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1990–91 Chicago Bulls season

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

1990–91 Chicago Bulls season
NBA champions
Conference champions
Division champions
Head coachPhil Jackson
General managerJerry Krause
Owner(s)Jerry Reinsdorf
ArenaChicago Stadium
Results
Record61–21 (.744)
PlaceDivision: 1st (Central)
Conference: 1st (Eastern)
Playoff finishNBA Champions
(Defeated Lakers 4–1)
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com
Local media
TelevisionWGN-TV 9
SportsChannel Chicago
(Jim Durham, Johnny "Red" Kerr)
RadioWLUP–AM 1000
(Jim Durham, Johnny "Red" Kerr, John Rooney, Tom Boerwinkle)
< 1989–90 1991–92 >

The 1990–91 NBA season was the Bulls' 25th season in the National Basketball Association.[1] During the off-season, the Bulls acquired Dennis Hopson from the New Jersey Nets,[2][3] and signed free agent Cliff Levingston.[4][5] The Bulls overcame a slow start, losing their first three games of the season,[6] as they later on went on an 11-game winning streak between February and March,[7] held a 32–14 record at the All-Star break,[8] then posted a nine-game winning streak also in March.[9] The Bulls finished in first place in the Eastern Conference with a 61–21 record,[10] surpassing their previous franchise-best from the 1971–72 season.[11] Widely regarded as one of the greatest teams of all time, the Bulls had the best team offensive rating and the seventh best team defensive rating in the NBA.

Michael Jordan averaged 31.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.7 steals per game, and won another scoring title and his second Most Valuable Player award,[12][13][14][15] while being named to the All-NBA First Team, NBA All-Defensive First Team, and was selected for the 1991 NBA All-Star Game.[16][17] Scottie Pippen averaged 17.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 2.4 steals per game, and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, while Horace Grant provided the team with 12.8 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, and Bill Cartwright contributed 9.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.[18] Three-point specialist Craig Hodges won the Three-Point Shootout for the second consecutive year during the All-Star Weekend in Charlotte,[19][20] and head coach Phil Jackson finished in fourth place in Coach of the Year voting.[21][22]

In the Eastern Conference First Round of the playoffs, the Bulls swept the New York Knicks in three straight games.[23][24][25][26] Then in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals, they defeated Charles Barkley and the 5th-seeded Philadelphia 76ers in five games.[27][28][29][30] In the Eastern Conference Finals, they swept the defending champion Detroit Pistons in four straight games, and advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time.[31][32][33][34]

After losing Game 1 at home, 93–91 to Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers,[35][36] the Bulls would win the 1991 NBA Finals in five games, winning their first ever championship in franchise history.[37][38][39][40][41] This season was the first of three consecutive NBA titles for the Bulls, as well as marking the beginning of the legendary Bulls dynasty, which would net the team another five more championships over the next seven seasons. In 2024, following the Boston Celtics winning their 18th NBA Finals championship, this Chicago Bulls squad would tie that same Celtics team for the 20th easiest route to the NBA Finals championship according to HoopsHype, with Chicago being docked due to their first round opponent, the New York Knicks, having a losing record that season.[42]

Draft picks

[edit]
Main article: 1990 NBA draft
Round Pick Player Position Nationality School/Club Team
2 29 Toni Kukoč SF  Yugoslavia
( Croatia) 		KK Split

Roster

[edit]
1990–91 Chicago Bulls roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Name Height Weight DOB From
G 10 Armstrong, BJ 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 1967–09–09 Iowa
C 24 Cartwright, Bill 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) 245 lb (111 kg) 1957–07–30 San Francisco
F 54 Grant, Horace 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 245 lb (111 kg) 1965–07–04 Clemson
G 14 Hodges, Craig 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1960–06–27 Long Beach State
G/F 2 Hopson, Dennis 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 1965–04–22 Ohio State
G 23 Jordan, Michael 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 1963–02–17 North Carolina
F/C 34 King, Stacey 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) 230 lb (104 kg) 1967–01–29 Oklahoma
F 53 Levingston, Cliff 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 230 lb (104 kg) 1961–01–04 Wichita State
G 5 Paxson, John 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1960–09–29 Notre Dame
C 32 Perdue, Will 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) 240 lb (109 kg) 1965–08–29 Vanderbilt
F 33 Pippen, Scottie 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 1965–09–25 Central Arkansas
F 42 Williams, Scott 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 230 lb (104 kg) 1968–03–21 North Carolina
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Legend
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (S) Suspended
  • Injured Injured

Roster
Last transaction: October 15, 1990

Regular season

[edit]

Season standings

[edit]
Central Division
 W L PCT GB Home Road Div
y-Chicago Bulls 61 21 .744 — 35–6 26–15 25–5
x-Detroit Pistons 50 32 .610 11 32–9 18–23 19-11
x-Milwaukee Bucks 48 34 .585 13 33–8 15–26 16–14
x-Atlanta Hawks 43 39 .524 18 29–12 14–27 11–19
x-Indiana Pacers 41 41 .500 20 29-12 12–29 15-15
Cleveland Cavaliers 33 49 .402 28 23–18 10–31 11-19
Charlotte Hornets 26 56 .317 35 17–24 9–32 8–22
#
Eastern Conference
Team W L PCT GB
1 c-Chicago Bulls 61 21 .744 –
2 y-Boston Celtics 56 26 .683 5
3 x-Detroit Pistons 50 32 .610 11
4 x-Milwaukee Bucks 48 34 .585 13
5 x-Philadelphia 76ers 44 38 .537 17
6 x-Atlanta Hawks 43 39 .524 18
7 x-Indiana Pacers 41 41 .500 20
8 x-New York Knicks 39 43 .476 22
9 Cleveland Cavaliers 33 49 .402 28
10 Washington Bullets 30 52 .366 31
11 New Jersey Nets 26 56 .317 35
12 Charlotte Hornets 26 56 .317 35
13 Miami Heat 24 58 .293 37

Record vs. opponents

[edit]
1990–91 NBA records
Team ATL BOS CHA CHI CLE DAL DEN DET GSW HOU IND LAC LAL MIA MIL MIN NJN NYK ORL PHI PHO POR SAC SAS SEA UTA WAS
Atlanta — 3–1 1–4 1–4 3–2 2–0 1–1 0–5 1–1 1–1 4–1 2–0 1–1 4–0 2–3 1–1 3–1 3–1 1–1 0–4 0–2 1–1 2–0 2–0 1–1 1–1 2–2
Boston 1–3 — 3–1 2–2 3–1 2–0 2–0 2–2 1–1 2–0 2–2 2–0 1–1 4–1 2–2 2–0 4–1 5–0 1–1 2–3 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 2–0 1–1 5–1
Charlotte 4–1 1–3 — 0–5 1–4 1–1 0–2 1–4 1–1 0–2 0–5 1–1 0–2 2–2 2–3 1–1 2–2 0–4 2–0 2–2 0–2 0–2 2–0 1–1 0–2 0–2 2–2
Chicago 4–1 2–2 5–0 — 5–0 2–0 2–0 3–2 1–1 0–2 4–1 2–0 1–1 4–0 4–1 2–0 3–1 4–0 2–0 1–3 1–1 0–2 2–0 0–2 2–0 2–0 3–1
Cleveland 2–3 1–3 4–1 0–5 — 2–0 1–1 2–3 0–2 0–2 1–4 1–1 1–1 3–1 2–3 1–1 2–2 3–1 2–0 2–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–3
Dallas 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 0–2 — 3–1 0–2 2–2 1–3 2–0 1–3 2–2 0–2 1–1 1–4 2–0 2–0 1–4 1–1 0–4 1–3 2–2 1–4 2–2 0–5 2–0
Denver 1–1 0–2 2–0 0–2 1–1 1–3 — 0–2 1–3 0–5 0–2 0–4 0–4 0–2 1–1 3–2 1–1 1–1 2–3 0–2 0–4 0–4 3–1 1–4 0–4 1–3 1–1
Detroit 5–0 2–2 4–1 2–3 3–2 2–0 2–0 — 1–1 2–0 3–2 2–0 0–2 3–1 2–3 2–0 3–1 1–3 2–0 2–2 0–2 1–1 2–0 0–2 1–1 0–2 3–1
Golden State 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 3–1 1–1 — 2–2 1–1 3–2 2–3 2–0 1–1 3–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 2–0 1–3 2–3 2–3 2–2 3–1 1–3 0–2
Houston 1–1 0–2 2–0 2–0 2–0 3–1 5–0 0–2 2–2 — 1–1 2–2 1–3 2–0 2–0 5–0 2–0 2–0 3–2 2–0 3–1 0–4 3–1 2–3 2–2 2–2 1–1
Indiana 1–4 2–2 5–0 1–4 4–1 0–2 2–0 2–3 1–1 1–1 — 1–1 0–2 2–2 2–3 1–1 3–1 2–2 1–1 1–3 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–2
L.A. Clippers 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 3–1 4–0 0–2 2–3 2–2 1–1 — 0–4 0–2 1–1 3–1 1–1 0–2 1–3 0–2 2–3 1–3 3–2 2–2 2–3 1–3 0–2
L.A. Lakers 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 2–2 4–0 2–0 3–2 3–1 2–0 4–0 — 2–0 0–2 3–1 2–0 1–1 4–0 1–1 3–2 2–3 4–0 3–1 3–2 2–2 2–0
Miami 0–4 1–4 2–2 0–4 1–3 2–0 2–0 1–3 0–2 0–2 2–2 2–0 0–2 — 0–4 0–2 3–3 1–4 1–1 1–4 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–1 3–2
Milwaukee 3–2 2–2 3–2 1–4 3–2 1–1 1–1 3–2 1–1 0–2 3–2 1–1 2–0 4–0 — 1–1 2–2 4–0 2–0 2–2 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 3–1
Minnesota 1–1 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 4–1 2–3 0–2 1–3 0–5 1–1 1–3 1–3 2–0 1–1 — 1–1 1–1 2–2 2–0 0–4 0–4 3–1 0–4 2–2 1–4 1–1
New Jersey 1–3 1–4 2–2 1–3 2–2 0–2 1–1 1–3 1–1 0–2 1–3 1–1 0–2 3–3 2–2 1–1 — 0–5 1–1 2–3 1–1 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 0–2 2–3
New York 1–3 0–5 4–0 0–4 1–3 0–2 1–1 3–1 0–2 0–2 2–2 2–0 1–1 4–1 0–4 1–1 5–0 — 0–2 5–1 0–2 0–2 2–0 1–1 1–1 2–0 3–2
Orlando 1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 0–2 4–1 3–2 0–2 2–2 2–3 1–1 3–1 0–4 1–1 0–2 2–2 1–1 2–0 — 0–2 2–2 0–4 2–2 1–3 1–3 1–4 1–1
Philadelphia 4–0 3–2 2–2 3–1 2–2 1–1 2–0 2–2 0–2 0–2 3–1 2–0 1–1 4–1 2–2 0–2 3–2 1–5 2–0 — 1–1 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 0–2 3–2
Phoenix 2–0 1–1 2–0 1–1 2–0 4–0 4–0 2–0 3–1 1–3 1–1 3–2 2–3 2–0 1–1 4–0 1–1 2–0 2–2 1–1 — 3–2 3–1 1–3 3–2 2–2 2–0
Portland 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 2–0 3–1 4–0 1–1 3–2 4–0 2–0 3–1 3–2 2–0 1–1 4–0 2–0 2–0 4–0 1–1 2–3 — 3–2 2–2 4–0 3–1 2–0
Sacramento 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 2–2 1–3 0–2 3–2 1–3 0–2 2–3 0–4 1–1 1–1 1–3 1–1 0–2 2–2 1–1 1–3 2–3 — 1–3 1–4 1–3 2–0
San Antonio 0–2 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 4–1 4–1 2–0 2–2 3–2 1–1 2–2 1–3 2–0 1–1 4–0 2–0 1–1 3–1 2–0 3–1 2–2 3–1 — 3–1 2–3 2–0
Seattle 1–1 0–2 2–0 0–2 1–1 2–2 4–0 1–1 1–3 2–2 1–1 3–2 2–3 2–0 1–1 2–2 1–1 1–1 3–1 1–1 2–3 0–4 4–1 1–3 — 1–3 2–0
Utah 1–1 1–1 2–0 0–2 2–0 5–0 3–1 2–0 3–1 2–2 0–2 3–1 2–2 1–1 1–1 4–1 2–0 0–2 4–1 2–0 2–2 1–3 3–1 3–2 3–1 — 2–0
Washington 2–2 1–5 2–2 1–3 3–1 0–2 1–1 1–3 2–0 1–1 2–2 2–0 0–2 2–3 1–3 1–1 3–2 2–3 1–1 2–3 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 —

Game log

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]
1990–91 game log
Total: 61–21 (Home: 35–6; Road: 26–15)
November: 9–6 (home: 3–2; road: 6–4)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
1 November 2, 1990 Philadelphia L 116–124 Michael Jordan (34) Cliff Levingston (6) Jordan & Paxson (7) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		0–1
2 November 3, 1990 @ Washington L 102–103 Michael Jordan (28) Michael Jordan (10) B. J. Armstrong (4) Capital Centre
18,756 		0–2
3 November 6, 1990 Boston L 108–110 Michael Jordan (33) Cartwright & Jordan (8) Michael Jordan (12) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		0–3
4 November 7, 1990 @ Minnesota W 96–91 Grant & Jordan (17) Horace Grant (10) Michael Jordan (6) Target Center
19,006 		1–3
5 November 9, 1990 @ Boston W 120–100 Michael Jordan (41) Cliff Levingston (12) Scottie Pippen (10) Boston Garden
14,890 		2–3
6 November 10, 1990 Charlotte W 105–86 Michael Jordan (23) Bill Cartwright (7) Michael Jordan (8) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		3–3
7 November 13, 1990 @ Utah W 84–82 Michael Jordan (29) Grant & Jordan (11) Scottie Pippen (6) Salt Palace
12,616 		4–3
8 November 15, 1990 @ Golden State L 93–103 Horace Grant (18) Scottie Pippen (9) Scottie Pippen (7) Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Arena
15,025 		4–4
9 November 17, 1990 @ Seattle W 116–95 Michael Jordan (33) Scottie Pippen (10) Scottie Pippen (6) Seattle Center Coliseum
14,692 		5–4
10 November 18, 1990 @ Portland L 112–125 Michael Jordan (29) Bill Cartwright (8) Michael Jordan (7) Memorial Coliseum
12,884 		5–5
11 November 21, 1990 @ Phoenix L 107–109 Michael Jordan (34) Bill Cartwright (12) 3 players tied (4) Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum
14,487 		5–6
12 November 23, 1990 @ L.A. Clippers W 105–97 John Paxson (26) Scottie Pippen (13) Scottie Pippen (12) Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
15,357 		6–6
13 November 24, 1990 @ Denver W 151–145 Michael Jordan (38) Bill Cartwright (8) Michael Jordan (12) McNichols Sports Arena
17,022 		7–6
14 November 28, 1990 Washington W 118–94 Michael Jordan (24) Bill Cartwright (8) Michael Jordan (7) Chicago Stadium
18,165 		8–6
15 November 30, 1990 Indiana W 124–95 Michael Jordan (37) Horace Grant (9) Scottie Pippen (15) Chicago Stadium
18,346 		9–6
December: 11–3 (home: 10–1; road: 1–2)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
16 December 1, 1990 @ Cleveland W 120–85 Michael Jordan (32) Bill Cartwright (9) Scottie Pippen (13) Richfield Coliseum
20,273 		10–6
17 December 4, 1990 Phoenix W 155–127 Michael Jordan (27) Horace Grant (12) Scottie Pippen (11) Chicago Stadium
18,094 		11–6
18 December 7, 1990 New York W 108–98 Michael Jordan (33) Horace Grant (13) Michael Jordan (9) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		12–6
19 December 8, 1990 Portland L 101–109 Michael Jordan (35) Scottie Pippen (14) John Paxson (11) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		12–7
20 December 11, 1990 @ Milwaukee L 87–99 Michael Jordan (31) Horace Grant (9) Michael Jordan (5) Bradley Center
18,633 		12–8
21 December 14, 1990 L.A. Clippers W 128–88 Scottie Pippen (22) Will Perdue (9) B. J. Armstrong (9) Chicago Stadium
17,893 		13–8
22 December 15, 1990 Cleveland W 116–98 Michael Jordan (24) Michael Jordan (9) Hodges & Jordan (6) Chicago Stadium
18,228 		14–8
23 December 18, 1990 Miami W 112–103 Michael Jordan (39) Michael Jordan (9) 3 players tied (6) Chicago Stadium
17,877 		15–8
24 December 19, 1990 @ Detroit L 84–105 Michael Jordan (33) Grant & Pippen (9) Michael Jordan (6) The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454 		15–9
25 December 21, 1990 L.A. Lakers W 114–103 Michael Jordan (33) Michael Jordan (15) Jordan & Pippen (9) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		16–9
26 December 22, 1990 Indiana W 128–118 Michael Jordan (29) Cartwright & Pippen (10) Scottie Pippen (11) Chicago Stadium
18,261 		17–9
27 December 25, 1990 Detroit W 98–86 Michael Jordan (37) Bill Cartwright (10) John Paxson (8) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		18–9
28 December 27, 1990 Golden State W 128–113 Michael Jordan (42) Michael Jordan (14) Scottie Pippen (10) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		19–9
29 December 29, 1990 Seattle W 116–91 Michael Jordan (31) Bill Cartwright (13) B. J. Armstrong (8) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		20–9
January: 9–4 (home: 5–0; road: 4–4)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
30 January 3, 1991 @ Houston L 92–114 Michael Jordan (32) Horace Grant (12) Jordan & Pippen (7) The Summit
16,611 		20–10
31 January 5, 1991 Cleveland W 108–92 Michael Jordan (30) Horace Grant (11) B. J. Armstrong (8) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		21–10
32 January 8, 1991 New Jersey W 111–102 Michael Jordan (41) Scottie Pippen (12) Scottie Pippen (7) Chicago Stadium
18,169 		22–10
33 January 9, 1991 @ Philadelphia W 107–99 Michael Jordan (40) Horace Grant (10) Michael Jordan (9) The Spectrum
18,168 		23–10
34 January 11, 1991 Atlanta W 99–96 Michael Jordan (31) 3 players tied (10) Scottie Pippen (9) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		24–10
35 January 12, 1991 @ Charlotte W 106–95 Michael Jordan (33) Cartwright & Grant (11) Scottie Pippen (12) Charlotte Coliseum
23,901 		25–10
36 January 14, 1991 Milwaukee W 110–97 Michael Jordan (34) Horace Grant (12) Michael Jordan (9) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		26–10
37 January 16, 1991 @ Orlando W 99–88 Michael Jordan (29) Horace Grant (13) Armstrong & Jordan (4) Orlando Arena
15,077 		27–10
38 January 18, 1991 @ Atlanta L 105–114 Michael Jordan (30) Horace Grant (10) Michael Jordan (8) The Omni
16,390 		27–11
39 January 21, 1991 @ Miami W 117–106 Michael Jordan (37) Horace Grant (10) 4 players tied (5) Miami Arena
15,008 		28–11
40 January 23, 1991 @ New Jersey L 95–99 Michael Jordan (35) Horace Grant (11) Michael Jordan (5) Brendan Byrne Arena
18,333 		28–12
41 January 25, 1991 Miami W 108–87 Michael Jordan (26) Cliff Levingston (10) B. J. Armstrong (6) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		29–12
42 January 31, 1991 @ San Antonio L 102–106 Michael Jordan (36) Horace Grant (16) John Paxson (4) HemisFair Arena
15,908 		29–13
February: 11–1 (home: 6–0; road: 5–1)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
43 February 1, 1991 @ Dallas W 101–90 Michael Jordan (31) Scottie Pippen (14) Grant & Jordan (8) Reunion Arena
17,007 		30–13
44 February 3, 1991 @ L.A. Lakers L 86–99 Scottie Pippen (24) Will Perdue (11) Michael Jordan (9) Great Western Forum
17,505 		30–14
45 February 4, 1991 @ Sacramento W 108–97 Michael Jordan (24) Will Perdue (14) Scottie Pippen (8) ARCO Arena
17,014 		31–14
46 February 7, 1991 @ Detroit W 95–93 Michael Jordan (30) Michael Jordan (9) 3 players tied (3) The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454 		32–14
All-Star Break
47 February 12, 1991 Atlanta W 122–113 Michael Jordan (32) Grant & King (6) Scottie Pippen (10) Chicago Stadium
18,545 		33–14
48 February 14, 1991 @ New York W 102–92 Michael Jordan (29) Stacey King (9) Scottie Pippen (6) Madison Square Garden
19,081 		34–14
49 February 16, 1991 New Jersey W 99–87 Michael Jordan (26) Jordan & Perdue (11) Michael Jordan (7) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		35–14
50 February 18, 1991 @ Cleveland W 110–95 Michael Jordan (32) Bill Cartwright (7) Scottie Pippen (6) Richfield Coliseum
20,273 		36–14
51 February 19, 1991 Washington W 118–113 Michael Jordan (40) Scottie Pippen (13) Scottie Pippen (8) Chicago Stadium
17,894 		37–14
52 February 22, 1991 Sacramento W 129–82 Michael Jordan (34) Scottie Pippen (10) Scottie Pippen (9) Chicago Stadium
18,413 		38–14
53 February 23, 1991 Charlotte W 129–108 Scottie Pippen (43) Horace Grant (17) Paxson & Pippen (6) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		39–14
54 February 26, 1991 Boston W 129–99 Michael Jordan (39) Jordan & Perdue (8) B. J. Armstrong (8) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		40–14
March: 13–4 (home: 7–1; road: 6–3)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
55 March 1, 1991 Dallas W 109–86 Michael Jordan (29) Michael Jordan (11) B. J. Armstrong (10) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		41–14
56 March 2, 1991 @ Indiana L 114–135 Michael Jordan (22) Will Perdue (13) B. J. Armstrong (5) Market Square Arena
16,530 		41–15
57 March 5, 1991 Milwaukee W 104–86 Michael Jordan (30) Scottie Pippen (10) B. J. Armstrong (7) Chicago Stadium
18,335 		42–15
58 March 8, 1991 Utah W 99–89 Michael Jordan (37) Bill Cartwright (9) Scottie Pippen (11) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		43–15
59 March 10, 1991 @ Atlanta W 122–87 Michael Jordan (25) Cliff Levingston (10) Michael Jordan (9) The Omni
16,371 		44–15
60 March 12, 1991 Minnesota W 131–99 Grant & Jordan (20) Horace Grant (12) Michael Jordan (10) Chicago Stadium
18,268 		45–15
61 March 13, 1991 @ Milwaukee W 102–101 Michael Jordan (39) Horace Grant (11) Scottie Pippen (6) Bradley Center
18,633 		46–15
62 March 15, 1991 @ Charlotte W 105–92 Michael Jordan (34) Will Perdue (12) Michael Jordan (8) Charlotte Coliseum
23,901 		47–15
63 March 16, 1991 @ Cleveland W 102–98 Michael Jordan (37) Horace Grant (9) Scottie Pippen (7) Richfield Coliseum
20,273 		48–15
64 March 18, 1991 Denver W 121–108 Michael Jordan (31) Scottie Pippen (11) B. J. Armstrong (9) Chicago Stadium
18,163 		49–15
65 March 20, 1991 Atlanta W 129–107 Michael Jordan (22) Horace Grant (10) Michael Jordan (11) Chicago Stadium
18,439 		50–15
66 March 22, 1991 @ Philadelphia L 90–95 Michael Jordan (20) Horace Grant (10) B. J. Armstrong (7) The Spectrum
18,168 		50–16
67 March 23, 1991 Indiana W 133–119 Michael Jordan (39) Will Perdue (11) Scottie Pippen (8) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		51–16
68 March 25, 1991 Houston L 90–100 Michael Jordan (34) Grant & Pippen (12) Scottie Pippen (8) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		51–17
69 March 28, 1991 @ New Jersey W 128–94 Michael Jordan (42) Scottie Pippen (14) Michael Jordan (4) Brendan Byrne Arena
20,049 		52–17
70 March 29, 1991 @ Washington W 112–94 Grant & Pippen (22) Horace Grant (13) Jordan & Pippen (5) Capital Centre
18,756 		53–17
71 March 31, 1991 @ Boston L 132–135 (2OT) Michael Jordan (37) Horace Grant (18) Jordan & Pippen (9) Boston Garden
14,890 		53–18
April: 8–3 (home: 4–2; road: 4–1)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
72 April 2, 1991 Orlando W 106–102 Michael Jordan (44) Horace Grant (7) Michael Jordan (6) Chicago Stadium
18,264 		54–18
73 April 4, 1991 @ New York W 101–91 Michael Jordan (34) Scottie Pippen (10) Scottie Pippen (12) Madison Square Garden
19,081 		55–18
74 April 5, 1991 San Antonio L 107–110 Michael Jordan (39) Horace Grant (10) Michael Jordan (9) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		55–19
75 April 7, 1991 Philadelphia L 111–114 (OT) Michael Jordan (41) Horace Grant (7) Scottie Pippen (9) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		55–20
76 April 9, 1991 New York W 108–106 Michael Jordan (28) Horace Grant (14) Michael Jordan (8) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		56–20
77 April 10, 1991 @ Indiana W 101–96 Michael Jordan (28) Horace Grant (7) Scottie Pippen (6) Market Square Arena
16,530 		57–20
78 April 12, 1991 @ Detroit L 91–95 Michael Jordan (40) Scottie Pippen (11) Scottie Pippen (5) The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454 		57–21
79 April 15, 1991 Milwaukee W 103–94 Michael Jordan (46) Horace Grant (11) Scottie Pippen (6) Chicago Stadium
18,117 		58–21
80 April 17, 1991 @ Miami W 111–101 Michael Jordan (26) Scottie Pippen (11) Scottie Pippen (9) Miami Arena
15,008 		59–21
81 April 19, 1991 @ Charlotte W 115–99 Michael Jordan (41) Horace Grant (11) Scottie Pippen (8) Charlotte Coliseum
23,901 		60–21
82 April 21, 1991 Detroit W 108–100 Scottie Pippen (28) Will Perdue (10) Scottie Pippen (5) Chicago Stadium
18,678 		61–21
1990–91 schedule

Playoffs

[edit]
1991 playoff game log
Total: 15–2 (Home: 8–1; Road: 7–1)
First Round: 3–0 (home: 2–0; road: 1–0)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Series
1 April 25, 1991 New York W 126–85 Michael Jordan (28) Horace Grant (8) B. J. Armstrong (10) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		1–0
2 April 28, 1991 New York W 89–79 Michael Jordan (26) Scottie Pippen (8) Scottie Pippen (7) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		2–0
3 April 30, 1991 @ New York W 103–94 Michael Jordan (33) Scottie Pippen (11) Michael Jordan (7) Madison Square Garden
18,021 		3–0
Conference Semifinals: 4–1 (home: 3–0; road: 1–1)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Series
1 May 4, 1991 Philadelphia W 105–92 Michael Jordan (29) Horace Grant (9) Scottie Pippen (7) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		1–0
2 May 6, 1991 Philadelphia W 112–100 Michael Jordan (29) Scottie Pippen (11) Michael Jordan (9) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		2–0
3 May 10, 1991 @ Philadelphia L 97–99 Michael Jordan (46) Scottie Pippen (13) Jordan & Pippen (6) Spectrum
18,168 		2–1
4 May 12, 1991 @ Philadelphia W 101–85 Michael Jordan (25) Horace Grant (11) Michael Jordan (12) Spectrum
17,514 		3–1
5 May 14, 1991 Philadelphia W 100–95 Michael Jordan (38) Michael Jordan (19) Michael Jordan (7) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		4–1
Conference Finals: 4–0 (home: 2–0; road: 2–0)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Series
1 May 19, 1991 Detroit W 94–83 Michael Jordan (22) Horace Grant (10) three players tied (6) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		1–0
2 May 21, 1991 Detroit W 105–97 Michael Jordan (35) Scottie Pippen (10) Michael Jordan (7) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		2–0
3 May 25, 1991 @ Detroit W 113–107 Michael Jordan (33) Scottie Pippen (10) Michael Jordan (7) The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454 		3–0
4 May 27, 1991 @ Detroit W 115–94 Michael Jordan (29) Horace Grant (9) Scottie Pippen (10) The Palace of Auburn Hills
21,454 		4–0
NBA Finals: 4–1 (home: 1–1; road: 3–0)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Series
1 June 2, 1991 L.A. Lakers L 91–93 Michael Jordan (36) Horace Grant (10) Michael Jordan (12) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		0–1
2 June 5, 1991 L.A. Lakers W 107–86 Michael Jordan (33) Jordan & Perdue (7) Michael Jordan (13) Chicago Stadium
18,676 		1–1
3 June 7, 1991 @ L.A. Lakers W 104–96 (OT) Michael Jordan (29) Scottie Pippen (13) Michael Jordan (9) Great Western Forum
17,506 		2–1
4 June 9, 1991 @ L.A. Lakers W 97–82 Michael Jordan (28) Scottie Pippen (9) Michael Jordan (13) Great Western Forum
17,506 		3–1
5 June 12, 1991 @ L.A. Lakers W 108–101 Scottie Pippen (32) Scottie Pippen (13) Michael Jordan (10) Great Western Forum
17,506 		4–1
1991 schedule

Player stats

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field-goal percentage  3P%  3-point field-goal percentage  FT%  Free-throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game

Regular season

[edit]
Player GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
B. J. Armstrong 82 0 21.1 .481 .500 .874 1.8 3.7 .85 .05 8.8
Bill Cartwright 79 79 28.8 .490 .000 .697 6.2 1.6 .41 .19 9.6
Horace Grant 78 76 33.9 .547 .167 .711 8.4 2.3 1.22 .88 12.8
Craig Hodges 73 0 11.5 .424 .383 .963 .6 1.3 .47 .03 5.0
Dennis Hopson 61 0 11.9 .426 .200 .663 1.8 1.1 .41 .23 4.3
Michael Jordan 82 82 37.0 .539 .312 .851 6.0 5.5 2.72 1.01 31.5
Stacey King 76 6 15.8 .467 .000 .704 2.7 .9 .32 .55 5.5
Cliff Levingston 78 0 13.0 .450 .250 .648 2.9 .7 .37 .55 4.0
John Paxson 82 82 24.0 .548 .438 .829 1.1 3.6 .76 .04 8.7
Will Perdue 74 3 13.1 .494 .000 .670 4.5 .6 .31 .77 4.1
Scottie Pippen 82 82 36.8 .520 .309 .706 7.3 6.2 2.35 1.13 17.8
Scott Williams 51 0 6.6 .510 .500 .714 1.9 .3 .24 .25 2.5

Playoffs

[edit]
Player GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
B. J. Armstrong 17 16.1 .500 .600 .800 1.6 2.5 1.12 .06 5.5
Bill Cartwright 17 30.1 .519 .000 .688 4.7 1.9 .53 .41 9.5
Horace Grant 17 39.2 .583 .000 .733 8.1 2.2 .88 .35 13.3
Craig Hodges 17 12.3 .423 .393 .750 .2 .6 .65 .00 4.7
Dennis Hopson 5 3.6 .333 .000 .444 .8 .2 .00 .20 1.6
Michael Jordan 17 40.5 .524 .385 .845 6.4 8.4 2.35 1.35 31.1
Stacey King 11 7.8 .296 .000 .636 2.0 .2 .09 .09 2.1
Cliff Levingston 17 11.3 .512 .000 .500 2.4 .4 .59 .41 2.6
John Paxson 17 28.6 .530 .143 1.000 1.4 3.1 .65 .00 8.2
Will Perdue 17 11.6 .547 .000 .545 3.8 .2 .12 .47 4.1
Scottie Pippen 17 41.4 .504 .235 .792 8.9 5.8 2.47 1.12 21.6
Scott Williams 12 6.0 .462 .000 .550 1.7 .2 .08 .25 1.9

NBA Finals

[edit]

Game 1

[edit]

Sunday, June 2, at the Chicago Stadium

Team 1 2 3 4 Tot.
Los Angeles 29 22 24 18 93
Chicago 30 23 15 23 91

Game 2

[edit]

Wednesday, June 5, at the Chicago Stadium The Bulls shot a Finals record 61.7% from the floor, with a Jordan layup over Sam Perkins a highlight.[43]

Team 1 2 3 4 Tot.
Los Angeles 23 20 26 17 86
Chicago 28 20 38 21 107

Game 3

[edit]

Friday, June 7, at the Great Western Forum

Team 1 2 3 4 OT Tot.
Chicago 25 23 18 26 12 104
Los Angeles 25 22 25 20 4 96

Michael Jordan sends Game 3 to overtime with a pull-up jumper with 3.4 seconds to go.[44]

Game 4

[edit]

Sunday, June 9, at the Great Western Forum

Team 1 2 3 4 Tot.
Chicago 27 25 22 23 97
Los Angeles 28 16 14 24 82

Game 5

[edit]

Wednesday, June 12, at the Great Western Forum

The Lakers were facing elimination, and the lack of Worthy and Scott was not any help to the Lakers. This would not stop Magic Johnson as Johnson had 20 assists in the game, but it was not enough. Elden Campbell outscored Michael Jordan with 13 points in the first half, but it was not enough. The Lakers still fought and even led 93–90 in the fourth quarter, but a Bulls 9–0 run, and Paxson's 10 points in the final half of the fourth quarter helped secure the Chicago Bulls', and Michael Jordan's first NBA title.[38]

Team 1 2 3 4 Tot.
Chicago 27 21 32 28 108
Los Angeles 25 24 31 21 101

Award winners

[edit]

NBA All-Star Game

[edit]
  • Michael Jordan, Guard

Transactions

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "1990-91 Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats".
  2. ^ Brown, Clifton (June 27, 1990). "Nets Continue to Deal, Trading Hopson to Bulls". The New York Times. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  3. ^ "2 Dennis Hopson". Chicago Tribune. November 2, 1990. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
  4. ^ McKibben, Dave (August 14, 1990). "NBA Stars Near San Diego Sellout". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  5. ^ Smith, Sam (October 2, 1990). "Bulls Close in on Levingston". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
  6. ^ "PRO BASKETBALL; Celtics Beat Bulls at Buzzer". The New York Times. Associated Press. November 7, 1990. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
  7. ^ Murphy, Robert J. (March 2, 1991). "Bulls 109, Mavericks 86". United Press International. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
  8. ^ "NBA Games Played on February 7, 1991". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved November 21, 2022.
  9. ^ Murphy, Robert J. (March 20, 1991). "Bulls 129, Hawks 107". United Press International. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
  10. ^ "1990–91 Chicago Bulls Schedule and Results". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved October 16, 2021.
  11. ^ "Chicago Bulls". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved January 19, 2022.
  12. ^ Brown, Clifton (May 21, 1991). "BASKETBALL; Amid Pressing Matters, Jordan Accepts M.V.P." The New York Times. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
  13. ^ Howard-Cooper, Scott (May 21, 1991). "NBA PLAYOFFS: Jordan Is MVP in Landslide Vote". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  14. ^ Smith, Sam (May 21, 1991). "Jordan MVP by a Landslide". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  15. ^ "NBA MVP & ABA Most Valuable Player Award Winners". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
  16. ^ Smith, Sam (January 30, 1991). "Pippen Bypassed for All-Star Team". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  17. ^ "1991 NBA All-Star Game: East 116, West 114". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  18. ^ "1990–91 Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
  19. ^ Brown, Clifton (February 10, 1991). "PRO BASKETBALL; Rookie Wins Dunk Contest". The New York Times. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  20. ^ Howard-Cooper, Scott (February 10, 1991). "Celtics' Brown Makes Dunking Dee-Lightful: All-Stars: At 6-1, He Uses Creativity to Beat Seattle's Kemp. Hodges Wins Shootout Again". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  21. ^ "Chaney Gets Coaching Award, New Contract". United Press International. May 23, 1991. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  22. ^ "Rockets' Chaney Named Coach of Year". Chicago Tribune. May 24, 1991. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
  23. ^ Schabner, Dean (April 30, 1991). "Bulls 103, Knicks 94". United Press International. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
  24. ^ Brown, Clifton (May 1, 1991). "BASKETBALL; No-Good-Knicks: Bulls Complete a Playoff Sweep". The New York Times. Retrieved October 16, 2021.
  25. ^ Smith, Sam (May 1, 1991). "How Sweep It Is! Bulls Beat Knicks". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  26. ^ "1991 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Knicks vs. Bulls". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
  27. ^ Murphy, Robert J. (May 14, 1991). "Bulls 100, 76ers 95". United Press International. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  28. ^ Brown, Clifton (May 15, 1991). "BASKETBALL: THREE TEAMS ADVANCE TO CONFERENCE FINALS; Jordan's Punch Knocks Out the 76ers". The New York Times. Retrieved October 16, 2021.
  29. ^ "Jordan's 38 Points, 19 Rebounds Fuel Bulls: Eastern Conference: He Takes Advantage of 76ers' Limping Hawkins as Chicago Advances with a 100-95 Victory". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. May 15, 1991. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
  30. ^ "1991 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals: 76ers vs. Bulls". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
  31. ^ Brown, Clifton (May 28, 1991). "BASKETBALL; Bulls Brush Aside Pistons for Eastern Title". The New York Times. Retrieved October 16, 2021.
  32. ^ Howard-Cooper, Scott (May 28, 1991). "NBA PLAYOFFS: Bulls Erase the Last Doubt: Eastern Conference Finals: Bulls Extinguish Piston Hopes for a Third Consecutive Title, 115-94, and Make Their First Trip to the Championship Series". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  33. ^ Wilbon, Michael (May 28, 1991). "Bulls Handle All Pistons' Shots, Sweep Them". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  34. ^ "1991 NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Pistons vs. Bulls". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
  35. ^ Brown, Clifton (June 4, 1991). "BASKETBALL; Jordan, Jordan, Jordan Needs a Hand Out There". The New York Times. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  36. ^ Heisler, Mark (June 7, 1991). "NBA Finals: Lakers vs. Bulls: GAME 1: Perkins Shoots Down Bulls from Afar, 93-91". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  37. ^ Barnes, Mike (June 12, 1991). "Bulls Beat Lakers for Title, 108-101". United Press International. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
  38. ^ a b Brown, Clifton (June 13, 1991). "Jordan Crowns Career and Bulls Reign in N.B.A." The New York Times. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
  39. ^ Heisler, Mark (June 13, 1991). "NBA FINALS: LAKERS vs. CHICAGO BULLS: Bulls' Decree: Jordan Rules: Game 5: Chicago Wins First Championship by Sweeping at Forum, 108-101, But Depleted Lakers Go Down Fighting". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  40. ^ Aldridge, David (June 13, 1991). "Jordan, Co. Complete NBA Title Run, 108-101". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  41. ^ "1991 NBA Finals: Lakers vs. Bulls". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
  42. ^ "Ranking the easiest paths to an NBA title ever". HoopsHype. June 18, 2024. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
  43. ^ Goldaper, Sam (June 6, 1991). "BASKETBALL; Pippen Performs Magic on Defense". The New York Times. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
  44. ^ Brown, Clifton (June 8, 1991). "Extra! Bulls Rally Then Down Lakers in Overtime". The New York Times. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
  45. ^ Associated Press Athlete of the Year (male)
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