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by: Chris Maynard
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Today is the 30th anniversary of Game Three 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 Two Recap: Chicago grinded out an ugly 92-88 victory with Dennis Rodman grabbing 20 rebounds, including 11 on the offensive glass, during a memorable performance for the Hall-of-Fame forward. Amazingly, Chicago did not make a field goal for the last six minutes of the game yet was able to open up a close contest late in the third quarter with a 10-1 scoring burst in less than two minutes, with Toni Kukoc scoring 8 of those points. Michael Jordan had another quiet night, with 29 points, which should have left Seattle nervous as the Bulls' superstar seemed primed to explode for a big game. While better than Game One, Seattle just couldn't didn't take advantage of some open shots late during Game Two that could have swung the deficit in its favor. Returning home to Key Arena with the season on the line, Seattle needed an inspiring performance, especially from Gary Payton, who had been struggling so far this series.
([email protected])
Today is the 30th anniversary of Game Three 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 Two Recap: Chicago grinded out an ugly 92-88 victory with Dennis Rodman grabbing 20 rebounds, including 11 on the offensive glass, during a memorable performance for the Hall-of-Fame forward. Amazingly, Chicago did not make a field goal for the last six minutes of the game yet was able to open up a close contest late in the third quarter with a 10-1 scoring burst in less than two minutes, with Toni Kukoc scoring 8 of those points. Michael Jordan had another quiet night, with 29 points, which should have left Seattle nervous as the Bulls' superstar seemed primed to explode for a big game. While better than Game One, Seattle just couldn't didn't take advantage of some open shots late during Game Two that could have swung the deficit in its favor. Returning home to Key Arena with the season on the line, Seattle needed an inspiring performance, especially from Gary Payton, who had been struggling so far this series.
5 Observations from Game Two
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1. The memory was better than the reality. While Rodman's rebounding exploits were amazing during the third quarter, I did not remember this game being so hard to watch. Arguably, this might have been one of the toughest Bulls' games to rewatch so far during the 1996 NBA Playoffs. Through two games, Chicago had not played well at all and still led 2-0. At this point in the season, winning pretty did not matter, as evidenced by an ugly Game Two victory.
2. The referees were brutal. Tight whistles were one reason why this game was especially hard to watch. I believe Chicago was called for four illegal defenses, Seattle three. There was no flow in the second quarter of the game as every possession was interrupted by a call. The third quarter started with a little better rhythm, but quickly ground to a halt as foul calls piled up. Seattle was called for 30 fouls, Chicago 27. Seattle shot 29 free throws, Chicago 42.
3. Seattle just didn't seem to pose a legitimate threat to the Bulls. While Seattle had some moments during Game Two, it never felt like Seattle was going to win this game, even with the Bulls playing about "C" level basketball. As talented as Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton were, they just didn't scare me when the game was on the line. As skilled as veterans Detlef Schrempf and Hersey Hawkins were, they just weren't dynamic enough offensively as well. Ultimately, when Chicago focused in and played defense, there was a big gap between these two teams. In reality, Chicago basically won the first two games off of one big run, at the start of the fourth quarter of Game One and at the end of the third quarter of Game Two. That was not a good sign for the Sonics.
4. I miss players like Sam Perkins. Coming off the bench, Perkins has had two solid games, unable to elevate off the ground but scoring at will in the post. Perkins never wowed with his athleticism but just knew how to play, like that old guy at the YMCA. They don't make modern players like Perkins anymore, who has arguably been Seattle's second-best player behind Kemp through the first two games.
5. I miss some of these hard playoff fouls. Perkins absolutely walloped Toni Kukoc in the first half and Ron Harper in the second half, leading to a flagrant foul the second time around. Chicago's John Salley later committed a hard foul on a Sonic player as well. In those instances no player got up and puffed his chest or faked being a tough guy. Rather, guys shook it off, picked themselves up and went to the free throw line. Nowadays NBA players would be laid out on the ground or doing the old "Hold me back, hold me back" routine, not really wanting to fight. It's a shame the NBA has become so WWE in recent years as it used to be way more enjoyable and much tougher.
2. The referees were brutal. Tight whistles were one reason why this game was especially hard to watch. I believe Chicago was called for four illegal defenses, Seattle three. There was no flow in the second quarter of the game as every possession was interrupted by a call. The third quarter started with a little better rhythm, but quickly ground to a halt as foul calls piled up. Seattle was called for 30 fouls, Chicago 27. Seattle shot 29 free throws, Chicago 42.
3. Seattle just didn't seem to pose a legitimate threat to the Bulls. While Seattle had some moments during Game Two, it never felt like Seattle was going to win this game, even with the Bulls playing about "C" level basketball. As talented as Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton were, they just didn't scare me when the game was on the line. As skilled as veterans Detlef Schrempf and Hersey Hawkins were, they just weren't dynamic enough offensively as well. Ultimately, when Chicago focused in and played defense, there was a big gap between these two teams. In reality, Chicago basically won the first two games off of one big run, at the start of the fourth quarter of Game One and at the end of the third quarter of Game Two. That was not a good sign for the Sonics.
4. I miss players like Sam Perkins. Coming off the bench, Perkins has had two solid games, unable to elevate off the ground but scoring at will in the post. Perkins never wowed with his athleticism but just knew how to play, like that old guy at the YMCA. They don't make modern players like Perkins anymore, who has arguably been Seattle's second-best player behind Kemp through the first two games.
5. I miss some of these hard playoff fouls. Perkins absolutely walloped Toni Kukoc in the first half and Ron Harper in the second half, leading to a flagrant foul the second time around. Chicago's John Salley later committed a hard foul on a Sonic player as well. In those instances no player got up and puffed his chest or faked being a tough guy. Rather, guys shook it off, picked themselves up and went to the free throw line. Nowadays NBA players would be laid out on the ground or doing the old "Hold me back, hold me back" routine, not really wanting to fight. It's a shame the NBA has become so WWE in recent years as it used to be way more enjoyable and much tougher.
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What I remember from the day of Game Three: I had my eighth-grade graduation ceremony earlier this Sunday afternoon. After church, my parents then had my graduation party at my Aunt Donna and Uncle John's house as my cousin Kristen had just graduated high school. Rather than doing two parties, we decided to just combine the parties. It was a rainy day, with my Dad and Uncle setting up tarps in the backyard so people could be outside. While my friends were having graduation parties as well, I ended up staying at my party and watching the Bulls annihilate the Sonics. I remember my cousin Bill saying before the game that he thought the Bulls were due for a big performance, and he was certainly right. After the game, I remember my Grandpa calling my Uncle's house as we watched "Sports Sunday" on NBC-5 Chicago. My Grandpa lived only a block away from my Aunt and Uncle. Apparently, his dog had gotten out of the yard and was lost. My Uncle John, cousin Brian and I drove around the neighborhood to find the dog, but had no luck. That dog, Max, would be missing for like two or three weeks that summer, eventually getting found by a firefighter in a suburb like an hour away, and returned to my Grandpa. My Grandpa was a World War Ii veteran who absolutely loved dogs, with Max being his favorite of all, so we were all happy and relieved the two were reunited.
What I remember from Game Three: I remember bouncing around my party, periodically checking in as Chicago got off to a quick start and had a huge lead early in the third quarter. Seattle made a bit of a run, but Game Three was ultimately a laugher, with the Bulls finally breaking out. I remember watching "Sports Sunday" afterward, with Dennis Rodman always appearing on the NBC-5 sports show. On this night Cindy Crawford was on the show and sitting on Rodman's lap. What a lucky guy! :-)
Here is Game Three 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 in uniform but not starting as he deals with a sore left knee.
Seattle reserve guard Nate McMillan is out again with a nerve impingement in his back that is causing shooting pain in his left leg.
- 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. Ervin Johnson
- 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 in uniform but not starting as he deals with a sore left knee.
Seattle reserve guard Nate McMillan is out again with a nerve impingement in his back that is causing shooting pain in his left leg.
First Quarter, Under-9 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 11-2 with 8:29 remaining as Seattle takes a timeout. The Bulls are off to a fast start, focused in spite of the raucous Seattle crowd. Like Game Two, when Seattle had four offensive rebounds on the game's first possession, Chicago had three offensive boards on its first possession, though the Bulls were unable to score like the Sonics. Luc Longley is off to a great start, hitting a sweeping hook and a baseline jumper and playing tough defense on Shawn Kemp, who is off to a rough start, with a missed jumper and two turnovers. Every Chicago starter has scored except Dennis Rodman, who has 5 rebounds already. Toni Kukoc canned a jumper, Michael Jordan buried a three, and Scottie Pippen had a stick back of his own miss. The Bulls look hungry, Seattle looks a bit too keyed up. Gary Payton hit a jumper over Jordan, who is guarding "The Glove" at the onset of Game Three.
First Quarter, Under-5 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 19-8 with 4:50 remaining in the first quarter as the Bulls take a timeout. Seattle is on a mini 4-0 run as Detlef Schrempf hit a corner jumper and Sam Perkins scored on a fasbreak layup. Seattle is just 4-for-12 from the field and 0-for-4 from three, with Payton and Schrempf throwing up air balls. Chicago is 2/2 for three. Kukoc is off to a sizzling start, hitting a beautiful jumper off a gorgeous spin move and then canning a three. Jordan also had a nasty fadeaway over Payton. Chicago's offense is crisp, with sharp cutting and ball movement. The Bulls could be up more but have missed some chippies inside. Overall, though, Chicago couldn't have had a better start. Seattle needs to calm down as the Sonics looked too amped up at home.
First Quarter, Under-2 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 32-12 with 1:35 remaining as Seattle takes a timeout. Chicago has gone on a quick 7-0 run with Jordan hitting a jumper off a nice pass out of the Triangle from Rodman and then canning a three off quick ball movement from Steve Kerr. Jordan then stole a Gary Payton pass, leading Scottie Pippen with a beautiful behind-the-back pass for an uncontested dunk. Seattle has 6 turnovers, Chicago has 0. The Sonics are continually getting themselves caught in the air. The Bulls are having a field day, getting to the rim at will and doing really anything they want in the half court. Jordan has 12 points on 4-for-8, 2-for-2 from three, while Longley has 8 points, including 4 points during this stretch.
End of First Quarter Observations
Chicago leads 34-16 at the end of one quarter. The Bulls couldn't have had a better first quarter, with Jordan leading with 12 points, Longley adding 8 points and Kukoc scoring 7 points while starting for Ron Harper, who did briefly enter late in the quarter. Seattle's best offense has been in transition. In the half court, Seattle has rushed quick shots, with one leading to a Dennis Rodman dunk in transition during this stretch. Seattle needs to value the ball and start hitting some outside shots. Seattle has 6 turnovers, is 0-for-6 from three, and has given up 6 offensive rebounds.
Second Quarter, Under-10 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 34-20 with 9:56 remaining as the Bulls take a timeout. Seattle has started the second quarter much better, with Payton posting and scoring on Jordan and Vincent Askew hitting a floater in the lane. The Sonics are on an 8-0 run during the last 2:45. Chicago has committed two turnovers, a 24-second violation and sloppy pass by Jordan, after having no turnovers the first 12 minutes. Kemp had a nice block of a Jordan drive. Jordan has come out very aggressive and is forcing a bit, according to NBC's Matt Guokas. Rodman just got a technical heading into the timeout for waving his hands in disbelief at a referee.
Second Quarter, Under-8 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 39-23 with 7:09 remaining as Seattle takes a timeout. Payton had a beautiful post-up basket on Randy Brown as Seattle went on an 11-0 run to cut a 22-point deficit (34-12) to 11 (34-23). Chicago has gotten five points on a Bill Wennington banker and Brown three, just his second of the season, to go back up 16 points. Rodman and Kemp are both on the bench after a double foul. At this point in the series Seattle has more turnovers, 43, than assists, 41. Seattle has 9 turnovers so far during Game Three.
Second Quarter, Under-5 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 45-31 with 4:45 remaining as Chicago takes a timeout. Schrempf is getting going for the Sonics, scoring two straight baskets and just abusing Jud Buechler in the post. Schrempf has 12 points. Longley had a nice half hook, to give him 10 points on 5-for-8 shooting. Longley is outplaying Kemp, who is just 1-for-3 from the field. Steve Kerr also hit a jumper after starting the Finals 1-for-11 from the field. Seattle has yet to hit a three and has missed its last 15 shots from deep. After a quick start, Jordan is now 4-for-12 from the field, with two turnovers.
Halftime Observations
Chicago leads 62-38 at the break. Jordan just took over the last 5 minutes of the half, hitting four straight shots, including a beautiful/hanging fadeaway in the lane, a baseline jumper, a three, and a tough jumper on the wing. Jordan has 27 points in the first half on 8-for-16 from the field and 8-for-8 from the foul line. He also has 5 assists. Pippen added a beautiful driving banker, plus the foul, to cap the half. Seattle had 13 turnovers in the first half and shot 42% (14/33). Chicago is shooting 52% (23/44). Chicago was 5-for-8 from three while Seattle was 0-for-8 from deep, with Payton 0-for-3.
Third Quarter, Under-7 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 64-45 with 6:58 remaining. The Sonics have picked up the defense, with Chicago having not scored in more than 3 minutes, missing its last six shots and having several turnovers, 3 to be exact. Seattle is on a 7-0 run in the last 3:20, with Hersey Hawkins hitting a three and two free throws. This has been a problem for Seattle though as their runs have not been as explosive as Chicago's so far this series. Longley had a jumper on Chicago's first possession, but the Bulls haven't scored since. Frank Brickowski started the second half for Ervin Johnson. Brickowski is starting to get into it with Rodman, who has been a bit distracted this game. The refs just made two straight three-second calls, one on Kemp, one on Rodman. Talk about being selective. The officiating has left a lot to be desired during the first three games of this series.
Third Quarter, Under-5 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 66-52 with 4:18 remaining. Seattle has outscored Chicago 14-4 this quarter. Chicago is just 2/13 from the field in the third quarter. Jordan had a layup that broke a near five-minute scoring drought. Seattle had a chance to cut a 64-47 lead down to twelve but Schrempf missed a fadeaway and Hawkins missed an open three, leading to the Jordan run out and score. Seattle finally got a three from Brickowski. The Sonics are now 2/13 from deep in the game. Seattle has ratcheted up the defense, and the Sonics are already in the bonus. It seems like Seattle is getting every call, though the Sonics have been the aggressors.
End of Third Quarter Observations
Chicago leads 75-61 at the end of the three. Seattle was able to shave off 10 points from its halftime deficit, outscoring the Bulls 23-13. Chicago got some rhythm going late in the quarter, with Kerr hitting a three, Pippen knocking in a tough fadeaway, Kukoc getting a dunk off a Pippen steal, and Pippen feeding Bill Wennington for a corner jumper. Seattle got a three from David Wingate. The refs called questionable back-to-back travels, one on Kerr and one on Wingate. Jordan just had 2 points in the third quarter after erupting for 27 in the first half. Hawkins was aggressive for the Sonics in the third quarter. Seattle needs more offense from Kemp and Payton. While the defense has been great, Seattle still trails by 14, unable to sustain enough quick-strike offense against this Bulls' defensive juggernaut.
Fourth Quarter, Under-10 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 83-63 with 9:37 remaining. Jordan came out and hit a ridiculous fadeaway on the baseline to start the quarter and then followed up with a pull-up jumper, plus the foul and made free throw, on Wingate. Jordan also had a steal. Longley just had a nice hook to continue his strong play. The refs are calling a lot of nonsense, with Rodman being whistled for two quick fouls. He is on the bench with 2 points, 9 boards and 5 fouls. Gary Payton got a dumb technical after clearly fouling Rodman. Chicago has weathered the storm.
Fourth Quarter, Under-8 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 89-65 with 7:55 remaining as Seattle takes a timeout. Chicago is putting this game away as Pippen hits a big three late in the shot clock and Kukoc feeds Longley for a dunk. Longley now has a playoff career-high 17 points while Pippen is flirting with a triple double at 12 points, 8 rebounds and 8 rebounds. Seattle's only offense is coming at the foul line. The Sonics were already in the bonus with 8:50 remaining in the game.
Fourth Quarter, Under-3 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 102-78 with 2:43 remaining. It's all academic at this point as Jordan and Rodman are now on the bench. Rodman was getting under the skin of the Sonics, including Brickowski, who was ejected with a Flagrant-2 foul on "The Worm." The game has gotten very choppy, with a foul called nearly every possession. Pippen just fed Bill Wennington and Randy Brown for jumpers. Those two are 5-for-5 from the field tonight.
Final Score: Chicago Bulls 108, Seattle SuperSonics 86
Chicago dominates Game Three, with an amazing first half and fourth quarter, as the Bulls break out after two sluggish victories back in Chicago. The Bulls are now 14-1 in the playoffs and one win away from the title. Here is the box score.
Five Stars of the Game
1. Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls. Jordan nearly scored as many points, 27, as he had in Game One (28 points) and Game Two (29 points), during the first half of Game Three. Jordan finishes with 36 points in a dominant performance.
2. Luc Longley, Chicago Bulls. Longley outplays Kemp, finishing with a career-playoff high 19 points on 8-of-13 from the field.
3. Scottie Pippen, Chicago Bulls. Pippen just misses a triple double, with 12 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals. Like Game One, Pippen has 0 turnovers.
4. Toni Kukoc, Chicago Bulls. Starting for Ron Harper, Kukoc got off to a fast start, scoring 7 points in the first quarter. Kukoc also nearly had a triple double, playing a fine all-around game with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists.
5. The Bench, Chicago Bulls. Without Harper, Steve Kerr gave great minutes, scoring 8 points in 25 minutes, while Bill Wennington and Randy Brown added 8 and 6 points, respectively.
2. Luc Longley, Chicago Bulls. Longley outplays Kemp, finishing with a career-playoff high 19 points on 8-of-13 from the field.
3. Scottie Pippen, Chicago Bulls. Pippen just misses a triple double, with 12 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals. Like Game One, Pippen has 0 turnovers.
4. Toni Kukoc, Chicago Bulls. Starting for Ron Harper, Kukoc got off to a fast start, scoring 7 points in the first quarter. Kukoc also nearly had a triple double, playing a fine all-around game with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists.
5. The Bench, Chicago Bulls. Without Harper, Steve Kerr gave great minutes, scoring 8 points in 25 minutes, while Bill Wennington and Randy Brown added 8 and 6 points, respectively.
Dud of the Game
Shawn Kemp, Seattle SuperSonics. Kemp only had 7 shot attempts, finishing with 14 points, 4 rebounds and 4 blocks. Seattle needed a way more aggressive Kemp during Game Three.
Here are the highlights of Game Three.
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