In a gritty early-season test on the road, Michael Jordan methodically dismantled the Milwaukee Bucks, leading the two-time defending champion Chicago Bulls to a hard-fought 101-96 victory. This game, played at the Bradley Center, was a showcase of Jordan's relentless offensive arsenal and the Bulls' championship resolve, even when not at their sharpest. While the rivalry with the Detroit Pistons still defined an era for Chicago, this matchup against a scrappy Bucks team was a crucial indicator of their focus as they began the campaign for a third consecutive title.
The contest was a physical, often contentious affair, emblematic of the Central Division's rugged reputation. The Bulls, coming off a narrow overtime victory against the Pistons just two nights earlier, faced a determined Bucks squad led by Alvin Robertson and Blue Edwards. Milwaukee controlled the tempo for much of the first half, taking a 53-49 lead into halftime. The Bulls appeared, as the Chicago Tribune noted, "a little tired, a little out of sync, a little vulnerable."
Yet, as was the hallmark of their dynasty, they found another gear in the second half, anchored by their superstar. Michael Jordan was the unwavering constant, pouring in 34 points on 14-of-31 shooting, repeatedly hitting critical shots to stifle any momentum Milwaukee tried to build. His performance was a testament to his sustained brilliance following a summer that saw him lead the legendary "Dream Team" to Olympic gold in Barcelona.
Scottie Pippen, ever the all-around force, delivered a stat line that underscored his indispensable role. He finished with 22 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals, stuffing the box score and making his presence felt on every possession. Horace Grant added a double-double of his own with 11 points and 11 rebounds, battling a formidable Bucks frontcourt. A key turning point came late in the fourth quarter when, with the game in the balance, a pivotal—and questionable—offensive foul was called on Milwaukee's Frank Brickowski, a moment Bulls coach Phil Jackson later acknowledged as a significant swing in momentum. "It was one of those games where you just had to grind it out," Jackson would remark. "Milwaukee came to play, and we had to match their intensity."
Timestamp Index:
00:00 - Pregame
07:39 - Michael Jordan scores his first points on a jumper
09:34 - Jordan with the assist to Horace Grant on the fast break
11:16 - Jordan drives for a basket
13:50 - Michael Jordan with a block
18:12 - Jordan scores on a baseline reverse layup
23:39 - Second Quarter Begins
32:15 - Michael Jordan fadeaway jumper
39:34 - Highlight of the Game: Scottie Pippen's behind-the-back pass to Michael Jordan for a dunk
52:54 - Halftime
55:34 - Third Quarter Begins
57:57 - Jordan scores in traffic
01:11:59 - Jordan with an offensive rebound and putback
01:13:22 - Jordan dishes to Pippen for a score
01:17:58 - Scottie Pippen with a key steal to tie the game
01:21:53 - Fourth Quarter Begins
01:23:29 - Pippen finds Jordan on a fast break; Jordan is fouled
01:26:43 - Jordan with a block that leads to a Scottie Pippen fast break score
01:29:21 - Jordan grabs an offensive rebound and scores
01:33:15 - Michael Jordan hits a jumper to extend the lead
01:34:57 - Scottie Pippen with a great assist to Horace Grant
01:40:22 - Jordan with a clutch block on Fred Roberts
01:40:56 - Jordan draws a foul and makes key free throws
01:44:36 - Jordan secures a game-sealing offensive rebound
01:51:00 - Postgame Show
Информация по комментариям в разработке