93 NBA FINALS (BULLS VS. SUNS, GAME 4), JORDAN VS. BARKLEY
Welcome back to Chicago on a 74 degree night in the Windy City. The road team 10 up and five down in the last 15 NBA Finals games. That includes all three games this series. So, the home court has not exactly been an advantage. We’re set for the introduction of the starting lineups. Let’s join with Ray Clay. [Applause] Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. The Chicago Bulls welcome the world’s greatest fans to the Chicago Stadium. Tonight, game four of the NBA Finals is between the Phoenix Suns and your Chicago Bulls. To the introduction of the twotime defending champion Chicago Bulls, we’re set for our reports from the sideline with Amashad and Hannah Storm. First to All right, thanks Mark. Just like Magic Johnson said earlier, the Chicago Bulls will have to make some adjustments. I talked to Scotty Pippen about that. He said one of the things that he thought his team did better than any other team in the NBA is to make game-to-ame adjustments. The thing that surprised him though was that the Phoenix Suns were able to come in here on Sunday and catch them emotionally flat. He says that will not happen tonight. Their goal is to turn the intensity up as high as possible from start to finish because the last thing they want to do is go back to Phoenix. Hannah. Well, Amad, one would think that a team like the Phoenix Suns with very little experience in the finals might be uptight at this point in the series, but that is not the case. It’s because their coach Paul Westall has told them to have fun in the finals. That’s exactly what they’ve been doing. Live of course by Charles Barkley, who you saw joking around with Marv Albert. Charles has been enjoying the city. He took in a baseball game and is even having fun at the mandatory media sessions. [Applause] Baby, baby, I love you. Ow, my ears. Okay, on a more serious note, as far as the elbow goes, Dr. Richard Emerson says it’s about 25% better. Charles is in pain, especially when he extends his arm after his shots. But if you ask him how he feels, he simply says, “I feel good.” And says it with a smile. Mark, yes. Thanks, Adam. Charles does have a most unique way in preparing for the NBA Finals. Well, I don’t think Michael Jackson has anything to worry about. All right, Hugh Evans, Ed Rush, Bill Oaks are the officials. We saw different matchups in game three utilized by Paul Westfall. What are you looking for here tonight? Paul Westfall is going to change up during the course of the game. Yes, KJ will play Michael Jordan at times Grant misses his first jumper, but he’s going to change up. You’ll see Richard Dumis playing. You’ll see Dan Marley play. Hey, here’s one of the adjustments. He wants Dan Marley bringing the ball up the floor a little bit more. Take some of the pressure off KJ. And after 62 minutes, he may need some help tonight. Johnson finding Mark West all by himself. Missed assignment by the Bulls. Well, what happened was that the Bull uh the Phoenix Suns set a back pick and both men went to KJ and then hit Mark West for easy two. And there’s Kumis on Jordan here at the start. Priman with the recovery tried to hit Codright but Barkley Alert was right there for the steal. And here comes Kevin Johnson. A minute gone by a two nothing Phoenix lead with the rebound. Arrong with Barkley back. So the Phoenix Suns return to the offense. Johnson 11 for 24, 25 points in game three along with nine assists. A stellar turnaround performance and Marley hit six from three-point range. Martin West fouled by Bill Cartright who would not allow for possession. Had the first play happen, Mark West set a back pick. Both defensive players instead run to the corner. It’ll leave West wide open rolling to the basket. One player, two players go to the corner. No one rotates underneath. Quest for the score. Back to the live action. Barkley backs in, faces a double team. Dumis is open. Dumis had a strange game on Sunday night. Played quite a bit in the first half. Shot well, did a nice job, but did not see much action in the second half. Bulls have missed their first three shots. [Applause] Double team with the recovery. Suns four, the Bulls two. Okay, what coach Paul Westfall is doing, he got Charles Barkley playing cop right and so he’s mixing up his uh assignments defensively to try to throw the Bulls off his left hand move cut off by Jordan Dumis to the reverse. Richard Dumis has been getting the good start early. That has been the pattern and he’s come out with a couple of hoops here in the early going. Phoenix 6 and Chicago 2. Michael Jordan getting on his first attempt. Well, that time uh you had Richard Dumis guarding Michael Jordan and see Richard Dumis is not used to running off of picks and they set a pick on him. Dumis with a beautiful move off the fake to beat Pippen set up by Barkley. Scotty Pippen ran over, formed a double team with Horus Grant. It was a double team that was a difficult one because the floor was so spread as Michael goes to the basket, misses, but Horus Grant tips it in. What happened was Phoenix never hesitated. They were attacked against the press immediately. Easy score. Twoon one against the back line. Johnson bothered by BJ Armstrong. They isolate Dumis against Pippen. And Pippen plays it well. He stops him, hears it from the crowd. Right on the shot clock and his way down. It’s a 24se second violation. Excellent defensive sequence by the Bulls. Phoenix State and Chicago 6. We’re just underway. Game four on this best of seven NBA final series. The Bulls up two games to one. Game five here in Chicago on Friday night. And the Suns want to make it a game six back in Phoenix on Sunday. Michael Jordan is two of three. Harley gets down. So the Suns take advantage of the transition at lead 108. Michael shoots a jump shot. The man guarding him takes off immediately. Runs down the floor. The way you stop that is you jam the guy who runs out of bounds. Put a big man on him so he can’t throw that baseball pass. Well, again, Mike, that wasn’t Michael Jordan fault that time because Marley is not guarding Michael Jordan. That was Scotty Pippen who was guarding Marlin and that was his fault. Fish and Pippen goes back. Pipp. Bulls and Suns are tied at 10. [Music] And Armstrong picks up Johnson in the back court. It’s back to the pressure of Armstrong against Johnson. Knocked out of bounds. Last touch by Chicago. And it will be Phoenix ball with eight on the 24. [Applause] Barkley with his first shot. Pippen works his way inside. Oh, what a move by Scotty Pippen. The Bulls lead by two. See, the only problem when you got all these new mismatches, you have on Phoenix side, you have to remember they’re not used to playing uh these Chicago Bull players. They’re used to playing other full players. So now they’re going to have to get used to that. Chicago. A timeout is taken by the Bull. 601 for Chicago. Charles Barky makes a great reverse pivot move on the baseline. goes up strong to the rim, but the defense by Chicago. Graham from behind, blocks it. Charles doesn’t quite agree with the call. After the block shot by Horus Grant, Charles Barkley does not agree. Goes after Bill Oats, the official, and lets him know. It looks like Oats is ready to hit him with a technical foul. Instead, he lets it go and walks away. You need to remember the incident that took place in Madison Square Garden with Scottie Pippen. Yes, that was back in game two of the series, a game that saw six technical fouls called and it was Scotty Pippen throwing the ball at the official Bill Oaks who had the quick thumb that night and Pippen was thrown out. Chicago lost that game to the Knicks 9691. Knicks had a two- lead and then Chicago came back reeled off four straight victories. So you’re saying that perhaps the the trigger happy situation as Johnson forced it and a loose ball foul is called on the Suns. Is it your feeling that the league would prefer a bit more compassion when it comes to ejections in critical situations? I think Bill Oak’s excellent judgment that time. I think he’ll be the first to admit that he made a mistake in the game at Madison Square Garden. He missed the call. was not a double dribble or two hands on the basketball. Then he compounded the mistake by throwing Scotty out of the game this time. Good decision. Walk away. Let it go. Let him continue to play. Jordan with the shot clock running down gets to him. Plus Marv, you have to remember people come to see the stars. They don’t want to see them thrown out of the game unless there is a solid reason for white. not able to hit. Grant with a spot 10. Harris Grant off to a fast start. He has six of those 14. The Suns 10. Horris Grant started slowly in game three. He was involved in early foul trouble. Then Kon late before fouling out. West off a double team. Rebound Grant. Well, the Bulls have to like the intensity of the game here as finishes off of the break to give Chicago a six-point lead. Rashad mentioned after that last time out, Phil Jackson was very happy with the intensity of the basketball team, but they had come out strong. Just talking about minor adjustments, but basically overall pleased with what was going on. Bad shot taken by Kevin Johnson and the Suns fortune, but it was knocked out of bounds by the Bulls. Point of emphasis for Phoenix, keep Chicago off the offensive boards and that’s their main man, Horus Grant, who gives them those second shot opportunities. It is a 100 run for Chicago. Meanwhile, Phoenix has missed its last five shots. 511 remaining in this first quarter and the Bulls lead 16-10. And there’s Oliver Miller, the rookie from Arkansas, checking in for the first time, replacing Mark West. Not given any room from three-point land. Miller Barkley. Charles getting the good possession. And the Bulls now lead by four for Barkley. His first field goal. Dumis on Armstrong. Kevin Johnson back defending against Jordan. You may have noticed that Michael could have taken a quick shot when he first came down. Steal this time by Richard Dumis. Behind the back and hits on the drive. What a move by Richard Dumis. He now has eight. It was a fantastic steal as well. And a great offensive play. Another steal here by Phoenix. And Dumis with the numbers. Surprised Barkley with that pass and it was deflected out by Chicago. producing some easy scores of their own by playing good defense. Dumis shoots the passing lane, then gives a little behind the back action as BJ reaches for the steal and finishes. And a reach and foul. [Music] BJ Armstrong called for his first. before the steal by Richard Doom. As I mentioned that Michael Jordan had a quick early shot, but instead you saw him pull it out, reverse the basketball. One of the things Chicago wanted to do tonight, use more time up on the 24se second clock. Don’t get into Phoenix’s tempo. Play their tempo. Make Phoenix play defense. Pick and roll resulting in the turnover. Pippen for Armstrong. Chicago leads by four as we come up on four minutes remaining in this first quarter. Dumis. Yes, Richard Dumis. Five out of six for 10 points. Well, since Richie Dumis is playing so well, it’s going to be interesting if to see if Paul West playing in the fourth quarter because he hadn’t been playing in the fourth quarter. Sarcastic reaction to that foul. Paul against the Suns. It was called on Barkley. The Bulls went to the line only nine times during that triple overtime. The Suns 31 times. Yes, the crowd happy that Michael Jordan is getting a whistle early in the game and a chance to go to the free throw line. They shot so few only nine attempts in game number three that Michael may have forgotten how to shoot. Three out of six. They changed the foul as Oliver Miller called rather than Charles Barkley. Bulls lead by three. Here’s pressure on Chicago. Miller’s pass picked off right by Barkley. Yes. And seven points for Michael Jordan and the Bulls lead 2116. Another thing that Phil Jackson wanted his team doing, get Michael Jordan down lower with the basketball. Not almost up at the foul line to post up, but down deep near that low block. That’s where he caught it that time. Easy jumper for Barkley set after that triple overtime game the other night. Michael took what? 43 shots. That’s Wally for three. So Michael took 43 shots. He’s going to be icing his elbow, too. Gets inside. Phoenix, they’ll talk it over. If you get Michael down low enough, the double team can’t get there. Soon enough, he’ll just shoot it over the top of Kevin Johnson. And then this is one opportunity that Scotty Pippen just couldn’t. Pass up in transition. Miller trying to guard him. No way. We pull this out. We score. [Music] Not too many teams have been asked to come back from a triple overtime loss. How difficult was it for Phil Jackson coming back from that three overtime defeat. We talked that about that with Phil yesterday. It’s usually like 24 hours. It takes a full day to get it out of the system. By last night, I felt pretty comfortable again. Uh that, you know, everything was okay. Uh, I got it out of my system through viewing it obviously and finding out the second time through what I had to see and then I got out of my system by talking to the coaches and talking to them about you realistically where are we here and then finally just by getting some exercise and then that was home. You know, it’s amazing. Magic and I feel the same way when we’re done working with you and a little bit exercise makes us feel much better. What a cheap shot attempt off a serious issue. Just awful magic that I have to live with this the entire season. Well, I’m not going to get into that one, but I am going to get into this one. Now, you see Kevin Johnson is coming back down to relieve some of that pressure because they had turned the Phoenix had turned the ball over last time and I think Paul West wanted to get Kevin back down there. And Kevin Johnson able to penetrate. The Bulls now lead 23 18 with 2 minutes and 40 seconds remaining first quarter. Bulls have hit their last five shots. They are 11 of 18. Here is Jordan. That time guarded by Chambers. Chambers. Oh, Chambers not able to hit, but he’s fouled. Chambers did well and eluding the block of the two guys chasing him. Two of the best defenders in basketball. Michael Jordan, Scotty Pippen. Earlier when Marley ran out, Michael Jordan was in the corner. This time he was at the top of the circle, so he was the deepest man. Chambers took off immediately on the jump shot. He goes to finish it off with a dunk, but the foul makes the ball pop back out again. Foul committed by Pippen. Remember, to count as two points, the ball must pass through the net to count as two. There are shots that have gone in and popped back out of the net again, which means you don’t get two points. Tom Chambers 27 minutes doing a nice job. Five for nine, 12 points. So the Bulls now lead by three. One by Grant Pivot up front. Jordan and Armstrong at the guard. Battle between Chambers and Cartright in the foul session on Chambers. This is a real key matchup. Chicago knowing that Tom Chambers is on Bill Cartright where they go right into him and uh Chambers just called for the push in the back. [Applause] Now Jordan guarded by Duma over to help but leaves Pippen open and Pippen goes to the hoop. No, no interior defense that time. No one stepped up to meet Scotty Pman. Everybody in the stadium knew he was going to fake and put him on the floor. There was nobody in front of him. Well, I think that’s the problem when Phoenix just keeps switching these matchups with Jordan. You know, you got one guy guarding him one time down, the other guy the next time. Forest Grant has called for a foul there on Charles Barkley. So, they’re having a problem with their team defense because of all the defenses that they they keep changing. Scotty Pippen’s going to get the ball. Look at the lane to the basket. Somebody’s got to step up and take him before he drives it down the lane. Nobody does. Too easy going in there. Well, a forgotten man, Rodney McCrae. Hearing the rumbling from the crowd as he gets set to check in. Rodney injury season for Rodney McCrae in his 10th NBA year out of Louisville. Coming back from arthroscopic knee surgery, missed 17 games. A disappointing year. In fact, he himself says he feels his contribution has been zero. Early entrance though for McCrae Barkley getting the position on Pippen and Charles with his second field goal. He has four. The Bulls 25 and the Suns 22. Bulls have hit their last seven straight as Michael Jordan makes it four for seven for nine points and Chambers is fouled again. See what you have here is you have Bill Cartwright guarding Tom Chambers and Tom Chambers guarding Bill Cartright. Now we’re going to see which one is going to take advantage of the other. And last time now Bill drew a foul on Chambers. This time Chambers dropped the follow Bill Cartright using this quick and somebody may question why was Boston taken off of Cartright because you know it was so good for Charles in the last game. He conserved all that energy playing Bill. Chicago doesn’t go to him that much. The reason is because it would have put Chambers on Grant before he was just taken out. Chambers can’t change ends of the floor or jump with Grant on the offensive board. So, they put Barkley back on Grant. Chambers now three out of four from the line. Bulls 27, Sus 23. 110 left in the first quarter. There’s just under one minute remaining in the quarter. Jordan putting the move on Marley. Changed his mind. Last touch by McCrae. Here’s another problem now. Who does McCrae play? Does he play Dumis who’s very active and quick or does he play Barkley who will overpower either Pippen or McCrae? Doesn’t matter. Right. just looks back and put McCra on then over to take part. And Charles Barkley has hit three for five. He has six points. Bulls by two. [Music] Bulls have led by as many as seven. Michael Jordan. He’s five out of eight. 11 points. Chicago 29. Phoenix 25. Here’s pressure by the Bulls. [Applause] 20 seconds left in the quarter. Johnson gets inside. Armstrong on the run. Chambers getting back. The lead for Pepper. 11 seconds left in the quarter and Johnson went down in a collision with Armstrong. No collision. BJ pushed him down. There’s a little thing going on here. I think that BJ felt that KJ had elbowed him after that. BJ just threw him down on the ground. KJ tries to hold off to get the ball in bounds. When they start pressuring Chicago, BJ felt that him holding off was a little too hard. He shoved him in the head. There’s the push to the ground. That’s no accident. And it’s being called a flagrant foul on BJ Armstrong. So, Kevin Johnson will go to the line. [Applause] Kevin Johnson 82% free throw shooter. And Tucker has checked in for Bill Codright. [Applause] The offensive man wants a little room to get it in bounds. The defensive man doesn’t like the fact that he pushed him in the head. Another example of when the second foul is caught many times by the officials, not the first. Just taking another look. Little massage move by Kevin Johnson leading to the push. Armstrong. Time running out after one here in Chicago. Hot shooting by the Bulls. 15 for 24 63%. A physical finish to the quarter for BJ Armstrong. An unlikely combatant. Welcome back to Chicago. Marv Albert along with thear of the teleustrator, Mike Patello, Magic Johnson, Amad Brashad, Hannah Storm, Bob Kostas will be along with the credential halftime report. Talked about the sore elbow of Charles Barkley. You ever suffer from teleustrator elbow? I know you’ve been seen icing it down after telecast. I have to deal with that frequently, particularly when given many opportunities in one game and then in triple overtime games, it’s really difficult to bounce back. And Charles Barkley, despite that injured elbow, three of five, six points in the first quarter. Danny A has checked in for the first time. Stacy King has come on as has John Paxton. Harley with the rebound. Nice fake on McCrae. So the Suns now trail 31-29. Short and Paxton at the guards with King, McCrae, and Williams up front. So Scott Williams, Stacy King, and Rodney McCrae on the Chicago front line. And Jordan is being guarded by Marlin. Jordan Barkley gets to it. Amad had mentioned coming out of the timeout that Chicago went with McCrae over King. Nice back door pass by Charles Barkley to Danny A. Chicago had gone with McCrae rather than King for more quickness on the floor because McCrae’s known to be a pretty good defender. Now both players are out on the floor in an unusual unit out there for the Chicago Bulls. First time McCrae has played in this series. Seldom used during the season. Jordan. Yes. And it counts. [Applause] Well, Michael Jordan feel he can beat Dan Marley off the dribble anytime he wants to. And he does it right there. Scoop him for two. Now, that’s the reason why they switched KJ and put KJ on him in game three. And now you can see that uh Marley is back on him in this game here. And Michael Jordan upset with himself. One of three. Triple. was called for that foul. Millet is expecting contact. Kicked out by Williams of the Bulls. Phoenix wastes no time trying to come back at you. If they can get it down, post someone up quickly, they go right to it. Well, they changed their game now. They going back to the regular season philosophy trying to beat you down the court and score at will on you. [Applause] Now, Barkley facing the triple team. Charles was so concerned about McCrae coming down from the top that he lost sight of Stacy King from behind him. Jordan with 15. The Bulls lead 35 to 31. Patrick, you mentioned the Suns regular season philosophy. They average 113 per game, leading the NBA, second in shooting at at 49%. Here’s Chambers. Yes, a two-point Chicago lead. Well, they felt that in in game three that they went back to that philosophy. Got a lot of open shots uh in the game in game three because they were pushing the ball up early and they’re trying to do that again partly with the steal. Well, Charles had diagnosed that he’s tying the game at 35. Had some words of advice for Jordan as he finished it off. Oh yeah. He’s just letting him know that he here to try to win a championship. This is a you know this a very interesting game. You felt that the Bulls were going to take advantage of the situation because they came out strong. Now here come Phoenix back strong. Let’s go back a moment ago to Michael who’s made a decision here. A concerted effort to go to the basket. Seven for 11 from the floor at this point. And then Charles showing Michael that he wants to play in this game as well. The best for a guy his size that’s stepping up in the passing lane and then taking it the length of the floor. Strong start for Michael Jordan. He’s hit seven of 11 for 15 points. Although he did not have a usual Michael Jordan type game on Sunday night, it has been a splendid playoff run for Michael. I asked him, is this the best that he has played all season long? I think it has been because I think what’s at stake is a little bit more challenging than what you know was at stake going through the 82 games. you know, I mean, uh, once you go through it a certain amount of times, uh, you have monotony starting to set in. So, you don’t really have the challenge that that’s there today or at this particular time. And, uh, I think that’s helped me consistent. You kind of miss the dark sunglasses look on you. Little uh, tempted humor there, Michael. [Applause] Michael didn’t have the glasses off. A on the follow. 3 minutes gone by in the second quarter and the Bulls now lead 3735. Here’s Jordan. 19 for Jordan. There aren’t a whole lot of jump shots coming out of Michael Jordan this evening. He’s shaking it to the rim and plus that Dan Marley is back guarding him a lot and he’s just taking Dan off the dribble. Looking to spot up for the foul. Well, Phil Jackson told us after practice yesterday he wanted Michael going to the rim and that has been the case here in the first half. Well, he certainly elevates his game here as he finishes with the right hand. Then that was so good he decided to come back again and try it with the left. Watch Marley yelling for help immediately. Where’s my help? Come on, guys. Close the lane down. But little too late as Michael draws contact. I could believe that. I I read in a Chicago paper today that one of the sports writers said that Michael Jordan has lost a step. He looks like he’s getting old because he couldn’t finish and uh and win the game for him in game three. It just blew me right away how quickly they forget. Michael Jordan with all nine of Chicago’s points in the second quarter. And he has 20 of the Bulls court make it 21 of 41. And the Bulls now lead 21-35. And here’s pressure by Chicago. [Music] [Applause] And they double up on Johnson. Miller had to save it. The trapping of the Bulls paying dividends here. West for Barkley and he’s foul by Williams. That was an excellent read that time by West. Yeah, it was a little shaky getting the ball over the half court line, but then he had a behind the three-point line or Barkley inside. He picked out Barkley on the inside, but it was John’s fault. John Paxton, he should have stayed with Barkley and stayed when uh West Punk fake. He thought he was going out to Danny Ames. John ran that way and he dumped it right into B. One of the things coaches emphasize, don’t leave until the ball is in the air, then make your rotation out because great players will ball fake. They get you to run and then they’ll thread the needle in the heart of the defense. Barkley on the line for the first time. A 76% free throw shooter. Andy A departing replaced by Richard Dumis who had the hot hand early at five of six. Both clubs have shot well. Chicago 65% from the floor. West cuts it to a three-point Chicago lead and the Suns are shooting 50%. Always wanted to think feels pretty good. He hasn’t had to play KJ on Michael a whole lot here so far. And they’re still close enough if he needs it a lot in the second half, he should be fresh. Michael Jordan 10 for 14, 23 points. It counts on the foul. Dumis blocked by King and Dumis will go to the line. Michael Jordan with the smaller KJ goes down the baseline then just intends to elevate over the top and get a good look. The one thing that Phoenix has been doing, the long baseball pass, something that must be there in the scouting report that they can take advantage in transition after scores. This Phoenix team is back to playing their running style basketball. They’re running after made baskets. They’re running after miss baskets. They’re just getting out beating the Chicago Bulls down the court every single time. To the line for the first time, 71% free throw shooter. Three-point play for the rookie Richard Dumis. The Bulls 43, the Suns 41. Michael Jordan scoring all 12 Chicago points here in the second quarter on five of six from the field. Illegal defense called for the first time. And now the matchup is Kevin Johnson guarding Michael Jordan. as the rotating of the defense continues against Jordan. Miller sitting down. Chambers is back now. Johnson guarding Paxton. And it’s Dumis against Jordan. Foul. Paul Dumis using the two hands to try and keep Jordan away. I think that the change took place because Paul West felt Michael’s been getting down the baseline a lot. Let me put a bigger guy, a more athletic guy to perhaps challenge a shot. Problem is when the offensive guy is backing down, you cannot put two hands in his back. Dumis goes 67 about 205. Here’s Jordan. Dumis gambled, went for the steal and it led to the foul. That’s one of the reasons why Richard Dumis is not on the floor at the end of games right now recently because he gamles a lot defensively. He breaks the team defense down. Goes for the steal, misses. It leads to an easy two free throw attempts for Michael Kevin Johnson called for the foul. Reaching in Jordan four of six. He has 24 points. Michael Jordan bounced back from a subpar outing in the Knicks series with a 54 point explosion. They trap Johnson. Help from Lewis. Chambers. Picked up by Pippen. Chamber shooting. Barkley keeps it alive. [Applause] Barkley. Look out. It is Phoenix ball. Hugh Evans hanging in after the contact with Jordan. and still able to make the call. Timeout taken. 659 remaining in this first half. Jordan trying to save it. Makes contact with the official Hugh Evans. When we come back, it will be Phoenix possession. In game in game three with Kevin Johnson playing Michael Jordan. He couldn’t get by him on the first step, so he would resort to backing down. backing down trying to shoot over the top of Kevin Johnson. The difference when Dan Marley’s guard him Jordan tries to face the basket because he knows he can beat Marley. The difference in foot speed in tonight’s game, he goes right around Dan Marley. Well, the Bulls and Suns have each scored 14 points in this second quarter. Michael Jordan has scored all 14 for Chicago. Offensive foul. [Music] Marks from the call on Martin West. It was a good call. Mark West was not squared up. Did not set a good screen. Turned into the defensive player who was trying to go underneath the back pick. Actually caught him with his arm. Now every time, let’s see if Chicago can put make some room in between them and Phoenix. Every time they got a lead, Phoenix come right back and tie the game. Jordan guarded by Johnson with a rare miss, but Grant able to keep it alive. Another possession for the ball. Six and a half remaining in this first half. The Bulls lead by four. They isolate Jordan against Johnson. Pman for three. Johnson and Molly in the back court. Mark West. Charles Barkley up front along with Richard Dumis and the foul called Paxton. A hold on Paxton on that last shot attempt by Scotty Pippen. Richard Dumis ran out right away and that time John Paxton covered the back correctly for him so that Pippen wasn’t left stranded trying to follow through on a jumper with you no ability to get back in the Dis working hard for the shot. Northwest is three for three, six points. The Bulls now lead 453. [Music] He couldn’t beat KJ off the dribble on that first step. KJ did a good job keeping the ball in front of him. Jordan with some room. [Applause] 11 of 16, 27 points. NBA Finals record most points in a half. 35 by Jordan. game one last year series against Portland. [Applause] The first field goal by a side for Michael Jordan in the second quarter in the first half with the rebound pass defle by Grant. Now the Bulls lead by nine. Well, what’s happening here is Phoenix has got to now slow the game down and now they want some time out by Phoenix. But right now, this is Chicago has got their high court offense going because of Michael Jordan is dominating the game. Phoenix must now find out what are they going to do in their half court to combat Michael Jordan. Thank you, Bob. Charles Barkley, the league’s MVP, averaged 25 points per game, fifth in the NBA, sixth in rebounding, and averaged five assists per game. And a guy who is certainly enjoying being around the scene here during the NBA Finals, both in Phoenix and Chicago. We mentioned back a few moments ago that when KJ guards Michael Jordan, he has the foot speed to stop his penetration. He does a pretty good job here taking away the lane. So, Michael pulls back out. But the one thing Michael is doing now is using screens to free himself up. Now he has the jumper over the top of KJ. KJ’s just not big enough to get out there and challenge him. I just wanted to test my voice a little. That’s all. Patrick, he is soprano by a lot of soprano in that that scream. Both teams coming out of those timeouts with different ideas in mind. Hannah mentioned that Phoenix pointing out they must box out, keep Chicago off the offensive boards. Ahmad mentioned that Bill Jackson concerned with the fact that Michael’s doing all the scoring. You got to get the other Chicago Bulls players involved in the offense was his point. Well, what happened with uh Phoenix’s side in terms of offensive rebound? See, you got all these guys playing different guys and they’re not used to playing them and then you can go to the boards on them because they’re not used to boxing out. 70 run by the Bulls. You saw the foul committed by Jordan. his first Harley who has had very few opportunities. Tarkley with the save. Pson gets to it. 410 remaining in the first half. Chicago seeking to go up three games to one. Phoenix trying to tie the series at two. Jordan rebounded by Parkland. Okay, Phoenix needs to slow it down and get a basket finally. They need to run some and get a basket. See, they’re rushing their offense and turning the ball over with that steel. [Applause] three. Three and a half left. First half by nine. Barkley backing Grant. A strong power move by Charles Barkley. And Charles very smart. Chicago didn’t come the first time that he had it posted up. They’re waiting for him to get to a certain spot. He’s trying to draw double teams to kick out. They’re not coming to double team until he gets very low close to the basket. He’s got to post up a little bit lower then they’ll come quickly on shot clock three. Caught right with the rebound. [Applause] Here’s See, I didn’t like that, Mar. They should have slowed it up. Charles has just hit. Come right back to him. Grant and the foul is called as Horris Grant hits the floor. Foul on Mark West. That is his second. Barkley posting up, reading the defense. Everybody is staying at home for Chicago until the last second. Pax is going to try and come late to double team, but it’s too late. You can’t let Charles get this close to the basket. He splits him and scores. Brand eight points and 10 rebounds and a terrific first half named for the NBA’s all defensive second team, but he’s the first to admit. Now, Michael Jordan will get a rest. 27 points for Michael. 11 of 17 from the field. Scott Williams is back. Harris Grant the first to admit when people say he’s the best defensive power forward of the game. He said maybe one and a half. He says Charles Oakley of the New York Knicks is number one in terms of power forward. But Horus Grant an excellent defender and has had a very strong playoff series. But one guy Oakley won’t let you get the position you want on the low post. The other guy in Horses Grant, he blocked shots and grabbed all the defensive boards. Nice pass. Barkley fouled. Kevin Johnson hitting Charles Barkley on the hop and the foul is called on Scott Williams. And just to go back to that thought about defense, Oakley may be a better power forward defensively as far as strength and stuff, but there’s other types of defense involved like shot blocking ability, which this guy has and Oakley really doesn’t have. So, Barkley to the line. He’s one of two from the line. Suns now eight of 10 from the foul line. Both seven of nine. Both clubs have shot well. Balls of 59% from the field. Phoenix just under 50. I think this is more important for Phoenix in these last 2 minutes and 26 seconds than it is for Chicago. They cannot let Chicago get a big lead like a 10-point lead and get this crowd going. The other factor, Phoenix not able to go to the major weapon in the triple overtime victory. Not able to go to the three-point shot. They’ve attempted only one. Did not hit it. Holding foul on a false not giving any room to the the long bombers like Ames and Marley have not been able to find find the look to get off the shot. You know why? Marley because they stopped Kevin Johnson’s penetration. See, once you stop him from penetration, penetrating, excuse me, like they’re doing right now in the first half, then those Michael Jordan and Scotty Pippen can play up on Dan Marley and Danny Ames and take away the shot. Grant three of three from the line. Game three on Sunday in the first half. one for one from the foul line. So, a different story here tonight. Bulls by eight. Barkley hearing it from the crowd as he makes his way. Now, here’s a cool attack by Marley. And Dan Marley did get the good look. And Barkley got the double team he wanted and kicked it out at the appropriate time. You got to make a decision against Barkley. Do you go? If so, when do you go? And with his passing ability and unselfish play, it’s a matter of picking out the right man. And if it’s Marley, he has a habit of making three-pointers. Hit six the other night to tie an NBA Finals record. Well, Barkley almost picked it off. Pass it for three. Rebound Grant. And again, Danny Able to get to the loose ball. Here’s Marley spotting up for another three. Yes, there again. and he’s brought the Suns within two because he got two three-pointers because Barkley penetrated then they got him in transition and got the second three-pointer. A timeout taken by the Bulls with a minute 20 remaining in this first half for the last six. Michael Jordan has returned and gets right to it. 29 for Jordan. The ball’s 57. 53. Something missing off of Michael Jordan this evening. The wrist brace on the right arm. The shooting hand is not there this even [Applause] if Michael is dangerous when he gets a rebound and he can come go to go. He’s going to dump on two guys. What a lane opens up. No one closes down. You’ve got to get to Michael Sooner. You let him get inside the foul line area. You know he’s going to take off from there. Elevate and keep flying to the front of the rim. You’ve got to get him to pick up that dribble by the dotted line area. The right wrist must be feeling better. The brace is off. He’s 13 for 19 from the floor. Grant called for that loose ball foul and Charles Barkley will go to the line. It’s just an empty feeling if you’re damn well. You’re seeing Michael Jordan come at you full speed in the open court. You’re backing up. You’re on your heels. You turn and look for help and there’s no one there. [Applause] Well, remember when I was telling you in game three, he he did not come at anybody with a head of steam because he was tired. Well, tonight he’s not tired and he’s the most dangerous when he’s coming at you with a head of steam. He can go left or right. Two days of rest certainly helping. Michael did play some golf, I’m told yesterday, but 31 points in this first half, 20 of the 31 here in the second quarter. He has 13 field goals. That is one field goal away for an NBA Finals record, most field goals in one half. That is shared by Isaiah Thomas and Michael Jordan. Colts lead by five with 48 seconds remaining in the first half. The only thing Michael hasn’t done in the first half is come up with a steal and knock down a three-pointer. So, we’ll see if he hits those. However, despite the exploits of Jordan, the Suns are only four down. That’s what I was getting ready to say that Paul West must be feeling really good about his position in this game right now. Last touch by the ball trying to beat Chicago in transition tried the three sure with the time remaining. It was just at 29 seconds when Charles went up for the shot. Might have been better for them to run it down. As you said, Magic, they should be feeling good. Only four down. They could have run it down right to the end and given Chicago very little time to try and score back at him. That has not been one of Charles’s forte. Shooting from downtown Michael Jordan 14 for 20. He has 33 points. Final seconds. Harley. Yes. And the foul. Potential four-point play. The three-pointer by Harley. And he’s fouled by Jordan with 7/10 of a second remaining in the hand. Well, I tell you, Dan Marley has become a shooter in the NBA. Now, in the first couple years, he couldn’t shoot with any distance. He wanted to drive. Look at here. He takes the foul and still knocks it down. That’s a sign of a guy who not only can shoot, but he’s also big and strong where he can take the foul and still knock it down. So, you’re saying it is in his early uh early going in the NBA, you’d give him the outside shot. Yeah. Before he wouldn’t take it. He just wanted to drive. And that will show you what hard work would do for you. Barkley gets it off. Would have counted. Saw a son sparked by some thunder late second quarter. Dan Marley with 13 points. He’s hit three from long range. Three from three-point territory. Michael Jordan 14 for 20 for 33 points in the first half, 22 of 33 in the second quarter. And he has tied an NBA Finals record, a record that he shares with Isaiah Thomas most field goals in a half. Welcome back to Chicago Stadium. The usual sellout crowd on hand. Next season will be the finale for the Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks here at the stadium. The new building still under construction just across the street will be open for business. Barkley from Marley and the Suns move within one at one stretch. The Bulls led by as many as nine. Armstrong and Jordan open up in the back court. Cartwright Pipp and Grant are up front. Pippen has been very quiet. right with a throw the ball move on westfield 63 the Suns 60 setting Phoenix Kevin Johnson Dan Harvey on the back court Richard West and Charles Barkley up front some team is going to have to take control of this game defensively and not offensively whoever wins the game will be because of defense throw the layup pushing Now Jordan for three. Michael Jordan his first three-point field goal attempt. Kevin Johnson only one of six. Three assists, two turnovers in the first half. Gus posting up Armstrong. Help from lost it. Trying to hold her up there with one hand. That’s what happened. Beautiful lead for Scotty Pippen and a quick 20 taken by Paul West right here. Paul Web ball is going crazy. He’s telling the team, “What are you doing? Let’s stick with our offense. Let’s stick with what’s got us back into this game. Maybe Michael Jordan can do this. Maybe Charles Barkley can do this depending on the size of the hands. But Dumis, use two hands when you pass the basketball, Richard. Otherwise, you’re going to drop it against the aggressive double team. And when you turn it over against Chicago, they come back at you quickly and score. So, five-point lead for the Bulls in this game four of the best of seven. Game one, it was Jordan with 31, Pim with 27, and a victory for the Bulls. They did it in game two in Phoenix, led by Jordan with 42, Barkley with the 42. Game three was Harley hitting from three-point land, tying an NBA Finals record, hitting six from downtown. Barkley five times. Barkley six and 13. Short once again with the extension once again taking it to the basket. This is what happens when you got so many guys trying to guard. Michael Jordan that’s not used to guarding. He just takes Dumas heads him to the baseline, comes back to the middle and scores on him. If you go back to the first half, we showed you him crossing over right to left. That time he gave you a little zigzag driven. He started with the crossover but came back to the right hand to come down the lane. 36 for Jordan. Just 33 points in the first half. Two away from an NBA Finals record. He scored 35 for the record in game one against Portland last season. [Applause] Eight-point Chicago lead looking to add to it. Barkley broke it upset. Felt that he should have picked it off. It’ll be Chicago ball with 17 on the 24. Up to this point in the game, Charles Barkley is 1 for8 from the outside and four for five now from the inside. Caught right played by Mark W. Out of five on the 24 out of three. Jordan and Barkley with the rebound. Pops it down. Dumis ahead of the field. Able to elude Jordan. The ball 68 and the Suns 62. Richard Dumis has 15. Well, I tell you that was one great outlet pass by Charles Barker cuz you have Marley and Dumis running side by side with Michael back. He was able to lay it out enough knowing that Dumis was going to out to get to the ball. Caught right foul by West. That is number four West. Barkley gets the ball, goes after the rebound, turns and sees two teammates down there. Michael can’t decide which guy he’s going to throw it to at first. He goes all the way to Dumis for the score. Tom Chambers will replace Mark West. Bill Cartwright looking for his first points. It has been an injury hit season for Bill Cartright back in February. Placed on the injured list because of a sore back and sore knees. West departing. Chambers comes on. Last year Cartwright missed 17 games with a broken hand. to 17 games during the regular season this year. That’s his first point. The Bulls lead by seven. Here’s some pressure by Armstrong. Kevin Johnson has been very quiet to this point. Yeah, he he’s not been able to penetrate and get down the middle of the lane. Also, let’s take a look and see what the Chambers and the Cartright match up. If Phoenix trying to take advantage of Bill Cartright, guard Tom Chambers called for that foul, his third. They tell the big men step out and stop penetration. Well, Bill steps out, but a little bit too hard. Well, that’s what you want, though. You may think it’s a bad foul, but actually it’s not because next time Kevin’s going to be thinking about Bill Cartright jumping out there and he might not come as hard off that pick and roll. Kevin Johnson, he’s saying his bell is still ringing. [Music] Chambers [Applause] and Grant able to get to it. Scott Williams has replaced Bill for the round. Yes. [Music] The idea of putting a bigger man on Jordan Dumis is good except he’s got to guard him off the dribble which is bad. Richard Dumis cannot play Michael Jordan off the dribble. I I’m sorry, Mike, but no way can you put a man that’s not used to guarding Michael Jordan or guarding guards on Michael Jordan because Michael has too many moves for him. It’s a It’s a good idea, but it’s not working for the Phoenix Suns. The idea is to put athleticism against athleticism. Somebody that might be able to leap and jump and challenge shots down low, but outside where Michael takes him, like you said, no way he could play him off the ground. biggest lead of the game, 10-point margin for Chicago. Chambers fouled by Williams. Scott Williams called for his third. Now, I don’t know where Scott Williams was supposed to go on that one. He stayed on the ground on the first fake when Chambers turned to the inside and showed the ball, then put his arms up straight, never left. It must be that his arms leaning forward a little bit broke the plate. Otherwise, pretty good defensive position to me. Chambers three for four from the line. The ball 72 and the Suns 63. Michael Jordan has 39 points. [Applause] 810 remaining in the third quarter [Applause] [Music] now guarding Jordan also there. Oh, he was he was left free. Scotty Pippen takes advantage of the double team. Pippen has 14. The Bulls lead by 10. Johnson. Rare jump shot for Kevin Johnson. That’s only his second field goal. The Bulls lead by eight. Grant able to get down and he’s hammered by Johnson. Well, Chicago just took a page out of Phoenix’s book when they rush the ball down the floor. You had Grant sitting there wide open. Michael Jordan threw a no look pass to him and KJ couldn’t do anything but foul him. When you got a big man who’s got you 13 rebounds at this point in the game, you want to reward him every so often. And when he takes off and runs the floor at 610 and Michael sees him open, he’s going to get him the basketball. I always try to do that. AC Green, Kurt Ramb, uh, Kareem Abdul Jabar, they run down on the floor. I always try to get it to him. 14 foul committed by the Suns. Bartley now guarding Pippen. [Applause] Miller sets the pick. Johnson slicing through. Nice set up. Chambers rejected by Grant Armstrong. Last touch by Chambers. You see why you see why they miss Horus Grant so much in game three. because not only can he rebound, but he can also block shots. As Mike pointed out earlier, they’re getting the new 24. Scott Williams setting the pick. Grant is fouled. Fouled by Miller. [Music] Puts Phoenix over the limit. Oliver Miller called for his third. When we come back, following this timeout, Harris Grant will head to the foul line. Chicago leading by eight, eight for 10 when he has taken it to the basket. Eight of 14 with the jump shot. In effect, he has been redot no matter what he has been doing. But Phil Jackson wanted him to put the ball on the floor and take it to the basket. He has 39 points, 54 by Jordan. Game four against the Knicks is the high game in the playoffs this season, followed by the 44 by Barkley and Jordan. And the Jordan had 43 game one against Cleveland. Most points ever in NBA Finals game 61 scored by the current general manager of the Los Angeles Clippers, Elgen Balor. He had 61 against the Boston Celtics back in April of 62, followed by 55 by Rick Barry and Jerry West had a 53-point game against the Celtics back in 69. You know, I think people forget about those two guys scoring that many points. Now, if I’m I’m Phoenix, what I want to do here is try to keep this game within 10. Make sure you don’t let it get over 10 because you got to stay in striking distance. And I think they should now run it inside to Charles Park’s fortunate to get it back. Here’s Jordan. And again, Jordan with it. Armstrong for three. The Bulls with only their second three quarter, but they extend to an 11 point advantage. PJ off the best three-point shooter percentage wise in the NBA. this regular season. Johnson rejected by Williams. Last touch by Kevin Johnson. Words between Charles Barkley and Scotty Pippen. Well, it’s the first time that they had words on either side today. You had two skirmishes now. This one by Mark and Pippen and the other one by Kevin Johnson and BJ. And normally you haven’t had anything in this series. That little thing between Pippen and Barkley actually started about two or three minutes ago on a free throw situation where Barkley started the win a little bit too early. Hit him a little elbow. Barkley shoved him back then and just stood and looked down. But to me, I thought both teams have been a little too friendly and now it’s starting to heat up highly. That’s a plumbing violation. You mentioned a couple of games back that you felt it was wrong for Michael Jordan. And here’s another look at Barkley and Pippen having words at close range. You thought it was wrong during the series for Barkman and Jordan who are friendly to have dinner, spend that much time together. Williams called for the foul. Well, I I think what what I’m trying to say is that you have to have some kind of of fear and some kind of not hate, but dislike for the team if you going to try to win the championship. And now this series is finally heating up because the other night they all came over uh both the Phoenix Suns and the Chicago Bulls was at Michael Jordan’s restaurant and I turned to Quinn Buckner and I said this the first time I ever seen two teams that were in the finals having dinner together. And when I played in the championship, I never went out to dinner with any of the guys. I always felt they were the enemy, the other uh team. And you had to keep it like that. Yes, we feel the same way about having dinner with Azar some type of situation. Does he pay for it? Barkley hits one out of two the other day. You’re also talking about the no layup rule which is not in force it seems for either club. I know that was something that uh the the Lakers had back in your days under Pat Riley. Well, Pat Riley told us when we were playing the Boston Celt is that if we let one guy come in for a layup or if we pick a guy up, we will get fined. And the same thing BJ for three. And the same thing that the he’s doing with the New York Knicks. And you see Michael Jordan is able to drive here in this series anytime he wants to. All right. Miller able to put it down. [Applause] So that would tie in with guys who are friendly. be unlikely as Jordan tries to slice through and he is he is fouled and Jordan has been able to drive the lane but with a no layup rule he would pay but it’s unlikely what you’re saying that Barkley would be the one to make him pay right here he comes in and uh he he went in between the double team and drew the contact and yeah well what will happen is Barkley’s teammates will will look to see if he would take Michael out in terms of just hard foul And normally when you’re friends, you might not do that. I just want to mention that last game Charles Barkley played so many minutes against Bill Cartright and he used up so little energy that in the third overtime he said I was a precious player out on the floor. But tonight that has not been the case. He’s been matched up against Horus Grant. He’s matched up against Scotty Pippen. Last time he got a rebound, dribbled the length of the floor, made the pass. He’s using up a lot more energy tonight. We’ll see if it has its effects in the fourth quarter. Barkley backing Williams and a foul is called as Charles Barkley lands on the floor. Scott Williams called for the foul. Oh, Charles talking it up with Chicago Bulls fans at courtside. Looked like he he hurt the elbow. Barkley gives the little reverse dribble drop step. The whistle is late, but you’d rather have it correct. Make the call even if it’s a little bit late. Send the guy to the foul line if there’s body contact. Barkley seven of nine from the line. Charles with some extracurricular activity. Don’t read lips now, guys. Well, that’s Charles Barkley at his best. you know, he loves to to uh have a conversation with the fans, especially the ones who get on him. He wants to show that uh he’s the man out on the court and also he tried to turn that into advantage for his team. It’s no different here than it was in Barcelona where the people in the arena in some of the countries may not have liked Charles, but yet through the streets of Barcelona, everybody follow same here in Chicago and use the same tactics in the series against Seattle. Michael Jordan will do it on the road to get himself back in foul. Jordan for Greg. Oh, beautiful pass. The Bulls lead 7971 with 425 remaining in the third quarter. Bley’s pass picked off by Brown. puts the move on Miller. Sets up Grant and Chicago will maintain possession. Danny Haynes returns. Tom Chambers will sit down. New 24 for the Bulls. Now Barkley coming to Grant. Kevin being played by H Armstrong. Barkley rebound and Johnson with the crossover and Jordan gets to it. [Applause] The difference between last game for KJ Kevin Johnson and this one is he made a couple jumpers early which got his confidence level up. Right now he’s just two for nine from the floor. Not real confident shooting. Jordan very confident shooting the ball. 41 for Jordan. The Bulls lead by 10. We have about three minutes left. First quarter. [Applause] Timeout called by Phoenix. And he ain’t shaken up. The poke in the eye. [Applause] Oh, he’s upset. Trying to look inside at his cutters as Pippen comes down right there with the hand. That’s where A turns away having been poked in the eye. 301 remaining in the third. Bulls by 10. Kevin Johnson has not done it to this point. He struggled in games one and two. Came back strong Sunday in game three in that 63 minute performance. A brilliant turnaround. 11 for 24, 25 points, nine assists, but has not been able to get into it. Dan Marley rebounded by Scotty Pippen pulls for a 10-point lead. Danny Angel all right took a poke in the right eye but remains on the floor and stays with Scotty Pippen. That’s been the matchup. Jordan guarded by Johnson and a foul called Ames coming over to help. Michael Jordan will go to the line. The Suns over the limit. Jordan has struggled from the line. He’s seven of 12 from the line. Kevin Johnson called for his third. Well, I spoke to Michael uh before the game and last night and he said he watched the films and what he wanted to do was get KJ in a scoring position, try to bag him in where he can get into a scoring area and then take it up over him, jump over him and try to uh score there. And the intentions of Phoenix were to come and double team him that time, but Chicago had cleared out the left side of the floor. The double team was coming from the right side. Michael just kept running away from the double team. They couldn’t get to him in time. B’s now 13 of 22 from the line. Jordan has 43 points. He’s changed his mind. Started to go up. Crowd wanted to travel and then it’s thrown away. Oh, Jordan and Ames trash talking. A with his hands on Jordan. told him, “Get your hands off me.” Exactly. Now it’s heating up. This is a series now. The series I come to expect that it was was going to be. Like I said earlier, it was too much friendship earlier and now they’re getting into it the way a series in terms of a championship is supposed to be. But Jordan and Barkley has some rules. Exactly. So you can’t be friends. You go with something that everybody wants and that’s that diamond ring. Bulls lead by 12. Two minutes left. Third quarter. Here’s King and he was fouled by Miller. Let’s go back a moment ago to where the little confrontation took place. Michael with the left elbow into A’s midsection. There they felt he traveled. A feels the pressure. Thinks his teammate’s going to float to the right sideline in front of the Bull’s bench. But nobody’s there now. Mike was talking to him, letting him know that the pressure is going to get worse. Angel take it so far and then he’s going to hold his ground. Now, what you have in here for Phoenix, you have basically almost their best offensive team in terms of you got the three two three-point shooters, the two three-point shooters and A and Marley and Barkley down low. Now, what Barkley must do is try to create shots for those two guys or for himself. Richard Dumis just checked in as well. Gage also one of the Phoenix Suns who did have dinner with Michael Jordan the other night. Bulls by 13. Johnson all the way and he is fouled. Claiming that he took a hard shot off the left eye. Harris Grant picks up his fourth. One of the few times that the Chicago defense has not gotten back there to close down the lane. Grant tries to come over late to get the block shot, but Kevin Johnson is already elevated trying to convert the layup. Misses, but gets fouled. Well, this is Daryl Walker’s top again. Phil Jackson that was sent to insert Daryl for the first time. He has been spotted during this series. Very tenacious defender, very scrappy player. And he will check in. Morris Grant will get a rest. Grant has four fouls. He has come up strong. 15 points, 13 rebounds for Grant. Minute 52 to go in the third. [Applause] And Mar, this is important time for the Phoenix Sun. You do not want to let the Bulls get a 13 14point lead here and take that into the fourth quarter. keep the game within, like I said, 10 points or or or less [Applause] Jordan and a foul is called as Barkley took a shot to the left handy. Stacy King called for the foul. The Bulls also over the limit, so Barkley will go to the line. It’s there at the end as King pulls on that finger where Charles starts shaking that left hand on the injured pinky finger of the left hand. This is the most physical game out of the four games out of three games that have been played before this being the fourth game. Now we’re starting to see people contest each other. You’re starting to see guys get upset, get angry because of all the pushing and shoving that’s going on. And like I said, you have to have some sort of dislike for your opponent if you’re going to try to win a championship. And it’s it’s we’re seeing it finally now. Charles Barkley once again gutting it out with that sore right elbow as we reported earlier. Medical staff making the point of this were a regular season game. Charles probably would have sat out. 22 points, 10 rebounds, two steals for Barkley. The Bulls lead by nine. 120 left in the third. Walker for King. Oh, nice play. But beautiful passing on the inside. Michael Jordan as a post up man. Hits Daryl Walker cutting back across the baseline who throws right back to the area that he vacated. Interior passing. One, two. Count the basket. And Barkley goes flying. Foul on King is third. Charles will return to the foul line. Now, why do you make a a foul like this for what? You you you don’t want to stop the clock. If you Chicago, you want the clock to keep running. Make Charles catch it and make a tough move on you. Now, you just fouled him last time. Send him to the free throw line to get two free throws. Now, you’re going to return, foul him again. Now, this will be a chance for Child to make four free throws in a row and also stop the clock, which is in favor of the Phoenix Suns. Frank Johnson. Frank Johnson makes his first appearance of the game. And Kevin Johnson will sit down. Kevin Johnson played 22 minutes in the first half after the 63 minutes in the triple overtime. Frank Johnson played well in the losses to the Bulls in Phoenix, games one and two. In the first three games of this series, Phoenix is just under 73% from the foul line. During the regular season, they were 75% free throw shooting team, which placed them 16th in the NBA this evening from the foul line. 22 out of 26 outstanding from the foul line. Chicago by nine with just under one minute left. Third quarter for Jordan. Barkley rebounds. Charles went behind the back, lost it. Paxton though could not control. Although he’s claiming that Barkley deflected it out, but just the effort by Charles Barkley after he knew that he had turned it over by diving on the floor, getting a piece of it. The ball eventually goes off the Paxton’s legs out of bounds. The extra hustle by Charles shot out of seven. Frank Johnson given the shot. Frank Johnson hits the open jumper. This is a good move by Coach Paul West. What he did is he inserted another shooter in Frankie Johnson. So when they double team Barkley, he had three shooters he could throw the ball to. decides to pull it back. Bulls holding for a final shot and a foul called. Now Walker will go to the line. And if there’s anyone that the Suns do not mind going to the foul line, it is Daryl Walker has not spent much time there and is not noted for his free throw shooting. Only 50% during the regular season with the Bulls. 8-2 run by the Suns. And the Bulls now lead by seven. Yeah, he had no rotation on his shot that time. The ball didn’t rotate over uh very flat, so he had to get it up now. First free throws of this series for Daryl. It’s only the second game he’s played in the series. Trent Tucker checks back. Richard Dumis sitting down. Bulls having big problems at the line and it is waved off. Little hesitation by Daryl Walker. It caused one of the Bulls to step in too soon. Like a Chris Dudley free throw by Walker bringing the ball back over his head and pausing for a second. Look at his teammate cross the lane line and Kevin Johnson able to penetrate. So the Suns come roaring back. Final seconds of the quarter. Pippen [Applause] and after three, the Bulls now lead by five. A 10-2 run by Phoenix. Welcome back to America West Arena. Kevin Johnson with Kevin Johnson uh apparently having some problems with his right thigh with his hamstring and trainer Joe Prosky treating him with some heating lotion and massaging that leg during the timeout. Mark All right, Hannah, the Bulls with an 8681 lead as we head to the fourth quarter. Michael Jordan has scored 43 of Chicago’s 86 points. Michael is 17 for 28 and nine out of 14 from the foul line. Frank Johnson with the steel. So again, Frank Johnson has come on and has provided spawn. And Ahmad mentioning that coming out of the Chicago huddle, Phil Jackson very upset that again second third game in a row that Chicago has allowed Phoenix a run to get them back within striking distance of leads that Chicago’s worked so hard to build up. Well, remember I was talking about Trey Johnson again from the corner. Remember I was talking about trying to get the lead with down within 10 points by the third quarter. was able to do that. A 12-2 run by the Suns. That was not a good shot by Frank Johnson, but Paul Westall will take it. Jordan got the step and rejected by West. Michael Jordan with the step. West with the block. And here’s Marley. [Applause] Now the Suns regroup. So Frank Johnson operating at point guard with Johnson sitting it out. West posting up on Jordan and he’s fouled. Scott Williams over to help. West who is not a good free throw shooter will go to the line. They like to clear out for Jordan after timeout Chicago. And West realizes it realizing it makes the rotation over. Gets a piece of it and says, “Hey, let’s go. We got the ball. Don’t slow it down.” Michael gets caught behind Mark West. Too big, too strong for Michael down low. Scott Williams picks up the foul as fifth. The Suns have done the job at the line. They are 23 for 27 in contrast to the poor free throw shooting by the Bulls. And the pattern in this series has been the same. You get the idea the Bulls are going to pull away, but they have not been able to. They have allowed the Suns to get back into it for Phoenix. A 142 run and they are within one and with Charles Barkley on the bench. KJ on the bench. Dan Danny A on the M. So you’re doing with guys you don’t expect to be in the first be in the game playing and scoring like they do. Jordan nice pull up by Michael Jordan. He has 45. The Bulls lead 885. He had to pull up that time because Oliver Miller made a good defensive rotation along the baseline. Got there early. Jordan saw pulled up. Hit the jumper. Dumis around for the reverse. Jackson and Jordan in the guard. It’s part right. Pippen up front. They isolate Jordan. open for three his second three-pointer falls lead 91 85 I was just about to say that Phoenix had quieted the crowd back down again but then Paxton energizes him with the three fouls called a hold on Paxton what what John did he tried to vet him remove he tried and pull Frank Johnson down on him to make it seem like it was an offensive foul. You’re going to see it right here. Watch John Paxton just grab and pull Frank Johnson down like, “Hey, I didn’t do it, but he did do it.” Okay, let’s go. Once again, John Paxton has come on to provide a lift for the Bulls. He’s hit two three-pointers. He’s done it right throughout the playoffs. So though he has not gotten the minutes on a regular basis. It’s been an injury hit season for John Paxton. We asked him how difficult is it receiving the inconsistent playing time and then coming through. For guys coming off the bench, it means everything. I especially my situation. I I don’t get a whole lot of opportunities shotwise to contribute. And uh so when you come in and they look for you right away and you knock a few down, your teammates start looking for you more. they gain a little confidence in you again. So, for me, it’s uh it’s a big boost. It’s something I want to carry on the rest of the way. After the first three games, John Paxton had only seven shot attempts. This evening, two for four, so he has four field goal attempts. He’s made two three-pointers. Barkley fouled by Grant. John Paxton has played 15 minutes tonight. Aris Grant called for his fifth from the Phoenix side of the ledger. Kevin Johnson, despite the leg injury, is back on the floor. There’s Scott Williams returning. And Chicago in foul trouble. Williams has five. Phil Jackson rather would rather take a chance with Scott Williams picking up his sixth than Horus Grant. Here’s Johnson. Yes, Kevin Johnson with only his fourth field goal. He has 12. The Bulls now lead 91 87. It’s really surprised that Paul West had Richard Dumis out there. Normally in the fourth quarter, Richard Dumis is sitting on the bench and Danny Ames or uh Tom Chambers was in the game, but he elected to go with uh um Dumis and that was a foul by Mark West. He had his arm wrapped around Bill Cartright and wouldn’t let him uh go for the offensive rebound for West. It is number five and the Suns upset about that call. Mark West has played very strong right throughout and he’s received the playing time. Pulls by four. 8:35 remaining of the game. Pippen got the step and the call is number six on West. [Applause] It’s going to be a big big foul for Phoenix cuz Mark West is doing a very good job of battling on the glass, making his rotations, getting a block here or there. He steps up. He feels it plenty of time, but those arms perhaps leaning forward, breaking the plane where the contact took place is what was called. Eight points for West. Tom Chambers replaces him. And the Bulls are now 14- for 26 at the line. Foul run down. West qualified five for Williams and Brad P. Now we’ll sit down. Armstrong is back. Scotty Pippen had foul trouble earlier in the series. Had a three for nine and then appeared to straighten things out. He is 0 for two tonight and the free throw shooting has hurt the bones and it could cost him before the night is over. It could cost him this game. So, we’re going to keep a watch on that. They are not a good foul shooting team. Not the case throughout the regular season. On the turnover, Pippen gets it to Jordan and Jordan looks to settle it down. regroups. Shot clock at seven. And Jordan is foul. [Applause] Call from his third. Even Michael Jordan has had his problems at the line. Nine of 14 from the It is a nonshooting foul. that Michael was in the act. [Applause] But see, now you’re starting to see that with Mark West sitting on the bench. Chicago Bulls are now attacking the basket. They’re going they’re taking ball to the basket because of no shot blockers in the game for me. Chicago leads by six. Barkley feeling around for the presence of Williams Chambers and able to score with the putback. He has 17 93. The Suns 89 710 left in the game. Armstrong. [Applause] AJ Armstrong has it off. Johnson with the ball fake went all the way. Here comes Jordan 47 for Michael Jordan 95 89 as he Johnson went to the basket. They were riding him out on the hip and that’s the reason he didn’t finish the play. It counts and the foul. Charles Barkley will go to the lines. You talk about guys going strong. Let’s go back first though to Michael Jordan who sees the opportunity. Chambers does not step up high enough. But then again with Michael floating who can? Now Sean Barkley going to feel Williams and he’s going to spin on him. But then he’s going to dunk it right over Scotty Pippen. You talking about a strong man going to the hole. He was a possessed man. He wanted that two-point. Scott Williams called for the foul. So that is number six. He is gone. Six and a half remaining of the game. Timeout is called pulls by four. It has been a Michael Jordan explosion tonight. 19 for 32, 47 points in all and he is headed in the direction of a seventh career 50 plus game in the playoffs. His all-time high in the playoffs 63 April of 86 against the Boston Celix. He had a 54 point game against the Knicks in in May in the Eastern Conference Final Series. Well, Mar going to take him to score probably about almost 60 tonight to win this game or it’s going to take him uh to get more assists right here in these last 6 minutes and 30 seconds. He’s going to have to come up with either more offense or more assists for the Chicago Bulls to win. Well, only four of his 47 here in the fourth quarter. Michael the other night only six of his last 20 from the field. Bill Cartwright with an opportune time for his first field goal. The Bulls lead 97 91. Well, we got that match up again. Tom Chambers on Bill Cartwright. So maybe the Brewers will go and try to attack Tom Chambers. Pippen is guarding Bartley. Cartwright over to help. Chambers open. George knocked it away. Pivoted with the hesitation dribble looking for the shot that changed his mind. Morphy was by himself on the glass. Nobody else helping out. Shot clock at seven. Jordan played by Barkley. Shot clock at three. Pson Harley rebounds. In the first half, Phoenix had three three-pointers go down for him here in the second half. No three-point field goal. Right now, Phoenix have their best offensive team out on the court right now. And Johnson takes it to the basket. Beautiful penetration move by Kevin Johnson. He has 14. The Bulls 97. The Suns 93. Just under five minutes remaining in the game. And a foul called on Marley. It’s an offshooting foul for Phoenix, their fourth. [Applause] KJ winding his way down the lane. Gets an opportunity to get a look and a conversion. They’ve come few and far between in this game. Let’s remember for the Phoenix team, this is the team that really won the game for them in game three. So you got their best offensive team out there. They can really score. Oh, Pippen with the pass that had too much on it. Got away and Phoenix will get it back. Pressure by the balls. Armstrong picking up Johnson in the back court and then coming back. Okay, Tom Chambers just told KJ, “Let’s go pick and roll because I can take Bill Cutright and caught right out to pick up the foul.” That is four on Cartrite to put Chicago over the limit. One other reason, Chambers was the guy in the last game who was setting the good screens, the hard screens that got KJ into double team situations. He was unable to throw back to Chambers who would either take a jump or take it to the basket. Phoenix 24 of 29 from the line. Kevin Johnson, a good free throw shooter, 82%. Did you say a good free throw shooter? You you jinxed me. See, but the wan. Yeah. You know, right here, if I’m Phoenix, I would go to town chambers every time now. I would pull him out outside anywhere the free throw line or out on the three-point line. Give it to him and let him go isolation against uh Cartright. Chicago leads by three. Bulls try to take a 3-1 lead in this best of seven. Phoenix attempting to tie it at two with game five here on Chicago Friday night. 9:00 Eastern time right here on NBC. Crossover there for Jordan and finishes with the finger roll plus the foul. Dan Marley told us when he crosses over right to left, I cannot stay with him. I know it’s coming. And there it is. Right to left. He gets the step and then the elevation and then the finish. Well, what happens is Michael Jordan knows his foot speed is is better than Dan Marley and he’s just using all the quickness that he has. And for Jordan, 50 points, the ball’s lead 4 minutes remaining of the game. Chant of defense. Michael Jordan with 50 of the balls. 100 points. Johnson got the step short with the ball is rejected by Barkley knocked out of bounds by what a play by Jordan who was able to elevate extend in the air as he made certainty of someone to pass the ball to. And then somebody just happened to be Scotty Pippen. And the guy that just happened to fly shot happened to be Charles Barkley who going back in the game earlier had a few words for one another when there was some bump in his shoulder going on and Charles reminded him once again that that was me that got that. So 335 remaining of this fourth quarter. The Bulls 100. The Suns 94s Charles and Scotty get together. [Applause] Armstrong. The Bulls 102. The Suns 94. Three and a half remaining in the fourth quarter. Charles Barkley has been quiet in the fourth quarter. Well, he’s been he’s been quiet because they haven’t gone to him. They’re using this pick and roll play with Kevin Johnson and Tom Chambers. Now, in game three, they went to Chambers and Barkley where this time they’re not going to either one of them. Charles has played 43 of the 45 minutes up to this point. And in the fourth quarter, we worried when fatigue set in, Kevin Johnson hits a baseline jumper. We wondered if fatigue would set in for Charles because he was guarding different people other than Bill Plight. He has two points, no rebounds, and one block in the fourth quarter. It is Chicago by six. Michael Jordan has 50 points. A running for the steal. Knocked it out of bounds. [Applause] Armstrong and Jordan in the back court. Pippen right goes with their starting lineup in time. Jordan rebound Marley. So the jump shot has been off in the second half for Michael Jordan. Johnson. Yes, Kevin Johnson has turned it up in the second half and he’s brought the Suns within four with 235 remaining in the game. Scotty Pippen taking advantage of a double team on Jordan and then he’s called for a double. No, wait a moment. A jump ball. The call was changed and the Suns are upset. What they’re saying is that the defensive player as Pippen went up blocked the shot. Therefore, Scotty came down and that’s what caused him to then start dribbling again. So, they’re calling a jump ball. He goes up. He comes down the piece of the ball. Then he touches the ground. Good call. Good call. Good call. This This is an important jump ball right here. The possession of it. And it’s controlled by Chicago. Jordan using the official Evans as a screen. And then he’s pushed. Oh, A and Jordan throwing at each other. Angel and Jordan had a incident earlier and they continue to talk. Michael had a fingerpointed in the face of age. He did not like the body work. The person was called on age and a double technical on Jordan and age handed out. I still say that. Here’s the play again. Now, you’re going to watch it right here. After the foul, Michael throws his elbow up. Danny was holling for a elbow. Then they got tangled up here. Danny gets mad. Grabs the ball. Michael, they’re just exchanging right now. But I I I still say if Phoenix is going to have a chance to win this game, they must go to Barkley or Tom Chamber. AJ is trying to do it, but I don’t think he can do it by himself. Jordan is 11 for 16 from the line. He has 51 points. The Bulls have a fivepoint lead. 220 remaining of the game. Chicago 104 98. [Applause] Now Barkley backing who’s playing with five. Nice move by Charles Barkley off the spin to bring the Suns within four. And that’s all because of the concern that Chicago has with the three-point shooting of Phoenix. Nobody came the double Charles. He takes him one-on-one. [Applause] Chicago playing the clock. Jordan with the step. Jordan going rebound. That’s a big bucket for Horus Grant, giving Chicago a six-point lead. See, that’s what happens when you get two or three guys trying to stop Michael Jordan. Horus Grant is over for open shot. A nice pass. Johnson setting up Chambers. Knocked out of bounds by the Balls. Tom Chambers could not stop it. It’s the second time that Chambers has tried to dump the ball this evening and it just won’t stay in. Barkley for three. Rebound Marlin. Fires for three. Rebound Barkley. And that’s a goal. The basket will count. Well, the Phoenix Suns are fortunate. They don’t need threes right now. It’s only a six-point game, but because of the offensive rebound by Charles Barkley of Dan Marley’s missed three-point, that’s is good. Sons of three timeouts left. Balls. Two of 20. 120 remaining in this fourth quarter. Chicago with the ball and a four-point lead. [Applause] Jordan flashing in the paint. Rebound Chambers. [Applause] Johnson eluding Armstrong, finding Barkley and the Socks move within two with a minute one remaining. Phil Jackson takes a timeout. Now Kevin Johnson has been penetrating the last two times down. This time he’s going to find an open man in Barkley for the slam dunk. So the Suns keep coming back. We’ll be back in a moment. Back in Chicago, another stirring finish. Chicago with a two-point lead. A minute one remaining. That’s the timeout run down. The Bulls have had major problems at the foul line. It has hurt them while Phoenix has done the job at the line. 81% 25 for 31. Look at Chicago. 17 for 30 at the line. Let’s go over to Ahmad Rashad. All right, Marvin. In that timeout, the entire team kept saying one bucket, one stop. That’s their rallying crowd, Mark. All right, and here are the Bulls looking for that one bucket with 50 seconds remaining. They have a two-point lead. Jordan double team and Barkley with the steel. Here comes Johnson. He has Marley. Marley is stripped there. Marley was stripped on the two one again. Again in game three, Charles Barkley came up with the big steal. Here’s a big steal again. And this game four, Charles Barkley read the play. He He kind of baited Pippen into throwing it over there, he read it all the way, got it up to KJ. Instead of getting a basket, a beautiful play right there by Scotty Pippen to knock it out of bounds. as we showed you that steal a moment ago. This time it’s Pippen with the strip to break up the twoon-one. But Barkley was able to do it in game three against Stacy King. He does it right here. When we come back, it will be Phoenix ball. 39 and 410 seconds remaining in the fourth. The Bulls with a two-point lead. Both clubs are over the limit. And it will be Phoenix ball off the deflection on a twoon-one break by the Suns a moment ago. Kevin Johnson in bound. Pippen reaching around. Last touch by Pippen. Okay, you got two mismatches here for Phoenix. If you got Charles Barkley, either go to the post and go to him or I would take Tom Chambers draw right out and go at him. Touchdown by Armstrong. Armstrong took it away from Kevin Johnson. They want to play good defense without fouling right now. There is a 7second disparity between the shot clock and the game clock. Jordan. Yes. You know, it would have been better for child to foul him all the way than halfway foul. Foul called on Barkley. Four-point lead for Chicago. Michael Jordan 12 of 17 from the line coming for point number 55. The Bulls lead by five 13 and 310 seconds remaining in regulation and the Suns take a timeout. They’re down to one timeout left. Just Phoenix had come out of the timeout. set up a play to try and tie the score. The inbounds pass is fumbled picked off by BJ Armstrong and then Chicago tries to use the block. And remember I was talking about whether John would hire foul Michael Jordan. It was time for that hard foul right there. instead instead of higher fouling, he let Jordan get it up and he compounded by fouling him and a chance for the three-point play by five. We’ll be back in a moment. [Applause] Shorter puts the ball on the floor, goes to the basket to try and initiate contact. Instead of taking his arms down, Charles Barkley tries to move under him for the offensive foul. No good. Too much concentration, too much elevation. Michael Jordan to the basket gives Chicago the lead. And Michael Jordan with 55 points has tied Rick Barry for the second highest total in an NBA Finals game. Elgen Balor with 61. Rick Barry had 55 back in ‘ 67 against Philadelphia and now Michael Jordan with 55. Charles made a major mistake there. He should have, like Mike said, take his arms out. You got to put Michael on the floor, make him go to the free throw line where the whole Bulls team have been struggling and you got a better chance. You got to take that chance and foul and take him out. 13 and 3/10 seconds. Phoenix needing a quick bucket. Harley passed on the three and that was fouled. And that’s not bad. It stops the clock. Not bad from the Phoenix point of view with nine and 510 seconds remaining. Dan Marley, who has been very quiet in the second half after that three-point shooting display at the end of the second quarter, will go to the line. and he’s 0 for one from the line. Michael Jordan called for the foul. Harley a 78% foul shooter. Watch out now here cuz Dan might go for the make and then try to miss the the make the first one. Might try to go miss the second one. So, let’s see what happens here. He won’t get that opportunity cuz he missed the first one. right here. I could see him trying to miss on purpose, right? To save the mission, right? But I don’t think he’ll do it now because he missed the first one. Oh, he tried it. Yes, he did. But it didn’t it didn’t work for him. Four-point lead. Pressure by the Suns. Who’ll get the foul. Frank Johnson will send BJ Armstrong to the line. If I can go back to that play by Michael Jordan. See the difference between Barkley foul and Michael Jordan foul. He didn’t give uh Marley a chance to get the ball up to the hoop and uh Charles Barkley gave Michael Jordan a chance to to shoot the ball. So Armstrong, an 86% free throw shooter, will go to the line. Here’s Marley. Yes. Looked like he was trying to bang it off the back of the rim. So he tries to hit the first and misses. He tries to miss the second and hits. Perfect. It just worked out opposite for him. Seven of two10 seconds remaining. Fourth point. 110 105 Chicago. Armstrong with his first appearances on the line. Six-point Chicago lead. Time running out on the Suns here in game four. Miller Fire. So, the Chicago Bulls have taken a three games to one lead on the Phoenix Suns despite shooting 53%. [Music] from the foul line or check that 60% from the foul line. They shoot 53% from the field and led by Michael Jordan who had 55 points. The Bulls win it 111 105. Let’s go to Amad. All right, thanks Mark. Michael, the Phoenix Sun caught you guys a little emotionally down on Sunday. That didn’t happen tonight. Well, I think we learned from that game the other night. I know we had a a dog fight. We had our chances to win, but we knew we didn’t play extremely well. We knew we could play better basketball. Uh today we we still had some lapses in the in the 48minute game, but you know, we we struggled down the stretch, but we did what we had to do to win both. When I talked to you this afternoon, I have never seen you more determined than you were before this game tonight. Well, I was very disappointed with the way I played last game. You know, I had a lot of chances to win the ball game and I didn’t really converge on it. So, I wanted to, you know, do my part this game and hopefully give ourselves a chance to win the game. Did you worry at any time that maybe the other guys weren’t getting involved in the offense? Yeah, I was a little nervous, you know, at the beginning of the game because I was getting some easy shots. I was getting some penetration, some layups, and I didn’t know how the guys were going to stay within the game, but I I think they did a good job. I think we did a good job keeping them involved. One of the things it looked like one of your strategy was to get to the hoop more. Well, we didn’t get many fouls last game, and I said, you know, I’m going to get some fouls. If I don’t get fouls, I’m going get some easy layups. So, I had to go to the hole. All right. Congratulations to you, and we’ll see you on Friday. All right. All right. Thanks, Michael. Back to you, Mark. So, Michael Jordan with 21 of 37, 55 points in all. Charles Barkley, despite the sore elbow, 32 points and 12 rebounds again.
Relive the intensity and drama of Game 4 of the 1993 NBA Finals, where the Chicago Bulls hosted the Phoenix Suns in a pivotal matchup at the historic Chicago Stadium. With Michael Jordan at the peak of his powers and Charles Barkley determined to keep Phoenix’s title hopes alive, this game was a classic battle of two MVPs.
Jordan delivered a spectacular performance, scoring 55 points—one of the greatest individual games in NBA Finals history. Despite his scoring explosion, the Suns refused to fold. Barkley, Kevin Johnson, and Dan Majerle kept Phoenix competitive, pushing the Bulls to the limit in a tightly contested battle.
The game was a back-and-forth affair filled with highlight-reel plays, strategic adjustments, and relentless hustle. In the end, the Bulls narrowly escaped with a 111–105 victory, taking a commanding 3–1 series lead and moving within one win of a third straight NBA title.
This video showcases every big shot, key moment, and defining play from one of the most memorable games of the ’90s NBA era. Whether you’re a die-hard Bulls fan, a Suns supporter, or a basketball historian, this is a must-watch classic.
26 comments
Zero talent zero competition
What a joke the Jordan era was zero intensity zero talent
Put This Game On NBA TV Hardwood Classic On TV
Sorry Chuck, Cartwright is clearly the 2nd most interesting player to watch in this game. Confirmed first couple possessions of the game
I LOVE CHICAGO 🐂 BULLS ❤❤❤ 🎉🎉🎉
DARRYL WALKER SHOOTS 50% FROM THE LINE … NBA IS A DEI LEAGUE… HE'S NOT WORTH THE MONEY HE GETS … MOST OF THEM DONT … ITS A GAME MADE FOR CHILDREN… NBA BASKETBALL IS A SOCIAL ENGINEERING PROJECT
I love Micheal Jorge
all about perspective…Barkley had a triple double, Jordan had 55 points…Barkley stole a pass directed at Jordan with 1 minute left and the Suns down but KJ screwed up the next play..The Bulls are one of the all time great nba dynasties, I never liked them because they always seem to get all the breaks going their way…the famous game 5 versus the knicks…everyone talks about the blocks on Charles Smith,,,but the Knicks missed 15 of 27 Free throws..on a game they ended up losing by 3 points…then on game 6 in this series, a bad defensive reading by Barkley let Paxson wide open for the winning shot..I don't deny how good Chicago was..but everything always went their way
Magic is talking out of both sides of his mouth first he wants them to play rough and then ask why would you make a foul like that he's full of s*** you don't have to hate your opponent to play well against them not if you've got any pride in you no I never played professional but I did play Division 1 and we did go to State and Wednesday and when you're a kid I promise you do you want it just as bad as these guys want it in the pros and you don't have to hate you just have to play better and smarter and generally when you get mad you start making mistakes I think he's entirely full of s*** the way he's talking
This series crazy… long OT, MJ 55 points, Barkly Kevin CS play tough against Bulls
Yeah Magic The Game's a whole lot prettier with 8 isn't it the game is a lot prettier with sportsmanship and professionalism then it will ever be with hate what good is hate doing any of them right now more technicals I think you are so full of s*** it's not the way you played but it's the way you want them to play
I seem to remember Magic Johnson getting beat a hell of a lot worse than the sons are getting beat I wonder why magic didn't do that to Jordan it's one thing to talk s*** it's another thing to actually perform and I don't remember Magic performing that well during the whole series and that wasn't at the end of his career
There's a whole lot difference in playing Dan Majerle and Michael Jordan do you really compare the two that's one of the dumbest things I've ever heard magic say and he said some pretty stupid s*** I don't think he was the best point guard of all time I don't think he's even close I would take our over him any day of the week anybody that has to dribble down the court backwards when they are being pressed ain't that good of a point he was just a big point guard when you're looking over one shoulder dribbling down the court backwards you can't see all your players and that's what he did most of the time when he was pressured
Bulls really average team in 1993😂😂
Watching from Philippines .love watching from the 90s not for only Jordan but all 90d players and all teams
Watching from Philippines
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I remember this era like it was yesterday 😢
I wish the NBA in 2025 was like this era ever I can not hardly watch today's product.
https://youtu.be/2XBMsBOweOk?si=3DhQv1mX6BmFp8hi
Dsd siempre y para siempre el mejor D el baskebol maicor jordan en su mejores momentos el mejor d sus tiempos saludos desde Venezuela
Go suns
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Ang sarap sa pakiramdam pag masaya ang boss sa ginawa mo.ty boss sa pag apriciate ng mga nagawa q.i love u boss
The game was really different then than it is now.😅
very nice game