1995/1996 Chicago Bulls Dynasty

[Andrew]

NBA Inside Stuff Magazine

Cover story: Bulls ready to take on all challengers
Also featured:
- Patrick Ewing
- John Stockton
- Alonzo Mourning

Bulls ready to take on all challengers

Michael Jordan will have a point to prove when the Chicago Bulls play their first game October 31st at home against the Boston Celtics. The last game Jordan played in the United Center saw the Bulls eliminated from the playoffs by the young Orlando Magic, a team figuring to be an Eastern Conference powerhouse for years to come. After shaking off the rust after nearly two years away from the game, Jordan is ready to return with a vengeance in his first full season since 1992/1993.

Scottie Pippen and head coach Phil Jackson are the only other familiar faces from the Bulls' threepeat seasons. Bill Cartwright headed to Seattle and then opted for retirement, Horace Grant has moved south to Orlando and John Paxson has called it quits. Replacing Pax in the backcourt is former Cavalier and Clipper Ron Harper. Harper, who has spent most of his career at shooting guard, will start at the point alongside Jordan in the backcourt. Luc Longley is the likely starting centre this season.

Last year Croatian forward Toni Kukoc took Grant's place in the starting lineup, but this season Kukoc will likely be coming off the bench behind the Bulls' latest acquisition, Dennis Rodman. Once a hated rival with the Pistons, Rodman will now fill the void at power forward.

The names may have changed, but the players seem familiar. The Bulls have rounded out their roster with role players such as Steve Kerr, Bill Wennington, Randy Brown, Jud Buechler, Dickie Simpkins and rookie Jason Caffey, taken 20th overall in this year's draft. These players lack the championship experience of Bulls' benches gone by, but they should be able to fill the same roles.

With Jordan reportedly back in form after an offseason of intense training, the addition of Rodman and the emergence of Pippen as one of the league's elite, the Bulls should be in excellent shape to take on all opponents in their quest to win their fourth championship in the last six years. Chicago will certainly be one of the teams to watch in the 1995/1996 NBA season.

Chicago 115, Boston 95

The season opener saw Michael Jordan explode for 48 points as the Bulls routed the Celtics 115-95. Scottie Pippen added 32 points and Dennis Rodman grabbed 17 rebounds as the Bulls held off a third quarter charge to run up a commanding lead in the final quarter.

Rick Fox top-scored for the Celtics with 26 points, but struggled to contain Pippen who shot 59% from the floor. Dino Radja was able to add 24 points and lead a run in the third quarter that brought the deficit to one, but faltered in the fourth quarter.

The Celtics scored the first basket of the game, a three pointer by Dee Brown. Jordan quickly countered with a long two, and the first quarter was a back and forth battle for the first eight minutes. Chicago jumped out to a double digit lead by the end of the first quarter, an effort they continued in the second period extending to a 60-46 lead at the halftime break.

A lack of focus by the Bulls at both ends allowed a determined Celtics team to make a 13-2 run to begin the third quarter. With eight minutes left in the quarter, the Celtics had narrowed the gap to a single point. Although Chicago would storm back and maintain a seven point advantage until the end of the quarter, the Celtics would not go without a fight.

However, Boston ran out of steam as Jordan and Pippen took over in the fourth quarter. Having established a 20 point lead, the Bulls' starters were taken out of the game with 44.7 seconds left on the clock.

Top Performers:

Michael Jordan (POG): 48 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals
Scottie Pippen: 32 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 block
Toni Kukoc: 10 points
Luc Longley: 8 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block
Dennis Rodman: 4 points, 17 rebounds (including 6 offensive)

Rick Fox: 26 points, 4 rebounds
Dino Radja: 24 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists
Dee Brown: 16 points, 3 assists
Eric Montross: 11 points, 4 rebounds
Sherman Douglas: 7 points, 7 rebounds, 11 assists

Current Record: 1-0
Next Opponent: LA Clippers

[PRoPuLsiOnDJ]

niiiice ... i have high hopes for this one

[TheBigEasy]

Oh ... so I guess you dont continue your other Chicago dynasty?

Well ... good luck with that one. I am still deciding if I continue my Hornets dynasty or start a new one in 95/96.

Do you want to break the Bulls records of 72 won games that season?

TBE

[Riot]

I love these '95 dynasties. Bulls, alright! I'll be reading like the other two, Andrew.

[Jay-Peso]

Good luck with this dynasty Andrew maybe you will be able to relive the 70th win and then take it to 72-10 for the final recored

[Wormy10]

72 wins would be nice

[C89KF]

i don't think it's hard to win more than 72 games with the Bulls!

[Riot]

you don't hear that too often anymore do you

[Andrew]

Oh ... so I guess you dont continue your other Chicago dynasty?

Probably not at this stage - I don't know how far I'll get in this one until it's time to go over to NBA Live 2005. This thread might have been a little premature. But I'll do my best to keep this one, time permitting.

[J@3]

Good start

I'm begging you though, don't trade for KG again

[Andrew]

No worries there, I don't have any need to shake up my roster.

[PRoPuLsiOnDJ]

Andrew, will you be using pictures in this dynasty?
I would love to see them here.

[Andrew]

Maybe. It depends how popular the thread is and how "into" the Dynasty I am.

[hmm]

...........................

[Andrew]

I should be able to match 72-10, but 82-0 might be pushing it. I'll see what I can do though.

[Andrew]

Chicago 112, LA Clippers 92

The Clippers did not appear to be intimidated by the Chicago Bulls as they ran up a 7-0 lead to begin the game. Chicago struggled for most of the first quarter as Michael Jordan couldn't seem to make his jumpshots. MJ shot a dismal 1/10 from the field in the first quarter, though the Bulls rallied back and cut the Clippers' lead to two by the end of the period.

Although the Clippers did not seem ready to submit to the Bulls' run, Chicago began the second quarter playing aggressive full court defense. Jordan began taking the ball to the basket and although bothered by the Clippers' big men, managed to sneak in a few layups and when his shot wasn't falling, managed to get to the foul line. Toni Kukoc provided some easy baskets off the bench to propel Chicago to a double digit lead.

Michael Jordan had the play of the game during the first half. As rookie Brent Barry took the ball to the basket, His Airness moved over and sent his shot back. Before Barry could recover, Jordan scooped up the loose ball and exploded into the frontcourt taking it all the way for the dunk.

Having built a comfortable 15 point lead at the end of the first half, Chicago relaxed a little and Los Angeles took advantage. The Clippers refused to quit and began chipping away at the Bulls' lead. A strong third quarter by Jordan and Pippen held off the run and the Bulls still had a double digit lead heading into the fourth. But in the fourth quarter the Clippers' backcourt caught fire and the lead was cut to three in the final three minutes.

The Bulls did not panic and with their defense leading to some fast break points for MJ and Pip, quickly extended the lead back to double digits and broke the Clippers' morale. Jordan and Pippen exited the game with 40 seconds remaining and Jud Buechler hit a three pointer to give the Bulls a 20 point victory.

Top Performers:

Michael Jordan (POG): 41 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 steals
Scottie Pippen: 25 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists
Luc Longley: 13 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists
Toni Kukoc: 12 points
Bill Wennington: 7 points, 5 rebounds
Dennis Rodman: 2 points (on a nice tip slam), 14 rebounds (4 Offensive)

Brent Barry: 23 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks
Pooh Richardson: 20 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists
Malik Sealy: 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Brian Williams: 11 points, 8 rebounds
Terry Dehere: 10 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists
Loy Vaught: 8 points, 9 rebounds

Current Record: 2-0
Next Opponent: Seattle Supersonics (2-1)

Could Chicago and Seattle meet in June?

When Chicago meets Seattle today, it could be a preview of the NBA Finals series.

The Chicago Bulls have something to prove after being eliminated by the Orlando Magic in the second round last year. Michael Jordan has something to prove after his critics deemed him un-Jordanlike for his sometimes rusty play following his comeback in March. And I'm sure Dennis Rodman would like to prove that San Antonio haven't sabotaged the Bulls by sending the Worm to the Windy City in exchange for centre Will Perdue.

Seattle also has the desire to prove their critics wrong. The Supersonics are quickly gaining a reputation as a great regular season team that falters in the playoffs. The frustration of the first round upset in 1994 at the hands of eighth seeded Denver still burns within players like Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton. George Karl still seethes about the 57 win season last year that seemed pointless after the Lakers defeated them 3-1 in their first round series of the 1995 Playoffs.

Chicago is 2-0 in its first two games, impressive blowouts of the Celtics and Clippers. Seattle is 2-1 but is playing excellent basketball. Shawn Kemp's 29 ppg is currently second only to Michael Jordan's 44 ppg in the scoring leaders so far this season. These are two teams on a mission, two teams of destiny. Perhaps two teams destined to meet in the NBA Finals.

The Supersonics were just one game away from meeting the Bulls in the 1993 NBA Finals. Charles Barkley and the Phoenix Suns thwarted Seattle's attempt to advance to the Finals for the first time since 1979 but lost to Jordan's Bulls in a thrilling six game series. The Sonics know they can reach that level again and perhaps go even further; capturing their first title since the aforementioned 1979 season when current Atlanta Hawks coach Lenny Wilkens was calling the shots from the bench. Tough losses and even tougher critics have a strange way of inspiring players.

Just ask Michael Jordan. Though he showed flashes of the player we once knew, there were nights he struggled and didn't seem to have the same kind on control over games that he once enjoyed. Even changing back to number 23 didn't help as the Bulls were defeated in six games by Shaquille O'Neal and his young Orlando Magic team. Jordan has been training hard this offseason to shake the rust off his game and sharpen his basketball instincts. If his performance in the first two games of the 95/96 season are anything to go by, the old Michael Jordan seems to have returned.

Seattle will be Jordan's first test. So far he has faced lottery teams and backcourts that aren't known for their defensive prowess. In Gary Payton, the Sonics have one of the league's top defenders to matchup against His Airness. Shawn Kemp is light years ahead of the forwards the Bulls have faced so far. Seattle is a team that might be able to beat Chicago in a seven game series.

It would be foolish to suggest that the outcome of this game will show us who will be the NBA Champions this year - after all, we are only a few games into the regular season. But it might just provide us with a glimpse of the future, a sneak preview of the 1996 NBA Finals.

[Jay-Peso]

Nice update and congrats on the blowout. MJ is a monster like normal

[J@3]

Luc Longley: 13 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists

MVP!! MVP!! MVP!!

[Rens]

Luc Longley! This reminds me..

[HonorGlow]

Please get to at leeeeeeeeeeeeast midseason...(so I can greedily get your pstat file!)

I'd love to see how the '96 Bulls controlled by you fairs against the rest of the Birdie Board.

But keep up the rocking re-caps!

[Andrew]

Chicago 91, Seattle 82

Michael Jordan may have only scored 8 points in the second half, but the Bulls were ahead at the final buzzer. Jordan's 20 first half points kept the Bulls in front of the Sonics. Shawn Kemp had 20 points and 9 rebounds despite foul trouble but Gary Payton was relatively quiet scoring only 12 points, though he found his teammates for 8 assists.

Having fallen behind Charles Barkley in the rebounding leaders after grabbing only 14 boards against the Clippers, Dennis Rodman was extremely active at both ends of the floor grabbing 8 offensive rebounds (leading to six of his eight points) and 16 defensive rebounds for a total of 24. Scottie Pippen scored 16 of his 21 points in the second half, picking up the scoring load from Jordan who spent most of the second half setting up his teammates.

The Sonics remained close during the first half thanks to the outside shooting of Hersey Hawkins and Detlef Schrempf, but left several Bulls open while concentrating on Jordan during the second half. Payton only matched up with Jordan a couple of times, but spent some time in the first half defending Pippen doing an admirable job.

Seattle only trailed by 10 points heading into the fourth, but with the Reignman the only effective Sonic at the offensive end, the Bulls had little trouble keeping the Sonics in check. Though Seattle would reduce the deficit to single digits the Bulls won comfortably in what may have been a preview of the 1996 NBA Finals.

Top Performers

Michael Jordan (POG): 28 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists
Scottie Pippen: 21 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists
Toni Kukoc: 13 points, 4 rebounds
Luc Longley: 8 points, 7 rebounds
Dennis Rodman: 8 points, 24 rebounds (8 offensive)

Shawn Kemp: 20 points, 9 rebounds
Hersey Hawkins: 16 points, 4 rebounds
Detlef Schrempf: 13 points, 3 blocks
Gary Payton: 12 points, 8 assists
Ervin Johnson: 7 points, 7 rebounds

Curren Record: 3-0
Next Opponent: Charlotte Hornets (1-1)

Chicago 137, Charlotte 111

From the opening tip, this was a fast paced high scoring game. The Hornets had the advantage in the first half as Khalid Reeves dished out seven assists allowing his teammates to rack up points early. The scoring was distributed fairly evenly for Chicago who trailed 37-31 at the end of the first.

Chicago took control in the second quarter playing a full court press forcing the Hornets to turn the ball over several times in the backcourt. The halftime score was 73-54. The Bulls would reach 100 before the end of the third quarter and cruised to victory in the fourth. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen both registered triple doubles and Toni Kukoc had his best outing of the young season with 18 points and 8 rebounds.

Glen Rice led the Hornets with 30 points but the Hornets were simply outmatched by a Chicago team that featured 8 players who scored in double figures. The teams meet again tomorrow in Chicago.

Top Performers

Michael Jordan (POG): 30 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, 4 steals
Scottie Pippen: 20 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, 7 steals
Toni Kukoc: 18 points, 8 rebounds
Steve Kerr: 13 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists
Luc Longley: 13 points
Jud Buechler: 11 points
Dennis Rodman: 10 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists
Ron Harper: 10 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals

Glen Rice: 30 points (4/6 3PT), 4 rebounds, 2 assists
Khalid Reeves: 21 points, 6 rebounds, 12 assists
Larry Johnson: 16 points, 6 rebounds
Kendall Gill: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 12 turnovers
Dell Curry: 9 points (in 9 minutes)
Matt Geiger: 8 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks

Current Record: 4-0
Next Opponent: Charlotte Hornets (1-2)

No screens for the moment, nothing out of the ordinary has happened.

[TheBigEasy]

Argh .... two triple doubles against the Hornets. How'd that happen? Anyway ... which schedule do you play? Fantasy one, I guess ... or how come you play two times in a row against the Hornets.

TBE

[Andrew]

That's correct, I chose a random schedule. That reminds me, I never did post my season settings for this Dynasty:

12 minute quarters (12 minute sim)
Random Schedule
My Sliders

Anything else I should tell you?

[TheBigEasy]

Anything else I should tell you?

Yeah ... how was the second game against the Hornets? Hopefully the Bugs won .

TBE

[Andrew]

I haven't played it yet, but I'll post a recap as soon as I do.