 |  |  |
by: Chris Maynard
([email protected])
After cruising past the Miami Heat and winning ugly against the New York Knicks during the first two rounds of the 1996 NBA Playoffs, the Chicago Bulls were preparing to step up in competition.
Fresh off a sweep of the Detroit Pistons and five-game victory against the Atlanta Haws during the first and second rounds, the Orlando Magic represented the future of the NBA behind young superstars Shaquille O'Neal and Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway and former Chicago Bull Horace Grant.
After knocking out Michael Jordan and the Bulls in six games during the second-round of the 1995 NBA Playoffs, the Magic were eventually swept in the Finals by the Houston Rockets.
Despite this surprising loss to Houston, and being the two-seed to Chicago's one-seed, the Magic entered the 1996 Eastern Conference Finals as formidable foes for the Bulls, which were seeking revenge for last year's disappointing defeat to Orlando during a series where Michael Jordan looked mortal and did not seem like his old self.
Throughout the 1995-96 season, a playoff rematch between Chicago and Orlando seemed inevitable, with the 1995 playoffs serving as a reminder that the Bulls were no sure thing against the Magic.
Make the jump to review Orlando's second-round victory against the Bulls during the 1995 NBA Playoffs.
([email protected])
After cruising past the Miami Heat and winning ugly against the New York Knicks during the first two rounds of the 1996 NBA Playoffs, the Chicago Bulls were preparing to step up in competition.
Fresh off a sweep of the Detroit Pistons and five-game victory against the Atlanta Haws during the first and second rounds, the Orlando Magic represented the future of the NBA behind young superstars Shaquille O'Neal and Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway and former Chicago Bull Horace Grant.
After knocking out Michael Jordan and the Bulls in six games during the second-round of the 1995 NBA Playoffs, the Magic were eventually swept in the Finals by the Houston Rockets.
Despite this surprising loss to Houston, and being the two-seed to Chicago's one-seed, the Magic entered the 1996 Eastern Conference Finals as formidable foes for the Bulls, which were seeking revenge for last year's disappointing defeat to Orlando during a series where Michael Jordan looked mortal and did not seem like his old self.
Throughout the 1995-96 season, a playoff rematch between Chicago and Orlando seemed inevitable, with the 1995 playoffs serving as a reminder that the Bulls were no sure thing against the Magic.
Make the jump to review Orlando's second-round victory against the Bulls during the 1995 NBA Playoffs.
Game 1: Orlando 94, Chicago 91
The Bulls seemed to be on the verge of stealing the first game in Orlando before Michael Jordan had two huge and unimaginable turnovers late in the game. With Chicago nursing a one-point lead, Jordan dribbled the ball up court, only to have it poked away by Orlando's Nick Anderson. The Magic's Penny Hardaway eventually picked up the ball and fed former Bull Horace Grant for the go-ahead dunk. After a timeout, Jordan then threw the ball away trying to hit a cutting Scottie Pippen.
Game Two: Chicago 104, Orlando 94
Jordan famously switched back to jersey number 23 prior to the game, ditching the strange 45 he had been wearing since he returned in mid-March, and scored 38 points to help Chicago achieve a split in Orlando.
Game 3: Orlando Magic 110, Chicago Bulls 101
Despite being back home on a Friday night at the United Center, and Jordan scoring 40 points, the Bulls couldn't capitalize on their momentum, with Orlando controlling the third game and regaining home-court advantage.
Game 4: Chicago 104, Orlando 91
Despite Jordan only scoring 19 points and Scottie Pippen 7 points, Chicago won an ugly game on Mother's Day to even the series at two.
Game 5: Orlando Magic 103, Chicago 95
Orlando held serve at home despite Jordan's 39 points as Grant led Orlando with 24 points on 10-for-13 from the field.
Game 6: Orlando 108, Chicago 102
I vividly remember listening to this game on the radio with my Dad in the basement of our home. B.J. Armstrong hit a three to give the Bulls an eight-point lead with a little more than three minutes remaining, seemingly making a Game 7 back in Orlando a certainty. However, Chicago did not score the rest of the game as Orlando finished on a stunning 14-0 run, with Grant hoisted on the shoulders of his teammates, conquering his former team on the road. Pippen and Jordan combined for 50 points but 10 turnovers this game!
Afterwards, Orlando's Anderson would comment how Jordan wasn't the same Jordan, words that fueled the Chicago superstar the coming summer. In the meantime, Chicago would not be winning the title during Jordan's return season, the first time Chicago had been eliminated in the playoffs with Jordan on the team since Game 7 of the 1990 Eastern Conference Finals!
As shocking as Chicago's collapse was in Game Six, it was not all that surprising to see the Bulls not win it all in 1995. Even with Jordan's return, the Bulls never seemed quite cohesive enough during those 17 games he played in the regular season. With a glaring hole at the power forward spot, the Bulls were just not ready to win it all in 1995.
However, the Bulls would be a much different team entering the 1996 conference finals against Orlando, with it seeming that whatever team won this series would likely be the upcoming NBA champions!
Afterwards, Orlando's Anderson would comment how Jordan wasn't the same Jordan, words that fueled the Chicago superstar the coming summer. In the meantime, Chicago would not be winning the title during Jordan's return season, the first time Chicago had been eliminated in the playoffs with Jordan on the team since Game 7 of the 1990 Eastern Conference Finals!
As shocking as Chicago's collapse was in Game Six, it was not all that surprising to see the Bulls not win it all in 1995. Even with Jordan's return, the Bulls never seemed quite cohesive enough during those 17 games he played in the regular season. With a glaring hole at the power forward spot, the Bulls were just not ready to win it all in 1995.
However, the Bulls would be a much different team entering the 1996 conference finals against Orlando, with it seeming that whatever team won this series would likely be the upcoming NBA champions!
RSS Feed