Man, can you believe it's been over three decades since 1991? Looking back at the intensity of the NBA Finals that year, it's the kind of stuff to give any basketball fan chills. I remember game after game seeing Michael Jordan just dominate. MJ wasn't just scoring; he averaged an unbelievable 31.2 points per game during those Finals. It's like watching art in motion every time he had the ball.
Scottie Pippen played an equally crucial role, putting up hefty numbers with his consistent gameplay. Over the series, Scottie provided solid support with his averages of 20.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. It wasn’t surprising considering the chemistry these two shared on the court. They were like peanut butter and jelly – inseparable and just as fantastic together.
One unforgettable moment? Hands down, that iconic switch-hand layup by MJ in Game 2. It’s been replayed countless times, but every time I watch it, it hits differently. The Bulls were leading 93-82 in the fourth quarter when MJ drove to the basket and switched the ball from his right to his left hand mid-air. The crowd went wild, Bill Cartwright couldn’t stop grinning, and even the Lakers seemed a bit stunned. No wonder the Bulls took the game 107-86!
But let’s talk Lakers for a bit. Magic Johnson – the name speaks volumes. With his no-look passes and court vision, he was the epitome of basketball intelligence. Despite the Lakers facing the powerhouse Bulls, Magic still managed to average a double-double with 18.6 points and 12.4 assists per game across the Finals. Magic was their engine, and without him, it’s hard to imagine how much worse their defeats could’ve been.
Another gem of those Finals was the relentless intensity. Take Game 1, for instance, where Sam Perkins hit that clutch three-pointer, leading the Lakers to win 93-91. The entire game was a rollercoaster, with nine lead changes in the fourth quarter alone. Perkins scored 22 points that game, including the game-winner. It was a nerve-wracking but exhilarating start to the series and showed the world that the Lakers weren’t going down without a fight.
Heading into Game 5, the Bulls led the series 3-1. It’s now or never for the Lakers, right? But the Chicago Bulls weren’t about to squander that lead. In a glorious 108-101 victory in Los Angeles, the Bulls sealed their first NBA Championship. MJ was, of course, phenomenal with 30 points and 10 assists, while Pippen added 32 points. That onslaught was too much for even Magic and the Lakers to handle. Watching that series finale, I felt like I was part of history. The first title is always the sweetest, and for the Bulls, it was the start of an era.
One thing people tend to overlook is the defense played by the Bulls. John Paxson, who often gets overshadowed by MJ and Pippen, was disciplined and deadly accurate in those Finals. He scored 20 points in Game 5, a major factor that pushed the Bulls past the Lakers. Add to that the presence of Horace Grant and Bill Cartwright, whose defensive prowess was invaluable. These elements together highlight why Chicago dominated beyond just scoring.
The 1991 NBA Finals were more than just a series of games; it was an era-defining moment for basketball. The way the Bulls carried themselves showcased teamwork, resilience, and sheer ingenuity. Jordan’s dominance, Pippen’s support, Magic’s leadership, and those unforgettable plays make it a period worth revisiting for any basketball aficionado.
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