1998 Eastern Conference Finals: Chicago Bulls vs Indiana Pacers
Today I will be breaking down the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals between the Chicago Bulls and the Indiana Pacers.
The 1998 Eastern Conference Finals between Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls and Reggie Miller and the Indiana Pacers is one of the greatest playoff series of all time. The series featured star player, clutch moments, and lots of drama.
Backstory: The Bulls are very close to finishing their dynasty. They had won 5 championships in the last 7 years. They look for a 6th one, and their 2nd 3-peat. The only things that stands in their way? Reggie Miller and the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers were a very good team, and they would give the Bulls a very tough time. This could be the end of the Bulls dynasty, or the chance to complete it.
Game 1
Chicago looked to start the series off the right way with a win at home. The Pacers were looking for the chance to steal the game. The two teams were evenly matched, and this series would look to be a good one. Game 1 was tough on both teams, with the Pacers trying to wear out the Bulls and Michael in particular. But, the Bulls were able to prevail 85-79. Michael had 31 points to lead the Bulls. The Pacers struggled on offense, scoring just 79 points as the Bulls smothering defense held them down all night. Reggie Miller had just 16 points while shooting 36% from the field.
Game 2
After taking the Game 1 victory, the Bulls looked to take both games and take a 2-0 lead. Michael Jordan was presented with his 5th and final MVP award before the game. Like Game 1, Game 2 was physical and close throughout. But Michael Jordan scored the late baseline jumper to seal the win for the Bulls, 104-98. Michael had a 41 point performance, shooting 59% from the field. Again the Bulls defense was prominent, as Reggie Miller was held to 19 points on 31% shooting from the field. Now that the Bulls took a 2-0 series lead, many believed that the series was over. But it was far from it.
Game 3
As the Bulls held the 2-0 series advantage, the Pacers were desperate for a win to stay in the series. Market Square Arena was packed and loud as the Bulls would be in a tough, hostile environment. After struggling in the 1st two games of the series, Reggie Miller shone with 28 points and 4 3-pointers. He hit the dagger 3 at the end, and the Pacers prevailed 107-105. Jordan had 30 points but shot just 41% from the field. The Pacers used the home-court to their advantage as they now trailed in the series 2-1. The pivotal Game 4 would be the next day, also in Indiana.
Game 4
As the Pacers now trailed 2-1 in the series, Game 4 would be their chance to tie the series and make it competitive once again. A win for Chicago would end the series. Game 4 would be the best game of the series. Michael and Reggie again battled throughout the night, each of them trying to will their teams to a pivotal win. With 6.4 seconds left, the Bulls led 94-93. The Pacers had the ball with a chance to win. But, Scottie Pippen stole the ball and was fouled. He would have the chance to seal the game at the free-throw line. But, he missed both. The Pacers called timeout and with 2.9 seconds would have another chance to win the game. In these situations, you knew where the ball was going. It was Miller Time. Miller was at the baseline. As the play started, Miller ran towards the top of the key and received a screen. He was switched onto Michael and “lightly moved” Michael. No, he shoved him. He got the ball on the right-wing and drilled the 3 that put the Pacers up 96-94 with 0.7 seconds left. But, the Bulls had time and Michael Jordan. What else do you need? Toni Kukoc found Michael deep on the left-wing. Michael doubled-clutched and hoisted up the prayer. The ball hung in the air forever, but it seemed on line. The ball met the rim, and spun in.. and out. Millimeters away from a Game 4 win. Millimeters. But Jordan missed and Indiana had won Game 4, 96-94. Rik Smits had 26 points to lead Indiana. Michael had 28 points to lead Chicago, but he came up short.
Game 5
After a thrilling Game 4, the series was now tied 2-2 going back to Chicago. Even with all the momentum, Game 5 was relatively boring. The Bulls dominated, winning 106-87. The Bulls led by 25 at halftime. Michael had 29 points for the Bulls, and the Bulls defense was again prominent in the dominant win. As the Bulls now led 3-2 in the series, they looked to close it out in Game 6 on the road as the Pacers looked to stay alive and force a Game 7.
Game 6
As the Bulls now led 3-2 in the series, the Pacers were desperate for a Game 6 win to stay in the series. The game was close throughout, and Michael Jordan tied the game at 89 with two free throws with 19 seconds left. But, Travis Best hit free throws with 8 seconds left to give the Pacers a 91-89 lead. On the ensuing Bulls position, Michael had the ball stolen by Derrick McKey, and he was fouled with no time on the clock. McKey hit 1/2 free throws, and the Pacers led 92-89. As Mckey missed the seconds of two free throws, the Bulls had to time left of the clock to get a shot off, and the Pacers won 92-89. Rik Smits had 25 points while shooting 11/12 from the field. Michael Jordan had 35 points himself. The Pacers had now tied the series 3-3, and Game 7 would be back in Chicago.
Game 7
After 6 hard fought games, it all came down to this. Michael and the Bulls were confident they would win, but it wouldn’t be that easy. The game was going to be dramatic. The Pacers jumped out to an early 19-7 lead in the 1st quarter. But, the Bulls managed to come back and tie it in the 2nd quarter, 28-28. The Bulls continued with their momentum and took a sizeable advantage. But, they were not able to pull away, and the game was tied 69-69 with 9:41 left in the 4th quarter. The Pacers led 77-74 with 6:30 left. There would be jump ball that could decide the game. If the Pacers got the ball and scored, they would lead by two possessions. If the Bulls got the ball, they would have a chance to cut the lead. The Bulls won the jump ball, and Steve Kerr hit the tying 3, making it 77-77. The Bulls started to gain momentum as Scottie Pippen made an and-one layup to seal the game. The Bulls won 88-83. Michael had 28 points and led the Bulls to a 4-3 series victory.
The Bulls narrowly survived the Eastern Conference battle with Reggie Miller and the Pacers. After this series, the Bulls went on to win the 1998 NBA Finals and secure their 6th championship of the dynasty. But, those Eastern Conference Finals were tough and filled with drama.
But, what do you think? Where does this series rank all-time for you? Was this the toughest series for Michael Jordan? Leave all of your comments down below.
Follow My Instagram: @hoopnotions
