OK, let’s get back to the Bulls June Memories Part 2 today. Last time, we covered the June 1st to June 9th time period from the dynasty years; let’s talk about some more, including the clinchers.
June 10th- Game 4 in 1998 was played on this day; the Bulls took a commanding 3-1 series lead with another victory over the Jazz at the UC… The Last Dance was almost complete. In 1992, the Blazers tied up the series with a Game 4 victory in Portland. I’ve always wanted to see a game in Portland… one day.
June 11th- Game 2 in Phoenix was another Bulls victory in 1993; going up 2-0 by winning both games in Phoenix certainly set us up well. Meanwhile, 4 years later in 1997, one of the most famous games took place in Utah during Game 5. With the series tied due to the Jazz winning the previous 2 games in Utah, the momentum was certainly against us. Add in the fact that MJ showed up to Game 5 looking like death, and… I can’t lie… there were some nervous moments. But… when you have MJ on the court, regardless of his condition, things always seemed to turn out OK. Yes, the Flu Game as they would call it, is certainly one of the best Bulls games ever IMO. Bulls would prevail and head back to Chicago looking for their 5th title.
June 12th- Another busy day in Bulls history. In 98, the Jazz would stay alive winning Game 5 at the UC, sending the series back to Utah. With Scottie not 100%, would the Bulls be able to close it out on the road? In 1996, the Bulls threw the Sonics (and NBA and NBC) a bone, by laying down in a 21 point defeat; this has to be the Bulls worst ever playoff loss… In 1992 though, the Bulls would win the pivotal Game 5 in Portland, setting up the first ever title clinching game at home in Game 6. Finally, in 1991, the dream became reality. Yes, the Bulls would finish off the hobbled Lakers; I still remember the sign… MJ for President.
June 13th- In 1993, the Triple OT game against Phoenix at the Stadium occurred on this date. The Suns got their first W of the series; what a game. In 1997… it was Steve Kerr who would hit the winning shot off a MJ assist. I love the rally after that year’s title… where Kerr told everyone how the conversation in the huddle went before his game winning shot… haha
June 14th- In 1996, the Bulls would throw the Sonics (and NBA and NBC) their 2nd bone, setting up a Bulls clincher at home in Game 6 on Father’s Day. Meanwhile, in 1992 and 1998, the Bulls were celebrating their 2nd and 6th titles respectively. In 1998, MJ’s last shot in Utah during Game 6 perfectly completed The Last Dance, although none of us wanted it to end. In 1992, I was in the Stadium to see the best game I’ve ever been at in person. MJ cheerleading during the Bulls big comeback, and then coming in to secure the W and title in the 6th game… Yeah, I was there for that one!
June 15th- No Bulls title games on this date; the first date in the month of June we could say that.
June 16th- It was the other “Double Nickel” game for MJ in Game 4 against Phoenix in 1993 at the Stadium; 3-1 lead for the Bulls. In 1996, on Father’s Day, the Bulls would finish their 72-10 season with the ring, so yeah, it did mean something.
June 17th- Nada
June 18th- In 1993, we were ready to celebrate, but… Phoenix had other plans, beating the Bulls by 10 in Game 5 at the Stadium. I remember Barkley postgame talking some crap… about how the city was boarding up the windows, ready for another big celebration, and how they ruined it… The Bulls would have to make one more trip to Phoenix; they only needed to bring one suit though…
June 19th- Nada
June 20th- The latest date the Bulls have played in the Finals in June was in 1993, and it was MJ doing all the scoring in the 4th quarter until that final shot made by Paxson; the shot of his life man… I was going absolutely bonkers when he hit that. It still took a Horace blocked shot to seal it on the Suns’ last chance; the first 3 peat was complete.
It warms my body to think about these days back in the 90s. The Bulls were the kings of the NBA. It’s been 25 years since that 6th and final title. I think it’s about time to get a 7th; we’ve waited long enough, right? I want my son to see one, and for that matter, anybody under the age of 25. MJ and those Bulls dynasties made the franchise great; what happened during those years still carries the franchise to this day. 6 titles is more than most folks have seen in their lifetime, so I can’t really complain. Still, a 7th title… one day, one day…
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