The Chicago Tribune Book of the Chicago Bulls: A Decade-by-Decade History

Author:Chicago Tribune Staff [Chicago Tribune Staff]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-5728-4783-5
Publisher: Agate Publishing
Published: 2016-10-16T16:00:00+00:00

Scottie Pippen helps Michael Jordan stay on his feet during Game 5 of the NBA Finals on June 11, 1997 in Utah. Stricken with stomach problems, Jordan still managed to score a game-high 38 points and lead the Bulls to a 90-88 victory and a 3-2 lead in the series.

Steve Kerr’s clutch shot was the Jazz stinger as the Bulls won their fifth crown.

The Jackson Five

June 14, 1997

The long journey ended late Friday night, much the way it played out over the previous seven months.

From November to June, there were ups-and-downs. Quite a few hairy moments. Big plays that kept the Bulls in games. Big shots delivering victories. Particularly the hard victories.

So when Steve Kerr hit the 17-foot jumper that will be remembered every time people recall the Bulls’ fifth championship, it was appropriate. The basket came at the end of an uphill battle, almost magnifying how tough this journey truly was.

Bulls coach Phil Jackson didn’t need a do-or-die shot to remind him.

“I didn’t enjoy this journey,” he said with a smile big enough for all the United Center to see. “This was filled with injuries and suspensions. But we had a great run, didn’t we? It was wonderful.”

And it’s over. The season came to a close with a thrilling 90-86 victory over the Utah Jazz in Game 6 of the NBA Finals before 24,544 screaming fans at the United Center. The Bulls successfully defended their title, claiming the franchise’s fifth championship in seven years by taking the best-of-seven series 4-2.

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