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The Chicago Bulls beat the Atlanta Hawks 100-97 in the 1997 NBA Playoffs. With the game tied at 97-97, Scottie Pippen made a three-point shot with 43.9 seconds left on the clock. This broke the tie and secured the Bulls' victory. The Bulls went on to win their third straight championship in the 1997-98 NBA season, beating the Utah Jazz 4 games to 2 in the 1998 NBA Finals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 1997 |
| Competition | NBA Finals |
| Teams Involved | Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz |
| Winner | Chicago Bulls |
| Final Score | 84-82 |
| Top Scorers | Scottie Pippen (27 points), Michael Jordan (31 points) |
| MVP | Michael Jordan |
| Series Score | 4-2 |
| Notable Events | Scottie Pippen blocked Antoine Carr's shot, Michael Jordan's game-winning jumper, Karl Malone missed two crucial free throws |
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What You'll Learn
Michael Jordan's fifth MVP title
The Bulls dominated Game 2, taking control with a 12-0 second-quarter run. However, they struggled in the first half of Game 3, scoring just 37 points. Jordan's dunk after a steal brought the crowd to its feet, and the Bulls went on a 10-0 run to take the lead in the fourth quarter. The game remained close, with the Jazz regaining the lead, but Jordan's fadeaway jumper in the final minutes extended the Bulls' lead to three points. The two teams traded baskets, and the game was tied at 86 with 1:44 left. In the closing moments, Jordan made one of two free throws to tie the game at 82, and the Bulls ultimately won the game and the series, claiming their sixth championship in franchise history.
Jordan led the league with 28.7 points per game during the regular season and continued his dominant scoring in the playoffs. He averaged a Finals-record 41.0 points per game during the six-game series, becoming the first player in NBA history to win three consecutive Finals MVP awards. Jordan's performance in the 1997 NBA Finals cemented his legacy as one of the greatest clutch performers in NBA history.
Jordan's individual accolades are impressive. He achieved six NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, ten NBA scoring titles, five NBA MVP awards, 10 All-NBA First Team designations, nine All-Defensive First Team honours, 14 NBA All-Star Game selections, three NBA All-Star Game MVP awards, three NBA steals titles, and the 1988 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. He holds numerous scoring records, including the highest career regular-season and playoff scoring averages. Jordan's impact extended beyond the court, as he was named the 20th century's greatest North American athlete by ESPN and was recognised as one of the athletes of the century by the Associated Press.
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Chicago Bulls' second straight championship
The Chicago Bulls won their second straight championship in 1992, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers and winning their second of three consecutive NBA championships. The team was led by Michael Jordan, who was named Finals MVP for the second time in his career.
The 1991-1992 season was a successful one for the Bulls, who racked up a franchise record of 67 wins. In the first round of the playoffs, they swept the Miami Heat, then defeated the Knicks in seven games in the second round, and the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games in the third round. This set the stage for the Finals, where they faced the Clyde Drexler-led Portland Trail Blazers. The Bulls clinched the championship with a 4-2 series win, with Paxson's three-pointer giving them a 99-98 victory in Game 6.
The following season, the Bulls continued their dominance, winning their third consecutive championship. They defeated the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks in the first three rounds of the playoffs before facing the Phoenix Suns in the Finals. Despite stiff competition, the Bulls emerged victorious once again, with a 4-2 series win. This marked the end of the Bulls' second three-peat, with Michael Jordan announcing his retirement shortly after.
The Bulls' dynasty during the 1990s played a significant role in popularizing the NBA worldwide. The team was characterized by its star-studded lineup, including Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and coach Phil Jackson. Jordan, in particular, left an indelible mark on the league, becoming the all-time leader in points scored in the NBA Playoffs in 1997-1998. The Bulls' success culminated in six NBA championships between 1991 and 1998, cementing their legacy as one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history.
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Utah Jazz's first NBA Finals
The Utah Jazz made their first NBA Finals appearance during the 1996-97 season, and it proved to be a historic run for the franchise. Led by a dynamic duo of John Stockton and Karl Malone, the Jazz finally broke through after years of playoff disappointment to represent the Western Conference in the championship series.
The 1997 NBA Finals pitted the Jazz against the Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls, who were aiming for a second three-peat in the Michael Jordan era. The series opened in Chicago, with the Bulls taking a 1-0 lead after a dominant 11-point, 13-rebound, and 11-assist performance from Jordan in Game 1. However, the Jazz quickly showed they were up for the challenge, stealing Game 2 on the road behind a combined 62 points from Stockton and Malone. With the series shifting to Utah, the Jazz took control, winning both Games 3 and 4 to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. Stockton's game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer in Game 4 sent the Utah crowd into a frenzy and put the Jazz on the brink of their first championship.
The Bulls, however, had other ideas. Led by Jordan's heroics, Chicago staved off elimination in Game 5, and then blew out the Jazz in Game 6 back in Chicago to force a decisive Game 7. In the winner-take-all finale, Jordan delivered one of the most iconic performances in NBA history, scoring 39 points, including 9 in the fourth quarter, to lead the Bulls to a 90-86 victory and their fifth championship of the decade. Despite the loss, the Jazz's first NBA Finals appearance will forever be remembered as a classic, with Stockton and Malone etching their names into NBA lore.
The 1997 NBA Finals marked a turning point for the Utah Jazz franchise. Although they fell short in their first attempt at capturing the elusive NBA championship, the experience served as a valuable lesson for a team on the rise. The Jazz's success in the 1996-97 season laid the foundation for future endeavors and established them as a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. Despite the heartache of coming so close yet falling short, the Jazz and their fans could take pride in the team's accomplishments and look forward to future seasons with renewed hope and optimism.
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Scottie Pippen's 27 points
Scottie Pippen is a basketball legend who played for the Chicago Bulls. In the 1997 NBA Finals, the Bulls faced the Utah Jazz, and despite struggling with an injured foot, Pippen put on a heroic performance in Game 6, scoring 27 points, including a crucial block and a 3-pointer in the final minutes, to lead the Bulls to an 84-82 victory and clinch the series 4-2. This game showcased Pippen's all-around talent, as he contributed significantly to the team's success.
Pippen's 27 points in that game were a significant contribution to the Bulls' victory. He was a key player for the Bulls, known for his versatility and all-around game. During his career, he achieved the rare feat of accumulating over 3,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 1,000 assists in his playoff career, demonstrating his impact on both ends of the court.
In the 1997 NBA Finals, the Bulls faced a formidable Jazz team led by Karl Malone and John Stockton. Despite the Bulls' dominance in the previous season, the Jazz emerged as a force in the Western Conference during the 1996-97 season, powered by the duo of Malone and Stockton. The Bulls struggled early in the series, trailing by 9 points early in the fourth quarter of Game 6. However, Pippen's performance was a turning point, as he helped the Bulls overcome this deficit and secure the championship.
Pippen's 27 points were crucial, but his impact extended beyond just scoring. He was known for his defensive prowess and playmaking abilities, often setting up his teammates for easy baskets. In the decisive Game 6, he showcased his defensive skills by blocking Antoine Carr, a crucial play that led to a score and helped the Bulls gain momentum. Additionally, his three-point shooting was on full display, as he tied an NBA Finals record with seven three-pointers, including a critical one in the closing minutes to extend the Bulls' lead.
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Karl Malone's missed free throws
Karl Malone is considered one of the greatest players in NBA history. He took 13,188 foul shots during his career, more than anyone else in the NBA. However, despite his impressive record, Malone is often remembered for missing two crucial free throws against the Chicago Bulls in Game 1 of the 1997 NBA Finals.
In the 1997 NBA Finals, the Utah Jazz, led by Karl Malone and John Stockton, faced the Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. The series were played under a best-of-seven format, with the first two games in Chicago. Going into the final minutes of Game 1, the Jazz and the Bulls were tied at 82 points apiece. With just 9.2 seconds left on the clock, Dennis Rodman of the Bulls fouled Malone, giving him two free throws and the chance to take the lead for Utah.
However, Malone missed both free throws. Scottie Pippen famously psyched out Malone before the first free throw, saying, "Just remember, the mailman doesn't deliver on Sundays, Karl". After the miss, Malone's mind was clearly racing as he walked towards half-court with a furrowed brow. Jordan grabbed the rebound, quickly calling a timeout with 7.5 seconds left. The Bulls were able to hold on for an 84-82 victory over the Jazz, taking a crucial 1-0 lead in the series.
Malone's missed free throws have become a part of NBA lore, often remembered as a pivotal moment in the 1997 NBA Finals. While Malone had an incredible career and led the league in free-throw shooting, those two misses against the Bulls remain a notable footnote in his illustrious career.
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Frequently asked questions
I was not able to find a game where a team won by 97 points. However, in the 1997 NBA playoffs, the Chicago Bulls beat the Atlanta Hawks 100-97.
The biggest blowout in NBA history was a 68-point win by the Cleveland Cavaliers over the Miami Heat in December 1991.
The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are tied for the most NBA championships, with 17 each.
