411 REFERENCE · Wikipedia
1987–88 Chicago Bulls season
Reference material by Wikipedia contributors. This retains its source identity and is not 411 news reporting.
NBA professional basketball team season
March 2026
August 2023
Chicago Bulls 1988 50 32 Central 2 3 Doug Collins Jerry Krause Jerry Reinsdorf Chicago Stadium WFLDSportsvision(Jim Durham, Johnny “Red” Kerr) WMAQ(Jim Durham, Johnny “Red” Kerr) Conference semifinals(lost to Pistons 1–4) CHI
The 1987–88 Chicago Bulls season was the 22nd 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 city of Chicago, Illinois hosted the NBA All-Star weekend at the Chicago Stadium this season.
Season summary
Off-season
The Bulls received the eighth overall pick in the 1987 NBA draft, and selected center Olden Polynice from the University of Virginia; however, the team soon traded Polynice to the Seattle SuperSonics in exchange for rookie small forward, and first-round draft pick Scottie Pippen from the University of Central Arkansas on draft day. The Bulls also had the tenth overall pick, and selected power forward Horace Grant out of Clemson University. Goldaper Sam Guards Dominate Draft, But Robinson Goes First The New York Times June 23, 1987 https://www.nytimes.com/1987/06/23/sports/guards-dominate-draft-but-robinson-goes-first.html July 6, 2025 Edes Gordon Only Surprise in the NBA Draft Is the Big Demand for Guards Los Angeles Times June 23, 1987 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-06-23-sp-10130-story.html July 6, 2025 1987 NBA Draft Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1987.html July 6, 2025
Regular season
With the addition of Pippen and Grant, the Bulls won their first four games of the regular season, but posted a five-game losing streak after a 15–7 start to the season, and later on held a 27–18 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 4, 1988 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/index.cgi?month=2&day=4&year=1988 July 6, 2025 At mid-season, the team traded Sedale Threatt to the SuperSonics in exchange for Sam Vincent. Goldaper Sam Suns Trade Nance to the Cavaliers The New York Times February 26, 1988 https://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/26/sports/suns-trade-nance-to-the-cavaliers.html July 6, 2025 Bulls Get Sam Vincent, Send Threatt to Sonics Chicago Tribune February 26, 1988 https://www.chicagotribune.com/1988/02/26/bulls-get-sam-vincent-send-threatt-to-sonics/ July 6, 2025 Bulls Deal Threatt for Vincent Chicago Tribune February 26, 1988 https://www.chicagotribune.com/1988/02/26/bulls-deal-threatt-for-vincent/ July 6, 2025 The Bulls posted a six-game winning streak in April, and finished in second place in the Central Division with a 50–32 record, earning the third seed in the Eastern Conference. 1987–88 Chicago Bulls Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1988_games.html July 6, 2025
Michael Jordan led the league in scoring averaging 35.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 3.2 steals and 1.6 blocks per game, shot .535 in field-goal percentage, and was named the NBA Most Valuable Player of the Year, United Press International Michael Jordan Is NBA's MVP Los Angeles Times May 25, 1988 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-05-25-mn-3358-story.html July 6, 2025 Jordan Named M.V.P. The New York Times May 26, 1988 https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/26/sports/jordan-named-mvp.html July 6, 2025 NBA MVP & ABA Most Valuable Player Award Winners Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/mvp.html July 6, 2025 and also named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year; Sports People: Honor for Jordan The New York Times May 14, 1988 https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/14/sports/sports-people-honor-for-jordan.html July 6, 2025 Michael Jordan Named Top Defender; Mark Eaton Is 2nd Deseret News May 14, 1988 https://www.deseret.com/1988/5/14/18766026/michael-jordan-named-top-defender-mark-eaton-is-2nd/ July 6, 2025 NBA Defensive Player of the Year (Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy) Award Winners Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/dpoy.html July 6, 2025 he was also named to the All-NBA First Team, and to the NBA All-Defensive First Team. In addition, Charles Oakley averaged 12.4 points and 13.0 rebounds per game, while Vincent contributed 13.0 points and 8.4 assists per game in 29 games after the trade, Dave Corzine provided the team with 10.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, and Brad Sellers contributed 9.5 points per game. Off the bench, Pippen averaged 7.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game, while Grant provided with 7.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, John Paxson contributed 7.9 points and 3.7 assists per game, and Mike Brown averaged 4.3 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. 1987–88 Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1988.html July 6, 2025
During the NBA All-Star weekend at the Chicago Stadium in Chicago, Jordan was selected for the 1988 NBA All-Star Game, as a member of the Eastern Conference All-Star team. Jordan scored 40 points along with 8 rebounds, 4 steals and 4 blocks, and was named the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player, as the Eastern Conference defeated the Western Conference, 138–133. Barnard Bill Today's NBA All-Star Game Will Be Homecoming of Sorts for 3 Players Los Angeles Times February 7, 1988 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-02-07-sp-41271-story.html July 6, 2025 NBA.com Staff 1988 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-1988 July 6, 2025 1988 NBA All-Star Game: East 138, West 133 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_1988.html July 6, 2025 In addition, Jordan also won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest for the second consecutive year; Barnard Bill NBA All-Star Game to Be Made Homecoming The Press-Courier February 7, 1988 15 https://books.google.com/books?id=vMFdAAAAIBAJ&dq=1988+nba+all-star+game+wilkins+rivers+fratello&pg=PA38&article_id=4622,1076695 October 9, 2025 NBA & ABA All-Star Game Contest Winners Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/contest.html October 9, 2025 Pippen was also selected for the Slam Dunk Contest, but did not participate. United Press International Field Set for NBA Dunk Contest The Daily Record January 13, 1988 11 https://books.google.com/books?id=yCdVAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA6&dq=1988+NBA+slam+dunk+roster&article_id=5534,1225999&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjZl9rgtpeQAxUhlGoFHeDSKPoQ6AF6BAgIEAM#v=onepage&q=1988%20NBA%20slam%20dunk%20roster&f=false October 9, 2025 Head coach Doug Collins finished tied in third place in Coach of the Year voting. Associated Press Moe Named NBA Coach of Year Los Angeles Times May 16, 1988 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-05-16-mn-1996-story.html July 8, 2025 1987–88 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1988.html July 6, 2025
The Bulls finished second in the NBA in home-game attendance behind the Pistons, with an attendance of 740,411 at the Chicago Stadium during the regular season. 1987–88 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1988.html February 26, 2026
NBA playoffs
In the Eastern Conference First Round of the 1988 NBA playoffs, the Bulls faced off against the 6th–seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, a team that featured the quartet of All-Star center, and second-year star Brad Daugherty, Larry Nance, second-year star Mark Price, and second-year star Ron Harper. The Bulls won the first two games over the Cavaliers at home at the Chicago Stadium, but then lost the next two games on the road, which included a Game 4 loss to the Cavaliers at the Coliseum at Richfield, 97–91. Dias Roberto Harper's 30 Helps Cavs Even Series with Bulls The Vindicator May 6, 1988 17 https://books.google.com/books?id=mMY_AAAAIBAJ&pg=PA15&dq=1988+Cleveland+Cavaliers+Chicago+Bulls+97-91&article_id=1289,2936447&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwini-2v3JOVAxX16ckDHakCL7gQ6AF6BAgJEAM#v=onepage&q=1988%20Cleveland%20Cavaliers%20Chicago%20Bulls%2097-91&f=false June 19, 2026 Associated Press Cavs Remain Alive; Mavs Oust Rockets Record-Journal May 6, 1988 17 https://books.google.com/books?id=mMY_AAAAIBAJ&pg=PA15&dq=1988+Cleveland+Cavaliers+Chicago+Bulls+97-91&article_id=1289,2936447&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwini-2v3JOVAxX16ckDHakCL7gQ6AF6BAgJEAM#v=onepage&q=1988%20Cleveland%20Cavaliers%20Chicago%20Bulls%2097-91&f=false June 19, 2026 1988 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Game 4: Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers Box Score, May 5, 1988 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198805050CLE.html June 19, 2026 With the series tied at 2–2, the Bulls won Game 5 over the Cavaliers at the Chicago Stadium, 107–101 to win in a hard-fought five-game series; Jordan averaged 45.2 points per game during the series. Rhoden William C. N.B.A. Playoffs: Jordan and Bulls in 2d Round The New York Times May 9, 1988 https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/09/sports/nba-playoffs-jordan-and-bulls-in-2d-round.html April 8, 2026 Hafner Dan NBA Playoffs: Jordan Gets 39 Points and Help from Pippen Los Angeles Times May 9, 1988 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-05-09-sp-1546-story.html April 8, 2026 1988 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Cavaliers vs. Bulls Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1988-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-cavaliers-vs-bulls.html July 6, 2025
In the Eastern Conference Semi-finals, the team faced off against the 2nd–seeded, and Central Division champion Detroit Pistons, who were led by the trio of All-Star guard Isiah Thomas, Adrian Dantley and Joe Dumars. The Bulls lost Game 1 to the Pistons on the road, 93–82 at the Pontiac Silverdome, but managed to win Game 2 on the road, 105–95 to even the series. 1988 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 1: Chicago Bulls at Detroit Pistons Box Score, May 10, 1988 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198805100DET.html June 30, 2026 1988 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 2: Chicago Bulls at Detroit Pistons Box Score, May 12, 1988 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198805120DET.html June 30, 2026 However, the Bulls lost their next two home games at the Chicago Stadium, before losing Game 5 to the Pistons at the Pontiac Silverdome, 102–95, thus losing the series in five games. Associated Press N.B.A. Playoffs: Pistons Take Series The New York Times May 19, 1988 https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/19/sports/nba-playoffs-pistons-take-series.html April 8, 2026 Bulls Battle, But Ousted by Pistons Chicago Tribune May 19, 1988 https://www.chicagotribune.com/1988/05/19/bulls-battle-but-ousted-by-pistons/ April 8, 2026 1988 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals: Bulls vs. Pistons Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1988-nba-eastern-conference-semifinals-bulls-vs-pistons.html July 6, 2025
The Pistons would advance to the NBA Finals, but would lose to the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers in a full seven-game series in the 1988 NBA Finals. Goldaper Sam N.B.A. Playoffs: Lakers Hold Off Pesky Pistons to Regain Their Title The New York Times June 22, 1988 https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/22/sports/nba-playoffs-lakers-hold-off-pesky-pistons-to-regain-their-title.html July 8, 2025 Lakers Repeat as Champions in Tight Game Los Angeles Times June 22, 1988 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-06-22-mn-4645-story.html July 8, 2025 1988 NBA Finals: Pistons vs. Lakers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1988-nba-finals-pistons-vs-lakers.html July 6, 2025
Aftermath
Following the season, Oakley was traded to the New York Knicks after three seasons with the Bulls, Goldaper Sam N.B.A.: Cartwright Traded to Bulls for Oakley The New York Times June 28, 1988 https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/28/sports/nba-cartwright-traded-to-bulls-for-oakley.html July 6, 2025 Sakamoto Bob Bulls Deal Oakley to Knicks for Cartwright Chicago Tribune June 28, 1988 https://www.chicagotribune.com/1988/06/28/bulls-deal-oakley-to-knicks-for-cartwright/ July 6, 2025 Associated Press Bulls Swap Oakley for Knicks' Cartwright; Theus Joins Hawks Deseret News June 28, 1988 https://www.deseret.com/1988/6/28/18769997/bulls-swap-oakley-for-knicks-cartwright-theus-joins-hawks July 6, 2025 and Brown was left unprotected in the 1988 NBA expansion draft, where he was selected by the Charlotte Hornets expansion team, who then traded him to the Utah Jazz. Goldaper Sam Miami Chooses "Who?" First The New York Times June 24, 1988 https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/24/sports/miami-chooses-who-first.html July 8, 2025 Edes Gordon Billy Thompson Goes to Miami; Valentine Winds Up in Cleveland Los Angeles Times June 24, 1988 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-06-24-sp-5993-story.html July 8, 2025 1988 NBA Expansion Draft Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1988_expansion.html July 6, 2025 The Bulls had the third-best team defensive rating in the NBA.
NBA draft
1987 NBA draft
Note: This is not an extensive list; it only covers the first round, and notable post-first-round picks.
Round Pick Player Position Nationality School/Club team 1 8 Olden Polynice (traded to Seattle) C Virginia 1 10 Horace Grant PF Clemson 2 28 Rickie Winslow F Houston 4 79 Jack Haley C UCLA
Roster
Chicago Bulls 1987–88
17 Mike Brown basketball, born 1963 C 6 9 257 1963–07–19 George Washington
40 Dave Corzine C 6 11 250 1956–04–25 DePaul
54 Horace Grant F 6 10 245 1965–07–04 Clemson
23 Michael Jordan G 6 6 216 1963–02–17 North Carolina
34 Charles Oakley F 6 8 225 1963–12–18 Virginia Union
5 John Paxson G 6 2 185 1960–09–29 Notre Dame
33 Scottie Pippen F 6 7 220 1965–09–25 Central Arkansas
6 Brad Sellers F 7 0 210 1962–12–17 Ohio State
2 Rory Sparrow G 6 2 175 1958–06–12 Villanova
21 Elston Turner F 6 5 190 1959–06–10 Mississippi
11 Sam Vincent G 6 2 185 1963–05–18 Michigan State
31 Granville Waiters C 6 11 225 1961–01–08 Ohio State
Doug Collins Johnny Bach
Phil Jackson
Tex Winter https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1988.html February 25, 1988
Regular season
Jordan was great, and Oakley led the league in total rebounds (1,066). Still, the Bulls lacked a quality supporting cast. They took a major step toward alleviating that problem at the 1987 NBA draft, when Vice President of Basketball Operations Jerry Krause acquired two players who would be vital cogs in Chicago's future championship machine. With two picks in the top 10, Krause selected Olden Polynice at No. 8 and Horace Grant at No. 10. He then traded Polynice and draft considerations to the Seattle SuperSonics for Scottie Pippen, whom the Sonics had grabbed with the fifth pick.
With Grant and Pippen on board, the Bulls in 1987–88 forged a 50–32 record, their best mark since 1973-74. Chicago finished in a second-place tie with Atlanta in a competitive Central Division won by the surging Detroit Pistons. The Bulls in the playoffs, defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in a five-game first-round series, but then fell to Detroit in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Oakley and the Los Angeles Clippers' Michael Cage engaged in a nip-and-tuck battle for the league's rebounding title, which came down to the last day of the regular season. On April 22 against Cleveland, Oakley put the pressure on Cage by pulling down 35 rebounds, the second-highest total in Bulls history behind Tom Boerwinkle's 37 in 1970. Two days later, however, Cage grabbed 30 boards in a game against Seattle, just enough to edge Oakley by the slimmest of margins, 13.03 per game to 13.00. Cage played in 10 fewer games than Oakley, however, so Oakley led the NBA in total rebounds for the second consecutive year, with 1,066.
Jordan led the league in scoring (35.0 ppg) and steals (3.16 per game). He won almost every major award, including Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, All-NBA First Team Honors and NBA All-Defensive First Team Honors.
Season standings
CHI
CHI
Record vs. opponents
vs. Eastern Conference
vs. Atlantic Division
1987–88 NBA recordsTeamBOSNJNNYKPHIWSBTotal Atlanta 2–4 5–0 3–3 6–0 3–3 19–10 Chicago 3–3 5–1 3–2 4–2 3–3 18–11 Cleveland 3–2 5–1 2–4 3–2 6–0 19–9 Detroit 3–3 5–1 4–2 4–1 3–2 19–9 Indiana 0–5 6–0 2–3 2–4 2–4 12–16 Milwaukee 3–3 3–2 3–3 2–4 4–1 15–13
vs. Central Division
1987–88 NBA recordsTeamATLCHICLEDETINDMILTotal Atlanta — 2–3 5–1 2–4 3–3 4–2 16–13 Chicago 3–2 — 3–3 2–4 3–3 5–1 16–13 Cleveland 1–5 3–3 — 1–5 4–2 2–4 11–19 Detroit 4–2 4–2 5–1 — 3–3 4–2 20–10 Indiana 2–4 3–3 2–4 3–3 — 3–3 13–17 Milwaukee 3–3 1–5 4–2 2–4 3–3 — 13–17
vs. Western Conference
vs. Midwest Division
1987–88 NBA recordsTeamDALDENHOUSACSASUTATotal Atlanta 2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 8–4 Chicago 0–2 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 2–0 7–5 Cleveland 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 0–2 7–5 Detroit 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 2–0 8–4 Indiana 0–2 1–1 0–2 2–0 2–0 1–1 6–6 Milwaukee 0–2 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–1 1–1 5–7
vs. Pacific Division
1987–88 NBA recordsTeamGSWLACLALPHOPORSEATotal Atlanta 2–0 2–0 0–2 1–1 0–2 2–0 7–5 Chicago 2–0 2–0 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 9–3 Cleveland 0–2 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 5–7 Detroit 2–0 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–1 1–1 7–5 Indiana 2–0 1–1 1–1 2–0 0–2 1–1 7–5 Milwaukee 2–0 2–0 2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 9–3
Game log
Regular season
Chicago Bulls 1988 #FF0000 #000000 Total: 50–32 (home: 30–11; road: 20–21)
Chicago Bulls November yes #000000 #FF0000 4 2 6 1
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|1
| November 7, 1987
| Philadelphia
| W 104–94
|
|
|
| Chicago Stadium
| 1–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|2
| November 10, 19877:00p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#FFFFFF|@ Atlanta
| bgcolor=#FF0000|W 105–95
| Jordan (29)
| Oakley (15)
| Jordan (7)
| The Omni16,451
| 2–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|3
| November 11, 1987
| @ New Jersey
| W 105–96
|
|
|
| Brendan Byrne Arena
| 3–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|4
| November 13, 1987
| New Jersey
| W 117–103
|
|
|
| Chicago Stadium
| 4–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#000000|5
| November 14, 1987
| Indiana
| L 110–101
|
|
|
| Chicago Stadium
| 4–1
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|6
| November 17, 19877:30p.m. CST
| Washington
| W 105–101
| Jordan (26)
| Oakley (21)
| Paxson (8)
| Chicago Stadium17,081
| 5–1
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|7
| November 18, 19876:30p.m. CST
| @ Washington
| W 84–82
| Jordan (30)
| Oakley (24)
| Jordan (8)
| Capital Centre13,721
| 6–1
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|8
| November 20, 19877:30p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#FF0000|Atlanta
| bgcolor=#000000|W 94–92
| Jordan (33)
| Oakley (17)
| Jordan,Paxson (7)
| Chicago Stadium18,423
| 7–1
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#000000|9
| November 21, 19877:30p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#0000FF|Detroit
| bgcolor=#000000|L 132–144 (OT)
| Jordan (49)
| Oakley (12)
| Jordan (8)
| Chicago Stadium18,466
| 7–2
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|10
| November 23, 19876:30p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#006400|@ Boston (at Hartford)
| bgcolor=#FF0000|W 107–102
| Jordan (31)
| Jordan (10)
| Paxson (6)
| Hartford Civic Center15,134
| 8–2
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|11
| November 25, 19877:30p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#59A04F|@ Milwaukee
| bgcolor=#FF0000|W 103–101
| Jordan (33)
| Oakley (14)
| Jordan (6)
| MECCA Arena11,052
| 9–2
|-align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|12
| November 27, 19877:00p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#008000|@ Dallas
| bgcolor=#FF0000|L 93–94
| Jordan (26)
| Oakley (17)
| Jordan (9)
| Reunion Arena17,007
| 9–3
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|13
| November 28, 1987
| @ Houston
| W 98–86
|
|
|
| The Summit
| 10–3
Chicago Bulls December #000000 #FF0000 3 3 2 6
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|14
| December 1, 1987
| @ Golden State
| W 98–97
|
|
|
| Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Arena
| 11–3
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|15
| December 2, 19878:30p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#36004A|@ Utah
| bgcolor=#FF0000|W 105–101
| Jordan (47)
| Oakley (9)
| Jordan (9)
| Salt Palace Acord Arena12,212
| 12–3
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|16
| December 4, 19878:30p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#0000CD|@ Denver
| bgcolor=#FF0000|L 89–105
| Jordan (23)
| Oakley (18)
| Paxson (6)
| McNichols Sports Arena17,022
| 12–4
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|17
| December 5, 1987
| @ San Antonio
| L 101–110
|
|
|
| HemisFair Arena
| 12–5
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#000000|18
| December 8, 1987
| Philadelphia
| L 96–109
|
|
|
| Chicago Stadium
| 12–6
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|19
| December 10, 19877:30p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#255325|Milwaukee
| bgcolor=#000000|W 111–105
| Jordan (32)
| Oakley (13)
| Oakley (8)
| Chicago Stadium17,820
| 13–6
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|20
| December 12, 1987
| Houston
| W 112–103
|
|
|
| Chicago Stadium
| 14–6
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|21
| December 15, 19877:00p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#FF0000|@ Detroit
| bgcolor=#FF0000|L 123–127 (OT)
| Jordan (38)
| Oakley (17)
| Jordan (12)
| Pontiac Silverdome23,729
| 14–7
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|22
| December 17, 19877:30p.m. CST
| Cleveland
| W 111–100
| Jordan (52)
| Corzine (9)
| Paxson (13)
| Chicago Stadium17,650
| 15–7
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|23
| December 19, 19876:30p.m. CST
| @ Washington
| L 96–109
| Jordan (30)
| Oakley (16)
| Jordan (7)
| Capital Centre14,353
| 15–8
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#000000|24
| December 22, 19877:00p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#00008B|Dallas
| bgcolor=#000000|L 100–111
| Jordan (28)
| Oakley (10)
| Paxson (9)
| Chicago Stadium18,103
| 15–9
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|25
| December 23, 1987
| @ New York
| L 89–90
|
|
|
| Madison Square Garden
| 15–10
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|26
| December 26, 1987
| @ Indiana
| L 92–106
|
|
|
| Market Square Arena
| 15–11
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#000000|27
| December 29, 19877:30p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#FF0000|Atlanta
| bgcolor=#000000|L 98–108
| Jordan (39)
| Oakley (13)
| Jordan (6)
| Chicago Stadium18,676
| 15–12
Chicago Bulls January #000000 #FF0000 10 1 1 3
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|28
| January 2, 1988
| New Jersey
| W 116–93
|
|
|
| Chicago Stadium
| 16–12
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|29
| January 5, 1988
| Indiana
| W 93–77
|
|
|
| Chicago Stadium
| 17–12
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|30
| January 7, 19887:30p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#FFD700|Denver
| bgcolor=#000000|W 100–96
| Jordan (28)
| Oakley (14)
| Sparrow (8)
| Chicago Stadium17,590
| 18–12
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|31
| January 9, 19887:30p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#FFFF00|Utah
| bgcolor=#000000|W 113–91
| Jordan (45)
| Oakley (15)
| Jordan (8)
| Chicago Stadium17,877
| 19–12
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#000000|32
| January 12, 19887:00p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#FFFFFF|Boston
| bgcolor=#000000|L 97–104
| Jordan (42)
| Oakley (11)
| Oakley (8)
| Chicago Stadium18,676
| 19–13
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|33
| January 14, 19886:30p.m. CST
| @ Cleveland
| L 88–91 (OT)
| Jordan (28)
| Oakley (17)
| Jordan (7)
| Richfield Coliseum16,648
| 19–14
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|34
| January 16, 19887:30p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#0000FF|Detroit
| bgcolor=#000000|W 115–99
| Jordan (36)
| Jordan,Oakley (10)
| Jordan (10)
| Chicago Stadium18,676
| 20–14
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|35
| January 18, 19887:30p.m. CST
| Washington
| W 117–103
| Jordan (33)
| Oakley (10)
| Jordan (7)
| Chicago Stadium17,767
| 21–14
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|36
| January 19, 19887:00p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#FFFFFF|@ Atlanta
| bgcolor=#FF0000|L 94–106
| Jordan (38)
| Corzine (11)
| Threatt (5)
| The Omni16,451
| 21–15
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|37
| January 22, 19887:30p.m. CST
| Phoenix
| W 118–108
|
|
|
| Chicago Stadium
| 22–15
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|38
| January 23, 1988
| Golden State
| W 121–94
|
|
|
| Chicago Stadium
| 23–15
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|39
| January 26, 1988
| @ Indiana
| L 93–97
|
|
|
| Market Square Arena
| 23–16
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|40
| January 27, 1988
| @ Philadelphia
| W 119–109 (OT)
|
|
|
| The Spectrum
| 24–16
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| sbgcolor=#000000|41
| January 29, 1988
| New Jersey
| W 120–93
|
|
|
| Chicago Stadium
| 25–16
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|42
| January 30, 1988
| New York
| W 97–95 (OT)
|
|
|
| Chicago Stadium
| 26–16
Chicago Bulls February #000000 #FF0000 3 3 2 6
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|43
| February 1, 1988
| @ Sacramento
| L 95–97
|
|
|
| ARCO Arena
| 26–17
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|44
| February 2, 19889:30p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#FFD700|@ L.A. Lakers
| bgcolor=#FF0000|L 101–110
| Jordan (39)
| Grant (8)
| Jordan,Pippen,Threatt (4)
| The Forum17,505
| 26–18
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|45
| February 4, 1988
| @ Phoenix
| W 113–101
|
|
|
| Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum
| 27–18
|- align="center"
|colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff"|All-Star Break
|- style="background:#cfc;"
|- bgcolor="#bbffbb"
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#000000|46
| February 9, 19887:30p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#0000FF|Detroit
| bgcolor=#000000|L 74–89
| Jordan (20)
| Oakley (13)
| Jordan (9)
| Chicago Stadium17,846
| 27–19
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|47
| February 10, 1988
| @ New Jersey
| L 84–93
|
|
|
| Brendan Byrne Arena
| 27–20
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|48
| February 12, 19888:00p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#59A04F|@ Milwaukee
| bgcolor=#FF0000|W 95–93
| Jordan (27)
| Oakley (14)
| Jordan (8)
| MECCA Arena11,052
| 28–20
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|49
| February 13, 19886:30p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#FF0000|@ Detroit
| bgcolor=#FF0000|L 73–82
| Jordan (27)
| Oakley (10)
| Oakley,Paxson,Sparrow,Threatt (4)
| Pontiac Silverdome40,369
| 28–21
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|50
| February 15, 198812:30p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#FF0000|Atlanta
| bgcolor=#000000|W 126–107
| Jordan (32)
| Jordan (13)
| Jordan,Sellers (8)
| Chicago Stadium17,704
| 29–21
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|51
| February 19, 1988
| Sacramento
| W 116–101
|
|
|
| Chicago Stadium
| 30–21
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|52
| February 21, 198812Noon CST
| @ Cleveland
| L 111–113
| Jordan (46)
| Corzine (9)
| Jordan (9)
| Richfield Coliseum20,089
| 30–22
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|53
| February 23, 1988
| Seattle
| W 104–97 (OT)
|
|
|
| Chicago Stadium
| 31–22
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#000000|54
| February 26, 1988
| Portland
| L 96–104
|
|
|
| Chicago Stadium
| 33–21
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#000000|55
| February 27, 19887:30p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#255325|Milwaukee
| bgcolor=#000000|L 91–94
| Jordan (38)
| Oakley (12)
| Vincent (9)
| Chicago Stadium18,243
| 33–22
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|56
| February 29, 1988
| @ Philadelphia
| L 101–102
|
|
|
| The Spectrum
| 33–23
Chicago Bulls March #000000 #FF0000 7 0 3 4
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|57
| March 3, 1988
| Philadelphia
| W 97–93
|
|
|
| Chicago Stadium
| 33–24
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|58
| March 5, 1988
| L.A. Clippers
| W 100–76
|
|
|
| Chicago Stadium
| 34–24
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|59
| March 7, 1988
| @ New York
| L 98–110
|
|
|
| Madison Square Garden
| 34–25
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|60
| March 10, 19887:30p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#800080|L.A. Lakers
| bgcolor=#000000|W 128–107
| Jordan (38)
| Grant,Oakley (11)
| Vincent (11)
| Chicago Stadium18,676
| 35–25
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|61
| March 12, 1988
| San Antonio
| W 112–92
|
|
|
| Chicago Stadium
| 36–25
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|62
| March 15, 19887:00p.m. CST
| Cleveland
| W 108–89
| Jordan (38)
| Oakley (14)
| Vincent (11)
| Chicago Stadium17,752
| 37–25
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|63
| March 16, 19886:30p.m. CST
| @ Washington
| L 103–106
| Jordan (25)
| Oakley (9)
| Vincent (7)
| Capital Centre16,515
| 37–26
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|64
| March 18, 19887:30p.m. CST
| bgcolor=#FFFFFF|Boston
| bgcolor=#000000|W 113–103
| Jordan (50)
| Oakley (12)
| Jordan (9)
| Chicago Stadium18,676
| 38–26
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|65
| March 20, 198812Noon CST
| bgcolor=#006400|@ Boston
| bgcolor=#FF0000|L 107–137
| Jordan (26)
| Oakley (9)
| Jordan (7)
| Boston Garden14,890
| 38–27
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|66
| March 23, 1988
| @ Philadelphia
| W 118–102
|
|
|
| The Spectrum
| 39–27
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|67
| March 25, 19886:30p.m. CST
| @ Cleveland
| W 111–110 (OT)
| Jordan (39)
| Oakley (19)
| Vincent (8)
| Richfield Coliseum19,876
| 40–27
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|68
| March 26, 1988
| Indiana
| W 109–100
|
|
|
| Chicago Stadium
| 41–27
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|69
| March 29, 1988
| @ Seattle
| L 103–106
|
|
|
| Seattle Center Coliseum
| 41–28
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|70
| March 30, 1988
| @ L.A. Clippers
| W 111–94
|
|
|
| Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
| 41–29
Chicago Bulls April #000000 #FF0000 3 2 6 1
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|71
| April 1, 1988
| @ Portland
| W 116–101
|
|
|
| Memorial Coliseum
| 42–29
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|72
| April 3, 198812:30p.m. CDT
| bgcolor=#FF0000|@ Detroit
| bgcolor=#FF0000|W 112–110
| Jordan (59)
| Corzine (12)
| Vincent (13)
| Pontiac Silverdome23,712
| 43–29
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#000000|73
| April 5, 19887:30p.m. CDT
| Washington
| L 94–105
| Jordan (29)
| Oakley (8)
| Vincent (9)
| Chicago Stadium17,773
| 44–29
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|74
| April 6, 19887:30p.m. CDT
| bgcolor=#59A04F|@ Milwaukee
| bgcolor=#FF0000|W 119–110
| Jordan (37)
| Oakley (12)
| Jordan (6)
| MECCA Arena11,052
| 44–30
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|75
| April 8, 1988
| New York
| W 131–122
|
|
|
| Chicago Stadium
| 45–30
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|76
| April 14, 1988
| @ Indiana
| W 116–110
|
|
|
| Market Square Arena
| 46–30
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|77
| April 15, 1988
| @ New Jersey
| W 100–99
|
|
|
| Brendan Byrne Arena
| 47–30
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|78
| April 17, 198812:30p.m. CDT
| bgcolor=#255325|Milwaukee
| bgcolor=#000000|W 105–97
| Jordan (44)
| Oakley (14)
| Vincent (10)
| Chicago Stadium18,551
| 48–30
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|79
| April 19, 1988
| @ New York
| W 121–118
|
|
|
| Madison Square Garden
| 49–30
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|80
| April 21, 19886:30p.m. CDT
| bgcolor=#006400|@ Boston
| bgcolor=#FF0000|L 119–126
| Jordan (39)
| Oakley (17)
| Vincent (9)
| Boston Garden14,890
| 49–31
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#000000|81
| April 22, 19887:30p.m. CDT
| Cleveland
| L 103–107
| Jordan,Oakley (26)
| Oakley (35)
| Jordan,Vincent (7)
| Chicago Stadium17,726
| 49–32
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|82
| April 24, 19882:30p.m. CDT
| bgcolor=#FFFFFF|Boston
| bgcolor=#000000|W 115–108
| Jordan (46)
| Oakley (21)
| Jordan,Vincent (6)
| Chicago Stadium18,636
| 50–32
CHI 1988
Playoffs
Chicago Bulls 1988 yes #FF0000 #000000
Chicago Bulls Eastern Conference First Round yes yes #000000 #FF0000 3 0 0 2
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|1
| April 28, 19887:00p.m. CDT
| Cleveland
| W 104–93
| Jordan (50)
| Oakley (15)
| Paxson (7)
| Chicago Stadium18,676
| 1–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|2
| May 1, 19882:30p.m. CDT
| Cleveland
| W 106–101
| Jordan (55)
| Oakley (12)
| Vincent (14)
| Chicago Stadium18,645
| 2–0
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|3
| May 3, 19887:00p.m. CDT
| @ Cleveland
| L 102–110
| Jordan (38)
| Oakley (9)
| Jordan (9)
| Richfield Coliseum20,068
| 2–1
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|4
| May 5, 19887:00p.m. CDT
| @ Cleveland
| L 91–97
| Jordan (44)
| Oakley (10)
| Vincent (5)
| Richfield Coliseum20,026
| 2–2
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#000000|5
| May 8, 198812Noon CDT
| Cleveland
| W 107–101
| Jordan (39)
| Oakley (20)
| Sparrow (7)
| Chicago Stadium18,008
| 3–2
|-
Chicago Bulls Eastern Conference Semifinals yes #000000 #FF0000 0 2 1 2
|-
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|1
| May 10, 19887:30p.m. CDT
| bgcolor=#FF0000|@ Detroit
| bgcolor=#FF0000|L 82–93
| Jordan (29)
| Oakley (13)
| Jordan (6)
| Pontiac Silverdome18,312
| 0–1
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|2
| May 12, 19887:00p.m. CDT
| bgcolor=#FF0000|@ Detroit
| bgcolor=#FF0000|W 105–95
| Jordan (36)
| Oakley (12)
| Pippen,Vincent (5)
| Pontiac Silverdome20,281
| 1–1
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#000000|3
| May 14, 198812Noon CDT
| bgcolor=#0000FF|Detroit
| bgcolor=#000000|L 79–101
| Jordan (24)
| Oakley (12)
| Vincent (6)
| Chicago Stadium18,676
| 1–2
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#000000|4
| May 15, 19882:30p.m. CDT
| bgcolor=#0000FF|Detroit
| bgcolor=#000000|L 77–96
| Jordan (23)
| Oakley (10)
| Jordan (5)
| Chicago Stadium18,676
| 1–3
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
| bgcolor=#FF0000|5
| May 18, 19887:00p.m. CDT
| bgcolor=#FF0000|@ Detroit
| bgcolor=#FF0000|L 95–102
| Jordan (25)
| Oakley (15)
| Jordan,Paxson (8)
| Pontiac Silverdome21,371
| 1–4
|-
CHI 1988 yes
Player statistics
Season
Playoffs
Charles Oakley 14.3 ppg 15.6 reb 1.3 stl 2.4 blk 2.3 to
Awards and records
Michael Jordan, NBA Most Valuable Player Award
Michael Jordan, NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
Michael Jordan, NBA All-Star Weekend Slam Dunk Contest Winner
Michael Jordan, NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award
Jerry Krause, NBA Executive of the Year Award
Michael Jordan, All-NBA First Team
Michael Jordan, NBA All-Defensive First Team
Michael Jordan, NBA All-Star Game
Transactions
1st Round, 8th overall Center Olden Polynice was drafted by the Bulls, but traded that same night with draft picks to the Seattle SuperSonics and the rights to the 5th overall pick Forward Scottie Pippen and draft picks.
Forward Horace Grant was drafted in the 1st Round, 10th overall by the Bulls.
References
See also
1987–88 NBA season
Category:Chicago Bulls seasons
Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
Category:1987 in Chicago
Category:1988 in Chicago