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by: Chris Maynard
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Today is the 30th anniversary of Game Two between the Orlando Magic and the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals of the 1996 NBA Playoffs. I have gone ahead and rewatched this game, listing my observations of what I saw with a fresh set of eyes. Here is some background about the series so far.
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Today is the 30th anniversary of Game Two between the Orlando Magic and the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals of the 1996 NBA Playoffs. I have gone ahead and rewatched this game, listing my observations of what I saw with a fresh set of eyes. Here is some background about the series so far.
Game 1 Recap: Chicago blitzed Orlando from the opening tip of Game One, ultimately winning by an astouding 38 points. Luc Longley and Dennis Rodman were the keys to Chicago getting out to a fast start, leading 10-0 before three minutes of game time had even been played. Orlando was able to hang around in the first half thanks to the outstanding and brilliant play of Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway and Shaquille O'Neal. Unfortunately, the rest of the Magic's starters were no shows, with Nick Anderson, Dennis Scott and an injured Horace Grant combining to score a whopping two points. Chicago would blow open the game during the third quarter and keep its foot on Orlando's throat throughout the fourth. Utimately, Game One came down to Chicago dominating where it has been dominating all playoffs, rebounding, especially on the offensive glass, and second-chance points.
5 Quick Observations from Game One
5 Quick Observations from Game One
1. Chicago came out ready not only to play but get revenge against Orlando. After losing to the Magic in six games the prior playoffs, and playing a ragged series against the Knicks in the second round, the Bulls wasted no time at the start of Game One sending a message to Orlando. Longley came out aggressive on both ends, looking to score on O'Neal. Ever focused despite a stomach virus, Rodman rebounded like a man possessed, as well as continuing his recent scoring throughout the playoffs. Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan and Ron Harper all came out looking to set a defensive tone, making things very tough on Anderson and Scott. Far and away, Game One was Chicago's best effort so far during the 1996 NBA Playoffs.
2. Rodman continued to play his best ball of the playoffs. After having a relatively quiet first-round against the Miami Heat, Rodman continued to be a game changer for the Bulls, as was the case during the second round against the Knicks. Not worried about all of the distractions, Rodman had been singularly focused the past six games, dominating on the glass and scoring very efficiently, showing that he had more offensive game than he gave himself credit for. At one point during the third quarter of Game One, Rodman had one more rebound, 18, than Orlando had as a team, 17! In the last six games, Rodman has grabbed 12, 19, 16, 19, 12 and 21 rebounds! What has been especially impressive with Rodman has been his willingness to score when given the opportunities. As Rodman's career progressed with the Bulls, he became less and less interested in scoring. During the 1996 NBA Playoffs, Rodman was giving Chicago the best ball he would ever play during his three seasons with the team.
2. Rodman continued to play his best ball of the playoffs. After having a relatively quiet first-round against the Miami Heat, Rodman continued to be a game changer for the Bulls, as was the case during the second round against the Knicks. Not worried about all of the distractions, Rodman had been singularly focused the past six games, dominating on the glass and scoring very efficiently, showing that he had more offensive game than he gave himself credit for. At one point during the third quarter of Game One, Rodman had one more rebound, 18, than Orlando had as a team, 17! In the last six games, Rodman has grabbed 12, 19, 16, 19, 12 and 21 rebounds! What has been especially impressive with Rodman has been his willingness to score when given the opportunities. As Rodman's career progressed with the Bulls, he became less and less interested in scoring. During the 1996 NBA Playoffs, Rodman was giving Chicago the best ball he would ever play during his three seasons with the team.
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3. Luc Longley earned his flowers. An underrated part of Chicago's second dynasty, Longley played maybe the best game of his career, not statistically, but in terms of impact. During his time in Chicago, Longley always had a nice offensive game, able to score in the post and hit the mid-range jumper. As seen with "The Last Dance," when Longley was wrongfully omitted from the documentary, Longley was someone who did not get enough credit during Chicago's second three-peat. Much bigger than Bill Cartwright, Longley could bang with a behemoth like O'Neal and keep the defense honest with his scoring. This was never more apparent than Game One against Orlando, where Longley set the tone on the first four possessions of the game, holding down the fort against O'Neal, dunking off an offensive rebound, stealing an entry pass, and hitting a half hook. Sometimes Longley could be his own worst enemy as he didn't always play to his potential, as Jordan pointed out years later, and could quickly get into foul trouble. Longley was more than just a big brute out there, a fifth starter in a loaded starting lineup. He had skill! As much as I like to dog Jerry Krause, getting Longley for Stacey King was a true steal of a trade!
4. Before the injuries, Anfernee Hardaway was something else. Scottie Pippen is one of the greatest/most versatile defenders of all time. During Game One, Hardaway had his way with Pippen, which was quite shocking to see. Whether in the post, backcutting to the rim or hitting the three, Hardaway was phenomenal. At 6'7'', he was a true matchup nightmare at the point. After seeing Pippen struggle with Penny during Game One, I am going to watch closely how Chicago defended him in Game Two. The great thing about the Bulls is that they could throw three superb defenders at Hardaway in Pippen, Jordan and Ron Harper, who has been having a wonderful playoffs on both ends of the court.
5. I forgot how good of a passer Shaquille O'Neal was. Shaq always overwhelmed with his size and skill, but his passing ability out of the double team was quite impressive during Game One. O'Neal found several teammates cutting to the basket as well as kicking it out for open threes. Sadly, I think I remember more of Shaq with the Lakers than I do the Magic. With Orlando, Shaq was a much more mobile and diverse player.
4. Before the injuries, Anfernee Hardaway was something else. Scottie Pippen is one of the greatest/most versatile defenders of all time. During Game One, Hardaway had his way with Pippen, which was quite shocking to see. Whether in the post, backcutting to the rim or hitting the three, Hardaway was phenomenal. At 6'7'', he was a true matchup nightmare at the point. After seeing Pippen struggle with Penny during Game One, I am going to watch closely how Chicago defended him in Game Two. The great thing about the Bulls is that they could throw three superb defenders at Hardaway in Pippen, Jordan and Ron Harper, who has been having a wonderful playoffs on both ends of the court.
5. I forgot how good of a passer Shaquille O'Neal was. Shaq always overwhelmed with his size and skill, but his passing ability out of the double team was quite impressive during Game One. O'Neal found several teammates cutting to the basket as well as kicking it out for open threes. Sadly, I think I remember more of Shaq with the Lakers than I do the Magic. With Orlando, Shaq was a much more mobile and diverse player.
What I remember from the day of Game Two: Orlando had a quick turnaround after getting embarrassed by Chicago in Game One, with Game Two taking place the following Tuesday night in Chicago. As I was winding down my eighth-grade school year, my parents started giving me some more leeway during the weeknights. On this Tuesday night they let me watch the game at my Uncle John's house. My cousin Brian and I were kind of messing around before the game, hanging out at our friend Farai and Simba's house two doors down. By the time we got back, the Bulls' game had already started, with Orlando up big. I remember watching this game, which I think started around 8 or 8:30 p.m., in the darkness of my Uncle's backyard. He would always bring a little television outside for the playoff games, which we would gather around during Chicago's second three-peat. For some reason, I especially remember watching this game, Game Three of the 1996 NBA Finals, Game Four of the 1997 NBA Finals, and Game 7 of the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals in my Uncle's backyard. There was nothing better to kick off the summers watching Bulls' playoff games there with family and friends.
What I remember from Game Two: The Bulls looked cooked, as the kids nowadays like to say, as Orlando got out to a huge lead in the first half. However, Chicago would come back in the second half, shocking Orlando and essentially ending this series. One of my best friends Jeff actually went to Game Two with his Mom and her boyfriend. As Jeff now lived in the suburbs, I remember meeting up with him for Game Three of this series, with him detailing his experience at the United Center for Game Two!
What I remember from Game Two: The Bulls looked cooked, as the kids nowadays like to say, as Orlando got out to a huge lead in the first half. However, Chicago would come back in the second half, shocking Orlando and essentially ending this series. One of my best friends Jeff actually went to Game Two with his Mom and her boyfriend. As Jeff now lived in the suburbs, I remember meeting up with him for Game Three of this series, with him detailing his experience at the United Center for Game Two!
Here is Game Two between the Magic and Bulls from the 1996 Eastern Conference 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: Orlando Magic vs. Chicago Bulls
TNT Commentators: Verne Lundquist on play-by-play, Danny Ainge on the color.
Notes: Horace Grant is not playing in Game Two due to his elbow injury, with Jon Koncak starting in his place. For some reason, I thought Grant played in this game.
Michael Jordan was awarded his fourth MVP award prior to Game Two. Jordan won the MVP previously in 1988, 1991 and 1992.
- Point Guard: Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway vs. Ron Harper
- Shooting Guard: Nick Anderson vs. Michael Jordan
- Small Forward: Dennis Scott vs. Scottie Pippen
- Power Forward: Jon Koncak vs. Dennis Rodman
- Center: Shaquille O'Neal vs. Luc Longley
- Head Coach: Brian Hill vs. Phil Jackson
TNT Commentators: Verne Lundquist on play-by-play, Danny Ainge on the color.
Notes: Horace Grant is not playing in Game Two due to his elbow injury, with Jon Koncak starting in his place. For some reason, I thought Grant played in this game.
Michael Jordan was awarded his fourth MVP award prior to Game Two. Jordan won the MVP previously in 1988, 1991 and 1992.
First Quarter, Under-7 Timeout Observations
Orlando leads 13-10 with 6:53 remaining. Orlando has made a concerted effort to get Dennis Scott and Nick Anderson going. Scott scored on the game's opening possession, with a nice baseline cut for a layup, and then hit a three in transition on a nice hit ahead from Penny Hardaway. After missing his first two jumpers, Anderson hit a pull up in transition as Orlando is looking to push the ball ahead. Shaquille O'Neal has picked up two fouls on Luc Longley, who is still in the game, with Dennis Rodman now guarding the Magic center. O'Neal is 2/3 from the free throw line after going 1/7 from there in Game One. Chicago's offense is running through Pippen, who fed Rodman for a layup and a dunk to start Chicago's scoring, and hit Jordan for a three out of a post up in the Triangle. Pippen also had a nice bank shot after Jon Koncak had a horrible turnover. After getting a rebound, Koncak tried to throw the ball down court but the pass was easily intercepted by Rodman, who hit Pippen ahead, who ball faked Koncak and scored off the glass. Penny Hardaway has yet to score, missing a three. He is being guarded by Pippen. Rodman has one rebound so far, with Chicago having a 6-5 advantage on the boards.
First Quarter, Under-2 Timeout Observations
Orlando leads 23-18 with 1:32 remaining as Chicago's Ron Harper calls a timeout. Harper just came up with a huge play as Orlando had a 3-on-2 fastbreak. Hardaway tried to feed O'Neal for a dunk, but Harper deflected and chased down the ball in the corner, calling a timeout while falling out of bounds. Chicago is struggling with its shooting, though Pippen hit a three from the top of the key and Harper hit a floater in the lane. Jordan also hit a ridiculous jumper over Nick Anderson where he hung in the air and canned a shot from the free throw line, a la his shot against the Cavs during the 1989 NBA Playoffs. Rodman and Longley are out with two fouls, and Orlando is attacking Bill Wennington with O'Neal, who has scored twice on the Bulls backup and has 10 points for the game. Dennis Scott is impacting the game on both ends, with two strips and and a charge taken on Pippen. One of Scott's strips led to a Nick Anderson layup. Penny Hardaway has scored 4 points during this stretch, hitting a hanging banker off the glass and posting up and scoring over Pippen. Orlando looks much more engaged on both ends in comparison to the start of Game One. Conversely, Chicago's offense is looking a bit ragged, bringing back memories of the New York series. Rebounding is close with Chicago leading 11-10 in this category.
End of First Quarter Observations
Orlando leads 23-20 at the end of the first quarter. Chicago nearly cut the lead to one, but Wennington missed a corner jumper and Pippen couldn't get a layup off in time before the final horn. The prior possession Wennington made a corner jumper off a loose ball tracked down by the Bulls. Kukoc had a great defensive play, cutting off the baseline for a driving Hardaway, who threw the ball away to Ron Harper. Jordan is 2/7 from the field after one quarter while O'Neal leads Orlando with 10 points and 5 rebounds. Dennis Scott and Nick Anderson have combined for 9 points through one quarter after scoring a combined two points in Game One.
Second Quarter, Under-9 Timeout Observations
Orlando leads 30-22 with 8:31 remaining. Shaq has come to play. He has 14 points and 6 rebounds. Jackson has brought back in Longley and Rodman as O'Neal was scoring at will on Wennington, who was trying his best but just didn't have the girth. Chicago is really struggling from the field, with Kukoc 0/5 to start the game, missing several floaters inside. Kukoc also got a technical from old crank Joey Crawford for showing up the official after getting called for a foul. Kukoc just fed Rodman, who hit a nice bank shot from about 8 feet out. Rodman's offensive game continues to surprise me during these games. Right now, Orlando has been the much better team during Game Two.
Second Quarter, Under-7 Timeout Observations
Orlando leads 33-24 with 6:41 remaining. Rodman continues his stellar play, dunking the ball off a great assist from Kukoc. Rodman just got an offensive rebound and drew a foul leading into the timeout. He leads Chicago with 8 points, a sign that the Bulls' offense is struggling. Jordan has been on the bench after starting just 2/8 from the field. O'Neal split a pair of free throws and had a nasty block of Longley. Game Two is proving to be much different at the center position with O'Neal accounting for 17 points and 8 rebounds while Longley has 0 points and 3 rebounds. O'Neal is 7/11 from the field, Longley is 0/3. Orlando found some money with Anthony Bowie hitting a jumper during this stretch.
Second Quarter, Under-5 Timeout Observations
Orlando leads 39-30 with 4:02 remaining as Magic Head Coach Brian Hill takes a 20-second timeout. O'Neal is controlling this game, with two more baskets and an assist to a cutting Hardaway, who has been quiet in Game Two. O'Neal has 21 points and 8 boards. He was hit with a soft technical for glaring at Longley after scoring on a nifty spin move in the post. As Rasheed Wallace likes to say, "Ball don't lie," as Steve Kerr missed the technical. Jordan just reentered the game after sitting for the entire quarter so far. Chicago found a little offensive rhythm with Pippen hitting a curling jumper and Kukoc hitting a faceup jumper over Koncak. Rodman continues to be a menace on the offensive boards, drawing two fouls and splitting 2 of 4 free throws.
Second Quarter, Under-3 Timeout Observations
Orlando leads 42-32 with 2:45 remaining. O'Neal just had an offensive rebound and stick back of a missed Hardaway fadeaway in the post. Rodman was angry at himself for giving up the offensive board. O'Neal nearly had a slam earlier but Rodman stripped him of the ball. Kukoc hit two free throws as Chicago's offense is grinding to the end of the half. Jordan has not been involved, perhaps due to a hangover of receiving the MVP award prior to the game.
Halftime Observations
Orlando leads 53-38 at the break. It's been the Shaquille O'Neal show, with the Magic center scoring 16 of his 26 points in the second quarter. Shaq is also 4/6 from the free throw line. Penny Hardaway got going during this stretch, scoring 6 of his 12 points. Pippen got lost on a screen, leading to a Hardaway three. Hardaway also had a layup at the rim. Dennis Scott posted and torched Jud Buechler. Scott had 9 first-half points after scoring 0 in Game One. Jordan committed two rare mistakes during the end of the half, overdribbling to have the ball stripped by Nick Anderson and fouling Hardaway on a three with 0.8 seconds left. Luckily, Hardaway only made 1 of 3 at the line, with Rodman grabbing the last miss and flinging the ball into the air, symbolic of Chicago's frustrating first 24 minutes. What a sleepy half from the Bulls. Jordan is just 3/10 from the field. Rodman has been one of the few Bulls' players with any energy, scoring 10 points and grabbing 8 rebounds, 4 of which came on the offensive glass. Orlando has one more field goal attempt than the Bulls, who have had 105 more shots than their opponents so far in the playoffs. What a great response from Game One that was from Orlando, especially with Grant out for what looks like the rest of the series.
Third Quarter, Under-9 Timeout Observations
Orlando leads 58-44 with 8:30 remaining as the Magic take a timeout. Jordan has suddenly turned this game a bit. After hitting two free throws, Jordan stripped Nick Anderson in the backcourt, leading to a dunk. Jordan's active hands then nearly stole the ball from O'Neal, who threw the ball away, leading to an Orlando timeout. Jordan has all 6 of Chicago's points this half, including a ridiculous bank shot off an inbound play. Orlando led by as many as 18 with a chance to go up 21, but Anderson missed a three. Shaq had a basket over Longely and has outscored the Bulls' Center 28-0 nothing so far in Game Two. Chicago started the half sluggishly, drawing a technical on a second illegal defense call. The Bulls seem to be coming alive, bringing full court pressure off made baskets. Chicago is 0/5 tonight on second-chance points, with Jordan missing a reverse layup off an offensive rebound during the first possession of the half.
Third Quarter, Under-3 Timeout Observations
Orlando leads 65-56 with 2:57 remaining as Pippen calls a timeout after stealing an Orlando inbound pass and falling to the ground. The United Center is rocking as Chicago has expended a lot of defensive energy to get back into this game. The Bulls cut the game to 12 before Orlando got it back to 18 with baskets by Koncak, Scott and O'Neal. However, Penny Hardaway has missed two open threes, and Chicago has begun to chip away. Harper and Jordan hit threes during this stretch, and Rodman hit a turnaround jumper in the lane. Rodman is 5/7 from the field and has 12 points. The game is turning toward the Bulls. Pippen continues to hustle despite struggling with his shot, going just 4/12 so far tonight. Chicago is on an 8-0 run in the last 3 minutes. Jordan has 11 points this quarter. Orlando has 10 turnovers for the game. Rodman is doing a great job pushing O'Neal out from the block, and the Bulls have been limiting Orlando to one shot and done.
Third Quarter, Under-2 Timeout Observations
Orlando leads 69-65 with 1:08 remaining as Orlando takes a timeout. Chicago has cut an 18-point deficit to four after Pippen makes a fast-break layup following an ill-advised and rushed shot by Donald Royal. Pippen previously missed an alley-oop from Rodman, but kept the ball alive, with Kukoc retrieving and firing to Buechler, who hit a huge three. Jordan is getting to the line, going 6-for-6 from the charity stripe, this quarter. The Bulls are doing a great job of doubling O'Neal, who is being forced to make quick passes out of the post. O'Neal found Hardaway for a layup and a foul leading to two free throws. Orlando is just 3/14 this quarter. The Magic are coming apart as Chicago has cranked up the defense and focus. It hasn't been pretty, but it has been gritty for Chicago, which is on a 17-4 run in the last 4:45. Chicago is shooting 38% compared to 49% for Orlando.
End of Third Quarter Observations
Orlando leads 69-67 at the end of three. Chicago had a chance to tie the game, but Pippen missed two free throws. Chicago came out and forced a turnover from Dennis Scott, with Pippen, Jordan and Buechler trapping him. Pippen and Buechler then forced a jump ball with Hardaway. Jordan hit a turnaround jumper and ended up with 17 of his 27 points in the third quarter. Jordan was 8/8 from the foul line. Orlando had 5 turnovers as Chicago's trapping has caused a lot of problems. Buechler has provided great energy while Pippen has been all over the floor as of late. Chicago outscored Orlando by 13 in the third. After having a 22-20 advantage in rebounding, Chicago has a 12-5 advantage during this run.
Fourth Quarter, Under-10 Timeout Observations
The game is tied at 69 with 9:42 remaining as there is a timeout on the floor. Chicago is about to take the lead as Pippen was just fouled on drive. Chicago tied the game on a beautiful pass from Kukoc at the top of the key to Pippen, who banked in a shot. Orlando has started 0/7 this quarter. Nick Anderson continues to miss open threes as Orlando had two possessions extended by offensive rebounds but missed ensuing shots. Jordan and O'Neal have started the fourth quarter on the bench.
Fourth Quarter, Under-7 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 74-73 with 6:50 remaining as the Bulls take a timeout. Despite being 2/6 from the foul line, Pippen gave Chicago the lead back at 70-69. Pippen has been all over the court defensively, stealing an entry pass to O'Neal and then hitting Ron Harper for a layup. Jordan also had a jumper during this stretch. Orlando finally scored four minutes into the quarter as Brian Shaw hit two tough back-to-back baskets in the lane. Shaw just rushed a shot that led to a Chicago leak out and foul of Kukoc, who will be shooting free throws out of the break. Prior to Shaw's baskets, Chicago was on a 24-4 run in the last 7:53. Pippen has stuffed the stat sheet with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. Orlando has 14 turnovers for the game now, 8 in the second half compared to 2 for the Bulls this half.
Fourth Quarter, Under-4 Timeout Observations
Orlando leads 81-79 with 3:21 remaining. After two Kukoc free throws put Chicago up 76-73, Orlando went on a 6-0 run, with Nick Anderson finally hitting an open three. He is now 1/6 from deep. O'Neal then scored in the post twice on Rodman, who is making things tough for the big man. Rodman just drew an offensive foul heading to the timeout and deflected an entry pass for a turnover. Rodman also got a big offensive rebound leading to an illegal defense and technical free throw. He then followed up with a dunk of a Jordan missed layup. While that was probably offensive goaltending, it was a great effort from Rodman, who has a playoff-high 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Fourth Quarter, Under-2 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 85-81 with 1:22 remaining as Orlando takes a timeout after Rodman misses his first of two free throws. Jordan tied the game with a ridiculous fadeaway on the baseline. After a rushed Dennis Scott three, Steve Kerr hit a pull up in transition. Phil Jackson made a shrewd substitution, inserting Randy Brown, who has provided great defense and hit two free throws off another Chicago steal. O'Neal missed two free throws with a chance to cut the game to two.
Fourth Quarter, Under-1 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 90-83 with 19.4 seconds remaining as Orlando takes a timeout. Chicago has closed this game on a current 11-2 run. Jordan just salted away the game with two free throws, fouling out Hardaway in the process. Jordan also found Pippen for a layup earlier during this stretch and blocked a Scott three to force a 24-second violation. Anderson hit two of three free throws to keep Orlando within five before Jordan's freebies.
Fourth Quarter, Under-1 Timeout Observations, Part II
Chicago leads 92-86 with 7.6 seconds remaining. Jordan just hit two more free throws after Shaw hit a three off an offensive rebound.
Final Score: Chicago Bulls 93, Orlando Magic 88.
Chicago wins by five as Shaq gets a dunk and Ron Harper hits one of two free throws. Chicago rallies from 18 down in the third quarter to take a 2-0 series lead. What a defensive effort from the Bulls, which held Orlando to 35 points in the second half. To make matters worse, the United Center crowd serenades the former Bull Grant with chants of "Horace, Horace." Rodman gives away his game jersey to one of the Nasty Boys from WWF fame. Here is the final box score.
Five Stars of the Game
1. Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls. Jordan scores 25 of his 35 in the second half but changes the game with his defensive intensity. Jordan had 4 steals and 1 block while adding 6 boards and 5 assists.
2. Scottie Pippen, Chicago Bulls. Pippen is one assist shy of a triple double, with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists to go with three steals. Pippen and Jordan truly cranked up the defense in the second half. Pippen had a much better defensive showing against Hardaway, who finished with 18 points.
3. Shaquille O'Neal, Orlando Magic. O'Neal had 26 of his 36 points in the first half. He was unguardable the first 24 minutes. He also had 16 rebounds.
4. Dennis Rodman, Chicago Bulls. Rodman was the only Bull in the first half to do anything of note. He deserved to be higher on this list, finishing with 14 points and 12 rebounds and playing outstanding post defense against O'Neal in the second half.
5. Jud Buechler, Chicago Bulls. Buechler had 5 points on 2-for-2 shooting from the field in just 6 minutes. With Jordan and Pippen, Buechler cranked up the defense in the third quarter, during which he helped force back-to-back turnovers and hit a big three to get Chicago back in the game.
2. Scottie Pippen, Chicago Bulls. Pippen is one assist shy of a triple double, with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists to go with three steals. Pippen and Jordan truly cranked up the defense in the second half. Pippen had a much better defensive showing against Hardaway, who finished with 18 points.
3. Shaquille O'Neal, Orlando Magic. O'Neal had 26 of his 36 points in the first half. He was unguardable the first 24 minutes. He also had 16 rebounds.
4. Dennis Rodman, Chicago Bulls. Rodman was the only Bull in the first half to do anything of note. He deserved to be higher on this list, finishing with 14 points and 12 rebounds and playing outstanding post defense against O'Neal in the second half.
5. Jud Buechler, Chicago Bulls. Buechler had 5 points on 2-for-2 shooting from the field in just 6 minutes. With Jordan and Pippen, Buechler cranked up the defense in the third quarter, during which he helped force back-to-back turnovers and hit a big three to get Chicago back in the game.
Dud of the Game
Nick Anderson, Orlando Magic. With Grant out and Scott playing better, scoring 13 points, Anderson struggled again, going just 1-for-7 from three, many of which were open, while finishing with 9 points on 3-for-11 from the field. This series has been a tough homecoming for the Chicago product Anderson, out of Simeon High School and the University of Illinois.
Here are the highlights of Chicago's Game Two victory against the Orlando Magic.
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