1997–98 Chicago Bulls season

Thirty-second NBA season, and sixth championship season, for the Chicago Bulls March 2026 August 2023 Chicago Bulls yes yes yes 1998 62 20 Central 1 1 Phil Jackson Jerry Krause United Center Jerry Reinsdorf WGN-TVSportsChannel/Fox Sports Chicago WMVP NBA champions(Defeated Jazz 4–2) CHI The 1997–98 Chicago Bulls season was the 32nd season for the Chicago Bulls in the National Basketball Association. Chicago Bulls Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/ August 6, 2026 The Bulls entered the regular season as the 2-time defending NBA champions, and in the Finals, they met the Utah Jazz in a rematch from the prior year's NBA Finals and just like that year, they would go on to defeat the Jazz in six games to win their sixth championship in eight years and complete the franchise's second "3-peat". Season summary Off-season During the off-season, the Bulls acquired Scott Burrell from the Golden State Warriors, Armour Terry Simpkins-Burrell Trade in Works Chicago Tribune September 20, 1997 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-09-20-9709200094-story,amp.html July 18, 2021 Steele David Warriors Acquire Bulls' Simpkins; Burrell Swapped for 6-10 Power Forward SFGate September 23, 1997 https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Warriors-Acquire-Bulls-Simpkins-Burrell-2827220.php December 15, 2022 and signed free agent Joe Kleine. Bulls Sign Wennington for 1 Year Chicago Tribune September 9, 1997 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-09-09-9709090029-story.html December 27, 2022 However, All-Star forward Scottie Pippen would miss the first half of the regular season, due to an injured toe on his left foot sustained from the 1997 NBA playoffs. Wise Mike Pro Basketball: Bulls' Pippen Will Miss 2-3 Months After Toe Surgery The New York Times October 8, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/08/sports/pro-basketball-bulls-pippen-will-miss-2-3-months-after-toe-surgery.html May 12, 2022 Armour Terry Foot Surgery Sidelines Chicago Bulls' Scottie Pippen for 3-4 Months in 1997 Chicago Tribune October 8, 1997 https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/ct-chicago-bulls-scottie-pippen-20200419-rowac3b55nagrljl6c5me2zige-story.html January 2, 2023 Associated Press Pippen Hints at Bull Return Los Angeles Times December 27, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-dec-27-sp-2691-story.html October 3, 2022 Without Pippen, the Bulls started by winning the 1997 McDonald's Championship overseas in Paris, France in October, with Michael Jordan being named the Most Valuable Player.Stephen Beslic Chicago Bulls relive memories of playing in the 1997 McDonald's Championship in Paris https://www.si.com/nba/bulls/old-school/chicago-bulls-relive-memories-of-playing-in-paris-in-1997 28 June 2025 Sports Illustrated 18 January 2023 Regular season In the regular season, the team got off to a slow 8–7 start, but then won 15 of their next 18 games, including an eight-game winning streak in December, until Pippen eventually returned in January. However, three-point specialist Steve Kerr suffered a fractured collarbone in January, and only played just 50 games. Armour Terry Kerr Hammered on Drive, Suffers Fractured Collarbone Chicago Tribune January 16, 1998 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1998-01-16-9801160028-story.html October 7, 2022 Armour Terry Ill-Starred Kerr Sidelined at Least 8 Weeks Chicago Tribune January 17, 1998 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1998-01-17-9801170164-story,amp.htmll June 17, 2021 Associated Press Barkley Trial Waits for End of Season The Spokesman-Review January 17, 1998 https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1998/jan/17/barkley-trial-waits-for-end-of-season/ September 25, 2023 Despite the injuries, the Bulls held a 34–15 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 5, 1998 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=5&year=1998 July 19, 2022 At mid-season, the team traded Jason Caffey to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for David Vaughn. Sheridan Chris Bulls' Caffey Traded to Warriors Associated Press February 19, 1998 https://apnews.com/article/56969856e7dcab951f00f75d62bf927d December 15, 2022 Armour Terry Players Puzzled Over Caffey Trade Chicago Tribune February 20, 1998 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1998-02-20-9802200024-story,amp.html July 18, 2021 Steele David Warriors Notebook: Bulls Knock Caffey Deal SFGate February 21, 1998 https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/WARRIORS-NOTEBOOK-Bulls-Knock-Caffey-Deal-3012964.php October 22, 2022 Vaughn only played just three games with the Bulls before being waived on March 2, 1998, as he later on signed as a free agent with the New Jersey Nets. Also in early March, the team re-signed former Bulls reserve forward Dickey Simpkins, who was previously released by the Warriors, and played in the final 21 games of the regular season. Armour Terry Simpkins a Bull Again? They're Mulling It Over Chicago Tribune February 28, 1998 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1998-02-28-9802280018-story.html July 1, 2022 The Bulls posted another eight-game winning streak in February, then posted a 13-game winning streak between March and April, and still finished in first place in the Central Division with a 62–20 record, earning the first seed in the Eastern Conference; 1997–98 Chicago Bulls Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1998_games.html June 21, 2021 the team qualified for the NBA playoffs for the 14th consecutive year. The Bulls had the third best team defensive rating in the NBA.https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/defense/?sort=DEF_RATING&dir=-1&Season=1997-98&SeasonType=Regular%20Season Teams Defense NBA.com April 16, 2021 Jordan once again led the league in scoring averaging 28.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.7 steals per game; he was named to the All-NBA First Team, and to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, and also won his fifth and final NBA Most Valuable Player of the Year award. Wise Mike The N.B.A. Playoffs: Jordan Is Winner of M.V.P. a 5th Time The New York Times May 19, 1998 https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/19/sports/the-nba-playoffs-jordan-is-winner-of-mvp-a-5th-time.html September 23, 2022 Springer Steve Malone Takes MVP Outcome in Stride Los Angeles Times May 19, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-may-19-sp-51461-story.html October 22, 2022 NBA MVP & ABA Most Valuable Player Award Winners Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/mvp.html November 29, 2022 In addition, Pippen averaged 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game in 44 games, and was named to the All-NBA Third Team, and also to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, while Toni Kukoč provided the team with 13.3 points and 4.2 assists per game, playing most of the season as the team's starting small forward in Pippen's absence, and Luc Longley provided with 11.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Ron Harper contributed 9.3 points and 1.3 steals per game, Kerr contributed 7.5 points per game, Burrell averaged 5.2 points per game, rebound-specialist Dennis Rodman provided with 4.7 points and 15.0 rebounds per game, and Randy Brown contributed 4.1 points per game. 1997–98 Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1998.html June 21, 2021 During the NBA All-Star weekend at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, Jordan was selected for the 1998 NBA All-Star Game, as a member of the Eastern Conference All-Star team. Armour Terry Jordan Top All-Star Vote-Getter; Bryant, 19, Youngest Ever Picked Chicago Tribune January 26, 1998 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1998-01-26-9801260059-story.html December 27, 2022 Howard-Cooper Scott Lakers Get Four-Star Rating as Van Exel, Jones Honored Los Angeles Times January 28, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jan-28-sp-13049-story.html April 20, 2023 1997–98 All-Star Events and Contestants - in New York Eskimo North https://www.eskimo.com/~pbender/misc/all-star98.txt December 27, 2022 Jordan scored 23 points along with 6 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals, and won his third and final NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player award, as the Eastern Conference defeated the Western Conference, 135–114. Roberts Selena N.B.A. All-Star Game: Jordan Stars One Last Time (Probably) The New York Times February 9, 1998 https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/09/sports/nba-all-star-game-jordan-stars-one-last-time-probably.html July 31, 2021 NBA.com Staff 1998 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-1998 May 16, 2023 1998 NBA All-Star Game: East 135, West 114 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_1998.html November 27, 2021 Jordan also finished in fourth place in Defensive Player of the Year voting, while Rodman finished tied in fifth place, and Pippen finished tied in ninth place; 1997–98 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1998.html January 1, 2022 Pippen also finished in tenth place in Most Valuable Player voting, and head coach Phil Jackson finished tied in seventh place in Coach of the Year voting. The Bulls led the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 983,444 at the United Center during the regular season. 1997–98 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1998.html October 9, 2025 NBA playoffs In the Eastern Conference First Round of the 1998 NBA playoffs, the Bulls faced off against the 8th–seeded Nets, a team that featured Sam Cassell, rookie power forward Keith Van Horn, and All-Star center Jayson Williams. In their first two home games at the United Center, the Bulls won Game 1 over the Nets in overtime, 96–93, before winning Game 2 by a score of 96–91 to take a 2–0 series lead. 1998 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Game 1: New Jersey Nets at Chicago Bulls Box Score, April 24, 1998 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199804240CHI.html June 4, 2026 1998 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Game 2: New Jersey Nets at Chicago Bulls Box Score, April 26, 1998 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199804260CHI.html June 4, 2026 The Bulls won Game 3 over the Nets on the road, 116–101 at the Continental Airlines Arena to win the series in a three-game sweep. Popper Steve The N.B.A. Playoffs: Jordan Silences Nets with a Sweep The New York Times April 30, 1998 https://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/30/sports/the-nba-playoffs-jordan-silences-nets-with-a-sweep.html February 18, 2022 Associated Press Jordan Finishes Off the Nets; Rockets Put Jazz on the Ropes Los Angeles Times April 30, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-apr-30-sp-44661-story.html November 25, 2022 1998 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Nets vs. Bulls Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1998-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-nets-vs-bulls.html February 3, 2023 In the Eastern Conference Semi-finals, the team faced off against the 4th–seeded Charlotte Hornets, who were led by All-Star forward Glen Rice, Anthony Mason and Vlade Divac. The Bulls won Game 1 over the Hornets at the United Center, 83–70, 1998 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 1: Charlotte Hornets at Chicago Bulls Box Score, May 3, 1998 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199805030CHI.html June 5, 2026 but then lost Game 2 at home by a score of 78–76, as the Hornets evened the series. Associated Press N.B.A. Playoffs: Charlotte Stuns Chicago as Reserves Take Over The New York Times May 7, 1998 https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/07/sports/nba-playoffs-charlotte-stuns-chicago-as-reserves-take-over.html May 24, 2022 Bembry Jerry Hornets Steal One from Bulls, 78-76; Controlling Jordan, Charlotte Ties Series The Baltimore Sun May 7, 1998 https://www.baltimoresun.com/1998/05/07/hornets-steal-one-from-bulls-78-76-controlling-jordan-charlotte-ties-series-2/ June 24, 2021 1998 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 2: Charlotte Hornets at Chicago Bulls Box Score, May 6, 1998 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199805060CHI.html June 4, 2026 However, the Bulls won the next two games on the road at the Charlotte Coliseum, before winning Game 5 over the Hornets at the United Center, 93–84 to win the series in five games. Associated Press The N.B.A. Playoffs: The Bulls Finish Off Charlotte to Advance The New York Times May 14, 1998 https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/14/sports/the-nba-playoffs-the-bulls-finish-off-charlotte-to-advance.html July 26, 2021 Associated Press It's Bulls vs. Pacers for Title in East Los Angeles Times May 14, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-may-14-sp-49727-story.html November 25, 2022 1998 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals: Hornets vs. Bulls Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1998-nba-eastern-conference-semifinals-hornets-vs-bulls.html February 3, 2023 In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Bulls then faced off against the 3rd–seeded Indiana Pacers, who were led by All-Star guard Reggie Miller, All-Star center Rik Smits, and Chris Mullin, and were also coached by retired All-Star forward, and former Boston Celtics legend, Larry Bird. The Bulls won the first two games over the Pacers at the United Center to take a 2–0 series lead, before losing the next two games on the road, as Miller hit a game-winning three-point shot in Game 4, in which the Pacers defeated the Bulls, 96–94 at the Market Square Arena to even the series. Roberts Selena  The N.B.A. Playoffs: Miller Upstages Jordan in the Blink of an Eye  The New York Times  May 26, 1998  https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/26/sports/the-nba-playoffs-miller-upstages-jordan-in-the-blink-of-an-eye.html June 4, 2026 Pacers 96, Bulls 94  Chicago Tribune  May 26, 1998  https://www.chicagotribune.com/1998/05/26/pacers-96-bulls-94/ June 4, 2026 1998 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 4: Chicago Bulls at Indiana Pacers Box Score, May 25, 1998 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199805250IND.html June 4, 2026 The Bulls won Game 5 at the United Center by a score of 106–87, but then lost Game 6 to the Pacers at the Market Square Arena, 92–89. George Thomas Pro Basketball: Smits and Best Push the Pacers Into a Game 7 The New York Times May 30, 1998 https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/30/sports/pro-basketball-smits-and-best-push-the-pacers-into-a-game-7.html June 30, 2026 Heisler Mark Pacers Trip Up Bulls, Jordan Los Angeles Times May 30, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-may-30-sp-54882-story.html June 30, 2026 1998 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 6: Chicago Bulls at Indiana Pacers Box Score, May 29, 1998 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199805290IND.html June 30, 2026 With the series tied at 3–3, the Bulls won Game 7 over the Pacers at the United Center, 88–83 to win in a hard-fought seven-game series, en route to advance to the NBA Finals for the third consecutive year. Roberts Selena The N.B.A. Playoffs: An Era Continues as Jordan Pushes Bulls Past Pacers The New York Times June 1, 1998 https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/01/sports/the-nba-playoffs-an-era-continues-as-jordan-pushes-bulls-past-pacers.html June 25, 2021 Bucher Ric Bulls Rebound for Final Shot The Washington Post June 1, 1998 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1998/06/01/bulls-rebound-for-final-shot/42fe343f-08e0-4e74-86e4-f89e1926360c/ November 9, 2022 1998 NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Pacers vs. Bulls Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1998-nba-eastern-conference-finals-pacers-vs-bulls.html February 3, 2023 In the 1998 NBA Finals, the Bulls once again faced off against the top–seeded Utah Jazz, who were led by the trio of All-Star forward Karl Malone, All-Star guard John Stockton, and Jeff Hornacek, in a rematch from the 1997 NBA Finals. Despite both teams finishing with a league-best 62–20 record, the Jazz had home-court advantage in the series, since they defeated the Bulls twice during the regular season. With the series starting at the Delta Center, the Bulls lost Game 1 to the Jazz in overtime, 88–85, but managed to win Game 2, 93–88 to even the series at 1–1. As the series moved to the United Center, the Bulls won Game 3 over the Jazz by a 42-point margin, 96–54, Wise Mike  The N.B.A. Finals: Bulls' Ensemble Orchestrates a Record Victory  The New York Times  June 8, 1998  https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/08/sports/the-nba-finals-bulls-ensemble-orchestrates-a-record-victory.html June 4, 2026 Facer Dirk  Bulls' Stampede Never Stopped  Deseret News  June 8, 1998  https://www.deseret.com/1998/6/8/19384541/bulls-stampede-never-stopped/ June 4, 2026 1998 NBA Finals Game 3: Utah Jazz at Chicago Bulls Box Score, June 7, 1998 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199806070CHI.html June 4, 2026 then won Game 4, 86–82 to take a 3–1 series lead; however, the Jazz won Game 5 on the road, 83–81. In Game 6 at the Delta Center, and despite Pippen hurting his back after making a dunk early into the game, Jordan scored 45 points, and hit a memorable game-winning shot over Jazz forward Bryon Russell, as the Bulls defeated the Jazz, 87–86. Just like last year's Finals, the Bulls won the series over the Jazz in six games to win their third consecutive NBA championship, and sixth overall in eight years to complete the franchise's second "3-peat"; Jordan was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player for the sixth and final time. Araton Harvey Sports of the Times: At the End, Jordan Lifts Bulls to Their Sixth N.B.A. Title The New York Times June 15, 1998 https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/15/sports/sports-of-the-times-at-the-end-jordan-lifts-bulls-to-their-sixth-nba-title.html January 14, 2022 Howard-Cooper Scott A Rousing Six-cess Los Angeles Times June 15, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jun-15-sp-60167-story.html June 28, 2022 1998 NBA Finals: Bulls vs. Jazz Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1998-nba-finals-bulls-vs-jazz.html February 3, 2023 At an average age of 32.096 years old, the Bulls became the oldest team to win an NBA championship. Top 10 Oldest Teams to Win an NBA Title Fadeaway World https://fadeawayworld.net/top-10-oldest-teams-to-win-an-nba-title August 12, 2025 Aftermath This was Jordan's final season with the Bulls, as he announced his second retirement in January 1999, ending his NBA career after thirteen seasons;Adande J. A. J. A. Adande January 12, 1999 Say It Ain't So, Mike https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jan-12-sp-62770-story.html June 25, 2022 Los Angeles Times Wise Mike Pro Basketball: As Jordan Retires, Legend Swells The New York Times January 13, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/13/sports/pro-basketball-as-jordan-retires-legend-swells.html May 12, 2022 Justice Richard Jordan Announces Retirement The Washington Post January 14, 1999 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1999/01/14/jordan-announces-retirement/9d207d2e-5852-415f-8b82-bccf89a0066a/ July 11, 2022 however, he would later on make a second comeback with the Washington Wizards in 2001. Wise Mike Jordan Makes His Return Official The New York Times September 25, 2001 https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/25/sports/basketball/jordan-makes-his-return-official.html July 4, 2021 Wyche Steve Jordan Makes It Official: He's a Wizard The Washington Post September 26, 2001 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2001/09/26/jordan-makes-it-official-hes-a-wizard/5803e37c-d19b-4299-a9cd-9b4674a947b7/ May 27, 2022 Wilbon Michael Jordan's Electricity Will Light Up Team, City Los Angeles Times September 30, 2001 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-sep-30-sp-51495-story.html June 25, 2022 Following the season, Jackson resigned as head coach after nine seasons with the Bulls, Howard-Cooper Scott Jackson's Options Are Limited If He Doesn't Return to Bulls Los Angeles Times June 16, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jun-16-sp-60512-story.html November 18, 2022 Popper Steve Pro Basketball: Jackson Tells Bulls He Won't Return as Coach The New York Times June 22, 1998 https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/22/sports/pro-basketball-jackson-tells-bulls-he-won-t-return-as-coach.html November 18, 2022 Smith Sam Jackson to Call It Quits Chicago Tribune June 22, 1998 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1998-06-22-9806240014-story,amp.html July 31, 2021 while Pippen was traded to the Houston Rockets after eleven seasons in Chicago, CBS News.com Staff Pippen Headed to Houston CBS News January 18, 1999 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pippen-headed-to-houston/ June 20, 2023 Sheridan Chris Sprewell, Pippen on the Move The Washington Post January 19, 1999 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1999/01/19/sprewell-pippen-on-the-move/e64dd8ea-450c-4c6e-8b3b-97c3b1a7540e/ July 10, 2022 Broussard Chris Pro Basketball: Ruining of Bulls Begins in Earnest The New York Times January 20, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/20/sports/pro-basketball-ruining-of-bulls-begins-in-earnest.html May 12, 2022 and Rodman signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Lakers. Heisler Mark Rodman Ready to Join Lakers Los Angeles Times February 13, 1999 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-feb-13-sp-7800-story.html June 8, 2022 Wise Mike N.B.A.: Roundup -- L.A. Lakers: Rodman Is Closer to Returning The New York Times February 23, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/02/23/sports/nba-roundup-la-lakers-rodman-is-closer-to-returning.html October 10, 2022 Rodman Signs Lakers Contract Chicago Tribune February 24, 1999 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-02-24-9902240270-story.html September 24, 2022 Meanwhile, Longley was traded to the Phoenix Suns, CBS News.com Staff Suns Sign Ex-Bull Luc Longley CBS News January 23, 1999 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/suns-sign-ex-bull-luc-longley/ June 21, 2023 Transactions New York Times January 24, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/24/sports/transactions-031321.html January 1, 2022 Kerr was dealt to the San Antonio Spurs, CBS News.com Staff Kerr Leaving Bulls for Spurs? CBS News January 17, 1999 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kerr-leaving-bulls-for-spurs/ June 26, 2023 Associated Press NBA Dealings: McDyess, Divac and Smith Sign Kitsap Sun January 23, 1999 https://products.kitsapsun.com/archive/1999/01-23/0066_nba_dealings__mcdyess__divac_and_.html June 25, 2023 Burrell signed with the New Jersey Nets, Popper Steve N.B.A.: Roundup -- Nets: Burrell Agrees to a Deal The New York Times February 3, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/02/03/sports/nba-roundup-nets-burrell-agrees-to-a-deal.html November 16, 2022 Jud Buechler signed with the Detroit Pistons, Wise Mike Pro Basketball: A Scrum for the Title The New York Times February 4, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/02/04/sports/pro-basketball-a-scrum-for-the-title.html June 28, 2022 and Kleine re-signed with the Suns, his former team. Because of this dismantling of the team, this was the last season for the Bulls dynasty that had headlined the NBA throughout the 1990s. What followed was a long rebuilding process between 1998 and 2004, and the Bulls would not return to the NBA playoffs again until the 2004–05 season, and to date have not appeared in the NBA Finals since. The story of this season was captured in ESPN's The Last Dance, which aired in April 2020. Offseason NBA draft 1997 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality School/Club team 1 28 Keith Booth SF United States Maryland 2 58 Roberto Dueñas C Spain FC Barcelona (Spain) Roster Chicago Bulls 1997–98 22 Keith Booth F 6 6 226 1974–10–09 Maryland 1 Randy Brown basketball G 6 2 190 1968–05–22 New Mexico State 30 Jud Buechler F 6 6 220 1968–06–19 Arizona 24 Scott Burrell F 6 7 218 1971–01–12 Connecticut 9 Ron Harper G 6 6 185 1964–01–20 Miami (OH) 23 Michael Jordan G 6 6 215 1963–02–17 North Carolina 25 Steve Kerr G 6 3 175 1965–09–27 Arizona 53 Joe Kleine C 6 11 255 1962–01–04 Arkansas 7 Toni Kukoč F 6 10 192 1968–09–18 Croatia 5 Rusty LaRue G 6 2 210 1973–12–10 Wake Forest 13 Luc Longley C 7 2 265 1969–01–19 New Mexico 33 Scottie Pippen F 6 7 220 1965–09–25 Central Arkansas 91 Dennis Rodman F 6 8 210 1961–05–13 SE Oklahoma State 8 Dickey Simpkins F 6 9 248 1972–04–06 Providence 34 Bill Wennington C 7 0 245 1963–04–26 St. John's Phil Jackson Bill Cartwright Frank Hamblen Jimmy Rodgers Tex Winter https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1998.html March 2, 1998 Roster notes Power forward David Vaughn was waived on March 2, 1998. Regular season Season standings CHI CHI Game log Regular season Chicago Bulls 1998 Total: 62–20 (Home: 37–4; Road: 25–16) Chicago Bulls October yes 0 0 0 1 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 1 | October 31 | @ Boston | 19971031 BOS 85 92 | Michael Jordan (30) | Dennis Rodman (9) | Harper & Jordan (4) | FleetCenter18,624 | 0–1 Chicago Bulls November 6 1 3 5 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 2 | November 1 | Philadelphia | 19971101 CHI 94 74 | Ron Harper (17) | Dennis Rodman (13) | Ron Harper (8) | United Center24,196 | 1–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 3 | November 3 | San Antonio | 19971103 CHI 87 83 2 | Michael Jordan (29) | Dennis Rodman (22) | Jordan & Harper (4) | United Center23,868 | 2–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 4 | November 5 | Orlando | 19971105 CHI 94 81 | Michael Jordan (29) | Michael Jordan (17) | Steve Kerr (5) | United Center23,809 | 3–1 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 5 | November 7 | @ Atlanta | 19971107 ATL 78 80 | Michael Jordan (27) | Jordan & Longley (9) | Michael Jordan (6) | Georgia Dome45,790 | 3–2 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 6 | November 8 | New Jersey | 19971108 CHI 99 86 | Steve Kerr (21) | Dennis Rodman (12) | Toni Kukoč (7) | United Center23,898 | 4–2 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 7 | November 11 | @ Cleveland | 19971111 CLE 80 101 | Michael Jordan (19) | Jason Caffey (8) | Brown & Kerr (5) | Gund Arena20,562 | 4–3 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 8 | November 12 | Washington | 19971112 CHI 83 90 | Michael Jordan (28) | Dennis Rodman (14) | Harper & Longley (5) | United Center23,749 | 4–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 9 | November 14 | Charlotte | 19971114 CHI 105 92 | Michael Jordan (28) | Dennis Rodman (14) | Michael Jordan (7) | United Center23,894 | 5–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 10 | November 15 | Cleveland | 19971115 CHI 79 70 | Michael Jordan (27) | Dennis Rodman (18) | Toni Kukoč (7) | United Center23,906 | 6–4 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 11 | November 20 | @ Phoenix | 19971120 PHO 85 89 | Michael Jordan (30) | Dennis Rodman (14) | Ron Harper (5) | America West Arena19,023 | 6–5 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 12 | November 21 | @ L.A. Clippers | 19971121 LAC 111 102 2 | Michael Jordan (49) | Luc Longley (17) | Toni Kukoč (6) | Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena16,199 | 7–5 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 13 | November 23 | @ Sacramento | 19971123 SAC 103 88 | Michael Jordan (33) | Dennis Rodman (14) | Toni Kukoč (8) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 8–5 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 14 | November 25 | @ Seattle | 19971125 SEA 90 91 | Toni Kukoč (30) | Dennis Rodman (17) | Harper & Kukoč (6) | KeyArena17,072 | 8–6 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 15 | November 28 | @ Indiana | 19971128 IND 83 94 | Michael Jordan (26) | Dennis Rodman (11) | Toni Kukoč (4) | Market Square Arena16,736 | 8–7 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 16 | November 29 | @ Washington | 19971129 WAS 88 83 | Michael Jordan (29) | Dennis Rodman (17) | Ron Harper (7) | US Airways Arena18,756 | 9–7 Chicago Bulls December 9 0 2 3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 17 | December 3 | @ Boston | 19971203 BOS 97 87 | Michael Jordan (29) | Dennis Rodman (17) | Toni Kukoč (11) | FleetCenter18,624 | 10–7 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 18 | December 5 | Milwaukee | 19971205 CHI 82 64 | Toni Kukoč (19) | Dennis Rodman (14) | Dennis Rodman (5) | United Center24,041 | 11–7 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 19 | December 9 | New York | 19971209 CHI 100 82 | Michael Jordan (29) | 3 players tied (9) | Harper & Jordan (4) | United Center24,107 | 12–7 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 20 | December 10 | @ Orlando | 19971210 ORL 98 106 | Michael Jordan (25) | Dennis Rodman (16) | Toni Kukoč (7) | Orlando Arena17,248 | 12–8 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 21 | December 12 | @ Charlotte | 19971212 CHH 77 79 | Michael Jordan (28) | Dennis Rodman (19) | Toni Kukoč (7) | Charlotte Coliseum24,042 | 12–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 22 | December 13 | Toronto | 19971213 CHI 97 70 | Ron Harper (20) | Dennis Rodman (14) | Toni Kukoč (6) | United Center23,867 | 13–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 23 | December 15 | Phoenix | 19971215 CHI 111 104 | Michael Jordan (31) | Dennis Rodman (21) | Brown & Rodman (6) | United Center23,888 | 14–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 24 | December 17 | L.A. Lakers | 19971217 CHI 104 83 | Michael Jordan (36) | Dennis Rodman (14) | Toni Kukoč (8) | United Center24,119 | 15–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 25 | December 20 | @ New Jersey | 19971220 NJN 100 92 | Michael Jordan (24) | Dennis Rodman (24) | Dennis Rodman (5) | Continental Airlines Arena20,049 | 16–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 26 | December 23 | L.A. Clippers | 19971223 CHI 94 89 | Michael Jordan (27) | Dennis Rodman (25) | 3 players tied (4) | United Center23,904 | 17–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 27 | December 25 | Miami | 19971225 CHI 90 80 | Michael Jordan (24) | Dennis Rodman (13) | Toni Kukoč (5) | United Center24,182 | 18–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 28 | December 27 | Atlanta | 19971227 CHI 97 90 | Michael Jordan (47) | Dennis Rodman (29) | Dennis Rodman (5) | United Center24,131 | 19–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 29 | December 29 | Dallas | 19971229 CHI 111 105 | Michael Jordan (41) | Dennis Rodman (27) | Dennis Rodman (8) | United Center23,712 | 20–9 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 30 | December 30 | @ Minnesota | 19971230 MIN 95 99 | Michael Jordan (33) | Dennis Rodman (13) | Toni Kukoč (8) | Target Center20,097 | 20–10 Chicago Bulls January 6 1 7 2 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 31 | January 2 | Milwaukee | 19980102 CHI 114 100 | Michael Jordan (44) | Dennis Rodman (21) | Luc Longley (8) | United Center23,897 | 21–10 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 32 | January 3 | @ Detroit | 19980103 DET 105 96 | Michael Jordan (34) | Dennis Rodman (18) | Michael Jordan (9) | The Palace of Auburn Hills22,076 | 22–10 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 33 | January 6 | Boston | 19980106 CHI 90 79 | Jordan & Kukoč (19) | Dennis Rodman (20) | Toni Kukoč (6) | United Center23,804 | 23–10 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 34 | January 7 | @ Miami | 19980107 MIA 72 99 | Michael Jordan (26) | Dennis Rodman (17) | Brown, Harper (4) | Miami Arena15,200 | 23–11 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 35 | January 9 | @ New York | 19980109 NYK 90 89 | Michael Jordan (44) | Luc Longley (10) | Luc Longley (6) | Madison Square Garden19,763 | 24–11 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 36 | January 10 | Golden State | 19980110 CHI 87 82 | Michael Jordan (32) | Dennis Rodman (16) | Scottie Pippen (5) | United Center23,902 | 25–11 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 37 | January 13 | Seattle | 19980113 CHI 101 91 | Michael Jordan (40) | Dennis Rodman (17) | Dennis Rodman (6) | United Center24,112 | 26–11 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 38 | January 15 | @ Philadelphia | 19980115 PHI 96 106 | Scottie Pippen (22) | Dennis Rodman (20) | Harper & Pippen (5) | CoreStates Center21,104 | 26–12 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 39 | January 16 | @ Milwaukee | 19980116 MIL 96 86 | Michael Jordan (27) | Dennis Rodman (12) | Luc Longley (5) | Bradley Center18,717 | 27–12 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 40 | January 18 | Houston | 19980118 CHI 106 100 | Michael Jordan (45) | Longley & Rodman (5) | Scottie Pippen (10) | United Center24,209 | 28–12 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 41 | January 21 | Charlotte | 19980121 CHI 110 79 | Michael Jordan (33) | Luc Longley (13) | Scottie Pippen (7) | United Center23,967 | 29–12 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 42 | January 23 | @ New Jersey | 19980123 NJN 100 98 1 | Michael Jordan (32) | Scottie Pippen (7) | Kukoč & Pippen (9) | Continental Airlines Arena20,049 | 30–12 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 43 | January 25 | Utah | 19980125 CHI 94 101 | Michael Jordan (32) | Dennis Rodman (14) | Scottie Pippen (10) | United Center24,361 | 30–13 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 44 | January 27 | @ Vancouver | 19980127 VAN 103 85 | Scottie Pippen (29) | Dennis Rodman (22) | Pippen & Rodman (6) | General Motors Place19,193 | 31–13 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 45 | January 29 | @ Portland | 19980129 POR 100 87 | Michael Jordan (29) | Dennis Rodman (20) | Longley & Pippen (8) | Rose Garden21,538 | 32–13 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 46 | January 30 | @ Golden State | 19980130 GSW 87 80 | Scottie Pippen (22) | Dennis Rodman (22) | Scottie Pippen (4) | The Arena in Oakland19,804 | 33–13 Chicago Bulls February 6 1 4 2 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 47 | February 1 | @ L.A. Lakers | 19980201 LAL 87 112 | Michael Jordan (31) | Dennis Rodman (15) | Brown & Pippen (5) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 33–14 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 48 | February 2 | @ Denver | 19980202 DEN 111 72 | Scott Burrell (24) | Dennis Rodman (16) | Buechler & Caffey (4) | McNichols Sports Arena17,171 | 34–14 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 49 | February 4 | @ Utah | 19980204 UTA 93 101 | Michael Jordan (40) | Luc Longley (11) | Dennis Rodman (4) | Delta Center19,911 | 34–15 |- align="center" |colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff"|All-Star Break |- style="background:#cfc;" |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" |- style="background:#cfc;" | 50 | February 10 | Toronto | 19980210 CHI 93 86 | Toni Kukoč (21) | Dennis Rodman (17) | Scottie Pippen (9) | United Center23,881 | 35–15 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 51 | February 11 | @ Charlotte | 19980211 CHH 92 90 | Michael Jordan (29) | Dennis Rodman (11) | 3 players tied (6) | Charlotte Coliseum24,042 | 36–15 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 52 | February 13 | Atlanta | 19980213 CHI 112 110 | Michael Jordan (37) | Michael Jordan (7) | Scottie Pippen (7) | United Center24,207 | 37–15 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 53 | February 15 | Detroit | 19980215 CHI 99 90 | Toni Kukoč (22) | Michael Jordan (12) | Jordan & Pippen (5) | United Center24,139 | 38–15 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 54 | February 17 | Indiana | 19980217 CHI 105 97 | Michael Jordan (27) | Dennis Rodman (13) | Michael Jordan (6) | United Center24,131 | 39–15 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 55 | February 19 | @ Toronto | 19980219 TOR 123 86 | Scottie Pippen (22) | Dennis Rodman (19) | Scottie Pippen (6) | SkyDome30,172 | 40–15 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 56 | February 21 | @ Washington | 19980221 WAS 94 88 | Scottie Pippen (23) | Dennis Rodman (17) | Toni Kukoč (5) | MCI Center20,674 | 41–15 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 57 | February 23 | Cleveland | 19980223 CHI 97 75 | Michael Jordan (17) | Ron Harper (10) | Brown & Kukoč (7) | United Center23,902 | 42–15 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 58 | February 25 | Portland | 19980225 CHI 101 106 | Michael Jordan (33) | Dennis Rodman (14) | Kukoč & Pippen (6) | United Center23,821 | 42–16 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 59 | February 28 | Sacramento | 19980228 CHI 109 94 | Scottie Pippen (29) | Dennis Rodman (18) | Pippen & Rodman (6) | United Center23,914 | 43–16 Chicago Bulls March 6 0 7 1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 60 | March 3 | Denver | 19980303 CHI 118 90 | Michael Jordan (30) | Dennis Rodman (17) | Toni Kukoč (10) | United Center23,810 | 44–16 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 61 | March 8 | @ New York | 19980308 NYK 102 89 | Michael Jordan (42) | Dennis Rodman (20) | Jordan & Pippen (6) | Madison Square Garden19,763 | 45–16 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 62 | March 10 | Miami | 19980310 CHI 106 91 | Michael Jordan (37) | Dennis Rodman (10) | Kukoč & Pippen (8) | United Center24,102 | 46–16 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 63 | March 12 | @ Dallas | 19980312 DAL 97 104 1 | Michael Jordan (26) | Dennis Rodman (22) | Toni Kukoč (6) | Reunion Arena18,255 | 46–17 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 64 | March 14 | @ San Antonio | 19980314 SAS 96 86 | Michael Jordan (30) | Dennis Rodman (16) | Scottie Pippen (5) | Alamodome37,492 | 47–17 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 65 | March 16 | New Jersey | 19980316 CHI 88 72 | Toni Kukoč (21) | Dennis Rodman (16) | Kukoč & Rodman (5) | United Center23,908 | 48–17 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 66 | March 17 | @ Indiana | 19980317 IND 90 84 | Michael Jordan (35) | Dennis Rodman (19) | Scottie Pippen (5) | Market Square Arena16,729 | 49–17 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 67 | March 20 | Vancouver | 19980320 CHI 98 92 | Michael Jordan (24) | Toni Kukoč (11) | Ron Harper (4) | United Center24,023 | 50–17 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 68 | March 22 | @ Toronto | 19980322 TOR 102 100 | Jordan & Pippen (33) | Dennis Rodman (18) | 3 players tied (5) | SkyDome33,216 | 51–17 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 69 | March 23 | Boston | 19980323 CHI 111 88 | Scottie Pippen (27) | Dennis Rodman (14) | Toni Kukoč (10) | United Center23,944 | 52–17 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 70 | March 25 | @ Orlando | 19980325 ORL 85 70 | Scottie Pippen (23) | Dennis Rodman (18) | Michael Jordan (8) | Orlando Arena17,248 | 53–17 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 71 | March 27 | @ Atlanta | 19980327 ATL 89 74 | Michael Jordan (34) | Dennis Rodman (15) | Ron Harper (6) | Georgia Dome62,046 | 54–17 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 72 | March 29 | @ Milwaukee | 19980329 MIL 104 87 | Michael Jordan (30) | Dennis Rodman (17) | Toni Kukoč (8) | Bradley Center18,717 | 55–17 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 73 | March 31 | Detroit | 19980331 CHI 106 101 1 | Scottie Pippen (27) | Dennis Rodman (18) | Michael Jordan (8) | United Center23,942 | 56–17 Chicago Bulls April 4 1 2 2 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 74 | April 3 | Minnesota | 19980403 CHI 107 93 | Scottie Pippen (27) | Dennis Rodman (18) | Michael Jordan (8) | United Center23,985 | 57–17 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 75 | April 5 | @ Houston | 19980405 HOU 109 94 | Michael Jordan (40) | Dennis Rodman (12) | Pippen & Rodman (8) | Compaq Center16,285 | 58–17 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 76 | April 7 | Washington | 19980407 CHI 103 85 | Michael Jordan (30) | Dennis Rodman (20) | Scottie Pippen (7) | United Center23,969 | 59–17 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 77 | April 9 | @ Cleveland | 19980409 CLE 85 91 | Michael Jordan (29) | Dennis Rodman (20) | Scottie Pippen (8) | Gund Arena20,562 | 59–18 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 78 | April 11 | Orlando | 19980411 CHI 87 78 | Michael Jordan (37) | Dennis Rodman (10) | Pippen & Rodman (6) | United Center24,104 | 60–18 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 79 | April 13 | Indiana | 19980413 CHI 105 114 | Scottie Pippen (28) | Dennis Rodman (9) | Harper & Rodman (4) | United Center23,957 | 60–19 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 80 | April 15 | @ Detroit | 19980415 DET 79 87 | Michael Jordan (19) | Dennis Rodman (15) | Harper & Kukoč (5) | The Palace of Auburn Hills22,076 | 60–20 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 81 | April 17 | @ Philadelphia | 19980417 PHI 87 80 | Michael Jordan (24) | Dennis Rodman (17) | Scottie Pippen (4) | CoreStates Center21,305 | 61–20 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 82 | April 18 | New York | 19980418 CHI 111 109 | Michael Jordan (44) | Dennis Rodman (8) | Scottie Pippen (10) | United Center24,182 | 62–20 CHI 1998 Playoffs Chicago Bulls yes 1998 Total: 15–6 (Home: 10–2; Road: 5–4) Chicago Bulls First Round yes yes 2 0 1 0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | April 24 | New Jersey | 19980424 CHI 96 93 1 | Michael Jordan (39) | Dennis Rodman (8) | 3 players tied (5) | United Center23,844 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | April 26 | New Jersey | 19980426 CHI 96 91 | Michael Jordan (32) | Dennis Rodman (16) | Burrell & Rodman (4) | United Center23,844 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | April 29 | @ New Jersey | 19980429 NJN 116 101 | Michael Jordan (38) | Dennis Rodman (17) | Scottie Pippen (10) | Continental Airlines Arena19,889 | 3–0 Chicago Bulls Conference Semifinals yes 2 1 2 0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | May 3 | Charlotte | 19980503 CHI 83 70 | Michael Jordan (35) | Dennis Rodman (14) | Jordan & Pippen (4) | United Center23,844 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | May 6 | Charlotte | 19980506 CHI 76 78 | Michael Jordan (22) | Dennis Rodman (18) | Michael Jordan (6) | United Center23,844 | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | May 8 | @ Charlotte | 19980508 CHH 103 89 | Michael Jordan (27) | Dennis Rodman (17) | Michael Jordan (6) | Charlotte Coliseum23,799 | 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | May 10 | @ Charlotte | 19980510 CHH 94 80 | Michael Jordan (31) | Dennis Rodman (18) | Scottie Pippen (8) | Charlotte Coliseum23,799 | 3–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 5 | May 13 | Charlotte | 19980513 CHI 93 84 | Michael Jordan (33) | Dennis Rodman (21) | Longley & Pippen (5) | United Center23,844 | 4–1 Chicago Bulls Conference Finals yes 4 0 0 3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | May 17 | Indiana | 19980517 CHI 85 79 | Michael Jordan (31) | Dennis Rodman (10) | Scottie Pippen (7) | United Center23,844 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | May 19 | Indiana | 19980519 CHI 104 98 | Michael Jordan (41) | Ron Harper (9) | Jordan & Pippen (5) | United Center23,844 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 3 | May 23 | @ Indiana | 19980523 IND 105 107 | Michael Jordan (30) | Dennis Rodman (12) | Michael Jordan (7) | Market Square Arena16,576 | 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 4 | May 25 | @ Indiana | 19980525 IND 94 96 | Michael Jordan (28) | Dennis Rodman (16) | Scottie Pippen (10) | Market Square Arena16,560 | 2–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 5 | May 27 | Indiana | 19980527 CHI 106 87 | Michael Jordan (29) | Scottie Pippen (8) | Kukoč & Pippen (7) | United Center23,844 | 3–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 6 | May 29 | @ Indiana | 19980529 IND 89 92 | Michael Jordan (35) | Dennis Rodman (12) | 3 players tied (2) | Market Square Arena16,566 | 3–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 7 | May 31 | Indiana | 19980531 CHI 88 83 | Michael Jordan (28) | Scottie Pippen (12) | Michael Jordan (8) | United Center23,844 | 4–3 Chicago Bulls NBA Finals yes 2 1 2 1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 1 | June 3 | @ Utah | 19980603 UTA 85 88 1 | Michael Jordan (33) | Dennis Rodman (10) | Steve Kerr (5) | Delta Center19,911 | 0–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | June 5 | @ Utah | 19980605 UTA 93 88 | Michael Jordan (37) | Kukoč & Rodman (9) | Scottie Pippen (4) | Delta Center19,911 | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | June 7 | Utah | 19980607 CHI 96 54 | Michael Jordan (24) | Ron Harper (10) | Ron Harper (7) | United Center23,844 | 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | June 10 | Utah | 19980610 CHI 86 82 | Michael Jordan (34) | Dennis Rodman (14) | Scottie Pippen (5) | United Center23,844 | 3–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 5 | June 12 | Utah | 19980612 CHI 81 83 | Toni Kukoč (30) | Scottie Pippen (11) | Scottie Pippen (11) | United Center23,844 | 3–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 6 | June 14 | @ Utah | 19980614 UTA 87 86 | Michael Jordan (45) | Dennis Rodman (8) | Kukoč & Pippen (4) | Delta Center19,911 | 4–2 CHI yes 1998 Player stats Regular season PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG Booth, Keith Keith Booth 6 0 2.8 .333 .000 1.000 .7 .2 .00 .00 1.7 Brown, Randy Randy Brown 71 6 16.2 .384 .000 .718 1.3 2.1 1.00 .17 4.1 Buechler, Jud Jud Buechler 74 0 8.2 .483 .385 .500 1.0 .7 .30 .20 2.7 Burrell, Scott Scott Burrell 80 3 13.7 .424 .354 .734 2.5 .8 .80 .46 5.2 Caffey, Jason Jason Caffey 51 8 13.9 .503 .000 .660 3.4 .7 .25 .33 5.3 Harper, Ron Ron Harper 82 82 27.9 .441 .190 .750 3.5 2.9 1.32 .59 9.3 Jordan, Michael Michael Jordan 82 82 38.8 .465 .238 .784 5.8 3.5 1.72 .55 28.7 Kerr, Steve Steve Kerr 50 0 22.4 .454 .438 .918 1.5 1.9 .52 .10 7.5 Kleine, Joe Joe Kleine 46 1 8.6 .368 .000 .833 1.7 .7 .09 .11 2.0 Kukoc, Toni Toni Kukoč 74 52 30.2 .455 .362 .708 4.4 4.2 1.03 .50 13.3 LaRue, Rusty Rusty LaRue 14 0 10.0 .408 .250 .625 .6 .4 .21 .07 3.5 Longley, Luc Luc Longley 58 58 29.4 .455 .000 .736 5.9 2.8 .59 1.07 11.4 Pippen, Scottie Scottie Pippen 44 44 37.5 .447 .318 .777 5.2 5.8 1.80 .98 19.1 Rodman, Dennis Dennis Rodman 80 66 35.7 .431 .174 .550 15.0 2.9 .59 .22 4.7 Simpkins, Dickey Dickey Simpkins 21 0 11.3 .634 .000 .591 1.5 .8 .19 .14 3.7 Vaughn, David David Vaughn III 3 0 2.0 1.000 .000 .500 .3 .0 .00 .00 1.3 Wennington, Bill Bill Wennington 48 8 9.7 .436 .000 .810 1.7 .4 .08 .10 3.5 Postseason PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG Brown, Randy Randy Brown 14 5.1 .167 .000 .833 .6 .6 .14 .00 .6 Buechler, Jud Jud Buechler 16 4.0 .364 .600 .000 .7 .2 .19 .06 .7 Burrell, Scott Scott Burrell 21 12.4 .438 .300 .909 2.0 .5 .90 .14 3.8 Harper, Ron Ron Harper 21 21 26.8 .459 .263 .615 3.7 2.3 .95 .86 6.7 Jordan, Michael Michael Jordan 21 21 41.5 .462 .302 .812 5.1 3.5 1.52 .57 32.4 Kerr, Steve Steve Kerr 21 19.8 .434 .463 .818 .8 1.7 .33 .00 4.9 Kukoc, Toni Toni Kukoč 21 17 30.3 .486 .377 .645 3.9 2.9 1.24 .48 13.1 Longley, Luc Luc Longley 18 16 25.3 .450 .000 .872 5.0 1.9 .67 .83 7.9 Pippen, Scottie Scottie Pippen 21 21 39.8 .415 .228 .679 7.1 5.2 2.14 .95 16.8 Rodman, Dennis Dennis Rodman 21 9 34.4 .371 .250 .605 11.8 2.0 .67 .62 4.9 Simpkins, Dickey Dickey Simpkins 13 5.7 .375 .000 .444 1.0 .2 .15 .08 1.2 Wennington, Bill Bill Wennington 16 7.4 .526 .000 .500 .9 .2 .38 .12 2.8 Player statistics citation: NBA finals 1998 NBA Finals Roster Chicago BullsUtah JazzHead Coach: Phil JacksonHead Coach: Jerry SloanMichael JordanKarl Malone Scottie PippenJeff Hornacek Dennis RodmanJohn Stockton Luc LongleyBryon Russell Ron HarperShandon Anderson Steve KerrAdam Keefe Keith BoothHoward Eisley Scott BurrellAntoine Carr Randy BrownGreg Foster Dickey SimpkinsGreg Ostertag Rusty LaRueChris Morris Bill WenningtonJacque Vaughn Jud BuechlerTroy Hudson Toni KukočWilliam Cunningham Series summary Legend: OT denotes a game decided in overtime Game Date Home team Result Road team Game 1 June 3 Utah 88-85 (OT) Chicago Game 2 June 5 Utah 88-93 Chicago Game 3 June 7 Chicago 96-54 Utah Game 4 June 10 Chicago 86-82 Utah Game 5 June 12 Chicago 81-83 Utah Game 6 June 14 Utah 86-87 Chicago Bulls win series 4-2 Games 1 and 2 This was the first time in the 1990s that the same two teams played each other in two consecutive finals. The Jazz had won both regular season match-ups, and many analysts predicted a hard-fought seven-game series. Predictions of a Jazz championship were strengthened with their game one victory in overtime in Utah. The Bulls would tie the series in game 2 putting together a fourth quarter run to silence the Delta Center and holding on to win 93–88, finally securing their first victory against Utah all season. Games 3, 4 and 5 The Finals would move to Chicago with control of the series at stake in Game 3. Though anticipation was high, no one could have expected a blow-out of the proportions seen in Game 3. With a 96–54 triumph over Utah, the Bulls would help the Jazz set an embarrassing record for the lowest points scored in Finals history and biggest margin of defeat, while everyone on the Bulls scored. The Jazz would pull themselves together in Game 4 in a better attempt to tie the series, but lost 86–82. The early Jazz series-lead seemed like a distant memory, a false indication of a tough series as they hit the floor for Game 5 behind 3–1. Chicago fans prepared for the last game they would host with the Jordan-led Bulls of the 1990s. But any notions of a championship at the United Center would be snuffed out when, with 0.8 seconds on the game, Michael Jordan airballed an off-balance 3 to the right of the basket giving the Jazz a narrow 83–81 win. The play might have been for Toni Kukoč to shoot a three. With the series shifting back to Utah with a far more generous 3-2 Bulls advantage, the promise of another Chicago championship was not so certain. Game 6 The Chicago Bulls had never let a Finals series go to a Game 7. As they arrived at the Delta Center for Game 6, things didn't look good for the Bulls. Scottie Pippen's back gave out when he dunked the opening basket of the game and he was slowed down and held to just 8 points. The Jazz suffered a bad break when the referees incorrectly nullified a Howard Eisley three-pointer that, replays showed, was clearly released just before the 24-second clock expired. In the 4th quarter, the Bulls closed the gap as Michael Jordan tallied many of his 45 overall points. Then things got worse for Chicago when John Stockton hit a clutch 3 with 41.9 seconds left to give Utah an 86–83 lead as the Delta Center crowd roared happily. Down by 3, the Bulls had one last chance to stay alive. Running perilously low on energy, it would be imperative for Chicago to win the series before the game went into OT, and also for the Bulls to avoid a Game 7 on the road when Scottie Pippen was so badly injured and their entire lineup was exhausted. After Michael Jordan made a quick layup to cut the Jazz lead to one, the Bulls needed to stop the Jazz from scoring again. When John Stockton passed the ball to Karl Malone, Michael Jordan stole the ball away and dribbled to the front. Guarding him was Bryon Russell, one of the Jazz's best perimeter defenders. Jordan drove inside the 3-point line, executed a quick cross-over, and drilled a 20-ft. jump shot to give the Bulls an 87–86 lead with 5.2 seconds left. After Utah took a timeout, Stockton's 3 hit the rim and bounced away, giving the Bulls their 6th title in 8 years. The famous winning shot has been immortalized in many records, as Jordan completed a perfect sextet: 6 NBA Finals, 6 championships, and 6 NBA Finals MVP trophies. Armour Terry Michael Jordan Hits "The Shot", and the Chicago Bulls Beat Utah Jazz for Their 6th NBA Championship Chicago Tribune June 15, 1998 https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/ct-june-14-1998-bulls-beat-jazz-michael-jordan-story.html June 18, 2021 Awards and honors 1997 McDonald's Championship Winners Michael Jordan, McDonald's Championship MVP Michael Jordan, All-NBA First Team Scottie Pippen, All-NBA Third Team Michael Jordan, NBA All-Star Game MVP Michael Jordan, NBA MVP Michael Jordan, NBA Finals MVP Michael Jordan, NBA All-Defensive First Team Scottie Pippen, NBA All-Defensive First Team Michael Jordan, Favorite Male Athlete Chicago Bulls, Favorite Sports Team NBA All-Star Game Michael Jordan, Guard References External links Bulls on Database Basketball Bulls on Basketball Reference "The Last Dance", Netflix Category:Chicago Bulls seasons Category:1997 in Chicago Chicago Chic Category:1998 in Chicago Chicago Category:Eastern Conference (NBA) championship seasons Category:NBA championship seasons