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by: Chris Maynard
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Today is the 30th anniversary of Game Six 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 5 Recap: For just the second time all season, including the playoffs, Chicago lost back-to-back games as Seattle played a gritty but not necessarily pretty Game Five, winning by 11 points. After a strong first five minutes to the game, the Bulls looked out of sorts on offense all night long, including shooting a horrendous 3-for-26 from three. While not the world beaters of Game Four, the Sonics played with far greater urgency than the Bulls during Game Five, seemingly sparked by the raucous Key Arena crowd. Suddenly, Chicago was only up 3-2 after being on the verge of a sweep. While panic was not necessarily setting in, there was concern as the Bulls were not looking like their normal selves. Were the expectations of a historic season starting to weigh on Chicago, including Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen? How the Bulls came out in Game Six, back at the United Center in Chicago, would be a major tell.
([email protected])
Today is the 30th anniversary of Game Six 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 5 Recap: For just the second time all season, including the playoffs, Chicago lost back-to-back games as Seattle played a gritty but not necessarily pretty Game Five, winning by 11 points. After a strong first five minutes to the game, the Bulls looked out of sorts on offense all night long, including shooting a horrendous 3-for-26 from three. While not the world beaters of Game Four, the Sonics played with far greater urgency than the Bulls during Game Five, seemingly sparked by the raucous Key Arena crowd. Suddenly, Chicago was only up 3-2 after being on the verge of a sweep. While panic was not necessarily setting in, there was concern as the Bulls were not looking like their normal selves. Were the expectations of a historic season starting to weigh on Chicago, including Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen? How the Bulls came out in Game Six, back at the United Center in Chicago, would be a major tell.
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5 Observations from Game Five
1. Chicago was uncharacteristically frustrated and flustered. It was very rare for the 1990s Bulls to lose their composure, but Chicago seemed all out-of-sorts throughout Game Five. For the second straight game, Michael Jordan was quite animated with the officials. Perhaps Chicago was predestined to feel this way with Hugh Hollins officiating this game? Scottie Pippen, considered to be one of the greatest teammates to play with on the court, visibly expressed his displeasure with Bill Wennington and Toni Kukoc during the third quarter. Dennis Rodman was caught up in too many antics, as he struggled to maintain focus while getting frustrated by the officiating. Even the stoic Phil Jackson was up and down pacing the sidelines early on, indicative of a team that was on the edge, and not in a good way, though some of the officiating left a lot to be desired. Still, Chicago was usually a team that played above the refs; that was not the case during Game Five.
2. Seattle played desperate basketball, Chicago played dumb basketball. Seattle did not play a great game, but the Sonics generally seemed to want this victory more than Chicago, to at least make the Bulls have to earn the title back home rather than at the Key Arena. For the second straight game, Seattle got better scoring balance as Gary Payton (23 points), Shawn Kemp (22 points), Hersey Hawkins (21 points) and Detlef Schrempf (13 points) had big moments. As for the Bulls, their decision-making was especially off. At one point Chicago missed 20 straight threes. Instead of going to the hole as Seattle got up 11 during the fourth quarter, the Bulls continued to jack up threes, many of which were rushed. It was quite startling and rare to see Chicago play with such poor intelligence.
3. The Key Arena crowd helped push the Sonics over the hump. Entering the fourth quarter, this game was for the taking for either team. However, Seattle really fed off the raucous home crowd, using an 11-0 run to seize control of the game. Seattle really picked up its defensive intensity in the second half, with the home crowd feeling like a sixth defender at points. The incredible Seattle fans are proof why the NBA needs to bring another franchise to the city.
4. Give credit not only to Payton but Seattle's team defense on Jordan. A lot has been made of Seattle making Payton the primary defender of Jordan after Game Three of this series. While Payton has certainly made things tougher on Jordan, Seattle has done a great job disguising and blitzing its double teams. The double teams have come from players like Schrempf, Hawkins and even Frank Brickowski, seemingly making Jordan a bit uncomfortable. Jordan only scored 9 points during the second half of Game Five, including just two points on four shots during the fourth quarter, as Seattle was forcing the ball out of his hands rather quickly.
5. Chicago really missed Ron Harper. Watching the 1996 NBA Playoffs, it has been clear that Ron Harper has been the unsung hero of this Chicago championship run, behind only Jordan, Pippen and Rodman. Having played just one minute each in Games Three and Five due to his aching knees, and 14 minutes during Game Four, Harper was so crucial to Chicago on both ends. Whereas Steve Kerr has struggled with his three-point shooting in the Finals, Harper was making teams pay when doubling down on Jordan. Defensively, Harper's height and length made things much tougher on Seattle's perimeter whereas a Randy Brown played with great energy but was not as disruptive as Chicago's injured 6'6'' point guard.
1. Chicago was uncharacteristically frustrated and flustered. It was very rare for the 1990s Bulls to lose their composure, but Chicago seemed all out-of-sorts throughout Game Five. For the second straight game, Michael Jordan was quite animated with the officials. Perhaps Chicago was predestined to feel this way with Hugh Hollins officiating this game? Scottie Pippen, considered to be one of the greatest teammates to play with on the court, visibly expressed his displeasure with Bill Wennington and Toni Kukoc during the third quarter. Dennis Rodman was caught up in too many antics, as he struggled to maintain focus while getting frustrated by the officiating. Even the stoic Phil Jackson was up and down pacing the sidelines early on, indicative of a team that was on the edge, and not in a good way, though some of the officiating left a lot to be desired. Still, Chicago was usually a team that played above the refs; that was not the case during Game Five.
2. Seattle played desperate basketball, Chicago played dumb basketball. Seattle did not play a great game, but the Sonics generally seemed to want this victory more than Chicago, to at least make the Bulls have to earn the title back home rather than at the Key Arena. For the second straight game, Seattle got better scoring balance as Gary Payton (23 points), Shawn Kemp (22 points), Hersey Hawkins (21 points) and Detlef Schrempf (13 points) had big moments. As for the Bulls, their decision-making was especially off. At one point Chicago missed 20 straight threes. Instead of going to the hole as Seattle got up 11 during the fourth quarter, the Bulls continued to jack up threes, many of which were rushed. It was quite startling and rare to see Chicago play with such poor intelligence.
3. The Key Arena crowd helped push the Sonics over the hump. Entering the fourth quarter, this game was for the taking for either team. However, Seattle really fed off the raucous home crowd, using an 11-0 run to seize control of the game. Seattle really picked up its defensive intensity in the second half, with the home crowd feeling like a sixth defender at points. The incredible Seattle fans are proof why the NBA needs to bring another franchise to the city.
4. Give credit not only to Payton but Seattle's team defense on Jordan. A lot has been made of Seattle making Payton the primary defender of Jordan after Game Three of this series. While Payton has certainly made things tougher on Jordan, Seattle has done a great job disguising and blitzing its double teams. The double teams have come from players like Schrempf, Hawkins and even Frank Brickowski, seemingly making Jordan a bit uncomfortable. Jordan only scored 9 points during the second half of Game Five, including just two points on four shots during the fourth quarter, as Seattle was forcing the ball out of his hands rather quickly.
5. Chicago really missed Ron Harper. Watching the 1996 NBA Playoffs, it has been clear that Ron Harper has been the unsung hero of this Chicago championship run, behind only Jordan, Pippen and Rodman. Having played just one minute each in Games Three and Five due to his aching knees, and 14 minutes during Game Four, Harper was so crucial to Chicago on both ends. Whereas Steve Kerr has struggled with his three-point shooting in the Finals, Harper was making teams pay when doubling down on Jordan. Defensively, Harper's height and length made things much tougher on Seattle's perimeter whereas a Randy Brown played with great energy but was not as disruptive as Chicago's injured 6'6'' point guard.
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What I remember from the day of Game Six: It was Father's Day! I remember spending the Saturday night at my school's carnival and then sleeping over at my cousin Brian's house. That morning we watched the move "Little Big League" on cable and then I walked home for our Father's Day family party. That afternoon Brian and other family came over, and we gathered to watch the Bulls finish off the Sonics on a small television on my back porch. After the game, my cousin, brother and I shot off some bottle rockets in the front yard to celebrate the title!
What I remember from Game Six: Chicago was leading at the half, but the game was close. However, Chicago used a big run in the third quarter, with Rodman having an incredible reverse layup on a fastbreak, plus the foul, to forge the Bulls ahead. Of course, I'll never forget Jordan collapsing and crying in the locker room after Game Six, having won the title on Father's Day. Jordan's father James was murdered the summer after Chicago's last title, back in 1993. It seemed fitting that Jordan would complete his comeback to the game with the title on Father's Day in honor of his own father. Even though I was just a 14-year-old kid at the time, I did appreciate that I got the chance to watch the Bulls win another title with my Dad and uncles.
What I remember from Game Six: Chicago was leading at the half, but the game was close. However, Chicago used a big run in the third quarter, with Rodman having an incredible reverse layup on a fastbreak, plus the foul, to forge the Bulls ahead. Of course, I'll never forget Jordan collapsing and crying in the locker room after Game Six, having won the title on Father's Day. Jordan's father James was murdered the summer after Chicago's last title, back in 1993. It seemed fitting that Jordan would complete his comeback to the game with the title on Father's Day in honor of his own father. Even though I was just a 14-year-old kid at the time, I did appreciate that I got the chance to watch the Bulls win another title with my Dad and uncles.
Here is Game Six 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: Ron Harper is back in the starting lineup, playing in spite of his aching knees that will need surgery after the season.
- 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, playing in spite of his aching knees that will need surgery after the season.
First Quarter, Under-6 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 14-12 with 5:33 remaining as the Bulls take a timeout. The United Center crowd has come out engaged and loud, which is good to see. Jordan and Pippen have come out aggressive. Pippen opened the game with a layup and Jordan followed up with a sweep-through three on Payton. Pippen later hit a three and Jordan had a two free throws on an aggressive drive to the hoop. Chicago is making a conscious effort to go to the rim after missing 23 threes during Game Five. Both teams are playing with a lot of nervous energy, resulting in early turnovers. Chicago got out to a 7-2 lead on a Harper jumper in transition, but Seattle rallied and even led 10-9 at point. Schrempf has hit his first two field goals while Kemp has two field goals, though he has missed several chip shots. Everyone has scored except the two centers, Longley and Brickowski. Chicago has brought the defensive effort, with Pippen everywhere early. The Bulls appeared to draw two charges on Seattle, but the refs called nothing. Pippen was then called for a block.
First Quarter, Under-3 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 20-16 with 2:55 remaining. Pippen hit a tough hanging jumper with the shot clock running down for his third field goal and continued hot start. Speaking of hot starts, Payton is 3-for-3 from the field, with three jumpers in the mid-range that haven't even touched net. Rodman could have been whistled for a technical heading into the timeout as he slapped the ball out of Kemp's hands after a foul. Rodman has struggled with Kemp's foot speed throughout the series. Rodman has 2 points, 3 rebounds and 1 foul so far. Longley made a sweeping hook after struggling to catch the ball early in the game.
First Quarter, Under-2 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 22-18 with 1:20 remaining as the Bulls take a 20-second timeout. Longley has a second field goal, doing a nice job cutting to the rim as Jordan got hung up under the basket on a baseline drive. Jordan was able to find Longley for a two-hand slam. Kemp then responded with a two-pointer from the top of the key, with his foot just on the three-point line. This game is reminiscent to the start of Game Five, with the offenses bogging down after quick starts.
End of First Quarter Observations
Chicago leads 24-18 at the end of the first quarter. Toni Kukoc scores on a finger roll drive from the top of the key with eight seconds left in the quarter, representing the first bench points for either team so far. Seattle reserve Nate McMillan has started 0-for-3 and Sam Perkins missed a three at the end of the quarter. Chicago looks like a different defensive team with Harper on the floor doing a lot of little things. Jordan has 7 points, 6rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. Jordan is 4-for-4 from the foul line but just 1-for-5 from the field after hitting his first shot of the night, a three pointer.
Second Quarter, Under-12 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 27-18 with 11:04 remaining as Seattle takes a 20-second timeout. Seattle does not look as sharp as Games Four and Five. Jordan got fouled on a baseline drive. After missing the second free throw, Rodman sneaked inside for an offensive board, drawing a foul. Rodman missed both free throws, but Seattle then had a sloppy turnover, resulting in a Pippen steal and assist to Jordan for a layup and timeout. Seattle has missed 8 of its last 9 shots. Chicago isn't playing great, but Seattle isn't doing much offensively as the Bulls are a more focused and connected defensive unit so far during Game Six. Chicago has assists on 8 of its 10 field goals and is in the middle of an 18-8 run during the last 7:05.
Second Quarter, Under-6 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 33-29 with 6:13 remaining. The offense has picked up for Seattle, which has hit its last 5 shots. Kemp had a gorgeous dunk off a great feed from Schrempf and followed up with a corner jumper. David Wingate hit a long two and Schrempf hit a three. Schrempf is having his best game of the series so far. Jordan is very aggressive involved, including scoring on a layup off an offensive board. While just 3-for-9 from the field, Jordan set up Rodman for a layup and found Steve Kerr for a corner jumper. Jordan was giving Kerr the business the possession before when passing up an open three and traveling. Jordan went right back to Kerr, who responded with a nice baseline jumper. Seattle had a chance to cut the game down to two or one but just had a turnover, leading to Harper getting fouled in transition heading into the break.
Second Quarter, Under-5 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 39-29 with 4:39 remaining as Seattle takes a timeout. The Sonics continue to shoot themselves in the foot with turnovers. Pippen just connected on his fourth field goal, a layup, off a Seattle turnover in the corner, leading to the timeout. The Bulls are winning this game due to transition off of turnovers, offensive rebounding and free throws. Longley had a tip in as Chicago continues to do a nice job on the glass. Harper and Payton were hit with double technicals heading into the timeout for some jaw-jacking. Harper has definitely brought a defensive edge to Chicago.
Second Quarter, Under-1 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 41-37 with 42.9 seconds remaining as the Bulls call a timeout. Seattle is on an 8-0 run after Chicago went up 41-29 on a Kukoc tip in of a missed Harper layup. The Sonics have responded as Kemp just blocked a Jordan layup and followed with a floater in the lane. Chicago was on an 8-0 run prior to Seattle's run. Chicago was outrebounding Seattle 24-15 on the glass, including 12 to 4 on the offensive boards. Rodman has 9 rebounds, 5 of which have come on the offensive glass. Seattle has 11 turnovers, which is what it had in all of Game Five. Those 11 turnovers were a playoff low for the Sonics. Chicago has 9 steals, 4 by Pippen. However, Chicago has turned over the ball as well, with Jordan having two straight.
Halftime Observations
Chicago leads 45-38 at the break. Longley scores on a layup and Jordan hits two more free throws while Sam Perkins splits one of two to send the game to the half. Kemp and Jordan lead all scorers with 14 points each. Kemp was 6/12 from the field. Jordan is just 3/11 from the field but his teammates are 14/29 for 31 points, much better than in Game 5 when Jordan was 11/22 and the rest of the team was just 18/53 from the field. He is 7/8 from the foul line. He has 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Pippen had 9 points on 4/8 from the field and contributed 3 rebounds and 4 steals. Seattle has 6 steals as well. Schrempf has 11 points and 3 rebounds, and is 4-for-7 from the field. Payton was quiet offensively in the second quarter. Seattle shot 41% in the first half (16/39); Chicago shot 43% (17/40). Both teams had 11 turnovers!
Third Quarter, Under-9 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 55-45 with 8:08 remaining in the third quarter as Seattle takes a timeout. Ron Harper has hit two threes already this half, outscoring Payton 6-5 so far. Payton opened the quarter with a three and then had a beautiful bank shot off an up-and-under move on Harper. Schrempf had a tough baseline fadeaway on Pippen while Chicago got baskets from Jordan on an offensive rebound and stick back, and a Longley jumper set up by Jordan penetration. Seattle had a great chance to cut the game down to two early in the half but is now down 10 points, with it feeling like danger time for the Sonics.
Third Quarter, Under-7 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 64-47 with 6:40 remaining as Seattle takes a timeout. Rodman has taken over the game, getting an offensive board and put back of a Ron Harper miss, scoring a reverse layup in transition plus the made free throw, drawing a foul on Kemp, and then feeding Jordan over the top for a beautiful reverse layup. The United Center is rocking as Wooly Bully is playing loud and clear. Chicago has a 32-19 advantage on the boards, including a 15 to 7 edge on the offensive glass. Rodman has 10 rebounds, 6 offensive. Kemp has yet to score in the second half. He is stuck at 14 points and 6 rebounds.
Third Quarter, Under-5 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 64-49 with 4:48 remaining as Chicago takes a timeout. Sam Perkins hits a corner shot, his first make on 8 attempts, leading to a Phil Jackson timeout. That stretched was marked by two turnovers from each team. Chicago has outscored Seattle 19-11 so far in the third quarter, with Jackson calling a wise timeout as Chicago tries to refocus amidst the emotion of the United Center crowd. McMillan is on the bench crying as he has reaggravated his back injury.
Third Quarter, Under-4 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 64-56 with 2:49 remaining as Jackson calls another timeout. Seattle is in the midst of a 9-0 run in the last 3:45, with Perkins slipping a screen for a dunk, Payton canning a three, and Kemp having a beautiful finger-roll layup off a missed shot attempt. Chicago's offense has stalled out as Seattle has picked up the intensity and climbed back into this game with Rodman on the bench for some reason. Chicago has missed 5 straight shots!
End of Third Quarter Observations
Chicago leads 67-58 at the end of three quarters. The Bulls dodged a bullet at the end of the third as Hawkins missed a wide open three at the horn, with Steve Kerr making a bad gamble trying to steal a pass. Kerr did hit a huge three over Perkins during this stretch while Kemp had a jumper. Chicago had just 3 points during the last 6:40 of the period. Kemp leads Seattle with 18 points, 10 rebounds and 3 steals. Jordan leads Chicago with 20 points, 9 rebounds and 2 steals. Chicago has been called for 6 travels so far, Seattle 0.
Fourth Quarter, Under-11 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 70-61 with 10:15 remaining as Kukoc calls a timeout while securing an offensive board and falling out of bounds. Chicago is killing on the offensive glass, with three already this quarter (2 for Rodman, 1 for Kukoc). Rodman had two straight offensive boards that led to a Kukoc three, set up by a Rodman assist. Payton buried a three to cut the game to its current score. He has an efficient 17 points and needs to look to shoot more.
Fourth Quarter, Under-7 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 75-63 with 6:58 remaining. Kukoc hit another big three off a Rodman assist while Seattle has missed several wide open threes, including attempts by Hawkins and Perkins. The offense is slowing down for both teams, though Rodman is now up to 16 rebounds and just forced a tie up with Perkins while hustling for an offensive board. Seattle has missed its last 4 shots and not scored in 3:47.
Fourth Quarter, Under-3 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 84-68 with 2:44 remaining. The Bulls have put this game away on the offensive glass. Rodman now has 18 rebounds and matched the record he tied in Game Two of this series with 11 offensive rebounds. Pippen scored on a banker off an offensive rebound and later hit a three to put Chicago up 82-66. Longley added two free throws and Kerr hit a jumper for his seventh point on 3-for-3 shooting. Seattle only had 1 field goal in the last 6:50 until Perkins hit a line-drive two from just inside the top of the key. The bad news for Seattle is that Kemp fouled out with 4:34 remaining, as Rodman drew his fifth foul on a one-handed offensive board and Kemp did not get back while fouling Longley in transition. It is just a matter of time here before Chicago celebrates its fourth title. Seattle seems to have recognized its fate.
Final Score: Chicago Bulls 87, Seattle SuperSonics 75
Chicago wins its fourth title in six seasons. A Pippen three with just under a minute left makes the game 87-70. Schrempf hits a fadeway and late three for the game's final points. Toni Kukoc dribbles out the clock, and Jordan rushes off the bench to grab the game ball and collapse at the free throw line, where is mobbed by Randy Brown adn John Salley. Jordan rushes to the locker room and is seen crying on the floor. His comeback is complete, with his fourth title coming on Father's Day. This is Jordan's first title without his father James. Here is the final box score.
Five Stars of the Game
1. Dennis Rodman, Chicago Bulls. Rodman took over the game in the second half, finishing with 19 rebounds, 11 offensive (matching the NBA Finals record he tied in Game Two), and adding 9 points. Rodman had one less offensive board than Seattle had as a team (12). Chicago outrebounded Seattle 24-12 on the offensive glass and 51-35 in total.
2. Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls. Jordan finishes with just 22 points on 5-for-19 from the field, though he goes 11-for-12 from the free throw line. Jordan came out aggressive from the get go and had a strong all-around game, with the exception of five turnovers. Jordan had 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals.
3. Scottie Pippen, Chicago Bulls. Pippen rebounded from a tough Game Five to finish with 17 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals, including 2 big threes during the fourth quarter.
4. Ron Harper, Chicago Bulls. Playing hurt, Harper had a fantastic game, with two big threes to start the third quarter and 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.
5A. Luc Longley, Chicago Bulls. Longley capped off a great offensive series, going 5-for-6 from the field for 12 points and 8 rebounds.
5B. Toni Kukoc, Chicago Bulls. Kukoc finished with 10 points, including 2 huge threes early in the fourth quarter. When Kukoc got cooking this series, Chicago was unbeatable.
2. Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls. Jordan finishes with just 22 points on 5-for-19 from the field, though he goes 11-for-12 from the free throw line. Jordan came out aggressive from the get go and had a strong all-around game, with the exception of five turnovers. Jordan had 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals.
3. Scottie Pippen, Chicago Bulls. Pippen rebounded from a tough Game Five to finish with 17 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals, including 2 big threes during the fourth quarter.
4. Ron Harper, Chicago Bulls. Playing hurt, Harper had a fantastic game, with two big threes to start the third quarter and 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.
5A. Luc Longley, Chicago Bulls. Longley capped off a great offensive series, going 5-for-6 from the field for 12 points and 8 rebounds.
5B. Toni Kukoc, Chicago Bulls. Kukoc finished with 10 points, including 2 huge threes early in the fourth quarter. When Kukoc got cooking this series, Chicago was unbeatable.
Duds of the Game
Sam Perkins, Seattle SuperSonics. Perkins had a rough shooting night off the bench, going 3-for-14 and finishing with 7 points. Perkins was 0-for-7 from deep.
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