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by: Chris Maynard
([email protected])
([email protected])
Today is the 30th anniversary of Game Three between the Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic 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 2 Recap: After getting embarrassed during a 38-point loss in Game One, Orlando came out with much more focus and aggression, despite missing the services of Horace Grant, who would not play the rest of the series with an injured elbow. Getting Dennis Scott and Nick Anderson involved, a more-balanced Orlando team led by 14 points at halftime behind a dominant first half from Shaquille O'Neal, who had 26 of his game-high 36 points during the first 24 minutes. Orlando led by as many as 18 points early in the third quarter before Chicago turned up the defensive screws, with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen leading the charge. By the end of the third quarter, Chicago was only down two points. The Bulls would take the lead early in the fourth before Orlando responded to have a four-point lead with less than four minutes to go. However, the Bulls would finish the game on a 14-7 run to win by five and take a 2-0 series lead heading back to Orlando.
5 Quick Observations from Game Two
Game 2 Recap: After getting embarrassed during a 38-point loss in Game One, Orlando came out with much more focus and aggression, despite missing the services of Horace Grant, who would not play the rest of the series with an injured elbow. Getting Dennis Scott and Nick Anderson involved, a more-balanced Orlando team led by 14 points at halftime behind a dominant first half from Shaquille O'Neal, who had 26 of his game-high 36 points during the first 24 minutes. Orlando led by as many as 18 points early in the third quarter before Chicago turned up the defensive screws, with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen leading the charge. By the end of the third quarter, Chicago was only down two points. The Bulls would take the lead early in the fourth before Orlando responded to have a four-point lead with less than four minutes to go. However, the Bulls would finish the game on a 14-7 run to win by five and take a 2-0 series lead heading back to Orlando.
5 Quick Observations from Game Two
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1. Jordan and Pippen: The greatest defensive duo ever? Turn on the second half of this game to witness Jordan and Pippen singlehandedly change this game on the defensive end of the court. Both players were savages on this end of the floor during the third quarter, changing the entire complexion of the game with their defensive intensity and activity. Pippen held Hardaway to 0 points and 0 assists in the second half of Game Two, though Hardaway was dealing with lower-body stiffness.
2. Chicago overcomes a sleepy start. Whether it was a hangover from the Game One blowout or Jordan being awarded the NBA's MVP award prior to Game Two, Chicago lacked much intensity during the first half, with the lone exception being Dennis Rodman, who continued to be a surprising offensive threat. Jordan didn't play for much of the second quarter and was rather passive at the beginning of the game. Pippen continued to struggle with his shot until getting going late in the game, as had been a trend with him during the 1996 NBA Playoffs, at least since the second-round series against the Knicks.
3. Chicago had no answer for O'Neal in the first half. O'Neal simply dominated all Bulls in his way during the first 24 minutes, with Luc Longley, Rodman and Bill Wennington providing little resistance. O'Neal was unstoppable and scored at will during the first half, though the Bulls would limit him to just 10 points in the second half, with Rodman doing the yeoman's work on defense.
4. Luc Longley flashes his inconsistency. After being one of Chicago's two top players in Game One, scoring 14 points on 7-for-9 from the field, Longley put up a goose egg in Game Two, getting outscored 36-0 by O'Neal. Longley found himself in foul trouble for much of the night and missed all five of his shots. He did contribute 8 rebounds.
5. Phil Jackson coaches his best game of the playoffs. Jackson was masterful in the second half, inserting Jud Buechler during the third quarter, with the reserve forward teaming up with Jordan and Pippen to bring incredible defense. After not playing Randy Brown all game, Jackson inserted the defensive-minded guard late in the fourth quarter. Brown responded with tremendous defense, forcing a big steal and hitting two free throws after getting fouled on a run out off an Orlando turnover. Jackson was also not afraid to put the 6'8'' Rodman, who was actually much smaller than this listed height, on O'Neal as well. In short, Jackson pushed all the right defensive buttons during the second half of Game Two as Orlando and Head Coach Brian Hill looked like deer in the headlights as a result of the Bulls' pressure.
What I remember from the day of Game Three: As it was the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, my grade-school buddy Jeff invited me over to watch this game at his Dad's apartment. Jeff had moved out to the suburbs after sixth grade, though we would get together as often as we could. Jeff's Dad had been renting a new apartment near Wrigley Field. As Jeff would spend the weekends with his Dad, he invited me over. We ended up walking to a card shop prior to the Bulls' game, with both us buying a framed poster of Jordan, Pippen and Rodman. After the game, Jeff came with me to a party that an eighth-grade girl in my class was having that night. All in all, it was a great day hanging out with Jeff, a good friend to this day, a guy I have known since kindergarten.
2. Chicago overcomes a sleepy start. Whether it was a hangover from the Game One blowout or Jordan being awarded the NBA's MVP award prior to Game Two, Chicago lacked much intensity during the first half, with the lone exception being Dennis Rodman, who continued to be a surprising offensive threat. Jordan didn't play for much of the second quarter and was rather passive at the beginning of the game. Pippen continued to struggle with his shot until getting going late in the game, as had been a trend with him during the 1996 NBA Playoffs, at least since the second-round series against the Knicks.
3. Chicago had no answer for O'Neal in the first half. O'Neal simply dominated all Bulls in his way during the first 24 minutes, with Luc Longley, Rodman and Bill Wennington providing little resistance. O'Neal was unstoppable and scored at will during the first half, though the Bulls would limit him to just 10 points in the second half, with Rodman doing the yeoman's work on defense.
4. Luc Longley flashes his inconsistency. After being one of Chicago's two top players in Game One, scoring 14 points on 7-for-9 from the field, Longley put up a goose egg in Game Two, getting outscored 36-0 by O'Neal. Longley found himself in foul trouble for much of the night and missed all five of his shots. He did contribute 8 rebounds.
5. Phil Jackson coaches his best game of the playoffs. Jackson was masterful in the second half, inserting Jud Buechler during the third quarter, with the reserve forward teaming up with Jordan and Pippen to bring incredible defense. After not playing Randy Brown all game, Jackson inserted the defensive-minded guard late in the fourth quarter. Brown responded with tremendous defense, forcing a big steal and hitting two free throws after getting fouled on a run out off an Orlando turnover. Jackson was also not afraid to put the 6'8'' Rodman, who was actually much smaller than this listed height, on O'Neal as well. In short, Jackson pushed all the right defensive buttons during the second half of Game Two as Orlando and Head Coach Brian Hill looked like deer in the headlights as a result of the Bulls' pressure.
What I remember from the day of Game Three: As it was the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, my grade-school buddy Jeff invited me over to watch this game at his Dad's apartment. Jeff had moved out to the suburbs after sixth grade, though we would get together as often as we could. Jeff's Dad had been renting a new apartment near Wrigley Field. As Jeff would spend the weekends with his Dad, he invited me over. We ended up walking to a card shop prior to the Bulls' game, with both us buying a framed poster of Jordan, Pippen and Rodman. After the game, Jeff came with me to a party that an eighth-grade girl in my class was having that night. All in all, it was a great day hanging out with Jeff, a good friend to this day, a guy I have known since kindergarten.
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What I remember from Game Three: I was ecstatic to find out as the game started that Grant would be out again, with Jon Koncak in his place. Honestly, this game was rather ho-hum, with the Bulls getting out to a big lead and controlling the game. Orlando seemed dead in the water after blowing Game Two in Chicago, and the Bulls came out ready to end this series, which they effectively did during a comfortable fashion. Jeff and I watched this game with great glee as the Bulls got up 3-0 without breaking much of a sweat this afternoon. I do remember Orlando seemingly getting frustrated, with Rodman getting under the skin of O'Neal. Mentally and physically, the Magic were a wounded animal during and after Game Three.
Here is Game Three of the 1996 Eastern Conference Finals between the Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic.
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. Orlando Magic
NBC Commentators: Marv Albert on play-by-play, Matt Guokas on color commentary.
Notes: Grant is out for a second-straight game with a twisted elbow, with his replacement Koncak dealing with a knee problem as well. Brian Shaw is out with muscle spasms in his neck. Shaw had some nice moments in the fourth quarter of Game Two so this is another blow to a reeling Orlando team.
- Point Guard: Ron Harper vs. Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway
- Shooting Guard: Michael Jordan vs. Nick Anderson
- Small Forward: Scottie Pippen vs. Dennis Scott
- Power Forward: Dennis Rodman vs. Jon Koncak
- Center: Luc Longley vs. Shaquille O'Neal
- Head Coach: Phil Jackson vs. Brian Hill
NBC Commentators: Marv Albert on play-by-play, Matt Guokas on color commentary.
Notes: Grant is out for a second-straight game with a twisted elbow, with his replacement Koncak dealing with a knee problem as well. Brian Shaw is out with muscle spasms in his neck. Shaw had some nice moments in the fourth quarter of Game Two so this is another blow to a reeling Orlando team.
First Quarter, Under-7 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 12-11 with 6:15 remaining. The Bulls went on an 8-0 run after Orlando got up 9-4 before Nick Anderson ended it with a two-hand dunk on a nice pass from Hardaway. Jordan is off to a quick start, going 2-for-2 from the field, hitting a three, stealing a Shaq outlet pass, and then ball faking Koncak out of his shorts for a jumper. Luc Longley has hit his first two shots, a jumper and lefty hook over Koncak. Ron Harper has come out aggressive, going just 1-for-3 from the field, though. Orlando got off to a quick start, with Anderson scoring on a transition layup, Hardaway canning a three and scoring on a cut into the lane, and O'Neal dunking on Longley off a beautiful up-and-under. The Bulls regained control despite some early miscues with Rodman failing to get out of bounds before inbounding an Orlando make, Longley stepping out of bounds on the baseline and Rodman failing to secure a defensive rebound. Koncak has two quick fouls, including a flagrant on Harper during a fastbreak.
First Quarter, Under-4 Timeout Observations
The game is tied at 14 with 3:54 remaining with Chicago taking a timeout as Ron Harper is injured on the ground. Harper missed a bank shot and got hit in the abdomen by O'Neal blocking out. Dennis Rodman has been active this stretch, securing his first defensive board, stepping into and hitting an outside jumper, blocking O'Neal, rejecting Joe Wolf (leading to a 24-shot clock violation) and grabbing an offensive board. Nick Anderson hit a three to give Orlando the lead. He is 3-for-3 from the field after going a combined 3-for-18 and 1-11 from three during the first two games.
End of First Quarter Observations
Chicago leads 23-20 at the end of the first quarter. That was a bit of an ugly end to the quarter. Orlando had a chance to go up 22-21 after Kukoc had a lazy pass stolen but Pippen hustled down to block a Dennis Scott layup. Jordan followed up to hit a turnaround and finished the quarter with 9 points on 3-for-4 from the field and 2-for-2 from the foul line. Pippen also hit a three during this stretch on a possession kept alive by a Rodman tap out. Chicago has an early 6 to 1 advantage on the offensive boards, with O'Neal scoring a layup after securing a Hardaway miss. Kukoc missed a three at the end of the quarter and is now 1-for-30 from the playoffs from deep. Rodman received a technical for pantomining kicking the ball after getting called for a loose-ball foul on O'Neal. Scott missed the free throw though. Orlando Head Coach Brian Hill got teed up late in the quarter believing the refs missed a defensive foul on the Bulls. Steve Kerr missed the free throw though. That was a bit of a sleepy first quarter. After scoring just 11 points combined during the first two games, Anderson has 7, a good sign for Orlando.
Second Quarter, Under-10 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 25-22 with 9:19 remaining. Orlando had missed its last 9 shots, and 11 of its last 12, until O'Neal just made a basket, plus the foul on John Salley. That was a horrible call as O'Neal hit Salley with an elbow right behind the veteran's left ear. Shaq got a technical during this stretch for grabbing Rodman's foot after securing a defensive rebound, but Jordan missed the free throw. Rodman hit another long jumper early during this segment. Both teams are struggling to shoot the basketball. Shaq is just 3/8 from the field at the moment.
Second Quarter, Under-7 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 36-28 with 6:42 remaining as a timeout is taken after Jordan misses a technical free throw following Orlando's second delay of game. The Bulls have found the three-point shooting stroke all of a sudden, with Pippen, Kerr and Kukoc(!) all hitting from deep. After going 1-for-7 from three in Game Two, Pippen is two-for-two tonight. Kukoc just hit a corner three and is now 2-for-31 from deep in the playoffs. Longley had an offensive stick back of a Jordan missed layup. Orlando has two baskets off offensive boards, with Hardaway sticking back an O'Neal miss and O'Neal dunking a Hardaway miss. Orlando is seeming to lose its composure though with three early technicals during Game Three.
Second Quarter, Under-6 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 38-29 with 5:11 remaining as Phil Jackson calls a timeout. Bill Wennington hit a nice baseline jumper while Dennis Scott missed a rainbow three. Scott is off to a slow start, with just two points from the foul line. Chicago is not playing all that great, but Orlando is lacking the urgency of a team that is already down 2-0. Rodman just picked up his third foul. Jackson called the timeout to yell at Kukoc, who he thinks is playing in a frenzy, according to NBC sideline reporter Ahmad Rashad.
Halftime Observations
Chicago leads 48-38 at the break. That was an ugly first half in many ways, with the refs having tight whistles and both teams missing free throws. Bulls' Assistant Tex Winter was hit with a technical on the bench, but Scott missed the free throw. Orlando is 6-for-16 from the foul line, with O'Neal 0-for-5, while Chicago is 7-for-13, with Jordan 4-for-8. Scottie Pippen is having a sneakily dominant first half, scoring 12 points on 4-for-5 from the field, grabbing 4 rebounds and dishing out 5 assists. Pippen had a beautiful postup fadeaway on Hardaway and then a spinning baseline layup on Scott, though he got away with a hook. O'Neal is having a rough game, just going 4/11 from the field so far. Orlando seems like a frustrated and out-of-sync team. Chicago isn't playing all that great but controlling the game defensively so far. At one point Chicago had a 22 to 12 advantage in rebounding. Orlando is 2-for-9 from three. Chicago shot 46% from the field, Orlando 35%.
Third Quarter, Under-9 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 53-44 with 8:02 remaining as Chicago takes a timeout. Dennis Rodman makes a rare mistake, throwing a lazy pass that Anderson steals for a dunk, leading to a Phil Jackson timeout. Anderson also hit a jumper during this stretch, but Orlando looks dead-legged as Matt Guokas says. There is not much energy from the Magic. Pippen started the half with a turnaround postup and Ron Harper canned a three after blocking a Dennis Scott three. Orlando has missed its first four threes of the second half. O'Neal had a nice layup off a drop step to start the half. Orlando is just out there for the most part, with Chicago not even having its crispest game but in control at the moment. Penny Hardaway looks frustrated/disengaged.
Third Quarter, Under-3 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 57-52 with 2:57 remaining. Chicago has had a miserable offensive quarter, going five minutes without a field goal, after leading by 13 points early in the half. Orlando has had the lead down to three twice on threes by Dennis Scott and Nick Anderson. However, Orlando does not seem to have much belief. The Magic look like zombies on the court. Pippen has hit two shots off pump fakes to put the Bulls up five. This has not been Chicago's best game, for sure, but Orlando is either too tired or just doesn't believe it can win this series. Orlando has been playing with more defensive activity but can't sustain much offensive rhythm itself. Orlando was on a 12-4 run during a 5:40 stretch, indicative of an offense not exactly burning it up.
End of Third Quarter Observations
Chicago leads 63-57 at the end of three. The Bulls only score 15 points in the third quarter, with Pippen accounting for 10 of them. That was Chicago's lowest scoring quarter of the playoffs so far. Orlando only had 19 points though. Pippen has kept Chicago in the lead, hitting a ridiculous jumper off a crossover and a tough jumper off an up fake. Pippen is 9/10 from the field and has 22 points. Jordan did not score during the third and has a quiet 13 points. Orlando got a nice basket from Hardaway, who drove baseline, came to the other side, and banked in a layup. Hardaway does not look right, though, as his hamstrings are giving him problems. O'Neal finally hit a free throw after getting to the line on a nice drop step toward the baseline. O'Neal is just 1/7 from the foul line. Bill Wennington had a nice bank shot in the post, taking advantage of a smaller Orlando defender, Donal Royal, I believe, going into the Magic player with his shoulder.
Fourth Quarter, Under-11 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 67-57 with 10:47 remaining as Orlando takes a timeout. Jordan got an offensive rebound putback of a missed Steve Kerr three to start the fourth quarter. After missing another three, Kerr made a nice pass to Pippen on a baseline pump fake and dribble, leading to a layup and Magic timeout. Orlando has tried to steal minutes with the late Brooks Thompson, who has missed some open shots this game and gotten caught up in the air several times this game. Rodman is up to 13 rebounds, doing a nice job sweeping a defensive rebound off a Thompson miss. Chicago and Orlando each have 19 points so far this half.
Fourth Quarter, Under-8 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 70-59 with 7:01 remaining as Orlando takes a timeout after being unable to inbound the ball. This may be one of the uglier Bulls' playoffs game I can remember. Jordan just had an uncharasteristic turnover, slipping on the floor. Apparently, there was a lot of rain in Orlando this day, leading to a wet court at points. Orlando had two straight turnovers as Brian Hill is trying to find someone to give the Magic a spark, going with Joe Wolf, Anthony Bonner and Thompson at times. Orlando's only field goal this quarter has been an O'Neal put back on a offensive board where he pushed off Rodman. Orlando looks gassed, with Hardaway having no lift on his shot and O'Neal lacking much energy. Orlando is 1-7 from the field this quarter.
Fourth Quarter, Under-4 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 74-59 with 3:44 remaining as Orlando takes a timeout with Nick Anderson on the ground hurt after getting fouled on a drive. Orlando is 1-for-12 this quarter. Chicago isn't doing much special, splitting 3-of-6 free throws. Longley actually got out dribbling on a fastbreak on the wing, symbolic of the choppiness of this fourth quarter. This has been depressing to watch on both ends. It's going to be hard to find the five stars of this game. Orlando just looks bruised, battered and beaten at this point, with Anderson heading to the locker room. Orlando is late on every defensive assignment, leading to fouls. The Magic are simply gassed. Jordan was out for a bit with a sprained ankle suffered when he fell down and turned the ball over.
Final Score: Chicago Bulls 86, Orlando Magic 67.
Finally some shots are made at the end of the game as Kerr and Pippen hit threes and Kerr hits a jumper inside the key. Orlando got field goals from Donald Royal and Anfernee Hardaway. Chicago outscores Orlando 23-10 in the fourth quarter, though it was not pretty for either team. Chicago had 19 turnovers to Orlando's 16. The Bulls were 18-for-31 at the foul line, Orlando was 10-for-24. With the exception of Pippen and Rodman, Chicago didn't play well; Orlando was just pitiful. Here is the box score.
5 Stars of the Game
1. Scottie Pippen, Chicago Bulls. Hands down Pippen was the best player on the court this game, scoring 27 points on 11-for-14 from the field in addition to dishing out 7 assists and grabbing 6 rebounds. He added 2 steals and 1 block.
2. Dennis Rodman, Chicago Bulls. Rodman had 16 rebounds, 6 of which came on the offensive glass, and chipped in 9 points.
3. Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls. Jordan had just 17 points and only took 15 shots. He made one field goal in the second half, though he contributed 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.
4. Shaquille O'Neal, Orlando Magic. Shaq had a rough game, scoring 17 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. He was just 1-for-9 from the foul line. This was such a poorly played game that Shaq ended up on this list despite having his worst game of the series. Orlando needed much more from its superstar.
5. Nick Anderson, Orlando Magic. Anderson had a few spurts, finishing with 14 points, before leaving the game with an injury.
2. Dennis Rodman, Chicago Bulls. Rodman had 16 rebounds, 6 of which came on the offensive glass, and chipped in 9 points.
3. Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls. Jordan had just 17 points and only took 15 shots. He made one field goal in the second half, though he contributed 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.
4. Shaquille O'Neal, Orlando Magic. Shaq had a rough game, scoring 17 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. He was just 1-for-9 from the foul line. This was such a poorly played game that Shaq ended up on this list despite having his worst game of the series. Orlando needed much more from its superstar.
5. Nick Anderson, Orlando Magic. Anderson had a few spurts, finishing with 14 points, before leaving the game with an injury.
Dud of the Game
Dennis Scott, Orlando Magic. With Grant out, Scott struggled again to pick up the slack, going 1-for-9 from the field, including 1-for-7 from three, en route to 7 points.
Here are the highlights of this quite ugly game.
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