After a rather easy path to the 1998 Conference Finals, Chicago faced Indiana in the playoffs for the first time. Both teams won their second-round series 4-1. To the surprise of the Pacers and Larry Bird, who had just won coach of the year, point guard Mark Jackson was guarded by Scottie Pippen. A smart move by Phil Jackson, because Pippen was able to take away Jackson’s low-post game with his height advantage and defensive intensity. Forced out of his natural game, Jackson committed seven of the Pacers’ 26 turnovers. As great as he was defensively, Pippen shot only 1-for-9 from the field for 4 points. “I knew I was going to sacrifice some of my offensive game when we decided I was going to cover Mark today,” Pippen said. “I told MJ that he was going to have to take care of the bulk of the scoring because of my effort on Jackson.” Jordan, however, had his own struggles and went only 1-for-9 in the first half. The trio of Jordan, Pippen and Kukoc combined for an atrocious 3-for-24 from the field going into the third quarter, while the rest of the team was 9-for-20. Despite poor shooting by the Bulls, the Pacers led only by three at halftime. “I totally lost my rhythm and started missing easy shots,” Jordan said. “It affected my whole thought process in terms of aggression and looking for the shot. The third quarter, I was able to turn that around and become more aggressive and just think about going to the basket more. It worked out.” Jordan keyed a 10-0 run that opened …
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Jordan was obviously the best ball handler, the best slasher and one of the best shooters on the floor. With awesome team defense, this team was unstoppable.
There is a reason why neither Kobe, Shaq, or Tim Duncan & D. Robinson had a championship until Michael retired..
Isiah Thomas is one of the most unintelligent speakers in the Western world.
1 fg on 9 shots for scottie and he dominated!
Even though it was 12 years ago, I remember this series very well. It’s so hard to believe that it’s been that long. Anyway, the pacers was definitely the hardest team that the bulls had to play during the playoffs. The pacers matched up with them very well and had a huge chance of winning the series. I don’t think that they would have beaten utah in the finals though.
what an amazing basketball team so much fun to watch….all u young kids out there this is what the game is all about not what it is today…soft defense soft players just a few among the elite…the game will never be the same
The Lakers teams wouldn’t stand a chance against the Bulls. Any of them with Shaq or Gasol. Doesn’t matter! Bulls were balanced.
any one of the 6 championchip bulls teams will embarrass ANY of the kobe/lakers championship teams….easily
Pacers were scarry! these are one of the first times u see that the bulls show slight weaknesses
This is the last great ECF of the NBA’s Golden Era, and one of the greatest series I’ve ever witnessed. MJ was amazing in this game as always, and so was Scottie. I miss the good ol days. I can watch these games over and over again.
Am I too old to say…. damn those was good times in the NBA. Every one was aiming for the bulls …. even ME .. hahahahah.. Respect to every player on that court
THE BEST SERIES I BE SEEN IN MY HALL LIVE
What’s the name of that song played during their starting line-up?
2nd to MJ.
As a Chicago native who witnessed these games, I totally understand how hard it its to admit Miller is a great player. I always hated him. The thought of Reggie Miller is like ants under my skin. The Bulls Dynasty is the greatest to ever play.
Im a chicago guy and hated reggie miller with a passion, but now that i look back, i have tosay his shooting form was flawless! he was amazing!
pippen = 1.8 seconds. crybaby punk.
I don’t think Pippen is underrated, he’s a legend just like Mike.
this entire series makes todays nba a joke…those were the times!
8:05, that is a 35-year old MJ getting up that hight. Speaks for itself.
pippen is the biggest man on D
Jordan took over the second half offensively. But this game was ALL Scottie. I’ve never seen a better team/help defender ever.
Pippen is one of those RARE players that could dominate a game without scoring. His basketball IQ and skill set were just so high that he didn’t need to score. He could control an entire game without scoring an entire point.
sometimes it does feel like Pippen does not get the respect he deserves but if you was bless to see the Bulls run they you know how great he truely was
That was a crazy pass by Kukoc at 2:35. He led Pippen perfectly.