Flashback #27: Bulls Win 1996 NBA Finals (1996)

As of 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary on January 3rd, the station has begun to reveal (in chronological order) the Top 100 Chicago Sports Stories that have occurred since they first went on the air 20 years ago. Once all 100 of these "flashbacks" have been revealed, fans will be able to vote for which stories they believe are the most significant in the 20 year history of The Score. To see all of the Flashbacks that The Score has posted so far, please visit 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary page.

June 16, 1996 - Bulls win 1996 NBA Finals

Entering the 1996 NBA playoffs, there was little doubt as to who the favored team was.

The Bulls had just completed the most historic season in NBA history, finishing with a record of 72-10, and their fourth NBA title seemed like a given.

Living up to their 72-game record, the Bulls breezed through the first round of the playoffs, sweeping the Miami Heat in three games by an average of 23 points per game.

The Eastern Conference Semi Finals were more of the same for the title-driven Bulls, as they took down the Knicks in five games, losing only once in New York.

In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Bulls blew out the Orlando Magic by 38 points. From that point on, they never looked back as they swept the Magic in four games.

To this point, the Bulls had amassed a record of 83-11, but without a championship, the numbers would mean next to nothing.

Looking to squash the Bulls' title dreams were the Seattle SuperSonics, coached by the legendary George Karl.

The Bulls had earned home court advantage, so the series tipped off at the United Center -- a place Chicago had lost just three times that season. Game 1 was nothing new, as the Bulls won easily, 107-90 behind 28 points from Michael Jordan and 13 rebounds from Dennis Rodman.

Despite Shawn Kemp's 29 points and 13 rebounds in Game 2, the Bulls took a two-game advantage with the series shifting to Seattle. Unfortunately for the SuperSonics, the change of scenery did little to affect the outcome of the game. The Bulls won by 22 points in Game 3, and were one game away from the series sweep.

Seattle wouldn't let that happen, though, taking Games 4 and 5 to force a Game 6 in Chicago.

That's all the Bulls would need to win their fourth title that decade. Behind 19 rebounds from Rodman, 11 of which came on the offensive end, tying his NBA Finals record set in Game 2, the Bulls defeated the SuperSonics, 87-75, putting the finishing touches on arguably the greatest season in NBA history.

The Score will continue to release a new Flashback each weekday until they reach 100. Check back tomorrow for a new one, or check out all of the previous Flashbacks: 670 The Score's 20th Anniversary »