1997 NBA Finals Game 4 Chicago Bulls at Utah Jazz
71 degree day here in Salt Lake City. Snowcap Mountains in the background. must have seen around the Delta Center. NBA Finals Fever has taken over this city where they just love their Utah Jazz. The crowd rubbing it up here at the start of both the Jazz and the Bulls are completing their pregame warm-ups. And just moments ago, watch Chicago Bulls head coach Bill Johnson going to the earplugs. not taking any chances. I understand several Bulls players went to the ear plugs in the second half of the game the other night. I don’t know if this is going to work. Let’s see. Phil is still testing it. And we’re set for the introduction of the starting lineups. We go to one of the NBA’s classic public address announcing voices, Dan Roberts. Ladies and gentlemen, good evening and welcome to the Delta Center. This is the NBA Finals game number four. Introducing the starting lineup for the Chicago Bulls. Wearing number 33, starting forward at 67 from Central Arkansas, Scotty Pippen. Starting at forward wearing number 91 at 66 from Southeast Oklahoma State, Dennis Rockman the starting center wearing number 13 at 72 from New Mexico. Luke Lley on the guard line wearing number nine at 66 from Miami of Ohio. Ron Harper and a guard wearing number 23 at 66 from North Carolina, Michael Jordan. The Bulls are coached by Phil Jackson. Heat. Heat. And now, ladies and gentlemen, introducing our Utah Jazz. Starting it forward, wearing number 32 at 69 from Louisiana Tech, the mailman, Cameloo. Starting forward number three at 67 from Long Beach State, playing Brian Russell. The starting center wearing double O and 72 from Kansas on the guard line wearing number 12 and 61 from Gonzaga. John Stockton and a guard wearing number 14 at 64 from Iowa State, Jeff Horner. The Jazz are coached by Jerry Slo. I must say it is one of the more remarkable scenes in all of sports. The introductions here at the Devil Center in Salt Lake City. Mar for the Utah Jazz. They’ve got to be the physical aggressors. Forget about respect for the Bulls. Got to develop a dislike for Malone. Malone. Malone every time. Make Dennis Rodman even more irrelevant than he’s been to date. And Chicago has to regain the defensive aggressiveness that they had in game two. Of course, that was back at the United Center in Chicago. They had it for parts of game four, especially or game three for in the fourth quarter, but they have to do it early here to get this game under control. Well, the Chicago Bulls have dropped the last three straight games on the road in NBA Finals play. Michael Jordan talked earlier about the fact that they’ve got to take this crowd out early. The Bulls want to get off to the fast start. The officials pick the better at T Rush Joe for as we close in on the start of game four of this rest of seven NBA final series. The Bulls up two games to one. Michael Jordan coming off a 9 for 22 26-point game the other night. Utah has won 22 straight here at home. They are 9 and0 at home in the playoffs. There goes the tag and Luke Longley. Throw by the jam. Russell played by Pippen. Hornosk guarded by Jordan. Stockton. Gives it to Malone who fires the first shot and rebounded by Russell. Well, right away Utah going to what they’re calling their little motion offense. A little bit of a departure for them. And here’s a three-point attack by Russell. The rebound is snatched by Hara who was playing hurt his shoulder the other day just prior to fouling out and the guards for Chicago and that includes Scotty Pippen along with Jordan and Harper have to do a good job on the boards. Harper did have seven rebounds in game three and Harper challenged poster tag and he drew the foul. Different style the opening moments of this game. Utah staying on the perimeter. Chicago going attacking the hoop. Phil Jackson enjoying what I thought was a lucky break for the Bulls there. Oster tag in good position. Bailout call. A lot of times the Chicago Bulls after a second made free throw like to get into their the foot press and they’ll just see how Utah would attack it. Just get after people. Ron Harper very strong in the first two games at Chicago. It’s really been a homecourt series so far, particularly for the royal players in the four, five, six, seven, and eight positions. So, the Bulls with a one- nothing lead. John Stockton will have turned it around here on Friday night in game three. Greg Oster and Stockton looks to reset. Everything on the perimeter. Get to the hoop. Malone. So Carl Malone has missed on his first two field goal attempts. Longly beautiful feed by Michael Jordan as the Utah defense fell asleep in transition. Jordan had Oster, I should say, Longley in his sights all the way. Utah has missed its first three shots. Porto Jeff Pisac who had the worst game of this season on Friday night only one for nine able to hit on his first attempt falls three and the Jazz two Jordan backing Russell and hit well he can still elevate he can still fade even over the taller Brian Russell even though Hornosk did not shoot the ball well in the Last game, Jerry Sloan was very complimentary. Played 39 minutes because he was able to space the floor. The first two games identical five for nines from the field shooting good free throws are just that one for nine. But you don’t always have to be scoring to help your ball club. Here’s Malone. Yes, that’s become a rhythm shot. Almost automatic in the sense of Rodman. A wild three-point shot. The Jazz on the break. Phil Jackson whipped his neck around glaring at Dennis Rodman. Couldn’t believe the shot. Get the ball into Malone and let him work his way to the basket. Take Rodman out of the game. Horoset. You recall in game three, Rodman attempted only one shot. It was late in the game and it was also a wild three-pointer. Bulls five, the Jazz four. Here’s that post up that Chicago trying to take advantage of. And the foul against the Jazz off the double team. Pippen was able to find Longley and Balone picks it up. That’s his first. Well, a good read by Scotty Pippen on the double team coming with the Greg Oster tag. And Luke Lley did a nice job of following that defensive man right to the open spot underneath. Good fe Luke Lon’s got to finish that play off much much stronger now. He’s got to dunk that ball. Luke Longley in his sixth season out of New Mexico, a native of Melbourne, Australia. Very familiar with this area because University of New Mexico made many college appearances here in Utah earlier this season. Missed 18 games with a separated shoulder. Bulls take a 6-4 advantage. We have played 3 minutes. It’s very early, Mar, but Chicago has got the better game plan so far. Utah too much on the perimeter. Oster tag with the save. He was thinking of calling a timeout and then realized that he had the balance in bound. They double up on Stockton. Open shot for below. Ron Harper I think can keep John Stockton under control. Rodman helping out way too much. Paul Malone is not going to miss that shot in this building. The game is tied at six. Here’s Jordan slipping it over to Pippen. Open shot for Jordan. So Michael Jordan has hit on his first two and it’s the Bulls with a two-point lead. Malone getting possession. Beautiful timing that time between Stockton and Malone as Carlo when he catches it two feet in the paint. Absolutely nothing you could do as Dennis Rodman trailing behind Portland. Jordanley with the follow and a foul. Joe Forte indicating a loose ball affair on Utah. It’s called Stockton. Carl Malone getting the wideopen shot after the inadvertent double team there by Dennis Rodman and then moving without the ball. Stockton able to just deliver the ball. No pressure defensively by Ron Harper there. The Jazz though not taking advantage, not controlling their own defensive back court. That’s a killer against these Bulls. Here’s the double on Pippen. Immediately foul the open man Jordan. with the hustle to get that rebound handed off. Single coverage on the line and fouled by Rodman. Oh, Dennis Rodman that time seemed to have Carl Malone under control. No double team coming and then on the fadeaway shot, a very poor decision. just slaps him right on the forearm here, right above the elbow. And all you have to do is go up with a hand up. If Carl Malone’s going to make fadeaway jumpers, so be it. You want him to take that shot. You want him on the perimeter. You don’t want him powering to the basket. And Carl Malone, who picked up the free throw shooting the other night, seven of 10, not able to hit on his first here. You look at Carl Malone in the paint throughout the series getting stronger and stronger. The attempts are so critical there with a lot of attempts down low. The numbers will be huge for Carl the MVP. And a big part of that in game three that he was catching the ball up around the top of the key area, but had a mindset to drive it to the basket. The Bulls big defenders was too slow to stay with him. Utah by one. Malone has seven points. Chant of defense from the crowd here on side. Stockton nearly picked it off. Jordan tried to post going against the 6’7 Russell goes to the fadeaway and changed his mind. Hopper for three. Russell rebound. Russell playing very good solid disciplined defense on Jordan in the low post. What a pass. Oh, beautiful pass alone to stop that front door and the Jazz leading by three. That’s every game so far Utah has gotten that particular play. The give and go. Easy basket. Terrible defense, but Longley can’t hold on to it. Here’s Rodman to the right hand of the wild shot. The block by Ora attack, but Hopper able to hang in. It’s the Jazz 11 and the Bulls 10. This crowd has been screaming from the opening tip. 615 remaining. What in the first quarter? Good though. poster tag and last touch by Longley. Timeout is being taken with six minutes to go in this first quarter. Well, every time the ball goes into the post, it’s some kind of split or some kind of backcourt cut. Perfect pass to John Stockton. Pick and roll. Such a big part of the Utah offense. Jeff Cornosk going to be forced to the baseline by Michael Jordan. And the Bulls had a great deal of success in the first two games in Chicago of taking Utah out of this side pick and roll. Utah scrambling here really getting nothing. Forced to take a challenge shot and Chicago controlling. They did have a reasonable amount of success with the high pick and roll in the first two games. Able to spread the floor. Chicago unable to influence in any one particular way. penetration by Howard Eley and a high percentage shot. In game three, the side pick and roll improved again because of the alignment of Utah putting all their people on the other side of the floor and the high pick and roll wasn’t successful successful. So, the chess match continues, but it’s been all Carl Malone here. Seven points for the MVP. Dennis Rodman still nothing. Not a point, not a rebound. And they’re looking passes. Still no signs of the kind of energy you would expect from Rodman Marva. I think he’s consciously trying to behave himself and play for a contract for next season and that’s killing himself and his own team the contact and Rodman on the box out. Chicago has missed six of its last seven shots. Jazz up by one. Five and a half remaining in this first quarter. Marv Albert, Matt Ducas, Bill Walton, Amad Rashad, Jim Gray from Salt Lake Center. Longley lost it. Numbers for Utah take advantage. Open shot for Russell for three. Well, first of all, a good defensive job there by Scotty Pippen to take Hornisk off what looked like an open shot and a good ball faking by Horn. Got Russell. That great look. Nobody near him. Topper at first trying to a post up Stompton. Sloppy passing by the Bulls here at the start. Now Jordan one-on-one with Russell and put on the move to set up the fadeaway. just did beat the 24-second buzzer. Even though Michael Jordan has taken a couple perimeter shots, you can see his mindset is different for this game. More post up thinking and more take it to the basket ideas. Six points for Jordan. Oh, the crowd wants to go right to Rodman again. A beautiful pass and it led to the foul. Olster tag will go to the line. A shot clock winding down for Michael. He realizes it, knows he’s going to have to force something up, but able to back Russell in and create just enough air space to get that jump shot off. Man, there’s nothing anyone can do defensively about that. Russell played him as well as you could. The biggest thing there is don’t get frustrated when he makes plays like that. Howard Eley now in the lineup replacing Stockton. Oster Tech has to get more efficient and productive on the offensive end. He’s wide open or slope will come with Foster immediately. Greg Oster Tag on the line for the first time. Oster Tag very strong against the Keem now can’t get anything done against Luke Lonley. Very surprising for Oster Tag. posted tag invisible in the first half and in game number three and then came on did some good things particularly physically in the second half misses on the the two free throws. The Bulls lead 1211 as we come up on four minutes to go in this first quarter as Randy Brown have just checked in and again miscommunication but it was last touch by the Jags. Well, different thinking on the part of coach Bill Jackson coming with Randy Brown, a good defensive player instead of Steve Kerr for offense, realizing that Eley hurt him in the previous games. How Eley has played very well and as you mentioned, Bill, he’s come on for John, stopped it. Comes on the on the double team. Shot clock is down to two and Jordan is tripped up. Well, the Jazz don’t have that that edge, that spark yet. Obviously, we’re just underway here. Big start for Jordan and Malone. Scottie Pippen has yet to take a shot. And it’s a travel on Pippen. Nice throw. So, the ball back to Utah. This is Howard Eisley, threeear man from Boston College who has had an outstanding ser. He’s being guarded by the good defender Randy Brown. Eisley tried to turn him around. Russell for three. Rebounded by Oster. Oster is fouled. Terrific board work by Utah. They’ve gone away from Carl Malone in the post. The way he’s playing, Carl should touch the ball every single time. Offensive rebounding off the brick by Brian Russell. Chicago just pushed way underneath the backboard. Looked like he was going to kick it out. Said, “Hey, I’ll be like AC Green. Just throw up whatever.” Dennis Rodman picking up his second personal foul. Michael Jordan getting more and more frustrated with Luke Lowley. First of all, his inability to handle and catch some balls, being in the wrong places sometimes on offense, and defensively not alert. Luke is flatfooted right now. Host tag is 67% free throw shooter. Now Utah shot well at the line and in game three 26 of 30 overall. You’ll recall alone missed two early and after that they hit 26 of 28. So with three and a half remaining in this opening quarter, the game tied at 12. Pippen dumping it and rebounded by Russell. Now Jordan picking up Hornos. Finally to Malone in low. What a pass. Attack. Lost the grip. Where is Greg Foster? Well, Greg Foster, one of the heroes of game three, and he will be greeted with a a deafening response when he comes on. Rodman’s Rodman with his second attempt from the perimeter. He’s totally out of sync. He’s trying to make his contribution as a scorer. That’s not his game. He’s got to defend, get to loose balls, get on the offensive glass, and rebound. Illegal defense the call for the first time on the Bulls and a timeout taken with 238 left in this first quarter. The Jazz of the Bulls tie to 12. Well, Scotty Pippen double team. Rodman went to the right place but not enough lifts to finish the shot and then just forcing an ill-advised shot there. So lowscoring first quarter. Back with more in a moment. I’ve been chasing this guy ever since I joined the force. For special agent Shawn Archer, he’s the most dangerous criminal of mind I’ve ever known. There’s only one way to catch a killer. I will become him. From the director of Broken Arrow cast, John Travolta. Nothing like having your face cut off to disturb your sleep. Nicholas Cage. Face off. You’re not having any fun. Razar starts Friday, June 27th everywhere. They said imports taste better. They lied. And how does that make you feel? Used, manipulated, betrayed. And how does that make you feel? Used, manipulated, betrayed. So now what? Only drink fresh beer. Budweiser. You have made a real breakthrough. You did it on your own. We’re not dating from Budweiser. What fresh beer tastes like. Hey, you’re on the road to freshness. Hold all my calls. Is this safe? Is it safe? Is it safe? Not safe. It’s not safe. It’s safe. It’s not safe. It’s not safe. I read it wasn’t safe. It’s too risky. It’s not safe. What are you talking about? Shopping on the internet. Your son is shopping on the internet. The internet? With his credit card? It’s the future of commerce. I read about it. It could be safe. Well, how do you know? IBM is making it safer to buy things over the web. In aims to answer the call of the wild, one must soar with the grace and ease of the majestic eagle. Have the heart and soul of the mighty bear and seek comfort in the great outdoors. It is here that our ancient spirits find a balanced path in our civilized world. Tiger Woods tries to become the first back-to-back Grand Slam winner in a quarter century at the US Open. Live coverage begins Thursday at 3 Eastern on NBC. All right, there he is. Steve Jones. They call him Cyber Snapper. A close personal friend of Bill Walton. Although Bill says, “Let’s not get that crazy.” Tonight and throughout the NBA Finals, uh Steve will be analyzing the games live online on NBCports.com. He’ll answer any questions that you have about the game or the series while providing pre and postgame analysis. Plus, after the game, you can listen into the postgame press conferences online. That’s all on NBCports.com during the NBA Finals. Made mention of the lowscoring first quarter, which is even at 12. Chicago just five of 14, Utah five of 15 from the field. Let’s check in with Ahmad Rashad. Amad. All right, man. I was talking to Michael Jordan about the last game. He said that he was really trying to pace himself both mentally and physically during the game, but this particular game you can see he is not doing that at all. He’s animated and going right at right from the start. One other note, Dennis Rodman has just gone to the locker room and I understand he has a upset stomach and I’ll keep you posted on him. Hard nice. Foul is called on on Brown. Here’s Dennis Rodman heading back to the locker room moments ago as Ahmad just mentioned and we’ll have a report as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Howard Eley to the brief throw line. Both teams with their fourth team foul. Greg Foster has checked in for the first time and he heard it from the crowd. Foster who equal a careerhigh with 17 points here on Friday night. He had been very quiet first two games of the series. Oster tag not able to deliver offensively. Guard I’ve never seen Paul Malone pass the ball better or sharper. They’ve got to keep dumping into him. But Brian Russell who has yet to score in four attempts, he’s got to find the range from the perimeter. Longley off the setup from Jordan to tie the game at 14. Phil Jackson called that play from the bench during the free throw situation. And the Bulls can exploit the weak pick and roll defense of Utah. They just do don’t do it that often. Hornosk had a quick release. Lightning quick release by Hornosk doing it against Jordan. And the Jazz up by two. And here Jordan caught on the travel. No call made as he tied the game. Well, he covered a lot of territory there. Everybody in the stands giving the traveling signal, but I thought Michael held that right foot, the pivot foot and helmet strong and just elongated himself into the shot. But the fake on Jordan to set it up and Jeffac has come roaring back from the one for nine the other night. He now has six points. Jazz by two and the pace has picked up as we approach one minute left in this first quarter. Piping in the paint. They quickly double. Here comes Eley. But the Bulls got back and Jerry Sloan said pull it back. Oh, Rick Foster had a had a notion. Randy Brown’s really doing a solid job on Eley early and Brown with the block of Eley. Well, Phil Jackson’s mindset in this first quarter is defense coming with Randy Brown first and Kathy instead of Cuckoo. And the other factor, as we mentioned earlier, Hopper is playing with an injured shoulder. Played only briefly at the early going. Jordan fires that three. Foster on the rebound. 25 seconds left. Last quarter. Dump it into Carl Milan. Let him get to the hoop. The crowd can finish on an upbeat. Malone has been guarded now by Jason Cathy. Down to three on the shot clock. Malone gives it up. Hornac with the hot hand. It’s a three for Hornac. Final seconds of the quarter. The Jazz up by five. One quarter complete here in Salt Lake City. The Yukon Jazz 21, the Chicago Bulls 16. You are watching the NBA on NBC. lead the way. But Jeff is the kind of guy that moves beautifully without the ball. He’s got the lightning quick release and this is a shot that he makes regularly. But his game is coming off screens and delivering. And you see the fine performance in Chicago. This is not a team that gets hung up on statistics. He’ll just keep playing, keep rolling. Tonight he’s got the hot hands. Utah will find a way to milk him. Jeff on the bench for a well-deserved rest. And on that last field goal by Jeff Hornosk, actually Carl Malone had an open jumper but realized that Hornosk has the hot hand. Carl not trying to force anything. Playing the game as it should be. Second quarter underway. Phil Jackson with some changes. Steve Kerr who was hitting the shot the other night. Checked in well with Brian Williams who was so effective off the bench. It gets right to it. So that ends the 5-0 run by the Jazz. They now lead by three. Phil Jackson coming now with a more offensiveminded group while Michael Jordan rests on the bench. Great post entry pass. Stockton Brian Williams now guarding Car Malone and the shot waved off. Fouled away from the ball as he stopped it with Kerr. The big four the future Hall of Famers Bologone Stockton Pippen and Jordan. Tremendous, really unbelievable career statistics and accomplishments. Dream teamers. Foul is called on Kerr. We’re opening minute second quarter. Nice fake by Stockton. They had that count. Offensive foul. Carl Malone has called for his second personal. This is a terrible call. Carl Malone is already in the air taking his move. picks up his second foul and everybody’s standing underneath the basket flopping taking charges and that the only turnover in this first half committed by Utah offensive foul is a turnover. Chicago going to want to go to a pick and roll here but nobody came to get Scotty Pippen as Brian Williams job is to go over and set that pick fell asleep and the foul called on Foster. Look at the uh the big four thus far tonight. Car Malone got off to that fast start. What about Scotty Pippen? Only one field goal attempt. Uh still playing hurt, bothered by the the foot injury. Went to the outside successfully in the second half the other night and finished up with seven three-point shots. But we’ll have to see how mobile Scotty Pippen is. Well, here’s an example of it as he goes for the fade away and a loose ball foul against the go. Foul on CCO Lauren. The Bulls are pushing and shoving and getting their way to the offensive glass. I’m really surprised Scotty has just not been a monster in the offensive end in the low post. Well, nothing is going smoothly at the offensive end for Chicago. Everything is a struggle and you have to give a lot of that credit to the Jazz defense. Stockton unable to get open for his own shot here. And Juan Carr, Chris Morrison checked in for the first time. Stockton. Yes. And it’s the Jazz 23 and the Bulls 18. Elad Rashad reporting that currently Dennis Rodman did suffer an upset stomach, but he will be all right as Steve Kerr is able to knock it down. And Dennis Rodman will be available to make his return. And he’s back on the bench right now. Easy to spot him with that beautiful red hair. Three-point Jazz Lee Stockton. Tripping with the rebound. Bar Foster’s not having the impact that he had in game three. Out of rhythm. Uhoh. Scotty Gman got John Stockton. The lazy pass by Ron Harper. He’s got to take more time and care and make a better feed than that. Nice ball movement. Antoine Carr. Antoine Carr had a minor incident on the bench with Jerry Sloan back in game three. Coach, he thought he was fouled. No call made. Well, the Chicago offense is absolutely out of it right Now they got to get Michael Jordan back on the floor to restore some kind of order and start getting better shots. Scotty is standing there like his feet are killing him. Carr facing the double team setting it up for Russell for three and Pippen off the box out and Dick Petta with the call on Chris Mars. Stripping foul. Timeout taken. 8 minutes 54 seconds to go. First half ba on NBC is brought to you by Sprite. Image is nothing. Thirst is everything. Obey your thirst. Sprite by Motor Trend 1997 car of the year. The brand smacking new Malibu. Genuine Chevrolet. And by Direct TV, satellite TV at its best. Well, our aerial view shots of Salt Lake City tonight coming from the Miller Eagle as we welcome you back to the Delta Center. Let’s check in with Jim Gray. Jim. All right. Thank you, Marv. Jerry Sloan during that timeout told all of his guys he pointed in each one of their chests. He says you’ve got to hit the boards and you’ve got to box them out every trip down the court. The only one who was excluded was John Stockton. He says offensively better shots. You can’t do everything at once on the offensive end. Mark All right, thanks Jim. Gary Sloan was so upset with his club following that poor performance back in game two. He was seated, saying that they they lost their will against the Chicago Bulls and they were certainly able to turn it around in game three. Scotty Pippen getting the roll. That’s his first field goal. It’s the Jazz 23 and the Bulls 22. Well, the Bulls have been going into Scotty Pippen quite a bit. eight times so far in postup situations. They’ve only scored once. Michael Jordan is back. Here’s Carr. Car played well, but was able to hit on the pull out. It’s a critical juncture here for Utah, the second unit plus Stockton. They’ve got to find a rhythm. They’ve got to find a guy who can put some points on the board. Antoine Carr that time. Well, the one play they can go to every time is the pick and roll with Stockton. Steve Kerr having all kinds of difficulty. Michael Jordan off the mark on the three but CO is able to take it away from Foster. Nice pass from Cerr. Setting it up for Williams. Greg Foster and the Jazz. They have got to hold on to those defensive rebounds. Chicago with a couple of rebound edge early in the second quarter. Pippen broken up. Alert defensive play. Pippen chased by Stockton. Able to feed him. protected the dribble and then was able to knock it down to give the Bulls a one-point lead. And Jerry Sloan wants to talk it over. 719 left in the second quarter. The Bulls with a good spurt. They’ve taken a onepoint lead. Oh, the Bulls have picked it up here in the second quarter. They’ve hit five of eight. They’ve outscored the Jazz 10 to four. We have 719 left. in the first half and the Bulls with a 2625 lead. Car Malone got off to the the early first but has been quiet since those moments. Well, he’s been out. That’s why Jerry Sloan took that time out according to Jim Gray. Nothing really wrong. Just trying to get some guys back in the game. They got to find something out of their small forwards. Brian Russell 0 for five on the night along with Morrison Oster Tag who’s returned. Stockton and Homer in the back court. Stockton forced to work hard by Kerr. Oster Tag with the shot down. A mismatch inside. John Stock didn’t recognize it. He just couldn’t figure out exactly how he wanted to go inside. So Oster Tag just drove in the lane, drew some defense, and Oster Tag finally making a good move inside over coach Tag with his first field goal. It’s the Jazz by one. Here’s Brian Williams. Look out. Oster tag and Williams becoming entangled, but nothing serious develops. Oster tag finally gets an opportunity against a guy he can score at will on. Tony Ko of course playing with a very sore foot, but still not ever a defensive force. Foul was called on Oster Tag. Mark, the Jazz are not doing a good job of beating the Bulls across the lane defensively. Here’s Pippen. Now that’s the rebound. Oh, he ripped it down to Carl Malone. Chicago dominating the points in the paint. Well, in traffic, Carl Malone getting high up in the air for his third rebound with Brian Williams challenging. And then what he does is sprint the floor hard and that picks up the tempo for his whole team. And by sprinting gets excellent position with Williams on top for the easy one. That was an offshooting foul on Brian Williams. The basket did not count. Now here is Malone. Well, Car Malone is now three of seven from the field. Chicago down by one with the ball. 6 minutes left in the first half. The lead for Pippen went too deep. He had to save it. Cooach. Yes. Tony Coo hits the three. Beginning to hit his shot. still not himself because of the foot injury. But Phil Jackson telling us earlier he has liked what he’s seen the last couple of games from two cars. It all starts with your feet, Marv. Unless you can practice at full speed every day, everything is going to be luck as Steve great steal irritates top. Ryan Williams with the finisher. John Stockton felt that he was fouled and made the mistake of arguing with the official while running back on defense. Kerr had his head up and a good sprint by Brian Williams to get an easy basket. The Chicago Bulls have changed their philosophy on defense of the side pick and roll. They haven’t been forcing it down trying to fight over the pick. Bulls with a four-point lead as we come up on 5 minutes left. First pass Jeff has been on fire. Five of seven from the field. He has 11. The Bulls by two. Here’s coach again. Tony Cuckos with his second consecutive three at Chicago 34 and Utah 29. Well, the Bulls had to go all season long with all kinds of injury fouls. Hard to imagine that they could beat a good team on the road like Utah without something from good coach or something from Rodman. So far, absolutely zil from Dennis Rodman. Utah has called for time. Chicago pushing the ball after Hornosex jumper and then Stockton just ran away from a man with the ball. John Stockton, this is not his greatest afternoon of basketball. Tony Cuckoo though, you see his declining playoff numbers. Peaked there in 95. That was the year Jordan was playing baseball. Last year not that much of a factor. And then this year plagued miserably by that sore foot. You have to feel badly for Tony Cuck coach. He’s a much better player than he’s shown. And it’s not always statistics with Tony Cuck coach. He does so many other things at the offensive end as far as helping out with the ball handling, giving Jordan and Pippen a rest, getting second unit players good shots, but he does struggle defensively. And the Bulls with a very strong second quarter. They have outscored the Jazz 188. Missed their biggest lead, a margin of five. Just under five minutes remaining in the first half. Foster flashing down low against Pippen. And then move back outside. Stockton using the pick from Illinois. John Stockton with his third field goal. He has six points. Bulls 34. The Jazz 31. No impact from Stockton. The numbers are starting to build up, but certainly no impact from a small forward position for Utah. Oh, Foster with the play to take it away from coach and a foul called. It knocked out. What a shot, but it was waved off. The trailing official Dick Veta blowing the whistle and indicating a holding foul against Chicago. Cuc in the low post. Foster stays down. Coug just lost the ball. Nothing there. And then they took this basket away. A half court heave. Brian Williams was called on the foul. That amused Phil Jackson somewhat. He has reinserted. Dennis Rodman as reported earlier. Dennis went back to the locker room suffering with an upset stomach. Also suffering playing Carl Malone defensively. I’d come right to Carl here and establish it. Foster and as Foster made his move, offensive foul. Greg Foster trying to force the issue. Picks up his second. Well, Craig Foster didn’t think he charged. He felt he got rid of the ball in time. Jerry Sloan wasn’t really sure. Let’s take a look. Oh, that’s a horrible call as there is really no contact. Shouldn’t have been an offensive foul. Utah’s really got the short end of the stick a couple times right underneath the basket. Chicago’s got the offensive rhythm as of now. Looking ahead coming up at halftime, the credential halftime report. We’ll hear from Michael Jordan on his future and the future of the Chicago Bulls. Michael spoke to us shortly before tonight’s game. Hannah Storm will be joined by the doctor, Julius Irving, Peter Vessie, the Zar of the Telesreader, Mike Fettle. That’s all coming up on the Credential halftime report. Uh let’s check in with Jim Greg. Jim. All right, Mark. The last couple of timeouts, first the 22nd timeout, Tony Coo hit those two threes in a row. Greg Foster was inserted in the game. Didn’t know who his man was, so he wanted to make sure he knew his assignment. This time out, he told the Jazz, “Play through the officials, keep your composure, but continue to be aggressive.” Martin. It turns out though more that his man was Tony Coo which is why why Jerry Sloan had to have that timeout. Yes. Cuck coach hit the consecutive threes. Here’s Kerr for three. Great closeout defense by Stockton. Forced a missed delivery by Kerr. And a very quiet second quarter for Jordan. Four minutes. She’s taken only one shot. 0 for one from the field. Carl Malone backing Dennis Rodman. Shot clock at five. Malone. Oh, an air ball. Now Steve Kerr did a nice job of coming down just at the right time to double Malone and take him out of the post. Robin at the post. Pippen. Jordan open. Rebound. Pippen. Scotty Pippen on a football game. That foot looking much better. Great breakdown defensively by Chicago. You’ve got to get up. If you’re going to leave a guy wide open for a jumper, Jordan, whoever, you’ve got to get the weak side defensive board. And Malone lost it. Good play by Rodman. Here comes Jordan and decides to regroup. Bose lead 3631 with two and a half to go in the first half. Curr for three now. Stockton checking out the floor as Malone took possession. This time they went to the double on Malone. Now single covering and the foul. It’s a block. Rodman was looking to draw the charge and Dick Lea said no way. Well, actually Dennis Rodman does a good job here. maybe the first positive thing that he did all night by screening out a couple of white shirts to enable Pippen to get that shot. But now Dennis Robin in a lot of trouble with two personal fouls stuck one-on-one trying to flop and take that charge and Car Malone instead picks up his third. So Car Malone now two of three at the line. Join us Wednesday, prime time, 900 p. p.m. Eastern, 6:00 p. p.m. Pacific for the Bulls and the Jazz. And game number five, Michael Jordan and his Chicago Bulls going up against Carl John Stockton of the Jazz again right here at the very tough Delta Center, Salt Lake City. Wednesday, 9:00 Eastern, 6 in the West, right here on NBC. 2 minutes 11 seconds left in this first half and it’s the Bulls 36 and the Jazz 33. It’s been close throughout. Remember, we’ve had 16-point leads at halftime in games two and three. Not the case here tonight. Jordan trying to brush off Stockton and he did. Well, this first half is more reminiscent of game one which was low scoring. But 48 to 42, that’s a a lot of scoring compared to this with a minute 40 to go in the first half. But nobody’s playing well for Utah with the exception of Carl the M. What a pass again. Hornac can’t find it. Anton has been a major factor in the second quarter. Scotty Pippen, beautiful lead. Luke Lley puts it down and the Bulls have the biggest lead of the night. They’re up by seven. The Jazz defense does not deny penetration. They keep going for those pump fakes. They have no chance to win this critical game as Luke Longley throws Hornosk out of the way. Crowd was looking for a foul as Hornosk and Longley came together. Shot clock at three. Here’s Foster. Nice for the left hand. A terrific adjustment by Greg Foster who was offbalance, didn’t really have a good handle on it, but able to just regroup at the last second to put it up and in. Down to 45 seconds in this first half. Coo wide open for the three. Longley on the box out in front of him and it leads to the foul. Marv, we saw this last year with Seattle who could not stop Chicago on the offensive glass, but here Jordan just burns the much shorter Stockton, John, with no chance defensively. And then Scotty Pippen with the ball fake, guys running by. Once you penetrate Chicago, there is no way you’re going to keep them from scoring. You got to make him take and miss perimeter jumpers. And Foster was called for the foul to put Longley at the line. That’s three on Foster. Longley now one of three at the line. Well, in the opening minutes of the first quarter, both Pippen and Jordan were penetrating, but Luke Longley wasn’t getting to the right spot and when he was was mishailing the ball. Michael Jordan jumped on him midway through that first quarter. I think Luke has at least responded mentally into this game. He’s more alert. Adam Keith checked in. You see Greg Foster sitting down after picking up a a fur. Keith played 10 minutes the other night. Well, remember when Michael was talking about the good start and playing well early to keep the crowd out of it? The Bulls have succeeded in that. Bulls have a five-point lead. Stomped and guarded now by Hopper for three and it’s Guos with the rebound. Great defense. Jordan staying right with the quick release jump shooter Hornet and the Bulls are holding for a final shot of this first half. Setting it up you see directing traffic just about a second and a half differential with the game clock out of 5 seconds. Jordan for three rebound car. Here’s Russell firing, the basket from beyond midcourt. But the Bulls outscore the Jazz in the second quarter, 24-14 for a fivepoint lead at the half. Jeff Hornosk leading Utah with 11. Michael Jordan high for Chicago with 10. We’ll join Hannah for the credential halftime report right after these messages. This is the Predential Halftime Report brought to you by Predential. Bringing strength and stability to America’s families through insurance, healthcare, real estate, and financial services. Halftime of game four in Salt Lake City with the Bulls leading the Jazz 40-38. Michael Jordan with just 10 points, but the supporting cast has been good. Jeff Hornosk leads the Jazz with 11 points. Carl Malone has nine all when he was guarded by Dennis Rodman. Hi everybody, Hannah Storm along once again with Julius Irving, Peter Vessie and Mike Fello and their insights on the first half coming up in just a moment. But first, Michael Jordan. There is a lot writing on his return to basketball next season. The possibility of Michael not coming back has the city of Chicago fearful of a repeat of what happened to the city in 1994, an early Jordan retirement. Marv Albert spoke with Michael before tonight’s game. If you ride a roller coaster for 9 years, don’t you want to ride something else? And that’s where I feel right now. I’ve been on this roller coaster for 9 years. It’s just time for me to ride something else. You are playing at such a high level. Could you walk away at at this point and still enjoy yourself? It wouldn’t be enjoyment if if I feel like I can’t go out and put forth the same attitude and the same energy and not have the same type of leadership that I’ve had for my years in the in the city of Chicago. Uh it isn’t what I do individually. I know I can still play the game of basketball, but you know, aside from that, you got to have a one focus or certain harmony amongst the team to have that motivation. And I I think you we lose that if if Phil is not around. So it isn’t a point if I can still play the game. I know I can still play, you know, but it didn’t have the same meaning, if I don’t have the same focus and the same harmony. Does that mean that you have made up your mind and you’re simply waiting to see how Phil and the Bulls resolve the situation? Sure. I would rather see Phil and the organization settle their differences and then I think it’ll be very simple to settle differences from my my standpoint and I think peace of mind is really what it costs for me. uh that if uh it’s not this organization, the Bulls organization, it’s something that it can be trusted uh that it’s got a backbone that it stands for something. If Phil is not around, then it’s not that much of a decision-m process for me. I I certainly don’t want to start all over and if Phil is not around, then that’s the attitude that I think the organization’s taking, you know, uh cuz Phil’s, you know, openly said he wants to be back and coaching this team as long as keep players in in place. And I think that’s his desire to be around. Uh but if the organization wants to take a different approach, you know, it’s something that we can’t control, but you I can control if I want to go through that whole process again. There going to be teams trying to grab me realizing that I have one year on my contract. Uh, I don’t focus on that and I don’t let it bother me. If it happens, it happens. What if you and Phil Jackson both want to return? The Bulls say, “Yes, of course, we want you both, but they decide to trade Scotty Pippen. Could that affect your decision?” Certainly. You know, I think uh that’s we’re in in in the midst of this because of, you know, the nucleus of our team, which Scotty is a part of that. you know, if you if you want to trade Scotty Pippen and, you know, try to get some draft picks for the future, then I I don’t think that’s appropriately trying to win at this particular time, which is one of the reasons that, you know, Phil and myself want to continue to be a part of the organization at this particular time is that our chances of winning or now, you know, and to lose a big piece of that puzzle is really jeopardizing our opportunity to win now. And and I wouldn’t consider that, you know, you know, a continuous process of what we have done. I would consider that a rebuilding process. You know, Marv uh brought up the point about Scotty Pippen. And we saw in a pregame interview with Pippen, Peter, that he feels he’ll be in a Bulls uniform next season. So, a little bit of a change in the Pippen scenario. How do you see things playing out next year? Jerry Rhynov’s a very smart man. There is no way that he’s going to break up this team. I mean, he’s waiting until the end of the finals, I think, just to make Jackson sweat because Jackson has gotten into some problems with Jerry Krauss. You do not break up a dynasty. It’s way too difficult to try to rebuild. Everybody knows that. Michael Jordan started off hot. Looked like he might even take over this game, but he finished the half with just five of 11 shooting and only two points in the second quarter. When we return, we’ll hear from Dr. Jay and Mike Coutello on the first half of the Bulls and the Jazz. But first, a message from Credential and a word from the NBA. That command account has a statement. You can’t get a better statement than that in my opinion. Three, four, five pages here versus all of this stuff. You’ve got checking account capabilities. How many shares I had, how much I invested. The information is there, which helps make me a better investor. That gives me up-to-date current information, and it takes the place of all of this stuff. When it comes down to tax time, I just hand it to my tax man. The best statement I’ve ever had. They even three hole punch it for you. It’s really handy. No one taught me more about teamwork than my dad. They called him Mr. Mean because he never smiled. He didn’t smile when he volunteered to coach the kids in the neighborhood. He didn’t smile when he drove the team to every game or when he worked with kids for hours on his own time. He showed me anyone can make a difference if they just get involved. I’ll tell you something else about my dad. He’s got a great smile. Team up with your community. Yeah. Welcome back. The Bulls leading the Jazz 40-35. Let’s talk about the first half in which Scotty Pippen is three of six for six points. And Doc, you talked about the need before the game to make some adjustments and let Pippen take advantage of that matchup against the smaller Jeff Hornesk. Well, we discussed this matchup possibility in the pregame and true to form, the Bulls started out with Scotty Pippen down in the low post. The taller, stronger Scotty Pippen had the height advantage over Hornosk, 3 in, 40 lbs, but he was passive. He wasn’t looking to score out on the low post. Playing with his back to the basket is not something that Scotty Pippen really likes to do. It’s not his cup of tea. And you see him here uh missing badly. Then he comes back and after multiple frustrations in the low post, Scotty Pippen returns to the point playing facing the baskets where Scotty Pippen loves to be. The Bulls turned things around when Scotty Pippen went back and played his point forward position. And we should touch on Jeff Hornosk who had his worst performance of the playoffs in game three going just one for nine even though his team win. How do you like the way he bounced back tonight? I think what it tells you about both these teams, they have veteran guys who if they have a bad game, have the ability to bounce right back and contribute to their team. Let’s look at a couple of Hornosk’s big baskets. If we talk about Utah, pick and roll is so synonymous with them, but also the split action which produces wide open shots for their guards on many opportunities. This time Stockton the screener for Hornosk and the basket offbalance shots very characteristic of Jeff Hornosk on the move. Normally we talk about squaring up or he has an ability to ball fake, float and still convert what I would call very difficult shots and then the traditional spot up to the open area. He started out early making his shots. He may be the one to carry him the rest of the evening. A Hornet’s son Ryan in game three wore a Michael Jordan jersey to the game. But after the way that Hornosk has outscored Jordan 11-10 and held Scotty Pippen along with Pippen’s foot to to one field goal attempt in the first quarter, I could have sworn I saw Michael’s kids starting to put on that Hornosk jersey. And Michael Jordan getting some great support as we mentioned at the top of the halftime. It’s the Bulls with a big edge in terms of bench scoring as Chicago leads Utah with points off the bench 14 to6. And the Bulls eating the Jazz by five as we send it back courtside for the second half right after these messages from your local station. This has been the Credential Halftime Report brought to you by Credential. Bringing strength and stability to America’s families through insurance, healthcare, real estate, and financial services. This summer, there’s no place cooler than NBC Sunday with Third Rock News Radio and the Cool Jerks. Cooler. Oo, look at my body. I’m so hot. This is sexy. NBC. Squeeze my head. It’s soft. The kookiest cat you ever did see. Sunday’s the coolest with Third Rock and News Radio on NBC. Is she coming? Well, I’m still busy. We’ll have to walk home. Kill me. I’m tired. Where’s your hat? With call waiting, they can always reach you. Oh, wait a minute. Here they are. Here, life’s too important for a busy signal. Life’s better here. US West. available at Yonkers. I failed to put on a microphone 37 times in my career. I missed nearly 100 chairs. I mistakenly thought I was a meteorologist in five different newscasts. 13 times I’ve walked to the set only to discover I forgot my pants. I’ve failed over and over and over in my life and that is why I succeed. Only one station has Keith Murphy sports. And now, another summer viewing tip from NBC. So, you think you’ve seen every episode of Frasier this season? Well, my friend, you’ve been living a lie. Research shows the average viewer thinks they’ve seen all the episodes, but in fact, they’ve seen less than half. Astonishing. This summer, NBC’s presenting the classic episodes of Frraasier you missed because if you haven’t seen it, yes, it’s new to you. That Eddie kills me. Welcome back to the Del Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, where the Chicago Bulls lead the Utah Jazz 40 to 35 at halftime. Marv Albert, Bill Walton, Matt Goo. They’ve been selling for too many outside shots, so they need to work the ball inside and make their cuts and they’ll be all right. Let’s go down to Jim Gray. All right, thanks Amad. Jerry Sloan not too happy, very unhappy that the Jazz was unable to stop the Bulls fast break. 11 fast break points. He said also the Bulls are playing much better defensively tonight. So he says we must execute our offense much better. We need more energy. Their energy level is much higher than us. It must come with more intensity and we’ve got to hit the boards. If we don’t hit the boards, Mark, we’re not going to win. All right, thanks Jim. Yes, certainly a different situation in terms of energy level from what took place here on Friday night. A look at the big four. Car Malone did most of the scoring early. John Stockton just six points. Michael Jordan maybe preserving the energy. Told us that earlier prior to the game and Scotty Pippen three of six, six points, but showed some signs in the second quarter. Even though the Bulls struggled with their execution at the offensive end, they have to be very happy that they have controlled the tempo. Only 35 points for the Jazz. You’ll remember game three, 104 points for Utah. They’ve been averaging 103 throughout the playoffs at home. And they had 61 points Utah at halftime in game three. This game, this is Carl Malone time. MVP every time. Go to the hoop. Forget the fadeaway. Points in the paint. dominant from game three. A complete reversal here tonight in game number four. Third quarter underway and Chicago in possession with Hopper and Jordan in the back court. Rodman Longley Pippen up front. Here’s Jordan and the rebound handled by Stockton alone and missed it. Stockton picked up by Jordan. Stockton in a second. The guards Russell poster tag and Malone on the front line. Rodman opening against Malone. Shot clock at five. Malone with the room. And Rodman handles the rebound. No offensive rebounds for Utah. And Carl Malone on the perimeter. He’s got to pound his way to the hoop and consequently to the foul line as well. And the victory persist out with Rodman on Malone. and have Longley with a specific job. He posts the tag off the glass. Pimp thought he had Longley cut him, but Stockton was able to step in his way. Brian Russell 0 for six on the night. Stockton. Eight points for John Stockton. It’s a three-point Chicago lead. Phil Jackson upset with a very quick 20se second timeout. The defensive strategy, they got to keep John Stockton under control. Chicago does. You let him get a rhythm, a step, and he’ll just continue to kill you and punish you. But the ball goes into Carl Malo, who’s passing brilliantly tonight. The screen Harper very lazy to fight through. and John Stockton last season in the playoffs very difficult taken out by Gary Payton and Seattle this year much much better and also John was playing with some injuries of course he’s the type of guy that will never complain but he was not at 100% during the whole postseason last year alone with the rebound Chicago has not been able They capitalize on Scotty down low against Hornoskag saving the pass. One of those rare off the mark passes by Stockton. But Greg Ott reaching out to handle it and then scoring to bring the Jazz within one. Terrific defense. Utah stepped on the line angling for possession. Stepped on the baseline and this crowd starting to become a factor. They weren’t really there in the first half. Of course, the Jazz didn’t give them anything to get excited about. Starting to get behind their team have a hot hand in the first half. Alone stopped it for three. Yes, the Jazz with a 4240 lead. All set up by a terrific screen by Jeff Hornet. 70 run by Yukon. Here’s the double on Jordan. Shot clock at five. Jordan to the left hand. Jordan with the rebound. The tip handled by Robin. Long way. Yes. Oh, the Bulls finally regroup with a good offensive rebound by Dennis Robin and finally get their spacing to get a good looking shot. Dropped out of bounds by Carl Malone and for the first time tonight he looks down at that hand. Stockton very upset. Russell and Carl Malone that time running the lanes on the same side of the floor. Very poor floor balance on the break for Utah. Michael Jordan only one for his last eight. Jordan for his last nine. Utah starting to find the rhythm on both backboards. Malone, forget the fade away. Get to the hoop. Car Malone is now just three of 10 from the field. The game tied at 42. You can see the the start by Michael Jordan, but since then he’s had his problems. They’ve been fortunate to keep it alive. Longley. Oh, a facial served up by Luke Longley. And Phil Jackson sensing his team is either fatigued, totally out of sync, coming with two offensive players now, Steve Kerr and Brian Williams. Yes, both over at the scorers table. Luke Longley has played well. He now has 11. Stockton and Pippen with the rebound. Scotty and Michael are running, but the rest of the Bulls are not. Here comes Hornos. He was cut off by Hopper. Malone. Oh, Rodman reaching out for Malone and he’s hit with a technical foul. And no question about that call. Rodman was trying to draw the charge and then in frustration while on the floor he reached up to grab Malone and was hit with a technical. Dennis Rodman tried this in the first half. Just taking a bump and falling back. Didn’t get the call then, didn’t get the call now. But as Rob as Malone trying to get over jump over and what Dennis Robin felt there was Carl Malone was coming right in the direction of his forehead. I think Dennis was trying to protect his face. Now he might have tried to trip him a little bit after he did save his space. Yeah, that’s the point that Rodman is making to the the official but Ed Rush. But Marv, when you have such a negative history as Dennis Rodman does, everything close is going to go against you getting the tactical for the one-point Jazz Lee. Ryan Williams who just checked back in trying to get the cutting Scotty Pippen and it was deflected out and then Pippen discussing that with Williams. But it will be Chicago ball. As you see, they have 10 on the 24. Great back cut by Scotty. The hands are not sharp inside. Not crisp for a full set offense. Steve Thur for Scotty Pippen with the rebound. Blocked by Pippen, but recovered. And here’s Russell for three. That is his first field goal. He had missed the previous shots, but the Jazz up 48- 44 with six and a half remaining in the third quarter. And finally, the crowd into it. Meanwhile, Phil Jackson trying to buy some time for Michael Jordan as Scotty Pippen hit. Jordan getting a rest. Pippen now has eight points. Two-point Utah advantage. The Utah Jazz trying to tie the series at two. Chicago hoping to go up three games to one with game number five here in Salt Lake City on Wednesday. Stockton putting the move on Curry and Rodman reaching for the rebound. Oh, it took so long for Utah to get into that play. That post feed and split has been good to them. Foul is called. Pippen on the drive, took the hit and has some words with Ostag. He did not like what he felt was a hard foul given up by Greg Ostag. And from the Chicago Bulls point of view, that would be a very bad exchange if those two got involved and both were ejected. Was not a dirty play. It was just a good hard rugged foul, physical foul that you would expect in the finals. Oster just walked away. Any sort of vertical confrontation over at the scorers table. Let’s see if they’re calling double technicals. No official word. Oster. Well, double technicals were handed out on Pippen and Oster Tag. The timeout has also been granted with 542 left in this third quarter. The Jazz up by two points. Well, we’d like to thank the folks at Miller Brewing once again for these terrific aerial views on tonight’s game being provided from the Miller Eagle airplane. The Eagle, the newest high in the sky in sports television. Don’t forget after game two, a disappointing performance by Utah and a passive one. Jerry Slo challenged his team to be more physical, take a foul and a hard one when it’s called for. And a lot of staring there as a scuffle broke out. Michael Jordan on the bench resting, holds the guys back and says, “Hey, no, no suspensions.” Miami and New York had lots of trouble there as Jason Cavy. Now Jason’s been a solid contributor. If it had been a if it had been a guy not doing it, just push him out in the court. Get him out of there. As Scott goes to the line, let’s check in with Jim Gray. Jim, well, as Matty just said, Jerry Sloan’s been wanting his team to step up and be more aggressive, take some hard fouls. So, I asked Jerry Sloan over on the bench if Jerry Sloan I didn’t ask Jerry. I asked the coaching staff over there and the bench was heavy with that type of a foul. He said according to Jerry, that wasn’t a hard foul. Mark, I thank you. Dick Pavetta just went behind the uh the basket that Scotty Pippen is shooting at and apparently had one of the fans removed to be a a large cutout of Dennis Robin that was being waved and apparently he felt was a bit too much interference on the free throw attempt of Scotty Pitman. Boy, that’s one you’d never see. Scott Carone able to hit. He now has 13 and the Bears up 50 to 47. The Bulls keep mixing up their pick and roll defense. That time Steve Kerr forced her to the baseline. Howard Eley who’s not playing a lot of minutes read that nicely as Eley back for Stockton offer for three. Great rebound Brian Russell. And here comes Eley. Malone hit the deck in a collision with Williams. No foul called. Just under five minutes remaining in the third quarter. Eisley was looking for a pick that went to the spin and Hornosk tried to save it. Could not. Oh, Jeff Hornice didn’t have to. Actually, that ball was deflected by Steve Kerr, but Hornosk’s angle which was below free throw line extended. I don’t think he saw he definitely didn’t see Kerr touch that ball. Michael Jordan has not taken a free throw tonight. Scotty Pippen only two those last two attempts. Hopper getting it over to Williams met by Osterang. Hard driving move and the ball was punched down court by one of the Utah Jazz and they are saying hey why not a technical foul called on the Jazz Osat picked up the personal foul his fourth. Let’s check in with Ahmad Rashad Ahmad. All right thanks Mark. Just moments ago, Dennis Rodman was the one that complained about a big cut out of himself underneath the basket that this fan was waving around. He told Dick Veta and Dick Veta had the cutout removed and the fan gone also. Mark, those fans right underneath that basket, they are the greatest. Normally they bring saxophones and signs, trombones. They are so into it here. Brian Williams making his first appearances at the foul line. We have four and a half remaining. Third quarter and it’s Utah by three as they desperately try to get back into the series hoping to tie it at two. The Jazz up by two points. It’s the first game Mar that Eley has not had a tremendously positive impact for Utah. Bill Jackson saying earlier they had to do a better job on on Howard Eley and they have. Here’s Cerr with the steel. Pippen was trying to use the screen and he does. Scotty Pippen with his first three-pointer of the night to give the Bulls a one-point lead. He had seven in game number three. That equal an NBA Finals record. He shares it now with Kenny Smith for the Houston Rockets. And the foul is called on Kerr. Steve Kerr having to defend pick and roll on the side. On the previous play, Eley did a good job of going to the open area, make the defense react. Steve Kerr, a better defensive job there. And then Scotty Pippen using that moving screen by Robin by Rodman very nicely to raise up to the three. Malone and Jordan to the board. Barb everything for Carl Malone up around the free Russell on the great steel against Jordan. Terrible pass. So the Jazz gave it right back. They were trying to break twoonone on Jordan. Rodman with a good pick and a foul against Utah. Hornosk. Well, you get so few running chances in the playoffs. You have to you have to take advantage of them as Brian Russell had a notion to take it right to the rim himself and then got himself in trouble against some quick hands back there by Michael Jordan who threw the first pass away. What great lateral mobility defensively for Michael Jordan. Brian Russell though never set him up right to try to come back left with the behind the back and the call away from the ball on Eley for the Utah Jazz. That is team foul number four of the Bulls with just one. As we mentioned earlier, Jerry Sloan going with a shorter bench. The outstanding rookie Shannon Anderson is not with the club once again. His dad died of throat cancer the other day and in Georgia he sat out game three also out tonight. Williams. Yes, Ryan Williams with nine points. The Bulls lead 5350. Chicago finally getting some good ball movement and good cuts to get a shot in rhythm. Russell back into three-point territory but changed his mind. Chicago with six unanswered blocks. Williams played Russell well. No offense. They can’t get it down deep to Carl Malone. Shot clock at three. Eisley had a force. The shot clock running down and Eley hit to count it to a one-point Chicago lead with 220 to go in the third quarter. Ryan Williams putting them far below heading to the final. That is number three on the law. Timeout taken. Back in a moment. You’re watching the NBA on NBC. Well, to this point, the most valuable player and the MVP runnerup having their problems. Michael Jordan just five of 15. Has not scored at all in the second half. Car Malone got off fast, but overall just five for 13. Well, Michael Jordan 0 for four, taking that jumper, falling backwards too much, although he likes that shot. Scottie Pippen has picked it up. 12 points in the game as he is starting to warm up, but Michael taking that fadeaway jumper while he was facing the basket. That’s unusual. And then flipping the rudder. He’s got to get more aggressive, taking the ball to the rim. Both MVPs fading away. Neither one of them with enough shot opportunities. just 13 and a 14 shot attempts. These guys got to take 25 shots per game. And Michael Jordan has missed eight of his last nine. Brian Williams has done a good job again. Came off the bench the other night. 27 minutes, 16 points, six rebounds. The back tap handled by Easley. Balls 54 and the Jazz 52. Mark Albert, Van Cookus, Bill Walt, Bob Rashad, Jim Gray from Salt Lake City, Utah. Nine fouls been called on Pippen. That is his first. Marsh, Chicago is doing a really good job of double teaming in the back court on Eley, taking him out of the play. And the reason they could be so aggressive, they had a foul to give before the two-minute mark. Good gamble by Scotty Gen. They can’t even get the ball to Carl Malone in the post. How do they expect to win? Kerr and Jordan in the back court with Williams, Pippen, and Cuckoo up front. Chicago going with the smaller unit. Good pick by Williams and the pick and roll, but Williams could not convert. Oh, for some unknown reason, Brian Williams tried to use his right hand there, the natural lefty. Maybe he couldn’t get up there. He’s got to finish that with a dunk with the left hand. Eley met by Kerr. Hello being played by Williams. Yes, the game is tied at 54. Steve Kerr took a shot in the head away from the ball. He’s been playing an unusually physical game for Steve, but he is taking his licks as well. Here’s Prep with the snap in the bucket and the Bulls lead 5654. Just under one minute remaining in the third quarter. Utah’s defense marked a half step slow all night long. And the foul on Michael Jordan. So the next foul committed by Chicago puts them over the foul limit. Come right back to Carl Malone in the post. You got to milk the hot here. Championship is right here on the line. And now Malone is being played by Coo up high. They double up on Eley. Cooach reaching in. Did he tie him up? Yes, he did. Or no. No. Foul is called. Reachin. Foul on C. Coach. So the ball’s over the limit. Yes. Then Phil Jackson thought it was a a tie up. Tony Cooach pleading his case, but Howard Eley to the line. He’s two for two at the free throw line. A reminder on NBC tonight after this NBA Finals game. Hope you stick around for men behaving badly and wings. That’s mustsee TV right after the game. All here on NBC tonight. With 34.9 left in the third quarter. It’s a twofor one situation for Chicago where you would like to get two shots to Utah’s one. See if Chicago tries it. Bulls and Jazz tie at 56. All right. Here’s Pman on the box. Now that’s a rebound right now every time. They’re on their feet at the Delta Center as the Jazz will look to set up for a final shot. Down to 10 seconds. Game tied at 56. Third quarter winding down. Down to five. Eley. Rebounded by Pippen. Time runs out as Jordan pops it short and we have played three quarters. It’s the Utah Jazz 56, the Chicago Bulls 56. Michael Jordan to this point with a subpar performance. We’ll be back here in Salt Lake City after these messages from your local station. You are watching the NBA on NBC. Welcome back to Salt Lake City. Look at that line score. How uncharacteristic. Chicago with a 16-point first quarter and a 16point third quarter. Utah with a 14-point second quarter. Chicago and Utah tied at 56 as we head to the fourth. Let’s check in first with Jim Gray. All right. All right, Mark. Jeff Hornesk just went back into the locker room and now he’s coming back out to the floor. He cut his lip, but his problem was with his lower leg. He hurt it. The doctors went back and checked it out. We’ll find out whether or not he’s going to return. Mark. All right, thanks Jim. Jeff Hornosk has been an important player after the one after the one for nine the other night. He has 12 points. He’s back on the bench. Question is, will he return to the game? Fourth quarter getting underway. Brian Williams defending on Carl Malone. John Stockton is back played by Steve Kerr. Malone. Yes. And the Jazz leading by two. Well, it was Brian Williams who had all kinds of problems with Carl Malone in the second quarter of game three. The Bulls sensing that coming over to try to double team but a good in out and back into Malone again. They double up on Kerr and it was last touched by the Jazz. More of a good athletic combination now for Jerry Sloan and the Jazz with Brian Russell and Chris Morris. That should deny Scotty Pitman in the post a little bit. Here’s Kerr pulling it away from Stockton but could not hit and Chris Mars handling the rebound. So it is Malone with Foster and Mars just stopped him and Russell. Oh Malone tripped up. Malone banking fading. Pippet with the rebound. Chicago big men doing a good job on Carl forcing him into the fadeaway. Carl might want to turn and face him. Give him a little bit of space to operate. Coke with the screen. Cuc for three. Tony Cuckoo with his third three-pointer. He now has nine and the Bulls are up by one. Well, Utah’s set play execution is getting very tight now. They’re not getting the spacing that they certainly got in game three or earlier in this one. Stockton for three. No offensive rebound, effort or position by the Utah Jazz. Interesting matchup. Stockton is on K coach. Jordan now working Russell. Michael Jordan has not scored in the second half. Michael Jordan five for 16. We’re told by Jim Gray that Jeff Portoise injured his left knee and he will be available to return. This is one of the most durable and healthy teams in all of basketball. Mark the Utah Jaws Malone. Yes. Utah recaptures the lead up by one. The patience of John Stockton to keep working, working, make Steve Kerr work and make Ryan Williams help to get Carl Malone open. 19 for Malone with seven rebounds, six assists. Jordan had it knocked away. Recovered by Pippen, but a reunion foul was called. Russell leaning in to bat the ball away, but committed his second foul. 920 remaining in the fourth quarter. A timeout has been called. It’s the Jazz 60. The Bulls 59. We got that. Miller Genuine Draft presents a classic moment of the NBA at 50. Tonight we go back 11 years to the day. Rockets versus Celtics. Game six of the 1986 finals. 32-year-old Robert Parish finishing the fast break. And Parish got some scoring help from a fellow by the name of Bill Walton. The Celtics defeating the Rockets four games to two, taking a record 16th NBA title. In recognition of that classic moment, the Brewing Company will donate $1,000 to the Ferg Marshall Scholarship Fund. There’s Robert Powers several years later as a member of the Chicago Bull. Oh, Michael Jordan in the first quarter, four out of seven from the field as he got off to a good start, not conserving energy as he said he felt like he was going to do in game three. but one for nine since. And Jordan with only two points since the first quarter trying to get back into it. And he does. Taking it to the rim. Michael Jordan when he decides he wants to get there. He can. Or he can draw contact in your face. Marv, you start dogging him like that. He’s going to come down and throw one in your in your face. Are you referring to me? Bulls lead 6160. Russell with room for well after missing his first six he’s hit two three-pointers and the Jazz up 63 61 Ryan Williams Chris Mars able to handle that rebound John Stockton setting it up he has Greg Foster back on the floor up front along with Car Malone and Chris Mars. Here’s Stockton. The Jazz leading by four and Phil Jackson wants to poke it over. NBC is brought to you by Visa. It’s everywhere you want to be. By Chrysler and the Chrysler Town and Country, what’s new in your world. And by Miller Genuine Draft, who reminds you it’s time for better beer breath. Matt Gas arrives at the game on his bicycle, but the Utah Jazz have certainly shown off here in the fourth quarter. Brian Russell just two baskets now. Both three-pointers from the same spot. Brian Russell missed his first six now. Two straight threes. And then the side pick and roll. Everybody focus in on Malone at the top. Greg Foster finishes the dunk. Antoine Carr, the team, the crowd, everything, the entire state of Utah on top of it right now. You know me, Bill, I always like to make a grand entrance. Four minutes gone by in the fourth quarter. The Jazz with a 6561 lead. And Jordan off the fake cuts it down to a two-point lead. And this has become Michael Jordan time after a very quiet ball game. And at this end of the floor, the Bulls have been very inconsistent in how they want to play this particular pick and roll. At times, Steve Kerr forcing it over the top. At times, forcing it to the baseline. Her on that foul. That is his first. And for the Bulls, their first team foul. Remember the the home team has won 10 of the last 11 in finals competition. The Jazz with 22 straight wins here at the Delta Center. Morris and the three-point shot this time comes up short and a foul is called against Utah. That’s number four on Carl Malone. The Jazz out of sync offensively in that position starting to stand around. They’re bailed out here. A wild shot by Russell. Carl Malone with the quick and strong hands. Tough fourth foul now. But Jim Gray was just reporting that Jerry Sloan telling his guys, “Don’t give Michael Jordan this the special shots like those dunks. Make him work from the perimeter.” All right, Jordan using the pick. Jordan straight away rebounded by Russell. He had the good look but could not convert. Utah with the ball up by two with just under seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Jeff Hornosk despite injuring the left knee back on the floor. Ian Stockton at the guard there. Oh, he thought Foster was cutting and obviously was not. Foster should have cut that time. Utah’s way too slow at getting into their offense. They may be a little burned right now. 12th turnover by Utah. Chicago with just six. Jordan Russell lost lost his balance, but Jordan could not take advantage. Now Jordan off the fake. Yes. And he has tied the game at 65. Very difficult shot fading behind the backboard. No margin for error on that particular shot. 16 for Jordan. Brian Russell’s going for far too many pump fakes. Shot clock down to six. Stockton looking for the three using the screen now. Had to fire one up. And the shot clock running down. It’s a 24se second violation. Oh, Michael Jordan has had a couple of openings because he has been able to shed Brian Russell this time pass and keeps moving. And that’s the key to the play. But Russell does a good job at least forcing Michael further behind that back fatboard. And I don’t know how he missed the side. By the way, Rod Harper since he has come off the bench has done a very good job on John Stockton on the pick and roll plays. And how about Scotty Pippen? 10 rebounds along with the 14 points for Kart who’s had the hot hand. And it knocked away by Foster and a reach in foul. It’s on Foster. Michael Jordan very upset with Tony Cuck coach right now. Right in his face saying drive the ball. It’s Tony just does not have the confidence right now with his ball handling or ability to penetrate and he is settling for that perimeter shot. The Jazz standing on the defensive end watching rather than moving toward those rebounds and defensive plays. All right, here’s Jordan and tipped home by Pippen. Scotty Pippen so effective at going to the boards. The Bulls lead by two and Jerry Sloan calls for time. 522 to go in the fourth quarter. Jordan down the lane. Everybody backs off him. He throws up the runner and then Scotty Pippen anticipates the miss. Just gets it way above the rim. waits, waits, waits, and throws it down with his left. Well, Jeff Hornosk came over to help out on the Jordan shot. Nobody helped Hornosk and that enabled Pippen to get in there for the follow. So, it’s the Bulls by two. We’ll be back here in Salt Lake City in a moment. Michael Jordan showing some signs in the fourth quarter after he was silent in the 30s at three and six from the field here in the fourth. Wow. Michael’s not going to get a higher percentage shot as the Utah defense didn’t shut down. Feeling it with the jump shot. A tough one there as he was challenged by Brian Russell. The big four tonight. Carl Malone on the left. Just 17 shot attempts. Nine points in the paint, 10 from the perimeter. This crowd, they got to call Carl Malone out. It’s MVP time right now. Forget the fade away. He’s got to get inside. Either power his way to the hoop or earn a trip to the free throw line. and he’s playing with the four fouls. Bulls have a two-point lead. Well, here’s Malone. Played very well by Rodman who just returned. Front clock at four. Russell and deflected out. Last touch by the Bulls. That rebound, everybody grabbing and pushing and holding rather than getting in the air and snatching that ball. They get the new 24. Track is found looking for the jump shot. Jordan seeking the strip. He’s called for that foul. Carl Malone, you see his points in the paint tonight. Jump shooting has been enormous. Just five shot attempts down low. That won’t get it done. This crowd needs an MVP chant right now. And second, excellent free throw shooter. So that’s a rare miss. A reminder coming up after the game. Most of these NBC stations, it’s Men Behaving Badly and Wings. And for those of you who’ like to continue with the NBA Finals, as usual, we’ll have the postgame special on CNBC immediately after the game. Our entire cast will recount the game with highlights, live press conference interviews, and guests. As we look back at game number four, well, Carl Malone is being pushed out of that post to about 17 ft. And with Dennis Robin on him now, Rob Harper’s doing a good job of coming down and doubling, making Rodman pick up his dribble and give up the ball. Bulls by one, just under five left of the fourth. He’s been off, but Rodman with a critical rebound. Dennis Rodman with only his fifth rebound. That’s five more than the cutout that they just ejected. Pippen coming up short for Longley and a new 24 for Chicago. And again, you’re never going to beat the Bulls unless you just dominate the defensive backboard. Jordan picked up by Oster. Jordan thought he was fouled. Ostack knocked it away. Coming up on four minutes to go in the fourth trying to get it inside to Malone and the foul on the Bulls. And Michael Jordan is hopping mad. Usually when he starts to go to the basket, he’s going to get the benefit of the doubt. Didn’t get it there as Oster Tag wrapped his arm and then running back the other way. Michael’s going to run into Oster Tag to give him a shot. Foul on Rodman is fourth. Nonshooting foul. Both teams have three. Just under four minutes remaining in the fourth. Utah down by one as they try to trap Stockton. Russell met by Pippen. Arthur tremendous defense. Russell. Oh, the back by Malone. They get the new 24. Matt, we were talking about pushing Carl Malone out. Hey, nobody in this league should be able to push Carl Malone off that box. Stockton finding Russell and Russell called for the offensive foul. Smart defense by Chicago right now and a lot of teams do this to Utah coming down the stretch. Do anything to get the ball out of the hands of John Stockton. Make other people make decisions. And in this case, Brian Russell, they would prefer to make him the guy doing what has to be done. And he was just trying to draw a foul and just charge right into Pippen. Chicago calling for time. And here the reaction from the crowd off that last call. It’s the ball 67, the Jazz 66. This a match up of two. The highest scoring teams in the NBA. Chicago first, Utah second. And you you saw what the score is. We have game number five coming up here in Salt Lake City on Wednesday here on NBC. If there is a game six, it’ll be in Chicago on Friday. If there’s a game seven in Chicago next Sunday, the Bull 67 and the Jazz 66 with 320 remaining in the fourth quarter. Our Jim Gray reporting from the Utah huddle. Don’t be like robots. Jerry Slo yelling at his guy. Be aggressive. Be assertive. And don’t let Michael Jordan get a 6ft jump shot. Oh, how he almost got about 6 feet in the air. How about that elevation? He was going to make sure he got up over everybody to release. Bulls now lead by three. Jordan with 18. Eight of the 18 here in the fourth quarter. Just under three minutes left in the fourth. Malone again from the outside. Rebounded by Pippen. And here comes Jordan to chase from the angle. Puts it away on the breakaway and the Bulls lead by five. Defense on the pick and roll. Excellent that time. Scotty Pippen rotating and challenging the below perimeter shot. It is all on the line here for the Utah Jazz. Trailing two games to one. Good play by Rodman to knock it away. If Chicago can hold on, they’ll take a commanding 31 lead in this series. The Jazz trying to tie the series and two. Antoine Carr now checks in replacing Greg Oster. Utah with three timeouts, three conventional plus a 20. Chicago with two left. Both teams with three team fouls. The Jazz missing their last five shots. They’ve gone five and a half minutes without a field goal. And the Jazz known for their sharp execution, especially down the stretch, has been very careless. They’re not getting the spacing, so they can’t set up the picks and they can’t get the hard cuts from Carl Malone. 11 on the shot clock. Carl’s not pushing hard enough. Stockton tries to get it all with the three. John Stockton with an enormous shot to bring the Jazz within two. We approached two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Jordan to the fadeaway. Yes, Michael Jordan gives the Bulls a 7369 lead. Stockton played tightly by Hopper. A minute 50 to go in the fourth. Porisk shaking off Jordan going to the left hand but could not convert and it was saved by Rob who called for time. Utah, which has such a beautiful set offense, just scrambling, throwing it up with a prayer right now. But it’s Michael Jordan able to work one-on-one first to come off the screen and hit the jumper. Then on the fast break, keyed by the great Chicago defense and rebounding. Scottie Pippen finding him. Carl Malone made a half-hearted effort to get there. Then if you’re going to allow Jordan to come to the middle of the floor here, Ryan Russell, you need to force him back to the baseline. Jordan’s not going to miss that shot in this game situation. Down to a minute and 45 remaining in the four. Practice my finger roll. I practice jump shots. You know, the finger roll took it over. That was just a great shot for me. just roll it over their fingertips, you know, and they think they got it and it just roll over. Everybody can dunk, but everybody can’t think of roll. Hey folks, I’m Johnny Ch. Coming into this fourth quarter, a game that was tied at 56, the question is who would take over? Would it be Michael Jordan? Would it be Carl Malone? Well, to this point, it’s been Michael Jordan. And in game three, a sluggish third quarter by Michael came on strong in the fourth quarter. How this man rejuvenates him after playing hard all game, but just has a sense when the game is on the line, he wants that ball in his hands. This title is on the line and Carl Malone has not had it in the fourth quarter. The great start, but quiet really since then. Just 19 points. Not enough shot attempts. Four attempts for Carl Malone in the fourth. Chicago now with one timeout left. Utah with three out of 20. A minute 45 to go in the fourth. The Bulls in possession. They lead by four. Jordan puts the move on Russell. And lost. Here’s Stockton on the breakaway. And rejected by Jordan. And a foul. That is a tough call against Jordan here. Stockton is going to come up with the great blind side strip. And Michael turns his back here. Here comes John. And he’s got nothing but ball. And then the foot race is off. Jordan knows he can get there, but John takes off from too close to the basket. You got to extend from the free throw line and reach. That’s a great block. And what Michael Jordan is complaining about that John Stockton waves him off. John knows he’s in trouble right now, but a wave off with that left arm, hoping to just get some contact as the Utah Jazz looking for their first fast break points of this game. And that the fourth steel of the game for Stockton who is on the line for the first time tonight. John Stockton an excellent free throw shooter 85% during the regular season. John Stockton shot that layup jumping up rather than jumping out. Was a perfect block by Jordan. No foul. Should have been called. A minute 31 remaining. In the fourth quarter, a sponted missing, which is most unusual. It’s a three-point Chicago lead. And they work it down to a minute 20 to go. Short played by Russell. Out of five on the shot clock. Takes the shot from three. And a foul on Pippen for the Bulls. It is their 15th foul. 103 to go in the fourth quarter. The Bulls by three points and John Stockton is back at the line. Well, a shaky possession all the way around for the Chicago Bulls. Michael Jordan couldn’t find an opening. got into the lane and then Pippet had to force the shot and then inexplicably ping John Stockton. You look at the numbers there. John Stockton just ice at the line in the fourth quarter. The Jazz have missed two critical free throws down the stretcher. Hornosk missed one when it was 65 66 right in that range and then Stockton the previous trip down. This one has to go. And Utah 12 of 18 at the line. They’ve been off at the line here this evening. Offense, defense, substitution for the Bulls. Two coaching cur in for Rocket and Harper. It’s a one-point Chicago lead. Just under one minute remaining in the fourth quarter. Game four of the NBA Finals with the Bulls up two games to Jordan up front. Stomp fires down on the leg and the size one lead. Jordan takes the jumper and then Carl Malone just keeps running. The shortest guy in the court, John Stockton, gets the rebound. One bounce and no left hand on the ball over the top. Nothing Jordan can do. Carl Malone, the best running big man in the game. Just keeps it going. Pounds by everybody. Total concentration. No denial. And that is the first field goal on a fast break for Utah in this ball game. And the Bulls were forced to use their final timeout. John Stockton, you work on this pass your whole life. You rarely get it. Michael miss totally misjudged it. Stockton normally is so stolen. He says, “Yeah, two, three.” The pogo stick out there. That was kind of the way he jumped when he hit the game winner against Houston. The Bulls had a 7369 lead with a minute 45 remaining. Steve Kerr is back on the floor. It’s curve and crew coach. Pippen, lonely and coach handles played by Russell and Cerr for three. Car tips the knock out of balance. Got it knocked out button was able to call for time. Dick the brother indicating a timeout. It will be Utah ball with 26 and 210 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter for Utah right now. Get the ball to John Stockton’s hand. Everybody in the world know this ball’s going to Jordan. He has to give it up. The rebound again. Hornosk fighting to get it. The big dog Antoine Carr kept it alive. Dick Pavetta right on top of the timeout call. Didn’t look like have really indicated it. But Utah now, John Stockton only handles that ball cuz he’s the iceman from the line. Well, I guess the big decision for Utah on that possession was whether or not they were going to double team Michael Jordan. Of course, when he puts the ball on the floor, you got to come and help. But on that pass to Steve Kerr, I thought Steve rushed his shot. Earlier in the season, Steve passed up what a lot of people thought was an open shot. Turned out a man was running on him and Phil Jackson told him then anytime you’re open, I don’t care what the situation, let it fly. And I thought Steve Russian Russell played a great defensive job. Rod, not really a factor here down the stretch. I think the Bulls have to foul right away here. Matt, well, Jeff Hornosk was able to make that save along the baseline. As we said, he called for time. Tough to see from that previous angle. Let’s take a another look. Let’s see. Here’s the uh the miss by by Kerr and then Hornos said yes called for time. Apparently he verbally called for the timeout. The reverse angle this time swallowed up there by the Bulls. He had already made the call the timeout call and Betta stepping right in. So we’re down to 26 and two seconds remaining in the fourth quart. The Jazz leading by one point. Most unusual lowscoring game between these two highscoring teams. Jordan with 22 picking it up late along with 21. Chicago does not have any timeouts left and they are already over the foul limit. And that’s a big factor. It’s a difference of three on the shot clock. So Chicago can’t rely on their defense now to try to stop without that timeout. They got to look for a steal or two here and then commit a foul. Fouled immediately, but now they’re just going to run out of time here. All right, here’s Malone. That will be the man you’d want to foul. Malone is fouled with 18 seconds remaining in the fourth. Well, there is Utah owner Larry Miller, who just arrived at the game. Larry Miller is a Mormon as a devout member of the Mormon faith. Does not attend Sunday games. Considers the Sabbath holy. Says it’s just an individual decision. Wants to spend the day with his family. He missed game one. Would miss a game seven next Sunday if the series goes that far. He’s just arrived here after spending the day with his family. So Larry Miller has just made his appearance here at the Delta Center. Scotty Pippen trying to talk Carl Malone out of it. Hornosk right in there. This is a situation Carl’s dreamed of for a week. Carl Malone who missed the critical free throws which led to the game winner by Michael Jordan. Game one hits on the first for a two-point Jazz lead with 18 seconds remaining. He made four straight coming down the stretch of game three, but he told me yesterday he wanted to be in a tougher situation similar to the way he was in game one. This is very close. And now Utah calling for time. So Chicago with no timeouts left. Utah has one in the 20. 18 seconds left in regulation. The Jazz up 75-73. All right, as we watch Larry Miller react to that first made free throw, you saw the yes from Larry as Car Malone was able to hit. For more of that, let’s go to Jim Gray. Jim. All right. Thank you, Marv. I’m here with a very nervous Larry Miller. You just arrived at the game. Was this your first look at the score of this free throw? Well, I I’d listened to the score on the or the game on the radio for a minute or two before we got here, and this was the first time I’d seen any of it. So, boy, this is as good as it gets. Michael’s doing his thing, and we’re doing our thing. What a great game no matter what happens. I guess you’re very nervous. We’re going to let you watch the game right here. It’s almost better that you didn’t see it, huh? Yeah, you’re right. I’m not sure I’d be standing up by now. All right, let’s send it back out tomorrow. All right, thank you, Jim. Carl Malone to the line again. He’s four or five at the line this evening. 18 seconds remaining in this fourth quarter. The Bulls are out of timeouts. It’s a two-point lead and what it hits on both. The Bulls now need a three-pointer. Trailing by three. Short of 10 seconds. He fires the three. Stockton. Final seconds. Russell goes to the hoop and the defeated Chicago and the series is tied at three. Well, the Utah Jazz scored the last nine points in the final a minute 45. defeated the ball 78-73. Let’s go to a bob shot with Malone and John Stockton. All right. All right. Thanks, Mark. John, this was the game over a little bit. Hopefully, this can carry over to the next one. All right. And Carl, the situation you were in at the end of the game similar to the situation in game one. This is the situation you were looking for, wasn’t it? You know, the situation I was looking for. I had said earlier, I wish I was in that situation again. Sometime in life, you never get that. I just want to block everything out and concentrate. You know what? I can’t say how proud I am of these guys. We never gave up and it’s going to be all out war on Wednesday night. It looks like two separate teams from the first two games to the last two. Well, I think we we play with a lot of focus since we’ve been home and we need that kind of effort. And I tell you what, when we play together as a unit, we’re tough to beat. Chicago got an unbelievable team. They never gave up and they’re going to come at us real hard on win. I thank God to give us that energy that we needed down the stretch. All right, Carl, congratulations on a great game. Thank you. All right, back to you, Mark. All right, thanks a lot. As it turns out, tonight the second lowest scoring game in NBA Finals history. Let’s get to Jim Bra back on the floor. Jim. All right, thank you very much, Marv. I’m with Jerry Sloan and Larry Miller. Larry, you just had an emotional word. Repeat what you just said to Jerry Sloan. I just said we didn’t show any quit at all. I’m proud of these guys. Jerry, how about that game? Windinged down there in the last minute. You’re five back. What were your thoughts at that time? Well, you know, you always feel like you have a chance when John John made a couple of sensational plays that uh really gave us a big lift and obviously Carl’s free throws uh was important and John making his also important today. Your reaction on the fast break was one of those things that people never going to forget when when Stockton threw that ball to Malone. It was like you were more nervous that the pass was going to be completed. I hollered, “Oh, no.” First, I have to be honest. that he John made a great pass and of course Carl is a great catcher and that’s what makes them work well together. Jerry, the energy level of this game was much beneath the Jazz’s energy level in game three. How did you manage to get it back in that last couple of minutes? I think John kept us alive. He came out hard in the third quarter and hit a couple of shots. It seemed like he kept saying we’re going to try to have some way to win this game. Even when we were down or struggling a little bit coming down the stretch, he said there’s still a lot of times we just keep playing. We’ll be all right. All right, Jerry. Congratulations. Larry, are you going to consider not coming to the next game based on the result? You he did so well. Hang on a sec. Yeah. All right. He gets a hug here. He didn’t hear that question. Back to you, Mark. All right. Larry Miller had other things on his mind. A fairly hugging Carl Malone for the victory. The Jazz make it 23 straight here at home for the Bulls four straight road losses in the finals. Here’s a look at that that big play. The the rebound reaching in as Malone was able to tip it to Stockton and then Stockton found Russell. And uh this ended it with 5/10en of a second remaining. A dramatic come from behind victory by the Utah Jazz over the defending NBA champion Chicago Bulls to tie the series at two. And here is Utah Jazz owner Larry Miller who returned up here at the Delta Center in the final minutes. He’s watching it on the monitor and he is celebrating as he saw Ryan Russell put it down again. The final score, the Jazz 78 and the full 73. This NBA Final Series is all even. Join us Wednesday in prime time, 9:00 Eastern, 6:00 Pacific for the Bulls and the Jazz in game five right here on NBC. Coming up next on most of these NBC stations, Men Behaving Badly, and Wings Mustsea TV. That’s right after the game. They’re next on NBC. And for those of you who’d like to continue with the NBA finals, much to talk about, interviews, postgame activities, all available on CNBC immediately after these messages. So from Matt Gas and Bill Walton, Bob Rashad, Jim Gray, I’m Marv Albert saying so long from Salt Lake City, Utah. This has been a presentation of the NBA on NBC.
#michaeljordan #mj #1997 #throwbackthursday #throwback #chicagobulls
Final Score
UTA: 78
CHI: 73
#throwbackthursday #throwback #chicagobulls #bulls #utahjazz #jazz #utah #bullsvsjazz #1997 #1997nbafinals #finals #nbafinals #nbafullgame #michaeljordan #mj #scottiepippen #dennisrodman #rodman #johnstockton #mailman #championship #threepeat #flugame #flu
