Original subtitles

You know, I always wanted to be able to lead

Chicago Bulls from the bottom to the top.

The motivation was to show people that the first time it wasn't a fluke, that we were

going to be on top for a long period of time.

And this is a way to put a stamp on that and to do

it twice, give us some legitimacy as a friend says.

To get back on top and to do it in the fashion that you alleviate all the

questions that people had about your skills and your leadership qualities and

to, you know, more or less just say, hey, we're back.

After a two-year absence, the Chicago Bulls have regained the NBA throne.

It's getting tougher, just from facing all the different challenges of staying on top.

It's like the king of the hill.

I mean, everybody's going to be coming at you and trying to knock you off.

But each time you win, it's more gratifying, you know, that you have to be

withstood all the challenges and you are again, right back on top.

So we look forward to doing that again.

Fresh off last year's championship and an NBA record 72 wins, the Chicago Bulls seem

to have little left to prove as they enter the 1996-97 season.

We tried to take some pressure off our team,

so we started out very, very slow this year.

Single practices and training camp, some days off.

And we said, don't worry about getting off to a great start.

And we got off to the best start we've ever had as a franchise.

Harvard and Jordan.

Busler and Jordan, take it away.

Jordan, whoa.

They did give it to them once in Midland.

Chicago beginning to kick on all cylinders now.

Scotty in the middle.

Oh, yeah, Scotty, you're hard to the basket.

That is rough.

MJ's on that side.

Wow, yes, sir.

They saw what a great play by Scotty.

Oh, wait, look, come on, start it!

The fans in this building, one with it.

Michael in back court with four, with three with one.

Michael got it, it's gonna be that kind of afternoon for MJ.

The Bulls open the season in amazing 17-1, and as always,

the main catalysts were Michael Jordan and Scotty Pippen.

Everything has been special because we've tried to

take it to a higher level to become the greatest duo.

To ever play the game.

Michael was capable of incorporating Scotty's abilities and, you know,

telling them, sometimes you gotta help me out and some nights I'm not gonna have it.

I'll help you out if you don't have it.

We'll tag team this thing together.

He's gonna complain together so hard they know every move that they're gonna make.

When I walked away for the game for two years,

Scotty was exposed to what I had to deal with.

And we grew close, and you can see that with the way that we play.

And with their two leaders more in sync than ever.

The Bulls continued their blazing start.

They had a league best record of 42 and 6 entering all-star weekend, where Jordan

and Pippen were honored as two of the league's 50 greatest players.

They let us salute together the greatest NBA players of all time.

And fittingly, they would share an historic moment.

Here's Jordan with an opportunity.

There's a triple double from Michael Jordan.

But first ever in the history of the NBA All-Star game.

But it wasn't only Chicago's superstars who had a chance to shine.

Steve Turd is on fire.

He but not this.

This is the biggest, the money ball.

Oh, yes!

And this year's All-Star weekend, three-point shooting champion, Steve Kerr.

Kerr highlighted the importance of the Bulls role players,

who each make their own contribution to the team's success.

I think a lot of it is Phil's philosophy of using the bench, using all 12 guys,

having everybody feel like a big part of it.

And as a result, you know, kind of making

the team more than just the sum of its parts.

Oh, yeah!

There are so many outstanding role players on this Chicago Bowl team.

When players have something to offer a team, a coach has to recognize their

individual talents and what they can give to a basketball club.

So I like to make everybody feel like they have a role that they can play on the team.

Beautifully done.

Unselfish teamwork.

When you feel wanted to end your field needed, it inspires you to play better,

thus making you more wanted, more needed.

With their unique blend of talents and teamwork, the Bulls were stampeding their

way through the season, and having fun doing it.

Kerr goes down low for Luke.

Rodman looking wall.

Rose at the Tony.

Randy Brown starting to slow it down, brings it inside.

It's inside, Jason putting on his show for the fans here.

Here to run, there it is.

Back door to PEP on the reverse.

Yes!

Oh, he does not have a handle.

But some loud made it go 44 for PEP on career high.

Right low.

Four extension, right?

More than an end.

Chief Chief, look.

Brother, give it back.

Hammer down for the chief.

Let it fly, let it fly.

Jason with the steal.

Fix it up.

See if he can go all the way.

Can't be goes down off the grid.

Hang on it, count it and he's fouled.

What a ball game for Jason Gaffey.

Pippin to Jordan, time running down for the win.

But as the season entered its final weeks, the joy that it

seemed to envelop the Bulls would now begin to evaporate.

They encountered the first major roadblocks in their drive to repeat as

champions, losing several of their key players to injuries.

We had everything, I guess, working against us because we had a lot of

injuries and guys out of the line up here and there.

It was tough.

To help fill the void, they signed free agent

Brian Williams who had not played all season.

Williams, he'll go up inside this finish.

Got to finish that play.

The team that had been a juggernaut had suddenly begun to falter.

We

had a bunch of guys on the floor that hadn't played together and the chemistry

and the feeling that we've had on the court wasn't there and we struggled.

To

back 70 win seasons.

What had begun with all the makings of another record setting season had ended in

doubt and the timing could not have been worse.

Suddenly, our season was tilted in a jar and we never really had an intact group.

The very last month, it was going to be a push to just get going in the playoffs.

Good evening everyone and welcome to Bulls basketball at the United Center as we get

the playoffs underway in round one game one.

Determined to put their late season slump behind them, the Bulls opened the playoffs

against a young and hungry Washington bullet team out to

make a bold statement against the defending champions.

But in game one, Washington's hopes of an upset would

be snuffed out by the Bulls suffocating defense.

How are you?

Mumps it out.

How are you?

I think

that our defense was key tonight.

That's what you need in the playoffs.

We had to put on our defense to kind of pull this along.

Undaunted, the confident bullets stayed close again in game two, but they had no

answer for the Bulls leader who was simply unstoppable.

It didn't mean that's kind of afternoon for M.D.

He's putting on a show here.

I'm telling you, this has been some kind of offensive performance by Michael Jordan.

He's adding to the legend today.

Jordan would burn the bullets for 55 points and

carry the Bulls to victory in spectacular style.

That is one of the extraordinary playoff performances in the history of the NBA.

I got into that zone if you want to call it.

And I couldn't get out.

You know, when I apologize for text after the game.

Sorry about the triangle text.

I kind of forgot about the triangle.

And, you know, I mean, once I got into that mode, I just couldn't turn it off.

But back home in Washington, the bullets would not go

quietly and had the champs on the ropes late in game three.

Sometimes we're down 17 or 18, building something.

Hey, we got these guys right where we want them.

Don't worry about anything.

We come back and win those games.

The guys on our team just know how to win.

Charging back from a nine-point deficit in the final five minutes, the Bulls still

found themselves in need of some last second heroics.

95-94 bullets by one.

Michael off the dribble, darts to the lane, went in the air, lost it.

Scotty got it back.

Pippin' and drive.

Let's go!

He got it!

And the Bulls go on.

They sweep the bullets on a drive and a dunk by Scotty Pippin.

Lying in wait in the second round with the Atlanta Hawks,

a team eager to shatter the Bulls' championship mystique.

And as the series began, Chicago's doubts

resurfaced as they once again seemed vulnerable.

The Atlanta Hawks playing energized basketball and causing problems for Phil Jackson.

Bulls really look out of sorts right now.

The aggressive Hawks quickly proved they were not in awe of the Bulls' dynasty.

The Bulls just look dispirited now.

They look like their hearts aren't even in this.

Pending Chicago's first home playoff loss in 14

games, Atlanta would steal the home court advantage.

The Atlanta Hawks stunned the Chicago Bulls here in game two.

We're just kind of down for his energy-wise.

We're not executing.

But unless we do the things that we've done all season to get 69 wins and we're

not going to pull another win out of this series.

And in Atlanta, the Hawks gained even more confidence.

Taking an early lead in game three.

All the Atlanta fans were going crazy.

We were down 10 midway through the second quarter.

And we were a little unsure of ourselves.

We just didn't quite have it.

Smith, wide open left side.

Good race girl!

Atlanta, they are jacked up as they have dominated this game.

It's been a great concern of the part of the Chicago Bulls.

Oh, we just weren't playing Bulls basketball.

And it was tough.

But Michael Skye stepped up and showed great leadership.

And we started to get things wrong a little bit.

As they had done so many times before, Jordan and Pippen would bring the Bulls back.

Long lead for Michael.

MJ catches back to Pippen running in layup.

The Bulls that are now turning it up a little bit.

The Bulls have suddenly showed some life.

The first game of Atlanta.

I think we really needed Scotty and Michael.

The leaders of the team are always there and they're pushing us.

And the rest of the team would follow their lead.

It's only three Tony fires.

No!

Two coats!

Wow!

Lead pass Pippen.

Scotty for Brian Williams.

The Bulls had now broken the game open.

And it was left to Jordan to provide the finishing touch.

Oh, handed wrap around.

Good!

For Michael Jordan.

Hawks appearing to have won out a guess.

The Bulls would see this game as a turning point.

We seemed to have a breakthrough and we went on to a 20-point victory.

I think we sort of broke through some barriers there

and started to play much better after that game.

The rejuvenated Bulls would now finish off Atlanta.

Three, a give it to Ray!

The energy everything has been picked up by the Bulls.

The Bulls are on fire again.

They're just picking me.

Hawks apart now.

The world champions playing like they want to repeat.

Outstanding!

Pass by Dennis!

Wow!

That's could be the nail in the coffin.

Emphatically closing out the series, Jordan would

send one final message to the upstart Hawks.

Oh, Harry get it!

And Michael shakes the finger!

He said I never dunked on him.

And I said well I'll eventually get you before I leave again.

And tonight was a great time for it.

Hi again everybody and welcome.

Once again the Bulls basketball.

The Bulls and the Miami Heat.

About set to square off here at the United Center.

Crowd is excited.

This ought to be a fun series.

Throughout the year, once we never wanted to lose it with Miami.

Over the season of, you know, Roy developed a real strong rivalry with them.

Their physical play really brings out the best in us.

And the Bulls would counter Miami's muscle

with their own overpowering display of defense.

I don't think that people really realize how well the Chicago Bulls can defend.

Miami was a big test for us.

But our guys, you know, showed that they could step up and play, you know,

the tremendous deep.

We know at one stage doing the basketball game that we're gonna just hold you down.

Smothering the Heat, Chicago captured the first two

games and rode their wave of momentum right into Miami.

Where their opportunistic defense would get them off and running.

And they never looked back.

George, we're from Omaha.

Blowing out the Heat in their own building, Chicago would take in a firm

grip on the series and learn some valuable lessons as well.

I'm gonna come up over the top of it.

The shot's good.

We figured out how to not go macho for macho against them, but, you know,

play within yourself.

Play your game, meet their intensity.

But don't let them take you out of what you're trying to do on the court.

Having been embarrassed by the Bulls, Miami was

in desperate need of a rallying cry for Game 4.

And they would get it from their leader, Alonzo Morning.

We will win on Monday.

We're gonna win on Monday.

The Heat would take command right from the start.

With Morning, eager to deliver on his bold guarantee.

That's what the Miami Heat have been looking for.

Alonzo's open the sides.

This is just with the Chicago Bulls.

We're at the stop in this whole series.

We felt they tried to take out manhood.

They beat us up.

They pounded on us.

Heat aren't going away without a fight.

Alonzo Morning was doing a lot of talking in the entire series.

And when he elbowed Scotty and Scotty got the bump on

his head, I think Michael kind of took it personally.

And I think that set Michael off.

So when he came back into practice after that weekend

on Tuesday, he's a guy's this one's a personal test.

And we'll come out there today.

I want this game to be a grudge patch.

This person will be safe.

They wouldn't lie in tension in a lot of hearts.

Let's go.

And from the beginning, Jordan would serve notice

to the Heat that he was on a personal mission.

Yeah, Stuart from Michael Jordan.

Jordan with the dribble.

Pull up for Sean Leonard.

Yes!

Michael Jordan is on fire!

And even though Scotty Pippen would be forced out of the game, early with an

injured foot, the rest of the bows would help Michael finish his mission.

Of course there is there.

It's a hot job.

Happy strong flow.

Awful.

Took it to the hoop and drew down a slapper.

Their collective will had lifted them once more.

Oh man!

Look at Tony.

He is pumped up.

And with their emotional triumph, the bows would convincingly wrap up the series.

And steamrolled their way to the finals.

Crowd is on its final.

Yes, sir.

It's good to be at the top of the net.

You know, to come up short doesn't really mean nothing.

You know, we want to get all the way to the ring and make it five.

Awaiting the bows in the finals were MVP Carl Malone, John Stockton, and the Utah

Jazz, who had finally become Western Conference Champions.

We fought a long time to get here.

We didn't just come here just to show up.

We came here to play.

And as long as we as a team believe in ourself

and believe that we can beat these guys, we can.

Hi everybody and welcome to Chicago for the NBA World Championship Game 1.

It should be a damn deal.

Yeah, we're taking over.

We're going to win tonight.

Trying to win one for the thumb.

The fifth time in seven years.

And now they go against the amazing Todd Jazz.

John Stockton in the car about.

You play them pukering.

Game 1 pukering.

You couldn't have asked for a better matchup, especially with slow ties to Chicago.

You're doing it now.

How are you doing?

And it's hard to go against Michael Jordan and home court advantage, but with a

sub-par Scotty Pippin, I think Utah has an excellent

chance to grab one of these first two games.

Control Stockton, that means everybody gets your eye on him.

Make sure you see it where he's at on the court

and they'll get the balls to him right away.

This is what you look hard for.

What time is it?

Game 1!

Since the dawn of spring, the Utah Jazz have

been the best basketball team in the NBA.

They're ready and there's no excuses from Utah.

This series features the NBA's most valuable player in the

guy who many feel should have won this year's MVP award.

Relax.

I'm not going to fool you.

I'm not going to fool you.

Relax.

And from the beginning, the Jazz were determined to make

it clear that they belonged on the NBA's biggest stage.

That's exactly the type of ball that Utah has to play.

Carmero, got it by right by the following.

Fifteen foot by the main good.

As Utah grabbed an early lead, the Bulls struggled

to chip away the rust of a five-day layoff.

The Bulls are off to a very shaky start.

It's Bill Jackson.

The middle upset team didn't come out with more intensity.

Let's get ourselves together.

Right above.

And in typical Chicago fashion, it was the

Bulls' defense that provided them with a spark.

And the rebound and a bite caught.

Traveling violations.

What a play by Harper.

Same thing you get, John.

But I don't want to hear that.

Same thing you get.

The Jazz clung to a slim lead as game one evolved into a classic battle with the

superstars from each team rising to the challenge.

Here's Jordan.

I'm going to pull it up, fade away, four feet, putters.

Good, my God.

Come on!

Three-four Bulls.

And Harper battles through it a second time.

Now with all those, pass it.

Yeah!

Yeah, boy!

Let's go, go!

The Bulls, however, would get an unexpected lift from a determined Scotty Pippen.

Pippen are showing some signs to strike the foot injury.

Lashes to the top, taken away by Pippen who blocked Russell and easy lay out,

the place will explode.

Scotty Pippen has really sorry now.

Jordan putting moves on ice lay and outs it out.

Yes!

Pippen with a three-point bomb.

What an incredible basketball game!

This is it, my man.

This is what you work hard for.

Have fun.

In the closing minutes, with the outcome hanging in

the balance, the stage was set for a dramatic finish.

And each team's leading men would again step forward.

They've got it right there, back to the basketball game.

Down low, left in the Jordan box in, one on the second.

Michael left to right, far the way, 15 from Jordan.

Chicago names.

And John needs to play with pause here.

Goes right side, back to the bail man.

Faking, driving, forcing it up and in.

Great move on the other hand, Scoop.

The jazz lead, 79, 78.

Rebotted by Harper.

Back to Pippen for three.

Pippen's three.

Ladies and God, Pippen with a three.

It's 81, 79.

Hey, can't get any better than this.

Stocked in circles.

Look at it.

Locked in wide rock.

Stocked in down low, down dry.

Back to stock, three pointer.

He got it.

He got it.

John Stunken.

Oh, Jack is part of the wall.

82, 81.

It's going to be whoever has the ball last.

Chicago's got to be concerned, folks.

Stocked it.

Off the dribble.

Stocked the top of the game.

Stocked it.

Jack's one.

He missed it.

One rebound below.

below.

Got it.

Nine seconds.

There's a loose ball foul.

It's a rug.

That puts Carl Malone to the line with a game tied in 82.

Hello now with the first free throw.

Takes this time to crowd fronting behind the glass.

No, even...

Now the ball's with an opportunity.

One more for Carl Malone.

Nine seconds left in this game.

Let's make sure you follow through and don't short on him.

This is it.

Got to get this rebound.

The wall.

That's good.

That's good.

That's good.

What do you think Phil Jackson is thinking about

will a lot of automatically be Michael Jordan?

I think it'll go to Michael Jordan and then let him create.

Full of basketball and a chance to win it right here.

Two coaches.

Got the ball in bounds for Pippin.

Here is Michael.

Four on the shot clock.

Now keeps it on.

On the dribble.

Russell's there.

MJ.

Top of the circle.

Against Russell.

Michael.

Hangs.

Fire.

Go!

If somebody asks you to name your three favorite are the three you remember best.

1982 is easy.

Cleveland is certainly easy.

That's only two I can remember.

I'm getting seen now I guess.

I've had so many I can't even remember.

It's been 72 hours since Michael Jordan performed the latest in a career filled

with heroics and players and fans have waited

anxiously for this game to the best of seven.

After their heartbreaking loss in game one the jazz looked about back.

But on this night they face a Chicago team that was hitting on all cylinders.

Chicago coming down up a couple of field goals and greedy for more.

Along they gonna lay it in.

Slam dunk.

Chicago playing like the champions.

Michael Lances.

What a beginning.

It's all falling apart for the jazz right now.

What a second time out.

They're just gonna have to totally regroup.

Reeling from Chicago's onslaught.

The jazz tried to fight their way back.

Stockton.

Look at the other car on the road.

Crowd's got a twist right.

Look at score.

Utah.

Natalie the way.

One of suck fires one up.

Oh, it hits.

Yeah, boy.

And who knows what's gonna happen here?

But the Bulls had all the answers.

And they would find a way to stop the Utah surge.

And he hopes of a jazz rally quickly faded as their

finely tuned offense was completely shut down.

The story here in game two.

Law rejected.

Recovered by Anderson.

Oh, bullshit, bullshit.

Twenty-four second violence.

The defense has been suffocating.

The jazz can't get anything off.

When you got incredibly agile active, long arm

defenders, you can really commit to the ball.

And we had guys just jump in the ball hammer, stock it on the loan or whatever

it was that had the ball and make it hard for them to get anywhere with offers.

And it's tight for them.

Well, this is Chicago ball basketball.

It's all flicking now.

With the Bulls at their best, the route was on.

The way picked back up by Stock and Michael Osteer.

M.J.

runs in by Russell.

Michael at the top of the key with the Pippity.

He goes up to the great pass from M.J.

One injured by Chicago.

Finishing one assists Chai of a triple double.

Jordan would again turn the finals into his own personal showcase.

Back to Michael, circles, runs inside.

Reverses now!

They don't want to go by it, J.S.

But the J.S.

still had to endure one final dagger.

Not the way, Dennis got it back.

Wheels, fires a three.

Oh, man!

Icing on the cake.

Chicago, up to 0.

Let's go to Salt Lake.

We just got waxed tonight as a whole.

And now we go home.

And now you go home, try to protect your home court.

You are witnessing history in Salt Lake City.

It has never happened before.

The Utah Jazz, a home team in the NBA Finals.

Seen outside the Delta Center, frankly, a party.

Thank you!

Chicago doesn't know what Windy is until the Jazz is blown away.

Show me the title!

I expect that crowd to be extremely loud, a little bit rowdy, and ready to roll.

That'll be 20,000 of them.

You want to be able to hear yourself talking to them.

I mean, they absolutely go bananas.

Not in the house!

Sit out!

The Bulls would love to take the three at home and the Jazz

in a desperate situation where they need a win for sure.

Good after this team early.

You can just sponsor early in your triangle, so you can operate and sell settled in.

Play hard every play.

But the Bulls were taken right out of their game

plan by a jazz team that was suddenly re-energized.

Setting a new tone with their aggressive

play, Utah came storming back into the series.

So Utah has come out full of dresses.

Stock front court left.

Stock down the middle of the ball, man!

Drive!

Hang, score!

Cannon!

He's found!

Fast break!

Basketball for the Utah Jazz.

Carl, pre-throw line.

Jump it up!

Here!

You got a champion!

That great toss door!

The Bulls seem frustrated tonight.

Foster for free!

The Jazz put their biggest lead of the game.

Now the Bulls are getting to unravel a little bit.

We're not on the boards, and I get second.

Your team defense is absolutely horrible.

And things would only get worse for the Bulls, as Carl

Malone would deliver one of his greatest performances.

Now top Carl Malone fake left go right power to the hoop scuba score!

The ball, man!

Malone simply took over the game, scoring 37 points.

Tom Malone with a big-time game.

L.B.T.

L.B.T.

A chant of L.B.T.

for Carl Malone.

You got it, love it, baby!

Slam the ball, baby!

Slam the ball, baby!

You got it!

You got it!

You got it!

You would hardly believe that this is the same team, which dominated game two.

It's either the Altitude, or they did not take the Jazz seriously.

The altitude or anything else by their Michael tonight.

There is a certain factor about that.

Usually the first run, these guys kind of acclimate

themselves to it, but they're the ones that experience it.

I was a little bit short of breath on the sideline, but not too bad.

If you get the ball down there, shaped up early enough, you could keep

driving this to a very easy, because they'll be all over the ballpark.

They're just going to run around and play defense all over.

You just keep your space, you can still run in the heart.

The Bulls had lost some of their momentum, but not their composure.

Getting ready for game four, they calmly prepared to execute their strategy.

Go, go, go, go, go, dammit!

But as the game began, Chicago's carefully crafted

plan was derailed by Utah's furious attack.

But nothing is going smoothly at the offensive end for Chicago.

Everything is a struggle, and you have to

get a lot of that credit to the jazz defense.

But blocked by Oster turn for Parker, able to hang in.

Utah starting to find the rhythm.

Bounce them alone.

Bangton, erodement goes up and score.

No call.

Utah's got a head of steam.

Pointy, offbound and shot, black by Pippa, picked up by Carmelo.

Derussel for three, for the angle right.

Yes, jazz up 48-24.

The jazz continued their assault.

Down the middle, the Foster's head up, they're faster!

The bull stuck to their game plan.

Rob the deep pass, moving on to the next guy.

Chicago battled to stay within range and his game four, and to the final stretch,

they began one of their trademark runs.

Water through the alley.

Facials solved up.

Chicago finally getting some good ball movement.

Michael down the lane, he's up the ball.

All the way to the hole.

Back to Carmelo, the angle left, following 16 footer.

No good.

The bull's doing a terrific job defensively, taking the jazz out of his game.

Re-modified trip, but it happens to him.

That's all right.

On the breakaway.

And the bull's 3.5.

The bulls have taken control of the game, and

seemed on the verge of putting the jazz away.

I mean, we're at five, and we wanted to put a nail on the coffin.

Didn't work out that way.

Once again, the resilient jazz disrupted the bull's plan.

Re-yess!

John Stackett makes it 71-69!

George, what's the goal?

Tom Russell.

You lost it!

Staging an emotional comeback, Utah would stun the usually unflappable chance.

Michael Jordan.

That is a tough call against Jordan here.

Jordan, right side.

Michael, up top, 20 footer.

No good.

Re-mod, Stackett.

I hold the Carmelo.

He's got it.

Stack to the bull.

Incredible.

That's yours.

Take the lead.

Jordan outside with Russell there.

Fires the trick.

No, rattles out.

Utah's going to win this baby.

This baby's over.

Utah has won.

Game four.

And this series is deadlock.

Had two victories on piece.

Did you believe it?

Did you believe it?

Did you believe it?

Did you believe it?

Did you believe it?

Did you believe it?

Did you believe it?

I mean, we came here to try to get one game, and that's still there ahead of us.

So it's definitely the pivotal game of this series,

and we feel like we still have opportunity to go up.

But the bull's confidence would soon give way to concern, as they received a

stunning blow in the hours leading up to game five.

Now, the big story here tonight concerning Michael Jordan's physical conditions.

He is suffering from flu-like symptoms.

His status is uncertain.

This is Carl Maloney.

He has to show the world just how great a player he is.

One of the jazz they have to win tonight if their dream is going to come true.

The bad news for the bulls, the stomach virus that has hit Michael Jordan and he

wondered just how much, how long, and how hard he'll be able to go.

Never in the history of the NBA since they've gone to the

2-3-2 format as the home team will all three of the games.

The game to a jazz are favored to do exactly that.

I don't know if Michael can carry the bulls on the road against the jazz.

This is the finals and this team is for real and he needs help.

And unless he gets it, I don't believe they're going to win game five.

With Jordan stricken by illness, the bulls

would find themselves walking into a lion's den.

As they face the surging jazz, the leaves MVP

and one of the NBA's most frenzied crowds.

Stockton, looking, whipped inside, Malone goes up and counts and a foul.

And early on, Chicago's worst fears would be

realized as Utah would explode out of the gate.

Everything's looking right now for Utah.

And it's ready to boot that pass, knocked away, but

Malone runs it down with a good hustle and it's a favor.

This is an embarrassment for Chicago.

The rebound Steve Kerr.

Kerr?

I had to tone in, he threw it away.

Two cooks never swatted out again.

This is going to be a blowout.

And things would go from bad to worse for Chicago as the

jazz stormed to a 16-point lead in the second quarter.

But if you let this get any more out of reach now, you're at a point where,

especially with Michael Ailing, you're in danger of putting yourself in a

position where you have no chance to win the game.

Dump to Michael, MJ against Russell to the free throw line, hangs in the air,

jumper good.

Oh, shots.

Nothing but net for Michael.

Despite his weakened condition, Jordan valiantly kept his bulls in contention.

And Jordan with 12 of the 16 points here in the second quarter.

And the studio played Jordan.

He's behind the back out of Russell.

He turned it around.

And finished it.

But

with their leader exhausted, the question remained

whether the bulls could stay within range.

And before half-time, the jazz would provide an ominous answer.

Russell's open on Bushler.

Slam.

Oh, a big time slam.

Utah will take a lead in intervention.

We talked about that uphill fight.

Especially in front of a crowd like this, and a team as good as Utah.

Sometimes you carry the fight to them, but you just don't have enough energy.

Michael still doesn't feel very well.

The bulls need other guys to step in and step up.

Utah just playing un-buster basketball.

No matter what you do to them, they run right back at you.

Throughout the second half, the fatigue Jordan

would somehow keep the bulls in the game.

M.J.

For three.

Yes, sir.

M.J.

and Trey.

Game five had now developed into a tense back-and-forth battle.

Honestly, I got Jordan in the air.

Here's the shot.

Good.

This is going to be real tough down the stretch.

This fourth quarter is going to be a war.

Michael, a drive through traffic.

Scoop the shot of a scores.

No scores.

Off shot.

Jordan is absolutely exhausted and worn out.

And Michael is dead on his feet.

Sustered.

This is where Utah's been great for the game close.

Shot clock at four.

Yes!

Here is the delta center.

Here is Jordan outside.

Chicago down three.

Puts it down.

Drives the lane around the eight footer.

Yes!

And it's a one point, Utah lead.

Michael, Jordan, incredible!

As this pivotal contest reached its waning moments, the

jazz would once again look to seize control of the series.

It goes loose ball.

Picked up by Harness.

No whistle.

Shot clock two.

Stocked it.

Three.

Another huge three.

Five.

Stocked it.

Stocked for the hit for the enormous four.

Sweat just pouring off Michael Jordan.

No time to rest now.

MJ, this will be the guttiest performance, maybe all time.

And all eyes here are going to be on Michael Jordan.

And on top, Pippin wants it.

Wants to go on 100 seconds.

Demand at the ball.

Back Michael.

Open three.

Yes!

They lead it!

38 points for the care.

Stuck a dagger at him with a three.

Yes!

Jordan's crushing three pointer.

Would finish off the jazz in game five.

And cap off one of the most unforgettable performances in NBA history.

Gracious.

Gracious.

By the fluid.

Michael Jordan.

Eddie gave us Dave's unbelievable.

He's teammates.

We really appreciate the way that he steps up and shows leadership for a ball ball.

I didn't want to give up.

You know, no matter how sick I was, or how tired I was, or how low on energy I

was, I felt the obligation to my team, to the city

of Chicago to go out and give that extra effort.

Tonight the curtain drops as the greatest show on Earth performs for the last time.

The drive for five will end right where it started, as

the Bulls will be crowned kings of the hill once again.

You got enough to end it tonight?

I do.

I hope everybody else does too.

They want to get this done tonight.

They don't want to have to go to a game seven where almost anything can happen.

First of all, if you all know, Gracious about this game, this game in

which we're all a little nervous about going

out performing well and doing it right there.

We don't plan on just going out.

Not quietly, not easy.

So you can guarantee it's going to be a war tonight.

Don't think about anything but the play ahead.

The next play, the play you're in, your mind and focus.

If the Bulls can win the title tonight, Chicago will

become the third franchise to win five titles in a decade.

The greatest athlete of our time hopes tonight is a coronation

of the greatest dynasty the NBA has seen in three decades.

But the Jazz were determined to write their own chapter

in history and not allow a coronation at their expense.

Hello, from Stockton!

Chicago is starting slowly and Utah is taking advantage of that.

Here they come.

Utah and a hurry.

The Bulls kind of stood around.

Oh, no, sir.

Oh, yes!

Look out, Chicago.

It's not going to be easy.

Wrap it up tonight.

The Bulls have not answered the challenge.

Beautiful ball.

But Jordan refused to let the frustrated Bulls lose their poise.

Midway through the second quarter, with Chicago

trailing by ten, he would begin to lead them back.

We'll seem to have a little more energy right now starting

to find a little bit of rhythm on the defensive end.

Foster firing, and Mystic Badly is a rebound.

Brian Williams whipped ahead to hit the middle.

Great look up the court by Brian Williams.

The United Center is rocking.

The Bulls making a run.

Back to Michael.

M.J.

Hangs.

Fires.

Go!

Bring it!

The Jazz, however, were answering every Chicago run with one of their own.

Utah tenacious, not giving up that lead.

Hunter was a beautiful ball to beat.

Biggest lead of game six, it's a ten-point advantage for the Utah Jazz.

In the waning moments of the third quarter, Utah still refused to relinquish

its lead, and with the game slipping away, there was little doubt what was going

through the minds of the Bulls and their leader.

From day one, you will end up playing in June and winning the championship.

And it's a lot of bumps in the road.

So we understand what it takes to get to this level.

By no means do we want to give this up in the win championship.

This is a dream.

Now, the dream is sustained as long as you're still playing the game basketball.

And with Jordan setting the tone, the Bulls would show the resolve of champions.

The rebound back tapped out of there and Bushler has it.

Shot for three.

You were half before.

What a great shot by Joe Bushler.

Definitely against Malone.

Scotty.

For three.

Come on!

Yes!

That's a crowd

back into the game on their feet throughout.

And a bushel.

Corner.

For three.

I think I don't need that.

I'm sleeping.

I'm going to go for it.

I'm checking the lead for the first time.

I'm going to put a champ on answer points.

But Utah would not fold.

And just as they had done throughout the finals,

the Jazz would once again push Chicago to the limit.

Sex saves in Anderson.

Here comes three for Russell.

Oh, yes!

And a novice shot by Brian Russell.

He's tied by Game and Union six.

The Bulls have it with 28 seconds left.

In the final seconds with the score tied in the game on the

line, this classic series would hinge on one dramatic play.

A great

time to be a scoop of anybody, but Michael Jordan takes a shot.

It is Michael Jordan time.

Scotty Pimpin looking.

Looking for Michael Jordan.

Michael, six seconds.

Five.

Michael, in traffic to code.

15 points.

Harry, the jumper!

The second.

The lead.

And the fourth point.

Russell to end down.

Look it.

Look it.

Skip the cross.

Kippin' the scale.

Scotty.

Sage of the title.

He runs.

He got it.

The third.

The third.

The third.

The fifth.

The third.

The third.

Two points.

The drive for five.

And Tender Modey, a brain from the United Center.

Tonight, Stieper earned his wings.

From my perspective.

Cause I had faith in him and he believed in himself

and I passed in the ball and he knocked his shot down.

And extraordinary effort.

Congratulations, Chicago.

Congratulations, Chicago Bulls.

Congratulations, these spectacular players.

One of the hardest things in sports to try to

do is defend the championship that you have.

The Bulls have been able to do it.

Repeat.

Wow.

Five times in seven years.

They are the best in the world.

I want to take my hand off to the two leaders on this team.

Scotty.

And Michael.

Congratulations.

Michael Jordan, 1997.

Finals MVP.

It's hard to take this MVP by myself.

He's got to take half of it.

I'll take the trophy.

He may get the call.

Let's go.

It looks like they're celebrating New Year's Eve here in the United Center.

There you know, filming you, filming me, filming us at our annual year-end party.

Until Chelsea congratulations and I hope to see you at college.

You know, last year I wanted to kiss my wife and I

actually accidentally reached for Lindsey Bushler.

So this year I guess I should actually reach my wife.

A lot of people have been asking me about the shot the other night.

And there have been some misconceptions about what actually happened.

I wanted to clear it up.

When we called time out with 25 seconds to go, we went into the huddle.

Phil told Michael.

He said, Michael, I want you to take the last shot.

And Michael said, you know, Phil, I don't feel real comfortable in these situations.

So maybe we ought to go in another direction.

The guy came in and said, you know, Phil, Michael said in his commercial that,

you know, he's been asked to do this 26 times and he's failed.

So why don't we go to Steve?

So I thought to myself, well, I guess I got to bail Mike Rod again.

Well, I've been carrying him all year, so, you know, what's one more time.

The shot went in, and that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

Great story.

That is a great story.

Some people can say MVP once, or twice, or three

times, or four, but how about the finals five times?

MVP!

Michael Jordan!

From 1998, you got to go out and celebrate and

go back to every city and say we won number six.

Hopefully, number seven, number eight, number nine, number ten.