chicago during the last 24 minutes after his teammates got going during the first half.
3. Seattle finally finds some offensive balance from its complementary performers. Too much of this series has been Kemp followed by inconsistent play from his teammates. During Game Four, Seattle finally got a well-rounded game from its other important players, with Hawkins scoring 18 points, Perkins chipping in 17 off the bench, Schrempf adding 14 points, and Nate McMillan coming back from injury to give 14 inspiring minutes.
4. The Head Coach knows best. Phil Jackson expressed his concern prior to Game Four that his team might have been distracted with all of the hoopla heading into the contest, with the media ready to crown the Bulls as NBA champs and the greatest team of all time. While the Bulls were not looking past the Sonics during Game Four, they were clearly not as sharp or focused as during Game Three. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen both had uncharacteristically off nights during Game Four. Jordan finished with 23 points, his lowest ever-total for an NBA Finals game. Jordan and Pippen combined to go 10-for-36 from the field, including 1-for-10 from three.
5. The refs had tight whistles but were not the reason Chicago lost Game Four. My Dad has always said the referees gave Seattle Games Four and Five to make it a more competitive series. While there were certainly some quick whistles, including technical fouls, and ticky-tack calls during Game Four, the refs were not the reason Chicago lost this game. Seattle was just the far better team on this night.
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What I remember from the day of Game Five: While taking Game Four for granted, assuming the Bulls would win and that I could just watch the second half, I did not make the same mistake during Game Five. I don't remember much from this day, except that I had to go with my Dad to pick up my sister from her tee-ball practice. I remember my Dad talking with the other dads, with the conversation being whether or not the Bulls were going to clinch tonight. Everyone seemed to think tonight was the night, though that would not be the case.
What I remember from Game Five: After getting home from my sister's practice, I remember watching Game Five with my younger brother and Dad in our living room. I don't remember too much from this game, except that I was frustrated all night. The Bulls were not playing too sharp, and none of the calls seemed to go Chicago's way. I do remember my Dad scoffing at some of the calls in favor of the Sonics. While I was a bit worried after the Bulls lost Game Five, my Dad reassured me that Chicago would finish off Seattle during Game Six on Father's Day.
Here is Game Five of the 1996 NBA Finals.
What I remember from Game Five: After getting home from my sister's practice, I remember watching Game Five with my younger brother and Dad in our living room. I don't remember too much from this game, except that I was frustrated all night. The Bulls were not playing too sharp, and none of the calls seemed to go Chicago's way. I do remember my Dad scoffing at some of the calls in favor of the Sonics. While I was a bit worried after the Bulls lost Game Five, my Dad reassured me that Chicago would finish off Seattle during Game Six on Father's Day.
Here is Game Five of the 1996 NBA Finals.
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: Due to a troublesome knee, Ron Harper is not starting in Game Five, though he is available to come off the bench. Like during Game Three, Toni Kukoc will start for Harper.
- Point Guard: Toni Kukoc 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: Due to a troublesome knee, Ron Harper is not starting in Game Five, though he is available to come off the bench. Like during Game Three, Toni Kukoc will start for Harper.
First Quarter, Under-7 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 14-8 with 6:56 remaining. The Bulls are off to a hot start, hitting 4-of-6 from the field. Toni Kukoc had Chicago's first five points, on a layup off of a beautiful cut and a three. Michael Jordan has two easy baskets, including a breakaway dunk off a nice feed from Dennis Rodman and a backdoor layup off a beautiful pass from Kukoc. Rodman already has 3 points and 4 rebounds, and Chicago's ball movement has been incredible. Shawn Kemp has all 8 of Seattle's points, going 4-for-5 at the start and giving Luc Longley some problems. Gary Payton is 0/2 from the field thus far.
First Quarter, Under-4 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 14-10 with 3:37 remaining. I see why my Dad got angry with the officiating this game. Chicago is starting to get frustrated as Scottie Pippen has picked up two ticky tack fouls. Jordan also had a questionable foul call on Payton. Jordan and Bill Wennington were also called for traveling violations. Seattle broke a drought of nearly six minutes with a jumper by Sam Perkins. Seattle had missed 9 of its last 10 shots, and is just 5/16 from the field. The Bulls have been unable to get much rhythm after a crisp start on offense.
End of First Quarter Observations
The game is tied at 18 at the end of the first quarter. Chicago scored just 4 points the last 7 minutes of the first quarter, with Longley facilitating offense, assisting on a free-throw line Kukoc jumper and high-low feed for a Jordan layup. After blowing an open layup set up by a gorgeous behind-the-back pass from Detlef Schrempf, Payton finally scored on a layup. He has 2 points on 1-for-5 from the field. Hersey Hawkins got hot late in the quarter, hitting a corner three off a brutal Kemp screen of Jordan. Hawkins then had a three-point play on a drive against Steve Kerr, who missed two threes and is struggling with his shot. After a strong start, Chicago really puttered out the rest of the quarter. The Bulls seem sped up, and Key Arena is rocking with the score tied.
Second Quarter, Under-9 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 26-22 with 8:51 remaining. Nate McMillan just hit a three off a broken play while Hawkins had a nice driving layup. He leads Seattle with 9 points. Chicago made a concerted effort to post up Pippen, who was scoreless in the first quarter, right away at the start of the second quarter. Pippen has hit two field goals in close off the post ups; however, he was just called for a travel, his second of the game and Chicago's fourth of the first half. Emotions are running high as both teams are struggling to maintain composure. The Bulls seem off again, but not as bad as Game Four. Payton is off to a slow offensive start, just 1-for-6 from the field. Chicago is just 3 for its last 12 after starting 6-for-10 from the field.
Second Quarter, Under-7 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 30-29 with 6:45 remaining. Jordan just had an acrobatic and-one layup at the rim leading to the break. He also had an earlier offensive rebound/stick back (plus the foul) during this stretch. Kemp secured an offensive board, leading to Schrempf's first bucket. Kemp made two free throws and has made his last 15 from the line. Longley just picked up his third foul, with Phil Jackson giving him and now Rodman an earful. I don't remember Jackson ever being up on his feet so much as he has been this game. The urgency is there, but Chicago seems tight and unnerved by the Seattle crowd. It has been an ugly game for both teams so far.
Second Quarter, Under-4 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 39-34 with 3:12 remaining as Chicago calls a timeout. Schrempf just scored a layup off a broken play, set up by Payton, who has gotten going. Payton had a beautiful spin move and banker on Jordan and then hit a three. Chicago got a layup from Kukoc, set up off a great feed from Kerr, and two free throws from Pippen. The Bulls offense is quite clunky. Chicago has 7 turnovers; Seattle has 2. Both teams have 9 assists. Seattle is thriving in this ugly game, with an 8-2 run at the moment. Chicago cannot buy a three. The Bulls have missed their last 9 three-point attempts.
Second Quarter, Under-1 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 43-40 with 30 seconds remaining as the Sonics take a 20 second timeout. Kukoc was just called for a travel trying to back down Steve Scheffler. Jordan began this segment with a cold-blooded jumper that silenced the crowd. He also had a beautiful behind the back dribble leading to a layup off a Rodman outlet pass. Kemp responded with a nifty baseline layup and then an assist to a cutting Payton, who beat Jordan off the post entry feed.
Halftime Observations
Seattle leads 43-42 at the break. Jordan canned a jumper following a Seattle turnover to finish the first half with 17 points on 8/13 from the field. Jordan had 11 of his 17 in the second quarter. Kemp leads Seattle with 14 points on 5-for-8 from the field. After a rough first quarter, Payton woke up with 9 of his 11 points during the second quarter. Chicago's largest lead was 6 points; Seattle's was 5. Kemp is apparently dealing with a chest contusion. Note: Ron Harper played 1 minute in the first quarter when Pippen picked up his second foul.
Third Quarter, Under-9 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 50-44 with 8:02 remaining as Chicago takes a timeout. The refs have already called Chicago for three quick fouls and several violations. The Bulls can't get any rhythm while Seattle is the aggressor and getting all of the breaks on loose balls. Kemp has been great, hitting a corner jumper and feeding Hawkins for a layup. Schrempf also hit a sweeping hook. Chicago has a jumper from Longley but has committed three turnovers already. Kukoc was somehow called for a travel despite getting absolutely manhandled down low on a Bulls' break. Rodman was whistled for a three-in-the-key and a foul from about 90 feet away from the basket. He also just received a double foul with Brickowski. Rodman has been very frustrated tonight.
Third Quarter, Under-6 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 53-52 with 5:17 remaining. Chicago is in the midst of a 9-1 run as Jordan just hit a layup to give the Bulls the lead. Jordan also made three free throws after getting fouled on a three-point attempt. Pippen had a banker and Kukoc made a layup off a broken play. Kukoc now has 11 points; he is the only other Bull in double figures besides Jordan (22 points). Rodman received a second delay of game call, resulting in a technical foul. Seattle's offense has ground down a bit as Chicago has picked up the intensity. Payton has had a quiet third quarter. Seattle is starting to turn the ball over.
Third Quarter, Under-4 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 57-55 with 3:32 remaining as Chicago calls a 20-second timeout. Schrempf hit a three to break a four-minute scoring drought for Seattle, which has picked up the defense big time. Chicago is having a hard time even passing the ball. Bill Wennington hit a jumper for Chicago's first field goal from a bench player tonight. He was also called for a travel. Pippen was visibly frustrated at Pippen and Kukoc for poor spacing. Key Arena seems to be lifting the Seattle defensive effort to new levels.
End of Third Quarter Observations
Seattle leads 62-60 at the end of three quarters. Nothing is coming easy for either team. There was a stretch where three straight jumpers were made by Kerr, Payton and Jordan. With that said, this game is a real grinder, with Chicago showing a lack of composure not often seen from the Bulls. Seattle thrives in these muck-it-up games, the Bulls are not. Pippen has 9 points on just 3/12 from the field, 0/4 from three. Pippen's ankles are apparently really bothering him. That was an ugly quarter, with Seattle outscoring Chicago 19-18.
Fourth Quarter, Under-10 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 67-63 with 9:49 remaining. Seattle extended the lead to 67-60 on a Kemp jumper and Hawkins three set up off a bad gamble by Kerr, who tried to jump the inbound pass. Longley had a big three-point play off an ugly fast break which Kerr led. Chicago has started the fourth with Jordan and Kukoc on the bench, going with Pippen, Kerr, Randy Brown, Jud Buechler and Luc Longley.
Fourth Quarter, Under-8 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 71-69 with 7:01 remaining. Chicago seemed to be seizing control, with Longley hitting a jumper and Pippen scoring at the rim on a broken play off a wild Randy Brown drive. However, the last few possessions have been ragged for both teams, with the timeout much needed. Kemp, who has shown great composure all game, somehow avoided a technical for pressing the basketball in Longley's face. Chicago has definitely picked up its defense. Both teams are over the foul limit with the next foul.
Fourth Quarter, Under-6 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 77-69 as Chicago takes a timeout. The Sonics are on a 6-0 run with Schrempf taking advantage of Kukoc, drawing a foul off a nice baseline spin move, making two free throws and then hitting a fadeaway. Payton also hit a fadeaway over Kerr. Chicago missed three straiight threes and is now 1-for-19 from deep. Chicago has missed its last 18 three pointers!
Fourth Quarter, Under-5 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 82-69 with 4:20 remaining as Chicago takes another timeout. Make that an 11-0 run as Chicago is falling apart. After Kukoc short arms a baseline jumper, Payton walks into a wide-open three. Jordan then misses a three and no one gets back as Hawkins scores on a layup. Wow! I can't remember the Bulls making so many mental errors and having such poor decision making. Chicago has missed 7 straight shots.
Fourth Quarter, Under-2 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 84-78 with 1:04 remaining as Chicago takes a timeout after Payton misses his first of two free throws. Chicago is on a 7-0 run, with Pippen and Kerr hitting back-to-back threes after the team missed 20 straight from deep. Kerr just had another three to cut the game down to three but missed. Jordan just has 2 points and 2 shot attempts in the fourth quarter.
Fourth Quarter, Under-1 Timeout Observations
Seattle leads 87-78 with 26.9 seconds remaining as Chicago calls a timeout with Rodman hustling down an offensive rebound but falling out of bounds. Jordan missed two three pointers while Payton and Hawkins have combined to make three free throws during this stretch.
Final Score: Seattle SuperSonics 89, Chicago Bulls 78
Pippen misses a fadeaway, Payton makes two free throws and Kukoc fittingly misses a three. Chicago loses back-to-back games for just the second time throughout the entire 1995-96 season. Seattle outscores the Bulls 27-18 during the fourth quarter. Chicago has it lowest points total (78) and shooting percentage (38%) of the playoffs. What was once a 3-0 series lead is now 3-2 in favor of the Bulls. Here is the final box score.
Five Stars of the Game
1. Shawn Kemp, Seattle SuperSonics. With the exception of a strange moment early during the fourth quarter when he should have been whistled for a technical foul for putting the ball in Longley's face, Kemp had great composure and played a fantastic game, scoring 22 points on 8-for-16 from the field.
2. Gary Payton, Seattle SuperSonics. While not as consistently great as he was during Game Four, Payton had great second and fourth quarters, finishing with a team-high 23 points and doing a great job holding Jordan to just 3-for-9 from the field during the second half.
3. Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls. Jordan finished with 26 points, but only had 9 during the second half. He only took four shots during the fourth quarter and seemed annoyed with his supporting case throughout Game Five.
4. Detlef Schrempf, Seattle SuperSonics. Schrempf finished with 13 points but keyed an 11-0 run during the fourth quarter with four quick points on Kukoc.
5. Hersey Hawkins, Seattle SuperSonics. Hawkins scored in bunches, finishing with 21 points. He had a big end of the first quarter and a great fourth quarter during his second straight excellent game.
2. Gary Payton, Seattle SuperSonics. While not as consistently great as he was during Game Four, Payton had great second and fourth quarters, finishing with a team-high 23 points and doing a great job holding Jordan to just 3-for-9 from the field during the second half.
3. Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls. Jordan finished with 26 points, but only had 9 during the second half. He only took four shots during the fourth quarter and seemed annoyed with his supporting case throughout Game Five.
4. Detlef Schrempf, Seattle SuperSonics. Schrempf finished with 13 points but keyed an 11-0 run during the fourth quarter with four quick points on Kukoc.
5. Hersey Hawkins, Seattle SuperSonics. Hawkins scored in bunches, finishing with 21 points. He had a big end of the first quarter and a great fourth quarter during his second straight excellent game.
Dud of the Game
Chicago Bulls Shooting and Composure: Chicago finished an abysmal 3-for-26 from three, jacking up a lot of rushed ones late. At one point, Chicago missed 20 straight threes. Even worse, the Bulls played frazzled. Jordan and Pippen seemed annoyed by their teammates throughout the night, Rodman was caught up in too much nonsense and frustration with the officiating, and role players Steve Kerr and Toni Kukoc looked overwhelmed at points. Chicago badly missed the injured Harper. That was an uncharacteristic performance by the Bulls.
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