“Jordans 39-Pt Masterclass! Bulls Survive Nets INSANE Comeback in Overtime” EC 1st Round G1 4.24.98
**Best Moments & Highlights: Chicago Bulls vs. New Jersey Nets, 1998 Eastern Conference First Round, Game 1 (April 24, 1998)**
The Chicago Bulls edged the New Jersey Nets 96-93 in a thrilling overtime showdown to kick off their final championship run. Here’s a consolidated breakdown of the game’s defining moments, incorporating every key name and detail:
—
### **1. Michael Jordan’s Playoff Masterclass**
– **39-Point Heroics**: Jordan dominated with **39 points**, including 17/23 free throws, showcasing his clutch gene. He exploited mismatches, notably bullying **Sherman Douglas** in the post.
– **Fourth Quarter & OT Clutch Plays**: Despite a late-season shooting slump, Jordan scored 11 points in the final quarter and delivered critical plays in overtime to seal the win.
—
### **2. Overtime Drama**
– **Nets’ Gritty Comeback**: Trailing late, the Nets forced OT with a **27-17 fourth-quarter surge**, led by **Chris Gatling’s 13-point explosion** in the period.
– **Bulls’ Championship Resolve**: In OT, Chicago’s experience prevailed. Key defensive stops and poised execution (outscoring the Nets 7-4) secured the win.
—
### **3. Supporting Casts Shine**
– **Scottie Pippen’s All-Around Impact**: Pippen stuffed the stat sheet with **10 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists**, and stifling defense on rookie **Keith Van Horn** (21 points). His transition play fueled Chicago’s rhythm.
– **Dennis Rodman’s Rebounding Frenzy**: Rodman grabbed **18 rebounds (8 offensive)**, overpowering the Nets’ interior. His defensive hustle included a pivotal block on **Sam Cassell**.
– **Toni Kukoč’s Bench Spark**: Despite a rough shooting night (2-10 FG), Kukoč added **16 points**, highlighting the Bulls’ depth.
—
### **4. Nets’ Valiant Effort**
– **Chris Gatling’s Offensive Firepower**: Gatling led the Nets with **24 points**, including a fourth-quarter barrage that nearly upset the Bulls.
– **Jayson Williams’ Rebounding Dominance**: Williams hauled in **21 rebounds**, outworking Rodman (8 rebounds) and keeping New Jersey competitive.
– **Sam Cassell’s Leadership**: Cassell tallied **15 points and 6 assists**, orchestrating the Nets’ offense alongside **Kendall Gill** (16 points)
—
### **5. Defensive Grind & Tactical Battles**
– **Shooting Struggles**: Both teams shot poorly (Bulls: 31%, Nets: 27%), but Chicago’s **48-64 rebounding edge** (including 7 offensive boards in the first quarter) proved decisive
– **Phil Jackson’s Adjustments**: Jackson benched cold shooters and leveraged Jordan’s isolation play and Rodman’s rebounding to control tempo.
—
### **6. Series Context**
– **Bulls’ Championship Pedigree**: This OT grind set the tone for a **3-0 series sweep**, propelling Chicago toward its sixth title.
– **Nets’ Underdog Spirit**: As the 8th seed, New Jersey’s tenacity (led by **Van Horn**, **Cassell**, and **Gatling**) earned respect, foreshadowing their rise in later years.
—
**Final Score**: Bulls 96, Nets 93 (OT)
**Legacy**: A microcosm of the Bulls’ dynasty—Jordan’s brilliance, role-player grit, and Phil Jackson’s mastery—overcoming a spirited Nets squad in a playoff classic.
#MichaelJordan #ScottiePippen #DennisRodman #ToniKukoc #PhilJackson #ChicagoBulls #ChrisGatling #JaysonWilliams #SamCassell #KendallGill #KeithVanHorn #ShermanDouglas #NewJerseyNets #NBAPlayoffs #BasketballLegends #NBAHistory
