1996–97 Chicago Bulls season

NBA basketball team season (won championship) March 2026 August 2023 Chicago Bulls Yes Yes yes 1997 69 13 Central 1 1 Phil Jackson Jerry Krause United Center Jerry Reinsdorf WGN-TVSportsChannel Chicago WMVP NBA champions(Defeated Jazz 4–2) CHI The 1996–97 Chicago Bulls season was the 31st 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 defending NBA champions, having defeated the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1996 NBA Finals in six games, winning their fourth NBA championship. They repeated their Championship, defeating the Utah Jazz in six games. Season summary Off-season During the off-season, the Bulls signed 43-year old free agent All-Star center Robert Parish, who won three championships with the Boston Celtics in the 1980s.September 26, 1996 Parish, 43, Signs 2-Year Pact with Bulls The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/26/sports/parish-43-signs-2-year-pact-with-bulls.html May 12, 2022 Associated Press Parish, 43, Joins the Bulls as Backup Los Angeles Times September 26, 1996 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-09-26-sp-47611-story.html September 24, 2022Armour Terry September 26, 1996 Parish's 21st Season Will Be on Madison St. Chicago Tribune https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1996-09-26-9609260158-story.html June 6, 2022 Coming off of one of the greatest seasons in NBA history, the Bulls, on the backs of recording another first-place finish in their division and conference, repeated as NBA champions. The Bulls were led by Michael Jordan, perennial All-Star small forward Scottie Pippen, and rebound ace Dennis Rodman; other notable players on the club's roster that year were clutch-specialist Croatian Toni Kukoč, and sharp-shooting point guard Steve Kerr. Regular season The Bulls got off to a fast start by winning their first twelve games of the regular season.November 22, 1996 Bulls 110, Nuggets 92 United Press International https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/11/22/Bulls-110-Nuggets-92/5031848638800/ January 1, 2022 Chicago Bulls at Denver Nuggets Box Score, November 21, 1996 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199611210DEN.html October 14, 2023 The team posted an eight-game winning streak in December, and then posted a nine-game winning streak between December and January, which led to a 34–4 start to the season. The Bulls posted another eight-game winning streak between January and February, and held a 42–6 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 6, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=6&year=1997 July 19, 2022 The team posted a seven-game winning streak in February, and later on posted another eight-game winning streak between March and April. In April, the Bulls signed free agent Brian Williams, who previously played for the Los Angeles Clippers last season, and spent most of the 1996–97 season as a free agent; Williams played in the final nine games of the regular season as a backup center for the Bulls.Baker Chris April 3, 1997 Clippers' Loss Becomes Bulls' Gain Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-04-03-sp-45027-story.html?_amp=true January 18, 2022 Associated Press Williams Signs with Chicago The Spokesman-Review April 3, 1997 https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1997/apr/03/williams-signs-with-chicago/ October 30, 2024Isaacson Melissa April 5, 1997 Williams Jumps in Action a Little Too Early for the Bulls Chicago Tribune https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-04-05-9704050044-story,amp.html June 17, 2021 With a 69–12 record, the Bulls looked to make history against the New York Knicks in their final game of the regular season, at home at the United Center on April 19, 1997. However, Pippen missed a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer, as the Bulls lost to the Knicks, 103–101.Wise Mike April 20, 1997 Knicks Shock the Bulls to Sew Up Third Spot The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/20/sports/knicks-shock-the-bulls-to-sew-up-third-spot.html July 21, 2017 Brown Clifton When a Knick Victory Is Not Just a Victory The New York Times April 20, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/20/sports/when-a-knick-victory-is-not-just-a-victory.html November 19, 2022 New York Knicks at Chicago Bulls Box Score, April 19, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199704190CHI.html January 4, 2023 The Bulls finished in first place in the Central Division with a 69–13 record, just missing out on becoming the first team in NBA history to have back-to-back 70 wins seasons; the team also posted a 39–2 home record at the United Center. 1996–97 Chicago Bulls Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1997_games.html June 21, 2021 The Bulls earned the first seed in the Eastern Conference, qualified for the NBA playoffs for the 13th consecutive year, and had the fourth best team defensive rating in the NBA.Teams Defense https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/defense/?sort=DEF_RATING&dir=-1&Season=1996-97&SeasonType=Regular%20Season NBA.com April 16, 2021 Jordan led the league in scoring once again, averaging 29.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game, plus contributing 111 three-point field goals, and was named to the All-NBA First Team, while Pippen averaged 20.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.9 steals per game, led the Bulls with 156 three-point field goals, and was named to the All-NBA Second Team; both Jordan and Pippen were named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team. In addition, Kukoč provided scoring off the bench, averaging 13.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, but only played 57 games due to a foot injury, Associated Press Bulls' Kukoc Injured The New York Times March 4, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/04/sports/bulls-kukoc-injured.html November 5, 2022 Associated Press Foot Injury Sidelines Bulls' Kukoc Los Angeles Times March 4, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-03-04-sp-34639-story.html January 28, 2023Armour Terry March 4, 1997 Kukoc on Injured List with Strain Chicago Tribune https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-03-04-9703040232-story,amp.html October 12, 2021 while Luc Longley provided the team with 9.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, and Kerr contributed 8.1 points per game and 110 three-point field goals off the bench, while shooting .464 in three-point field goal percentage. Meanwhile, second-year forward Jason Caffey averaged 7.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, Ron Harper contributed 6.3 points and 2.5 assists per game, Rodman provided with 5.7 points and 16.1 rebounds per game, but only played 55 games due to suspensions and a knee injury, which caused him to miss the final 13 games of the regular season, Brown Clifton Bulls Lose Rodman for Last 13 Games The New York Times March 27, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/27/sports/bulls-lose-rodman-for-last-13-games.html October 22, 2022 Associated Press Rodman Out Until Playoffs Los Angeles Times March 27, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-03-27-sp-42567-story.html December 3, 2022Armour Terry March 27, 1997 Knee Injury Drops Worm Chicago Tribune https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-03-27-9703270212-story,amp.html October 12, 2021 and Randy Brown contributed 4.7 points per game. 1996–97 Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1997.html June 21, 2021 During the NBA All-Star weekend at the Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, Jordan and Pippen were both selected for the 1997 NBA All-Star Game, as members of the Eastern Conference All-Star team; it was Pippen's seventh and final All-Star appearance. Armour Terry January 27, 1997 Jordan, Pippen All-Stars Again Chicago Tribune https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-01-27-9701270102-story,amp.html July 18, 2021 Jorgensen Loren No Offense, But Malone Would Rather Be Home Deseret News February 8, 1997 https://www.deseret.com/1997/2/8/19293914/no-offense-but-malone-would-rather-be-home April 19, 2023 Fry Darrell On to the Next Stage Tampa Bay Times February 8, 1997 https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1997/02/08/on-to-the-next-stage/ December 28, 2022 Jordan recorded the first triple-double in an All-Star Game with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists, as the Eastern Conference defeated the Western Conference, 132–120. Wise Mike February 10, 1997 Rice Stages His Own Shootout in East's Victory The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/10/sports/rice-stages-his-own-shootout-in-east-s-victory.html January 14, 2022 NBA.com Staff 1997 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-1997 May 16, 2023 1997 NBA All-Star Game: East 132, West 120 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_1997.html November 27, 2021 Meanwhile, Kerr won the NBA Three-Point Shootout, in which he participated in for the fourth consecutive year. Roberts Selena Iverson Takes Rookie Honor, But He's No M.V.P. to Fans The New York Times February 9, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/09/sports/iverson-takes-rookie-honor-but-he-s-no-mvp-to-fans.html November 19, 2022 NBA & ABA All-Star Game Contest Winners Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/contest.html July 11, 2025 Jordan also finished in second place in Most Valuable Player voting, behind Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz, while Pippen finished in eleventh place; Associated Press May 19, 1997 Malone Beats Out Jordan for M.V.P The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/19/sports/malone-beats-out-jordan-for-mvp.html July 11, 2022 1996–97 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1997.html January 2, 2022 Pippen finished in fourth place in Defensive Player of the Year voting, while Jordan finished in fifth place, Saladino Tom Mutombo Tops on Defense South Coast Today April 25, 1997 https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/sports/1997/04/25/mutombo-tops-on-defense/50615068007/ December 27, 2022 and Kukoč finished in second place in Sixth Man of the Year voting, behind John Starks of the Knicks. Sixth Man Award for Starks The New York Times April 24, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/24/sports/sixth-man-award-for-starks.html October 3, 2022 The Bulls finished second in the NBA in home-game attendance behind the Charlotte Hornets, with an attendance of 978,457 at the United Center during the regular season. 1996–97 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1997.html October 9, 2025 NBA playoffs In the Eastern Conference First Round of the 1997 NBA playoffs, the Bulls faced off against the 8th–seeded Washington Bullets, a team that featured the trio of All-Star forward Chris Webber, Juwan Howard and Rod Strickland. In their first two home games at the United Center, the Bulls won Game 1 over the Bullets, 98–86, despite shooting .380 in field-goal percentage, 1997 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Game 1: Washington Bullets at Chicago Bulls Box Score, April 25, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199704250CHI.html June 5, 2026 and then won Game 2 by a score of 109–104, in which Jordan scored 55 points. Adande J.A.  Bullets Can't Keep Pace as Jordan Drives for 55  The Washington Post  April 27, 1997  https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/04/28/bullets-cant-keep-pace-as-jordan-drives-for-55/dc9b7839-517f-4271-bc19-27a7637ae864/ June 5, 2026 Berkow Ira  Jordan Amazes Even Bulls with 55-Point Spectacular  The New York Times  April 28, 1997  https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/28/sports/jordan-amazes-even-bulls-with-55-point-spectacular.html June 5, 2026 1997 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Game 2: Washington Bullets at Chicago Bulls Box Score, April 27, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199704270CHI.html May 30, 2026 In Game 3 at US Airways Arena, and despite trailing 14–2 early in the first quarter, the Bulls defeated the Bullets, 96–95 to win the series in a three-game sweep. Roberts Selena May 1, 1997 Bulls Prevail, But Bullets Go Out Fighting The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/01/sports/bulls-prevail-but-bullets-go-out-fighting.html May 12, 2022 Adande J.A. In Their Final Shot, Bullets Just Miss The Washington Post May 1, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/05/01/in-their-final-shot-bullets-just-miss/b9087179-0dfa-417a-bbf6-0de691a81918/ November 25, 2022 1997 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Bullets vs. Bulls Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1997-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-bullets-vs-bulls.html February 4, 2023 In the Eastern Conference Semi-finals, the team faced off against the 4th–seeded Atlanta Hawks, who were led by the quartet of All-Star center, and Defensive Player of the Year, Dikembe Mutombo, All-Star forward Christian Laettner, Steve Smith and Mookie Blaylock. The Bulls won Game 1 over the Hawks at the United Center, 100–97, Rodman is Man of Exits  Chicago Tribune  May 7, 1997  https://www.chicagotribune.com/1997/05/07/rodman-is-man-of-exits/ June 5, 2026 Berkow Ira  Bulls Overcome Rodman's Latest Self-Destruction  The New York Times  May 8, 1997  https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/08/sports/bulls-overcome-rodman-s-latest-self-destruction.html June 5, 2026 1997 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 1: Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls Box Score, May 6, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199705060CHI.html June 5, 2026 but then lost Game 2 at home, 103–95 as the Hawks evened the series. Berkow Ira May 9, 1997 Chicago's Late Heroics Fail to Arrive in Game 2 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/09/sports/chicago-s-late-heroics-fail-to-arrive-in-game-2.html June 24, 2021 Bagnato Andrew When Push Comes to Shove Chicago Tribune May 9, 1997 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-05-09-9705090313-story.html November 18, 2022 1997 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 2: Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls Box Score, May 8, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199705080CHI.html May 30, 2026 The Bulls managed to win the next two games on the road at the Omni Coliseum, before winning Game 5 over the Hawks at the United Center, 107–92 to win the series in five games. Roberts Selena May 14, 1997 Bulls, Led by Rodman, Keep Going The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/14/sports/bulls-led-by-rodman-keep-going.html July 26, 2021 Nadel Mike Bulls Send Hawks Flying, 107-92 The Washington Post May 14, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nba/longterm/1997/playoffs/chiatl5.htm November 25, 2022 1997 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals: Hawks vs. Bulls Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1997-nba-eastern-conference-semifinals-hawks-vs-bulls.html February 4, 2023 In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Bulls then faced off against the 2nd–seeded, and Atlantic Division champion Miami Heat, who were led by All-Star guard Tim Hardaway, All-Star center Alonzo Mourning, and Jamal Mashburn. The Bulls took a 3–0 series lead before losing Game 4 to the Heat on the road, 87–80 at the Miami Arena. Alive for Game 5  Sun Sentinel  May 27, 1997  https://www.sun-sentinel.com/1997/05/27/alive-for-game-5/ June 5, 2026 Wise Mike  The Heat's New Hurdle: An Angry Jordan  The New York Times  May 28, 1997  https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/28/sports/the-heat-s-new-hurdle-an-angry-jordan.html June 5, 2026 1997 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 4: Chicago Bulls at Miami Heat Box Score, May 26, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199705260MIA.html June 5, 2026 The Bulls won Game 5 over the Heat at the United Center, 100–87 to win the series in five games, and advance to the NBA Finals for the second consecutive year. Wise Mike May 29, 1997 A Redeemed Jordan Sends Heat Packing The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/29/sports/a-redeemed-jordan-sends-heat-packing.html May 12, 2022 Adande J.A. Bulls Get Cooking, Turn Off the Heat The Washington Post May 29, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/05/29/bulls-get-cooking-turn-off-the-heat/b0ea7d27-da96-4163-813b-d27aa6cb9907/ November 18, 2022 1997 NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Heat vs. Bulls Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1997-nba-eastern-conference-finals-heat-vs-bulls.html February 4, 2023 In the 1997 NBA Finals, the Bulls faced off against the top–seeded Jazz, who were led by the trio of Malone, All-Star guard John Stockton, and Jeff Hornacek. The Bulls won the first two games over the Jazz at the United Center, but then lost the next two games on the road, as the Jazz evened the series. In Game 5 at the Delta Center, which was known as "The Flu Game", Jordan scored 38 points in 44 minutes, as the Bulls defeated the Jazz, 90–88 to take a 3–2 series lead. Wise Mike June 12, 1997 Weary Jordan Wills His Team Just One Away The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/12/sports/weary-jordan-wills-his-team-just-one-away.html May 12, 2022 Howard-Cooper Scott Jordan Makes Jazz Air Sick Los Angeles Times June 12, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-06-12-sp-2600-story.html November 19, 2022 1997 NBA Finals Game 5: Chicago Bulls at Utah Jazz Box Score, June 11, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199706110UTA.html May 30, 2026 The Bulls won Game 6 over the Jazz at the United Center, 90–86 to win the series in six games for their second consecutive NBA championship, and their fifth championship in seven years; Jordan was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player for the second straight year, and for the fifth time overall.Wise Mike June 14, 1997 A Fistful of Rings: Bulls Grab Fifth Title of 90's The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/14/sports/a-fistful-of-rings-bulls-grab-fifth-title-of-90-s.html January 14, 2022 Howard-Cooper Scott June 14, 1997 Bulls Get Fifth Element Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-06-14-sp-3291-story.html June 28, 2022 1997 NBA Finals: Jazz vs. Bulls Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1997-nba-finals-jazz-vs-bulls.html February 4, 2023 Notable incidents One notable incident of the regular season occurred on January 15, 1997, during a road game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center. Rodman tripped and fell while trying to grab a rebound, and then kicked cameraman Eugene Amos in the groin; Amos had to be put on a stretcher and was rushed to a local hospital, as Rodman was suspended for eleven games. Associated Press January 16, 1997 Rodman Kicks a Cameraman The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/16/sports/rodman-kicks-a-cameraman.html May 12, 2022 Associated Press Rodman Kicks Up Controversy While Bulls Win Eighth in Row Los Angeles Times January 16, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-01-16-sp-19276-story.html December 15, 2022Armour Terry January 18, 1997 Rodman Suspended for 11 Games--at Least Chicago Tribune https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-01-18-9701180043-story.html May 12, 2022 The Bulls defeated the Timberwolves by a score of 112–102. Chicago Bulls at Minnesota Timberwolves Box Score, January 15, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199701150MIN.html June 7, 2026 Aftermath Following the season, Parish retired after 21 seasons in the NBA, Associated Press August 26, 1997 Parish Retires After 21 Years The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/26/sports/parish-retires-after-21-years.html May 12, 2022 Robinson Takes Pay Cut to Sign with Suns Los Angeles Times August 26, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-aug-26-sp-25918-story.html October 3, 2022 Wire Services Parish Ends NBA Career After 21 Seasons and 1,611 Games The Spokesman-Review August 26, 1997 https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1997/aug/26/parish-ends-nba-career-after-21-seasons-and-1611/ December 3, 2022 while Williams signed as a free agent with the Detroit Pistons, Associated Press Williams Signs with Pistons The New York Times August 17, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/17/sports/williams-signs-with-pistons.html September 23, 2022 Staff and Wire Reports Ex-Clipper Williams Signs with Pistons Los Angeles Times August 17, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-aug-17-sp-23518-story.html December 5, 2022Thompson Jack August 17, 1997 Brian Williams Signs with Pistons Chicago Tribune https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-08-17-9708170295-story,amp.html July 31, 2021 and Dickey Simpkins was traded to the Golden State Warriors.Armour Terry September 20, 1997 Simpkins-Burrell Trade In Works Chicago Tribune https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-09-20-9709200094-story,amp.html June 28, 2022 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 Offseason NBA draft 1996 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality School/Club team 1 29 Travis Knight C United States UConn Roster Chicago Bulls 1996–97 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 35 Jason Caffey F 6 8 255 1973–06–12 Alabama 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 7 Toni Kukoč F 6 10 192 1968–09–18 Croatia 13 Luc Longley C 7 2 265 1969–01–19 New Mexico 00 Robert Parish C 7 0 235 1953–08–30 Centenary College of Louisiana 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 6 Matt Steigenga F 6 7 225 1970–03–27 Michigan State 34 Bill Wennington C 7 0 245 1963–04–26 St. John's yes 18 Brian Williams basketball C 6 11 260 1969–04–06 Arizona Phil Jackson Bill Cartwright Frank Hamblen Jimmy Rodgers Tex Winter https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1997.html April 12, 1997 Regular season Season standings CHI CHI Game log Regular season Chicago Bulls 1997 Total: 69–13 (Home: 39–2; Road: 30–11) Chicago Bulls November yes 6 0 9 1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 1 | November 1 | @ Boston | 19961101 BOS 107 98 | Michael Jordan (30) | Dennis Rodman (13) | Toni Kukoč (7) | FleetCenter18,624 | 1–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 2 | November 2 | Philadelphia | 19961102 CHI 115 86 | Michael Jordan (27) | Dennis Rodman (12) | Scottie Pippen (9) | United Center24,040 | 2–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 3 | November 5 | Vancouver | 19961105 CHI 96 73 | Michael Jordan (22) | Dennis Rodman (19) | Scottie Pippen (8) | United Center23,726 | 3–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 4 | November 6 | @ Miami | 19961106 MIA 106 100 | Michael Jordan (50) | Dennis Rodman (22) | Scottie Pippen (5) | Miami Arena15,200 | 4–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 5 | November 8 | @ Detroit | 19961108 DET 98 80 | 3 players tied (16) | Dennis Rodman (20) | Michael Jordan (8) | The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454 | 5–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 6 | November 9 | Boston | 19961109 CHI 104 92 | Michael Jordan (27) | Scottie Pippen (12) | Scottie Pippen (11) | United Center23,813 | 6–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 7 | November 11 | Phoenix | 19961111 CHI 97 79 | Michael Jordan (26) | Dennis Rodman (22) | Scottie Pippen (7) | United Center23,807 | 7–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 8 | November 13 | Miami | 19961113 CHI 103 71 | Michael Jordan (28) | Dennis Rodman (19) | Brown & Kukoč (4) | United Center23,889 | 8–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 9 | November 15 | @ Charlotte | 19961115 CHH 110 87 | Michael Jordan (38) | Dennis Rodman (17) | Scottie Pippen (7) | Charlotte Coliseum24,042 | 9–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 10 | November 16 | Atlanta | 19961116 CHI 97 69 | Michael Jordan (25) | Dennis Rodman (15) | Scottie Pippen (7) | United Center23,939 | 10–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 11 | November 20 | @ Phoenix | 19961120 PHO 113 99 | Jordan & Pippen (37) | Dennis Rodman (16) | Scottie Pippen (7) | America West Arena19,023 | 11–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 12 | November 21 | @ Denver | 19961121 DEN 110 92 | Michael Jordan (31) | 3 players tied (7) | Pippen & Rodman (5) | McNichols Sports Arena17,171 | 12–0 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 13 | November 23 | @ Utah | 19961123 UTA 100 105 | Michael Jordan (44) | Dennis Rodman (10) | Michael Jordan (4) | Delta Center19,911 | 12–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 14 | November 25 | @ L.A. Clippers | 19961125 LAC 88 84 | Michael Jordan (40) | Dennis Rodman (14) | Kukoč & Pippen (4) | Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena16,144 | 13–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 15 | November 29 | @ Dallas | 19961129 DAL 116 97 | Michael Jordan (36) | Dennis Rodman (19) | Toni Kukoč (6) | Reunion Arena18,042 | 14–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 16 | November 30 | @ San Antonio | 19961130 SAS 97 88 | Michael Jordan (35) | Dennis Rodman (14) | Scottie Pippen (8) | Alamodome37,058 | 15–1 Chicago Bulls December 8 1 4 2 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 17 | December 3 | @ Milwaukee | 19961203 MIL 107 104 | Michael Jordan (40) | Dennis Rodman (12) | Jordan & Pippen (6) | Bradley Center18,717 | 16–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 18 | December 5 | L.A. Clippers | 19961205 CHI 114 96 | Scottie Pippen (25) | Dennis Rodman (14) | Toni Kukoč (12) | United Center23,687 | 17–1 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 19 | December 7 | Miami | 19961207 CHI 80 83 | Michael Jordan (37) | Dennis Rodman (18) | Scottie Pippen (5) | United Center23,861 | 17–2 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 20 | December 8 | @ Toronto | 19961208 TOR 89 97 | Scottie Pippen (28) | Dennis Rodman (11) | Michael Jordan (8) | SkyDome33,385 | 17–3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 21 | December 11 | Minnesota | 19961211 CHI 103 86 | Michael Jordan (27) | Scottie Pippen (9) | Scottie Pippen (8) | United Center23,505 | 18–3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 22 | December 13 | @ New Jersey | 19961213 NJN 113 92 | Michael Jordan (32) | Bill Wennington (8) | Jordan & Pippen (6) | Continental Airlines Arena20,049 | 19–3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 23 | December 14 | Charlotte | 19961214 CHI 87 82 | Michael Jordan (29) | Dennis Rodman (23) | Jordan & Pippen (5) | United Center23,771 | 20–3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 24 | December 17 | L.A. Lakers | 19961217 CHI 129 123 1 | Scottie Pippen (35) | Dennis Rodman (18) | Scottie Pippen (6) | United Center23,919 | 21–3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 25 | December 19 | @ Charlotte | 19961219 CHH 93 72 | Michael Jordan (35) | Dennis Rodman (14) | Dennis Rodman (5) | Charlotte Coliseum24,042 | 22–3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 26 | December 21 | @ Philadelphia | 19961221 PHI 111 105 | Michael Jordan (31) | Dennis Rodman (18) | Scottie Pippen (7) | CoreStates Center20,918 | 23–3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 27 | December 23 | New Jersey | 19961223 CHI 113 81 | Michael Jordan (24) | Dennis Rodman (17) | Toni Kukoč (5) | United Center23,601 | 24–3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 28 | December 25 | Detroit | 19961225 CHI 95 83 | Scottie Pippen (27) | Dennis Rodman (22) | Kukoč & Pippen (8) | United Center23,744 | 25–3 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 29 | December 26 | @ Atlanta | 19961226 ATL 103 108 | Michael Jordan (34) | Parish & Rodman (10) | Ron Harper (4) | Omni Coliseum16,378 | 25–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 30 | December 28 | Cleveland | 19961228 CHI 102 97 | Michael Jordan (45) | Dennis Rodman (16) | Scottie Pippen (6) | United Center23,792 | 26–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 31 | December 30 | Indiana | 19961230 CHI 81 79 | Michael Jordan (28) | Dennis Rodman (21) | Scottie Pippen (5) | United Center23,692 | 27–4 Chicago Bulls January 7 0 6 1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 32 | January 3 | Orlando | 19970103 CHI 110 89 | Michael Jordan (22) | Dennis Rodman (22) | Ron Harper (7) | United Center23,904 | 28–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 33 | January 6 | Utah | 19970106 CHI 102 89 | Scottie Pippen (24) | Dennis Rodman (16) | Toni Kukoč (6) | United Center23,904 | 29–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 34 | January 10 | @ Milwaukee | 19970110 MIL 116 101 | Michael Jordan (33) | Dennis Rodman (26) | 3 players tied (5) | Bradley Center18,717 | 30–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 35 | January 11 | Houston | 19970111 CHI 110 86 | Michael Jordan (32) | Dennis Rodman (18) | Jordan & Pippen (7) | United Center24,196 | 31–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 36 | January 14 | Washington | 19970114 CHI 108 107 | Michael Jordan (39) | Dennis Rodman (18) | Scottie Pippen (8) | United Center23,891 | 32–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 37 | January 15 | @ Minnesota | 19970115 MIN 112 102 | Scottie Pippen (29) | Dennis Rodman (15) | Toni Kukoč (7) | Target Center20,113 | 33–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 38 | January 17 | Milwaukee | 19970117 CHI 100 73 | Jordan & Kukoč (24) | Luc Longley (8) | Michael Jordan (11) | United Center23,898 | 34–4 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 39 | January 19 | @ Houston | 19970119 HOU 86 102 | Michael Jordan (26) | Michael Jordan (14) | Scottie Pippen (7) | The Summit16,285 | 34–5 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 40 | January 21 | New York | 19970121 CHI 88 87 | Michael Jordan (51) | Scottie Pippen (10) | Scottie Pippen (9) | United Center23,902 | 35–5 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 41 | January 23 | @ Cleveland | 19970123 CLE 87 71 | Michael Jordan (32) | Scottie Pippen (12) | Scottie Pippen (8) | Gund Arena20,562 | 36–5 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 42 | January 25 | Toronto | 19970125 CHI 110 98 | Michael Jordan (24) | Jason Caffey (6) | Toni Kukoč (13) | United Center23,913 | 37–5 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 43 | January 28 | @ Vancouver | 19970128 VAN 111 96 | Michael Jordan (28) | Scottie Pippen (10) | Toni Kukoč (11) | General Motors Place19,193 | 38–5 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 44 | January 30 | @ Sacramento | 19970130 SAC 111 93 | Michael Jordan (32) | Luc Longley (11) | Kukoč & Pippen (6) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 39–5 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 45 | January 31 | @ Golden State | 19970131 GSW 115 92 | Scottie Pippen (32) | Scottie Pippen (10) | Michael Jordan (8) | San Jose Arena18,748 | 40–5 Chicago Bulls February 6 0 4 2 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 46 | February 2 | @ Seattle | 19970202 SEA 91 84 | Michael Jordan (45) | Michael Jordan (7) | Toni Kukoč (9) | KeyArena17,072 | 41–5 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 47 | February 4 | @ Portland | 19970204 POR 88 84 | Michael Jordan (36) | Scottie Pippen (8) | Toni Kukoč (5) | Rose Garden21,538 | 42–5 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 48 | February 5 | @ L.A. Lakers | 19970205 LAL 90 106 | Michael Jordan (27) | Toni Kukoč (6) | Scottie Pippen (9) | Great Western Forum17,505 | 42–6 |- align="center" |colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff"|All-Star Break |- style="background:#cfc;" |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" |- style="background:#cfc;" | 49 | February 11 | Charlotte | 19970211 CHI 103 100 | Michael Jordan (43) | Dennis Rodman (14) | Scottie Pippen (7) | United Center23,884 | 43–6 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 50 | February 14 | @ Atlanta | 19970214 ATL 89 88 | Michael Jordan (30) | Dennis Rodman (12) | Jordan & Pippen (4) | Omni Coliseum16,378 | 44–6 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 51 | February 16 | Orlando | 19970216 CHI 110 89 | Scottie Pippen (22) | Dennis Rodman (13) | Scottie Pippen (11) | United Center23,919 | 45–6 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 52 | February 18 | Denver | 19970218 CHI 134 123 | Scottie Pippen (47) | Dennis Rodman (13) | Michael Jordan (12) | United Center23,874 | 46–6 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 53 | February 21 | @ Washington | 19970221 WSB 103 99 | Michael Jordan (36) | Dennis Rodman (12) | Scottie Pippen (7) | US Airways Arena18,756 | 47–6 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 54 | February 22 | Golden State | 19970222 CHI 120 87 | Michael Jordan (34) | Dennis Rodman (12) | Harper & Kerr (7) | United Center23,917 | 48–6 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 55 | February 24 | Portland | 19970224 CHI 116 89 | Michael Jordan (37) | Dennis Rodman (15) | Scottie Pippen (11) | United Center23,841 | 49–6 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 56 | February 27 | @ Cleveland | 19970227 CLE 70 73 | Michael Jordan (23) | Dennis Rodman (16) | Michael Jordan (4) | Gund Arena20,562 | 49–7 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 57 | February 28 | Sacramento | 19970228 CHI 126 108 | Michael Jordan (35) | Dennis Rodman (11) | Harper & Jordan (6) | United Center23,836 | 50–7 Chicago Bulls March 8 0 4 2 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 58 | March 3 | Milwaukee | 19970303 CHI 108 90 | Michael Jordan (31) | Dennis Rodman (11) | Dennis Rodman (7) | United Center23,894 | 51–7 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 59 | March 5 | San Antonio | 19970305 CHI 111 69 | Scottie Pippen (19) | Caffey & Longley (10) | Randy Brown (8) | United Center23,841 | 52–7 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 60 | March 7 | Indiana | 19970307 CHI 104 96 | Michael Jordan (38) | Dennis Rodman (18) | Scottie Pippen (9) | United Center23,902 | 53–7 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 61 | March 9 | @ New York | 19970309 NYK 93 97 | Michael Jordan (36) | Dennis Rodman (19) | Jordan & Pippen (4) | Madison Square Garden19,763 | 53–8 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 62 | March 11 | @ Boston | 19970311 BOS 117 106 | Michael Jordan (32) | Dennis Rodman (16) | Michael Jordan (9) | FleetCenter18,624 | 54–8 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 63 | March 12 | @ Philadelphia | 19970312 PHI 108 104 | Scottie Pippen (31) | Dennis Rodman (17) | Scottie Pippen (8) | CoreStates Center21,061 | 55–8 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 64 | March 14 | @ New Jersey | 19970314 NJN 98 99 | Michael Jordan (36) | Dennis Rodman (17) | Scottie Pippen (9) | Continental Airlines Arena20,049 | 55–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 65 | March 15 | Atlanta | 19970315 CHI 99 79 | Scottie Pippen (17) | Dennis Rodman (14) | Longley & Pippen (7) | United Center23,984 | 56–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 66 | March 18 | Seattle | 19970318 CHI 89 87 1 | Michael Jordan (32) | Michael Jordan (18) | Scottie Pippen (7) | United Center23,989 | 57–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 67 | March 21 | @ Indiana | 19970321 IND 117 98 | Michael Jordan (36) | Dennis Rodman (19) | Scottie Pippen (8) | Market Square Arena16,759 | 58–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 68 | March 22 | Detroit | 19970322 CHI 103 88 | Scottie Pippen (26) | Dennis Rodman (18) | Michael Jordan (7) | United Center23,896 | 59–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 69 | March 25 | Dallas | 19970325 CHI 94 92 | Jordan & Kerr (20) | Dennis Rodman (21) | Scottie Pippen (6) | United Center23,854 | 60–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 70 | March 27 | @ Toronto | 19970327 TOR 96 83 | Longley & Pippen (16) | Michael Jordan (10) | Scottie Pippen (7) | SkyDome34,104 | 61–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 71 | March 29 | New Jersey | 19970329 CHI 111 101 | Scottie Pippen (31) | Scottie Pippen (8) | Michael Jordan (10) | United Center23,916 | 62–9 Chicago Bulls April 4 1 3 3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 72 | April 1 | Boston | 19970401 CHI 111 106 | Michael Jordan (21) | Jason Caffey (9) | Scottie Pippen (7) | United Center23,906 | 63–9 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 73 | April 3 | @ Washington | 19970403 WSB 102 110 | Michael Jordan (34) | Caffey & Kukoč (8) | Michael Jordan (6) | US Airways Arena18,756 | 63–10 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 74 | April 4 | Cleveland | 19970404 CHI 84 71 | Michael Jordan (22) | Scottie Pippen (7) | Luc Longley (6) | United Center23,955 | 64–10 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 75 | April 6 | @ Orlando | 19970406 ORL 110 94 | Michael Jordan (37) | Caffey & Jordan (8) | Michael Jordan (5) | Orlando Arena17,248 | 65–10 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 76 | April 7 | Philadelphia | 19970407 CHI 128 102 | Michael Jordan (30) | Luc Longley (11) | Ron Harper (7) | United Center23,618 | 66–10 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 77 | April 9 | @ Indiana | 19970409 IND 86 80 | Michael Jordan (23) | Jason Caffey (16) | Scottie Pippen (3) | Market Square Arena16,760 | 67–10 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 78 | April 10 | @ New York | 19970410 NYK 105 103 | Michael Jordan (34) | Caffey & Jordan (8) | Michael Jordan (6) | Madison Square Garden19,763 | 68–10 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 79 | April 13 | @ Detroit | 19970413 DET 91 108 | Scottie Pippen (21) | Jason Caffey (10) | Michael Jordan (7) | The Palace of Auburn Hills21,454 | 68–11 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 80 | April 14 | Toronto | 19970414 CHI 117 100 | Michael Jordan (30) | Michael Jordan (11) | Michael Jordan (10) | United Center23,896 | 69–11 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 81 | April 16 | @ Miami | 19970416 MIA 92 102 | Scottie Pippen (28) | Michael Jordan (8) | Luc Longley (5) | Miami Arena15,200 | 69–12 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 82 | April 19 | New York | 19970419 CHI 101 103 | Michael Jordan (33) | 3 players tied (6) | Scottie Pippen (12) | United Center24,161 | 69–13 CHI 1997 Playoffs Chicago Bulls yes 1997 Total: 15–4 (Home: 10–1; Road: 5–3) Chicago Bulls First Round yes yes 2 0 1 0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | April 25 | Washington | 19970425 CHI 98 86 | Michael Jordan (29) | Scottie Pippen (10) | Michael Jordan (8) | United Center24,122 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | April 27 | Washington | 19970427 CHI 109 104 | Michael Jordan (55) | Scottie Pippen (9) | Luc Longley (6) | United Center24,267 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | April 30 | @ Washington | 19970430 WSB 96 95 | Michael Jordan (28) | Dennis Rodman (10) | Michael Jordan (6) | US Airways Arena18,756 | 3–0 Chicago Bulls Conference Semifinals yes 2 1 2 0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | May 6 | Atlanta | 19970506 CHI 100 97 | Michael Jordan (34) | Michael Jordan (11) | Michael Jordan (6) | United Center24,397 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | May 8 | Atlanta | 19970508 CHI 95 103 | Michael Jordan (27) | Michael Jordan (16) | Scottie Pippen (9) | United Center24,544 | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | May 10 | @ Atlanta | 19970510 ATL 100 80 | Michael Jordan (21) | Jason Caffey (11) | Kukoč & Pippen (5) | Omni Coliseum16,378 | 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | May 11 | @ Atlanta | 19970511 ATL 89 80 | Michael Jordan (27) | Jordan & Pippen (8) | 3 players tied (4) | Omni Coliseum16,378 | 3–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 5 | May 13 | Atlanta | 19970513 CHI 107 92 | Michael Jordan (24) | Dele & Longley (10) | Jordan & Pippen (7) | United Center24,544 | 4–1 Chicago Bulls Conference Finals yes 3 0 1 1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | May 20 | Miami | 19970520 CHI 84 77 | Michael Jordan (37) | Dennis Rodman (19) | Harper & Pippen (4) | United Center24,544 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | May 22 | Miami | 19970522 CHI 75 68 | Jordan & Pippen (23) | Dennis Rodman (10) | Ron Harper (6) | United Center24,544 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | May 24 | @ Miami | 19970524 MIA 98 74 | Michael Jordan (34) | Dennis Rodman (9) | Toni Kukoč (6) | Miami Arena14,720 | 3–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 4 | May 26 | @ Miami | 19970526 MIA 80 87 | Michael Jordan (29) | Dennis Rodman (11) | Scottie Pippen (5) | Miami Arena14,720 | 3–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 5 | May 28 | Miami | 19970528 CHI 100 87 | Michael Jordan (28) | Dennis Rodman (13) | Toni Kukoč (7) | United Center24,544 | 4–1 Chicago Bulls NBA Finals yes 3 0 1 2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | June 1 | Utah | 19970601 CHI 84 82 | Michael Jordan (31) | Dennis Rodman (12) | Michael Jordan (8) | United Center24,544 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | June 4 | Utah | 19970604 CHI 97 85 | Michael Jordan (38) | Michael Jordan (13) | Michael Jordan (9) | United Center24,544 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 3 | June 6 | @ Utah | 19970606 UTA 93 104 | Scottie Pippen (27) | Ron Harper (7) | Michael Jordan (6) | Delta Center19,911 | 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 4 | June 8 | @ Utah | 19970608 UTA 73 78 | Michael Jordan (22) | Scottie Pippen (12) | 3 players tied (4) | Delta Center19,911 | 2–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 5 | June 11 | @ Utah | 19970611 UTA 90 88 | Michael Jordan (38) | Scottie Pippen (10) | Jordan & Pippen (5) | Delta Center19,911 | 3–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 6 | June 13 | Utah | 19970613 CHI 90 86 | Michael Jordan (39) | Jordan & Rodman (11) | Michael Jordan (4) | United Center24,544 | 4–2 CHI yes 1997 Player stats Regular season PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG Brown, Randy Randy Brown 72 3 14.7 .420 .182 .679 1.5 1.8 1.12 .24 4.7 Buechler, Jud Jud Buechler 76 0 9.2 .367 .333 .357 1.7 .8 .30 .28 1.8 Caffey, Jason Jason Caffey 75 19 18.7 .532 .000 .659 4.0 1.2 .33 .12 7.3 Dele, Bison Bison Dele 9 0 15.3 .413 .000 .733 3.7 1.3 .33 .56 7.0 Harper, Ron Ron Harper 76 74 22.9 .436 .362 .707 2.5 2.5 1.13 .50 6.3 Jordan, Michael Michael Jordan 82 82 37.9 .486 .374 .833 5.9 4.3 1.71 .54 29.6 Kerr, Steve Steve Kerr 82 0 22.7 .533 .464 .806 1.6 2.1 .82 .04 8.1 Kukoc, Toni Toni Kukoč 57 15 28.2 .471 .331 .770 4.6 4.5 1.05 .51 13.2 Longley, Luc Luc Longley 59 59 24.9 .456 .000 .792 5.6 2.4 .39 1.12 9.1 Parish, Robert Robert Parish 43 3 9.4 .490 .000 .677 2.1 .5 .14 .44 3.7 Pippen, Scottie Scottie Pippen 82 82 37.7 .474 .368 .701 6.5 5.7 1.88 .55 20.2 Rodman, Dennis Dennis Rodman 55 54 35.4 .448 .263 .568 16.1 3.1 .58 .35 5.7 Simpkins, Dickey Dickey Simpkins 48 0 8.2 .333 .250 .700 1.9 .6 .10 .10 1.9 Steigenga, Matt Matt Steigenga 2 0 6.0 .250 .000 .500 1.5 1.0 .50 .50 1.5 Wennington, Bill Bill Wennington 61 19 12.8 .498 .000 .830 2.1 .7 .16 .18 4.6 Playoffs PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG Brown, Randy Randy Brown 17 5.8 .300 .000 .600 .6 .4 .47 .12 1.2 Buechler, Jud Jud Buechler 18 7.7 .419 .333 .600 1.3 .3 .17 .06 1.8 Caffey, Jason Jason Caffey 17 5 9.8 .455 .000 .786 2.5 .9 .18 .18 2.4 Dele, Bison Bison Dele 19 17.7 .481 .000 .516 3.7 .6 1.00 .42 6.1 Harper, Ron Ron Harper 19 19 27.1 .400 .344 .750 4.3 3.0 1.26 .74 7.5 Jordan, Michael Michael Jordan 19 19 42.3 .456 .194 .831 7.9 4.8 1.58 .89 31.1 Kerr, Steve Steve Kerr 19 17.9 .429 .381 .929 .9 1.1 .89 .11 5.0 Kukoc, Toni Toni Kukoč 19 22.3 .360 .358 .707 2.8 2.8 .68 .21 7.9 Longley, Luc Luc Longley 19 19 22.7 .548 .000 .385 4.4 1.8 .37 .84 6.5 Parish, Robert Robert Parish 2 9.0 .143 .000 .000 2.0 .0 .00 1.50 1.0 Pippen, Scottie Scottie Pippen 19 19 39.6 .417 .345 .791 6.8 3.8 1.47 .95 19.2 Rodman, Dennis Dennis Rodman 19 14 28.2 .370 .250 .577 8.4 1.4 .53 .21 4.2 Player statistics citation: NBA finals Schedule Game 1 – June 1, Sunday @Chicago, Chicago 84, Utah 82: Chicago leads series 1-0 Game 2 – June 4, Wednesday @Chicago, Chicago 97, Utah 85: Chicago leads series 2-0 Game 3 – June 6, Friday @Utah, Utah 104, Chicago 93: Chicago leads series 2-1 Game 4 – June 8, Sunday @Utah, Utah 78, Chicago 73: Series tied 2-2 Game 5 – June 11, Wednesday @Utah, Chicago 90, Utah 88: Chicago leads series 3-2 Game 6 – June 13, Friday @Chicago, Chicago 90, Utah 86: Chicago wins series 4-2 The Finals were played using a 2-3-2 site format, where the first two and last two games are held at the team with home court advantage's (Chicago's) home court (United Center). Game 1 Sunday, June 1, at the United Center Team1234TotalUtah1824221882Chicago1721242284 Game 2 Wednesday, June 4, at the United Center Team1234TotalUtah2011282685Chicago2522311997 Game 3 Friday, June 6, at the Delta Center Team1234TotalChicago2223153393Utah31301627104 Game 4 Sunday, June 8, at the Delta Center Team1234TotalChicago1624161773Utah2114212278 Game 5: The Flu Game Wednesday, June 11, at the Delta Center Game 5, often referred to as "The Flu Game", was one of Michael Jordan's most memorable. Just 24 hours earlier, on June 10, 1997, Jordan woke up nauseated and sweating profusely. He hardly had the strength to sit up in bed and was diagnosed with a stomach virus or food poisoning. The Bulls trainers told Jordan that there was no way he could play in the game. The Jazz had just won two in a row to tie the series, and Chicago needed their leader in this critical swing game. Against all odds, Jordan rose from bed at 3:00 p.m., just in time for the 6:00 tip-off at the Delta Center. Jordan was visibly weak and pale as he stepped onto the court for Game Five. At first, he displayed no energy whatsoever, and John Stockton, along with reigning MVP Karl Malone, quickly led the Jazz to a 16-point lead. But in the second quarter, Jordan started to sink shots despite lacking his usual explosive speed and hardly being able to concentrate. He scored 17 points in the quarter as the Bulls hit the front before halftime. Luc Longley and Scottie Pippen did their best to keep the Bulls in the game while Jordan was fatigued again in the third. But Jordan turned it on again, scoring 15 points in the fourth quarter, including a clutch rebound and three-point shot with the game tied and under a minute left that put the Bulls up by three points. Chicago held on for a narrow victory. Jordan finished the game with 38 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block. Malone was the highest-scoring Jazz player with 19 points but suffered from some dreadful shooting. Jordan stayed on the court for 44 minutes, resting for only four minutes while being perpetually at the brink of fainting. With only a few seconds remaining and the game finally at hand, Jordan collapsed into Scottie Pippen's arms. Game Recap Box Score Team1234TotalChicago1633182390Utah2924191688 Game 6 Friday, June 13, at the United Center Michael Jordan was not fully recovered from the flu, but was feeling much better and led the Bulls with 39 points. In the third quarter Michael Jordan dunked after a steal, bringing the crowd to its feet. The Bulls trailed by 9 points early in the fourth quarter but went on a 10–0 run to take their first lead since the opening minutes when Steve Kerr hit a 3-pointer, but the Jazz would regain the lead. In the final minutes, Jordan's fadeaway on the baseline put the Bulls up by 3, before Bryon Russell hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 86-86. The two teams would fail to score on their next possessions. With 28 seconds left after Shandon Anderson missed a reverse layup, the Jazz expected Jordan to take the final shot. Instead, Jordan passed off to Steve Kerr, who hit a shot with 5 seconds left to send the United Center crowd into a frenzy. The Jazz looked for one final shot to stay alive, but Scottie Pippen made a massive defensive play as he knocked away Bryon Russell's inbound pass intended for Shandon Anderson and was able to pass the ball over to Toni Kukoč, who dunked the final 2 points of the game to bring the Finals to an end. Afterwards, Jordan was named the NBA Finals MVP. Team1234TotalUtah2321261686Chicago1720272690 Awards and honors Scottie Pippen, Forward, NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team Michael Jordan, Guard, NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team Robert Parish, Center, NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team Michael Jordan, All-NBA Team, First Team Michael Jordan, Guard, NBA Finals MVP Michael Jordan, NBA All-Defensive First Team Michael Jordan, Regular season leader, Field Goals (920) Michael Jordan, Regular season leader, Field Goal Attempts (1892) Michael Jordan, Regular season leader, Total Points (2431) Michael Jordan, Regular season leader, Scoring Average (29.6 points per game) Scottie Pippen, All-NBA Team, Second Team Scottie Pippen, NBA All-Defensive First Team NBA All-Star Game Michael Jordan, Guard Scottie Pippen, Forward References External links Bulls on Database Basketball Bulls on Basketball Reference Category:Chicago Bulls seasons Chic Category:Eastern Conference (NBA) championship seasons Category:NBA championship seasons Chicago Chicago Category:1996 in Chicago Category:1997 in Chicago