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by: Chris Maynard
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Today is the 30th anniversary of Game Four 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 3 Recap: There is no sugarcoating it, Game Three was a hard one to watch. Chicago won 86-67 in what was a rather poorly-played game by both teams. Chicago probably played a C- level game while Orlando played a D game. With the exception of Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, I had a hard time finding five stars for this game. The Magic lacked the urgency that was necessary to get back into the series, looking like a defeated team. Chicago was beatable on this day, though the Bulls did play tough defense. Orlando only scored 10 points during the entire fourth quarter.
5 Quick Observations from Game Three
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Today is the 30th anniversary of Game Four 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 3 Recap: There is no sugarcoating it, Game Three was a hard one to watch. Chicago won 86-67 in what was a rather poorly-played game by both teams. Chicago probably played a C- level game while Orlando played a D game. With the exception of Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, I had a hard time finding five stars for this game. The Magic lacked the urgency that was necessary to get back into the series, looking like a defeated team. Chicago was beatable on this day, though the Bulls did play tough defense. Orlando only scored 10 points during the entire fourth quarter.
5 Quick Observations from Game Three
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1. Sometimes the memory is better than the actual experience. I remember being ecstatic after Game Three took place, with the Bulls somehow up 3-0 on the Magic. I thought Chicago dominated this game, but the Bulls were actually pretty bad as well, at least offensively. Orlando was just that much worse. Of all the games I have rewatched from the 1996 NBA Playoffs, Game Three is up there with Game Five against the New York Knicks and the second half of Game Two against the Miami Heat as hard games to sit through. Honestly, I should have just given out three stars for this game as no one on Orlando deserved much recognition.
2. Scottie Pippen shines above everyone else this afternoon. After having some cold shooting stretches against the Knicks and even during Game Two against Orlando, Pippen was incredible in Game Three, hitting 11-for-14 from the field. A lot of Pippen's makes were highly difficult shots as well. Pippen single-handedly kept Orlando at bay with some big makes during the third quarter.
3. Chicago survives a quiet night from Michael Jordan. Jordan only had 4 of his 17 points in the second half as Chicago struggled to find offense the last 24 minutes. Jordan had a similarly quiet second half during Chicago's Game Four victory in New York during the second round. Of course, Jordan would usually explode after a quiet game, which would prove to be the case during Game Four.
4. Orlando looked like a team with no answers. Down 10 at the half, Orlando got the Chicago lead down to 3 points several times in the third quarter. Still, Orlando just looked like a team that had nothing left in the tank. Injuries were piling up as Anfernee Hardaway lacked much lift, Jon Koncak could barely move out there, and Nick Anderson hurt his wrist late in the game. The Magic seemed to be physically and mentally done, a walking-wounded MASH unit that just didn't think it could get the job done against Chicago. With Horace Grant out, Orlando was desperately looking for someone to fill in at the four spot, with Koncak, Joe Wolf and Anthony Bonner just not fit out for the role.
5. Shaquille O'Neal left a lot to be desired this game. Prior to the game, O'Neal spoke to Dennis Scott and Nick Anderson about stepping up. Honestly, Shaq did not step up in Game Three, going 1-for-9 from the free throw line and finishing 8-for-19 from the field for a total of 17 points. I reluctantly put O'Neal as the fourth star of this game when he really didn't deserve to be up there. Unfortunately, that's how bad most players were in this game. Orlando needed an all-time dominant performance from O'Neal during Game Three, and the big man just didn't provide it. Hardaway actually led Orlando with 18 points, though it was clear he was hurting, making a huge game from Shaq even more necessary. Entering Game Four, Shaq was just 6/24 from the foul line while averaging 4.7 turnovers a game. Hardaway has been averaging 3.3 turnovers a game and just 3 assists in the series.
2. Scottie Pippen shines above everyone else this afternoon. After having some cold shooting stretches against the Knicks and even during Game Two against Orlando, Pippen was incredible in Game Three, hitting 11-for-14 from the field. A lot of Pippen's makes were highly difficult shots as well. Pippen single-handedly kept Orlando at bay with some big makes during the third quarter.
3. Chicago survives a quiet night from Michael Jordan. Jordan only had 4 of his 17 points in the second half as Chicago struggled to find offense the last 24 minutes. Jordan had a similarly quiet second half during Chicago's Game Four victory in New York during the second round. Of course, Jordan would usually explode after a quiet game, which would prove to be the case during Game Four.
4. Orlando looked like a team with no answers. Down 10 at the half, Orlando got the Chicago lead down to 3 points several times in the third quarter. Still, Orlando just looked like a team that had nothing left in the tank. Injuries were piling up as Anfernee Hardaway lacked much lift, Jon Koncak could barely move out there, and Nick Anderson hurt his wrist late in the game. The Magic seemed to be physically and mentally done, a walking-wounded MASH unit that just didn't think it could get the job done against Chicago. With Horace Grant out, Orlando was desperately looking for someone to fill in at the four spot, with Koncak, Joe Wolf and Anthony Bonner just not fit out for the role.
5. Shaquille O'Neal left a lot to be desired this game. Prior to the game, O'Neal spoke to Dennis Scott and Nick Anderson about stepping up. Honestly, Shaq did not step up in Game Three, going 1-for-9 from the free throw line and finishing 8-for-19 from the field for a total of 17 points. I reluctantly put O'Neal as the fourth star of this game when he really didn't deserve to be up there. Unfortunately, that's how bad most players were in this game. Orlando needed an all-time dominant performance from O'Neal during Game Three, and the big man just didn't provide it. Hardaway actually led Orlando with 18 points, though it was clear he was hurting, making a huge game from Shaq even more necessary. Entering Game Four, Shaq was just 6/24 from the foul line while averaging 4.7 turnovers a game. Hardaway has been averaging 3.3 turnovers a game and just 3 assists in the series.
What I remember from the day of Game Four: My parents had a Memorial Day party at our house to watch the Bulls' game. I remember all of my extended family cramming in our living room to watch Game Four. After the Bulls won, my cousin, brother and I went in my yard to play some basketball. Please see my Monday Memorial Day post for a funny anecdote about what happened while playing ball outside.
What I remember from Game Four: Like Game Three, Orlando came out with some desperation but wasn't able to sustain it. After Orlando led early, Chicago would eventually grab the lead and hold on during the second half, with Jordan having a phenomenal game. As the final horn sounded, O'Neal walked off the court without extending much congratulations to the Bulls. Little did anyone watching think that O'Neal would never play with the Magic again, signing with the Los Angeles Lakers later that summer, officially killing the Orlando dynasty before it really ever got started.
Here is Game Four 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: Anderson is out with a sprained right wrist. Grant is out for a third-straight game with a twisted elbow. Koncak is playing despite dealing with a strained patella tendon. Brian Shaw is back after missing Game Three due to neck spasms. *Shaw does not play as he is ruled out during the first quarter.
- Point Guard: Ron Harper vs. Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway
- Shooting Guard: Michael Jordan vs. Anthony Bowie
- 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: Anderson is out with a sprained right wrist. Grant is out for a third-straight game with a twisted elbow. Koncak is playing despite dealing with a strained patella tendon. Brian Shaw is back after missing Game Three due to neck spasms. *Shaw does not play as he is ruled out during the first quarter.
First Quarter, Under-6 Timeout Observations
Orlando leads 17-8 with 5:49 remaining. Orlando has come out with a lot of fire, as O'Neal has 8 points on 3-for-4 from the field, Dennis Scott has five points, including a three, and Penny has four points. Orlando started off with two pick and rolls between O'Neal and Hardaway, leading to Shaq getting fouled and hitting two free throws, and scoring on a dunk. Chicago has five turnovers already, including three traveling violations. Jordan is 3-for-3 from the field to start the game, with two jumpers and a beautiful layup. Ron Harper added a baseline jumper. Luc Longley has had a rough start. Chicago had a 5-0 rebounding advantage to start the game.
First Quarter, Under-3 Timeout Observations
Orlando leads 21-16 with 2:30 remaining. Chicago got back into the game with threes by Harper and Pippen. Orlando has a 12-0 advantage on points off turnovers. Chicago has 6 turnovers, the Magic have 2. Orlando got an offensive rebound and put back from Koncak and a dunk from O'Neal off a nice pass from Hardaway in transition. Shaq has 10 points on 4-for-5 from the field and 2-for-2 at the line. Hardaway already has 4 assists. Jordan leads Chicago with 8 points. Rodman had two bad misses. a layup that was an airball and a jumper that barely grazed rim.
End of First Quarter Observations
Orlando leads 31-23 at the end of one. Chicago was on a 15-5 run as Jordan hit a ridiculous three and elbow jumper over Dennis Scott, but the Magic finish the quarter on a 7-0 run. Penny Hardaway has scored Orlando's last nine points, including a post-up dunk, beautiful layup during which he shook Pippen, a three and two free throws. Hardaway has 13 points on 5/8 from the field, along with 4 assists. Jordan has 13 points on 5/5 from the field. O'Neal has 10 points on 4/5 from the field through the first quarter. Orlando's superstars have responded so far in Game Four.
Second Quarter, Under-10 Timeout Observations
Orlando leads 36-30 with 9:19 remaining. Jordan began the quarter with a ridiculous baseline fadeaway for his 14th and 15th points on 6-for-6 shooting. O'Neal made two more free throws before Chicago went on a mini 5-0 run as Toni Kukoc hit a tough pull-up jumper and Jud Buechler canned a corner three off an Orlando turnover. Orlando's Brooks Thompson responded from his turnover with a three off a pass out of the post by O'Neal. Orlando is 3/7 from three while Chicago is 3/6 after Kukoc just missed one heading into the break. Kukoc is now 2/32 from three in the playoffs.
Second Quarter, Under-7 Timeout Observations
Orlando leads 40-34 with 6:44 remaining. Jordan made his seventh field goal on seven attempts, banking in an offensive rebound over O'Neal, who had four points during this stretch. O'Neal had a beautiful push shot across the lane over Longely and then stole a defensive rebound from Longley, leading to a layup. Longley has five turnovers already though he just hit a corner jumper. Rodman has a quiet three rebounds so far after averaging 16 rebounds and 12 points per game through the first three contests of this series. The rest of the Bulls are 8/17 from the field. Jordan is now being guarded by Hardaway after Dennis Scott picked up his third foul on him.
Second Quarter, Under-5 Timeout Observations
Orlando leads 44-37 with 4:57 remaining as Chicago takes a 20-second timeout with Steve Kerr diving for and getting a loose ball. Jordan missed a corkscrew layup for his first missed shot of the game, though Rodman gobbled up the offensive board for a layup. Chicago has a 14-6 advantage on the glass, including 6-2 on the offensive boards. Hardaway scored on a post up of Ron Harper while O'Neal had an offensive rebound and dunk of a missed Hardaway three.
Halftime Observations
Orlando leads 56-47 at the break. Chicago had missed 8 of its last 9 shots before Jud Buechler hit a three in the final minute. Orlando's Joe Wolf responded with an unlikely three over Pippen with the shot clocking winding down. The game is getting physical as Rodman and O'Neal were hit with double technical fouls. After Rodman fouled O'Neal, the Magic center shoved the Bulls forward who did not let go of his opponent. O'Neal has had a great first half, scoring 19 points on 7/9 from the field, including 5/6 from the foul line. Jordan has a game-high 20 points on 7/9 from the field as well. No other Bull has more than 7 points (Pippen). Hardaway has 15 points and 6 assists. Orlando shot 59% (20/34) from the field and got 15 points off 10 Chicago turnovers. The Magic also have 15 bench points, with nice contributions from Brooks Thompson (6 points), Wolf (5) and David Royal (4). Chicago is shooting 44% (16/36) from the field. Both teams have been much better at the foul line after poor performances in Game Three. Orlando is 12/15 (80%) while Chicago is 10/14 (71%) at the charity stripe.
Third Quarter, Under-7 Timeout Observations
Orlando leads 64-55 with 6:56 remaining. Chicago has been able to get a few run outs off steals this half, with Jordan dunking off a Ron Harper steal and getting fouled by O'Neal prior to the break on a Pippen steal. Jordan has hit two field goals this half and has 25 points. O'Neal has two beautiful baseline spin dunks on Longley, who is out with four fouls. Shaq has 23 points on 9/11 shooting. James "Buddha" Edwards has come in for some minutes. Orlando also got two nice driving bankers from Scott and Anthony Bowie. Chicago seemed to be picking up momentum, but the offense has been grinding a bit.
Third Quarter, Under-4 Timeout Observations
Orlando leads 73-65 with 3:36 remaining as Chicago takes a timeout. The Bulls had the game down to three points but Anthony Bowie has sparked Orlando with a corner jumper and running sweeping hook. Jordan got rolling during this stretch, making two free throws, canning a three, and hitting a fadeaway plus the foul on Bowie. He has 33 of Chicago's 65 points. He is 11/17 from the field. Pippen had a dunk off a beautiful over-the-head outlet pass by Rodman off a defensive rebound. Pippen has 9 points. O'Neal scored a nice half hook over Edwards and then split a pair of foul shots after drawing a foul on Chicago's Buddha. Hardaway had two free throws for his 16th and 17th points. He has been quiet since scoring 13 points in the first quarter. Chicago is doing a nice job disguising/sending double teams as Hardaway posts up this quarter.
End of Third Quarter Observations
Chicago leads 75-74 at the end of three. The Bulls have their first lead of the game on a Rodman free throw with 15 seconds left in the quarter. Chicago outscored Orlando 28-18 in the third, with Jordan scoring 15 of his game-high 35 points this period. The Bulls finished the quarter on a 10-1 run with Pippen sticking a jumper, Jordan hitting a ridiculous fadeaway over Hardaway, Rodman hustling down court for a layup after securing a defensive rebound, Steve Kerr canning a three and Rodman splitting one of two at the line. The game has turned in favor of the Bulls, who have picked up the defense. There was a weird stretch where Jordan was called for 2 straight travels and then Hardaway was called for a travel. Jordan has been whistled for three travels this game.
Fourth Quarter, Under-10 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 80-76 with 9:55 remaining. The Bulls are coming, and Orlando seems worn down. Ron Harper began the fourth with a steal of a Brooks Thompson pass off of foul court pressure, leading to a layup. After Hardaway hit a tough baseline jumper, Jordan responded with a nasty fadeaway over him. Orlando does not have O'Neal in the game for some reason. Dennis Scott missed a shot and has gone 1-for-10 after starting the game 2-for-2.
Fourth Quarter, Under-7 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 87-81 with 6:59 remaining. With Jordan getting some rest, the Bulls complimentary pieces have stepped up. Kukoc hit a three off of beautiful offense. He is now 3-for-34 from deep in the playoffs. Longley hit a jumper off a nice feed from Kukoc and Ron Harper just posted up Penny Hardaway and hit a half hook plus the foul, leading to the timeout. Chicago's defense has Orlando flummoxed. O'Neal had a turnover trying to hit a cutting Joe Wolf. Chicago seems to be getting every loose ball, with the exception of a Brooks Thompson offensive rebound and short jumper. Hardaway is struggling against the double teams, and O'Neal hasn't been involved enough in the second half. Chicago smells blood in the water and is looking to kill. Chicago is on a 22-8 run over the last 8:30.
Fourth Quarter, Under-2 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads Orlando 100-93 with 1:05 remaining. Jordan and Kerr have put this game away. Kerr has hit two jumpers while Jordan has his a three and two other jumpers, including a pull-up over Brooks Thompson that seems to have iced the series. Jordan is 16/23 from the field and has 45 points. Thompson has kept Orlando alive this quarter with seven points. O'Neal has not gotten many touches in the fourth quarter.
Fourth Quarter, Under-1 Timeout Observations
Chicago leads 106-99 with 9.0 seconds remaining. Chicago has salted this game away at the free throw line, hitting 6 of 8 free throws in the last minute. Orlando had a chance to cut the game to five at 100-95 but Scott missed two free throws out of the break.
Final Score: Chicago Bulls 106, Orlando Magic 101.
Penny Hardaway hits two free throws with three seconds remaining to tie O'Neal with a team-high 28 points. Jordan ends the game with two missed free throws, about the only thing he did wrong this afternoon. Chicago sweeps Orlando with a dominating final 18 minutes of the game. Orlando loses for the third-straight playoffs in a sweep (1994 first round, 1995 NBA Finals, 1996 Eastern Conference Finals). After a three-year absence, Chicago returns to the NBA Finals. Here is the game's final box score.
Five Stars of the Game
1. Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls. After quiet Games One and Three with 21 and 17 points, respectively, Jordan breaks out in Game Four, scoring 45 points on a sizzling 16-for-23 from the field. That was Jordan's best game of the 1996 NBA Playoffs so far.
2. Dennis Rodman, Chicago Bulls. Rodman finished with 12 points and 14 rebounds, bringing great activity during the second half and capping off his second-straight excellent series. His defense on O'Neal all series was especially important.
3. Scottie Pippen, Chicago Bulls. Struggling from the field after his huge Game Three, Pippen finishes with 12 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 assists, with his defense on Hardaway in the second half crucial to Chicago's victory.
4. Steve Kerr, Chicago Bulls. Kerr capped off a nice series with 9 big points on three made field goals as Chicago took control of the game late in the third quarter and the entire fourth quarter.
5A. Shaquille O'Neal, Orlando Magic. Shaq had 19 points at the break but only 9 points in the second half in what turns out to be his final game with Orlando.
5B. Penny Hardaway, Orlando Magic. Hardaway had 13 points in the first quarter but just 15 the rest of the way as he struggled in the second half against Chicago's double teams.
2. Dennis Rodman, Chicago Bulls. Rodman finished with 12 points and 14 rebounds, bringing great activity during the second half and capping off his second-straight excellent series. His defense on O'Neal all series was especially important.
3. Scottie Pippen, Chicago Bulls. Struggling from the field after his huge Game Three, Pippen finishes with 12 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 assists, with his defense on Hardaway in the second half crucial to Chicago's victory.
4. Steve Kerr, Chicago Bulls. Kerr capped off a nice series with 9 big points on three made field goals as Chicago took control of the game late in the third quarter and the entire fourth quarter.
5A. Shaquille O'Neal, Orlando Magic. Shaq had 19 points at the break but only 9 points in the second half in what turns out to be his final game with Orlando.
5B. Penny Hardaway, Orlando Magic. Hardaway had 13 points in the first quarter but just 15 the rest of the way as he struggled in the second half against Chicago's double teams.
Dud of the Game
Dennis Scott, Orlando Magic. Scott's rough series comes to an end with 9 points on 4-for-13 from the field. After hitting his first two shots of the game, Scott was 2-for-11 the rest of the way, including going 1-for-6 from three and missing two big free throws that would have cut Chicago's lead to five with 1:05 remaining. In Scott's defense, he was without Grant and Anderson in Game Four. Scott scored in double figures just once in the four games.
Here are the highlights of Game Four between the Bulls and Magic, with a series breakdown coming tomorrow!
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