The 1996-97 Chicago Bulls season was marked by dominance and strategic execution, following their record-breaking 72-win campaign the previous year. Coached by Phil Jackson, the team aimed to solidify their dynasty status and successfully defended their NBA title. Led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman, the Bulls completed the regular season with a 69-13 record, the best in the league, showcasing their consistency and tenacity.
Michael Jordan, who was instrumental in the team’s success, secured his ninth scoring title, averaging 29.6 points per game. Scottie Pippen contributed significantly with his all-around play, averaging 20.2 points per game, while Dennis Rodman dominated the boards, leading the league in rebounds for the sixth consecutive season with 16.1 per game. The Bulls’ formidable trio was supported by a strong bench that included players like Toni Kukoč, Steve Kerr, and Luc Longley, each playing crucial roles in maintaining the team’s high performance throughout the season.
The Bulls’ postseason was equally impressive. They breezed through the Eastern Conference with relative ease, defeating the Washington Bullets, Atlanta Hawks, and Miami Heat to reach the NBA Finals. In the Finals, they faced the Utah Jazz, led by Karl Malone and John Stockton. The series was competitive, but the Bulls’ resilience and experience prevailed. Chicago won the series 4-2, capturing their fifth NBA Championship in seven years. Michael Jordan was named the Finals MVP, further solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players in the sport.
The 1996-97 season reinforced the Chicago Bulls’ reputation as a basketball powerhouse. Their ability to perform under pressure, combined with strategic gameplay and a roster filled with talent and experience, ensured their place in NBA history as one of the most successful teams of all time.
- Regular Season Record: 69-13
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 3-0, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-1, Eastern Conference Finals: 4-1, NBA Finals: 4-2
Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats for 1996-97 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Michael Jordan | 82 | 29.6 | 5.9 | 4.3 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 37.4 | 19 | 31.1 | 7.9 | 4.8 | 1.6 | 0.9 | 19.4 |
| Scottie Pippen | 82 | 20.2 | 6.5 | 5.7 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 36.8 | 19 | 19.2 | 6.8 | 3.8 | 1.5 | 0.9 | 34.5 |
| Toni Kukoč | 57 | 13.2 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 33.1 | 19 | 7.9 | 2.8 | 2.8 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 35.8 |
| Luc Longley | 59 | 9.1 | 5.6 | 2.4 | 0.4 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 19 | 6.5 | 4.4 | 1.8 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 0.0 |
| Steve Kerr | 82 | 8.1 | 1.6 | 2.1 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 46.4 | 19 | 5.0 | 0.9 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 38.1 |
| Jason Caffey | 75 | 7.3 | 4.0 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 17 | 2.4 | 2.5 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 |
| Bison Dele | 9 | 7.0 | 3.7 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 19 | 6.1 | 3.7 | 0.6 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.0 |
| Ron Harper | 76 | 6.3 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 36.2 | 19 | 7.5 | 4.3 | 3.0 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 34.4 |
| Dennis Rodman | 55 | 5.7 | 16.1 | 3.1 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 26.3 | 19 | 4.2 | 8.4 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 25.0 |
| Randy Brown | 72 | 4.7 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 18.2 | 17 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Bill Wennington | 61 | 4.6 | 2.1 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Robert Parish | 43 | 3.7 | 2.1 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 2 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.5 | 0.0 |
| Dickey Simpkins | 48 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 25.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Jud Buechler | 76 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 33.3 | 18 | 1.8 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 33.3 |
| Matt Steigenga | 2 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
Chicago Bulls in the 1997 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Washington Bullets
In the first round of the 1997 NBA Playoffs, the Chicago Bulls faced off against the Washington Bullets, securing a clean sweep with a 3-0 series victory. Led by Michael Jordan's scoring prowess and Scottie Pippen's defensive versatility, the Bulls dominated the series, showcasing their championship pedigree. This performance set the tone for their successful campaign, ultimately leading them to their fifth NBA title in the 1990s.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 25, 1997 | vs. Washington Bullets | W 98-86 | |
| Apr 27, 1997 | vs. Washington Bullets | W 109-104 | |
| Apr 30, 1997 | @ Washington Bullets | W 96-95 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Atlanta Hawks
In the 1997 NBA Playoffs, the Chicago Bulls faced the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Displaying their championship mettle, the Bulls, led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, secured a 4-1 series victory. Their relentless defense and offensive prowess proved too much for the Hawks, setting the stage for their eventual championship run.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 06, 1997 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 100-97 | |
| May 08, 1997 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | L 103-95 | |
| May 10, 1997 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 100-80 | |
| May 11, 1997 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 89-80 | |
| May 13, 1997 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 107-92 |
1997 Conference Championship vs. Miami Heat
In the 1997 NBA Playoffs, the Chicago Bulls faced the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, showcasing a dominant performance. Led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, the Bulls combined tenacious defense with clutch offense to secure a 4-1 series victory. This triumph paved the way for Chicago's fifth NBA Finals appearance in seven years, highlighting their era-defining dynasty.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 20, 1997 | vs. Miami Heat | W 84-77 | |
| May 22, 1997 | vs. Miami Heat | W 75-68 | |
| May 24, 1997 | @ Miami Heat | W 98-74 | |
| May 26, 1997 | @ Miami Heat | L 87-80 | |
| May 28, 1997 | vs. Miami Heat | W 100-87 |
1997 NBA Finals vs. Utah Jazz
In the 1997 NBA Finals, the Chicago Bulls faced off against the Utah Jazz, securing their fifth championship in seven years. Led by Michael Jordan's masterful performances, including the iconic u0022Flu Gameu0022 in Game 5, the Bulls triumphed in six games. Key contributions from Scottie Pippen and the clutch shooting of Steve Kerr underscored the team's depth and resilience, solidifying their dynasty status in the 1990s.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 01, 1997 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 84-82 | |
| Jun 04, 1997 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 97-85 | |
| Jun 06, 1997 | @ Utah Jazz | L 104-93 | |
| Jun 08, 1997 | @ Utah Jazz | L 78-73 | |
| Jun 11, 1997 | @ Utah Jazz | W 90-88 | |
| Jun 13, 1997 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 90-86 |
Chicago Bulls 1996-97 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 1996-97 season for the Chicago Bulls.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 01, 1996 | @ Boston Celtics | W 107-98 | |
| Nov 02, 1996 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 115-86 | |
| Nov 05, 1996 | vs. Vancouver Grizzlies | W 96-73 | |
| Nov 06, 1996 | @ Miami Heat | W 106-100 | |
| Nov 08, 1996 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 98-80 | |
| Nov 09, 1996 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 104-92 | |
| Nov 11, 1996 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 97-79 | |
| Nov 13, 1996 | vs. Miami Heat | W 103-71 | |
| Nov 15, 1996 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 110-87 | |
| Nov 16, 1996 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 97-69 | |
| Nov 20, 1996 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 113-99 | |
| Nov 21, 1996 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 110-92 | |
| Nov 23, 1996 | @ Utah Jazz | L 105-100 | |
| Nov 25, 1996 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 88-84 | |
| Nov 29, 1996 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 116-97 | |
| Nov 30, 1996 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 97-88 | |
| Dec 03, 1996 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 107-104 | |
| Dec 05, 1996 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 114-96 | |
| Dec 07, 1996 | vs. Miami Heat | L 83-80 | |
| Dec 08, 1996 | @ Toronto Raptors | L 97-89 | |
| Dec 11, 1996 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 103-86 | |
| Dec 13, 1996 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 113-92 | |
| Dec 14, 1996 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 87-82 | |
| Dec 17, 1996 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 129-123 | |
| Dec 19, 1996 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 93-72 | |
| Dec 21, 1996 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 111-105 | |
| Dec 23, 1996 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 113-81 | |
| Dec 25, 1996 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 95-83 | |
| Dec 26, 1996 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 108-103 | |
| Dec 28, 1996 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 102-97 | |
| Dec 30, 1996 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 81-79 | |
| Jan 03, 1997 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 110-89 | |
| Jan 06, 1997 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 102-89 | |
| Jan 10, 1997 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 116-101 | |
| Jan 11, 1997 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 110-86 | |
| Jan 14, 1997 | vs. Washington Bullets | W 108-107 | |
| Jan 15, 1997 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 112-102 | |
| Jan 17, 1997 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 100-73 | |
| Jan 19, 1997 | @ Houston Rockets | L 102-86 | |
| Jan 21, 1997 | vs. New York Knicks | W 88-87 | |
| Jan 23, 1997 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 87-71 | |
| Jan 25, 1997 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 110-98 | |
| Jan 28, 1997 | @ Vancouver Grizzlies | W 111-96 | |
| Jan 30, 1997 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 111-93 | |
| Jan 31, 1997 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 115-92 | |
| Feb 02, 1997 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 91-84 | |
| Feb 04, 1997 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 88-84 | |
| Feb 05, 1997 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 106-90 | |
| Feb 11, 1997 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 103-100 | |
| Feb 14, 1997 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 89-88 | |
| Feb 16, 1997 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 110-89 | |
| Feb 18, 1997 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 134-123 | |
| Feb 21, 1997 | @ Washington Bullets | W 103-99 | |
| Feb 22, 1997 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 120-87 | |
| Feb 24, 1997 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 116-89 | |
| Feb 27, 1997 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 73-70 | |
| Feb 28, 1997 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 126-108 | |
| Mar 03, 1997 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 108-90 | |
| Mar 05, 1997 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 111-69 | |
| Mar 07, 1997 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 104-96 | |
| Mar 09, 1997 | @ New York Knicks | L 97-93 | |
| Mar 11, 1997 | @ Boston Celtics | W 117-106 | |
| Mar 12, 1997 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 108-104 | |
| Mar 14, 1997 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 99-98 | |
| Mar 15, 1997 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 99-79 | |
| Mar 18, 1997 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 89-87 | |
| Mar 21, 1997 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 117-98 | |
| Mar 22, 1997 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 103-88 | |
| Mar 25, 1997 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 94-92 | |
| Mar 27, 1997 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 96-83 | |
| Mar 29, 1997 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 111-101 | |
| Apr 01, 1997 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 111-106 | |
| Apr 03, 1997 | @ Washington Bullets | L 110-102 | |
| Apr 04, 1997 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 84-71 | |
| Apr 06, 1997 | @ Orlando Magic | W 110-94 | |
| Apr 07, 1997 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 128-102 | |
| Apr 09, 1997 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 86-80 | |
| Apr 10, 1997 | @ New York Knicks | W 105-103 | |
| Apr 13, 1997 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 108-91 | |
| Apr 14, 1997 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 117-100 | |
| Apr 16, 1997 | @ Miami Heat | L 102-92 | |
| Apr 19, 1997 | vs. New York Knicks | L 103-101 |