The 1990-91 Chicago Bulls season marked a pivotal moment in the franchise’s history as they secured their first NBA Championship. Coached by Phil Jackson, the Bulls finished the regular season with a record of 61-21, topping the Central Division. This season was notable for Michael Jordan’s dominance, as he led the league in scoring with an average of 31.5 points per game and earned his second MVP award.
Complementing Jordan’s brilliance, Scottie Pippen emerged as a formidable all-around player, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor. Pippen’s versatility and defense earned him his first All-Star appearance, forming an elite duo with Jordan. Additionally, the team benefited from the contributions of Horace Grant, who provided interior presence and rebounding, and John Paxson, whose perimeter shooting was crucial in key moments.
In the playoffs, the Bulls demonstrated their growth and maturity, sweeping the New York Knicks in the first round. They then faced the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, winning the series 4-1. The Eastern Conference Finals saw them going up against the Detroit Pistons, the team that had been their nemesis in previous seasons. The Bulls convincingly swept the Pistons 4-0, a symbolic victory that underscored their evolution into championship contenders.
The NBA Finals pitted the Bulls against the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Magic Johnson. The Bulls lost Game 1 but rebounded to win the next four games, securing their first NBA title with a 4-1 series victory. Jordan was named Finals MVP, averaging 31.2 points, 11.4 assists, and 6.6 rebounds per game in the series. The 1990-91 season was a transformative period for the Bulls, establishing the foundation for their dominance throughout the decade.
- Regular Season Record: 61-21
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 3-0, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-1, Eastern Conference Finals: 4-0, NBA Finals: 4-1
Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats for 1990-91 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Michael Jordan | 82 | 31.5 | 6.0 | 5.5 | 2.7 | 1.0 | 31.2 | 17 | 31.1 | 6.4 | 8.4 | 2.4 | 1.4 | 38.5 |
| Scottie Pippen | 82 | 17.8 | 7.3 | 6.2 | 2.4 | 1.1 | 30.9 | 17 | 21.6 | 8.9 | 5.8 | 2.5 | 1.1 | 23.5 |
| Horace Grant | 78 | 12.8 | 8.4 | 2.3 | 1.2 | 0.9 | 16.6 | 17 | 13.3 | 8.1 | 2.2 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.0 |
| Bill Cartwright | 79 | 9.6 | 6.2 | 1.6 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 17 | 9.5 | 4.7 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.0 |
| B.J. Armstrong | 82 | 8.8 | 1.8 | 3.7 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 50.0 | 17 | 5.5 | 1.6 | 2.5 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 60.0 |
| John Paxson | 82 | 8.7 | 1.1 | 3.6 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 43.8 | 17 | 8.2 | 1.4 | 3.1 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 14.3 |
| Stacey King | 76 | 5.5 | 2.7 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 11 | 2.1 | 2.0 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Craig Hodges | 73 | 5.0 | 0.6 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 38.3 | 17 | 4.7 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 39.3 |
| Dennis Hopson | 61 | 4.3 | 1.8 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 20.0 | 5 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.0 |
| Will Perdue | 74 | 4.1 | 4.5 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 17 | 4.1 | 3.8 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 0.0 |
| Cliff Levingston | 78 | 4.0 | 2.9 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 25.0 | 17 | 2.6 | 2.4 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.0 |
| Scott Williams | 51 | 2.5 | 1.9 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 50.0 | 12 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.0 |
Chicago Bulls in the 1991 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. New York Knicks
In the first round of the 1991 NBA Playoffs, the Chicago Bulls faced off against the New York Knicks, showcasing their determination for a championship run. The Bulls dominated the series, sweeping the Knicks in three games, largely thanks to Michael Jordan's stellar performances and the team's cohesive play. This series set the tone for Chicago's eventual journey to their first NBA Championship, marking the beginning of their dynasty in the 1990s.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 25, 1991 | vs. New York Knicks | W 126-85 | |
| Apr 28, 1991 | vs. New York Knicks | W 89-79 | |
| Apr 30, 1991 | @ New York Knicks | W 103-94 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Philadelphia 76ers
In the 1991 NBA Playoffs, the Chicago Bulls faced the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round, where they showcased their dominance with a 4-1 series victory. Led by Michael Jordan's explosive performances and Scottie Pippen's versatile play, the Bulls effectively neutralized Charles Barkley and the Sixers, paving their way to the Eastern Conference Finals. This series was a pivotal moment in their championship journey, highlighting the Bulls' growing cohesion and determination to capture their first NBA title.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 04, 1991 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 105-92 | |
| May 06, 1991 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 112-100 | |
| May 10, 1991 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 99-97 | |
| May 12, 1991 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 101-85 | |
| May 14, 1991 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 100-95 |
1991 Conference Championship vs. Detroit Pistons
In the 1991 NBA Playoffs, the Chicago Bulls dominated the Eastern Conference Finals, sweeping the Detroit Pistons in a decisive 4-0 series victory. This marked a significant turning point, as Michael Jordan and his team finally overcame their arch-rivals, the u0022Bad Boys,u0022 who had ousted them in the previous three postseasons. The series underscored the emergence of a new dynasty, with the Bulls showcasing a blend of tenacious defense and fluid offense that would define their success throughout the decade.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 1991 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 94-83 | |
| May 21, 1991 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 105-97 | |
| May 25, 1991 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 113-107 | |
| May 27, 1991 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 115-94 |
1991 NBA Finals vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The Chicago Bulls' performance in the 1991 NBA Finals marked a pivotal moment in the team's history, as they secured their first championship by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in five games. Led by Michael Jordan, who averaged 31.2 points per game and earned the Finals MVP award, the Bulls showcased a blend of tenacious defense and high-flying offense. This victory not only ended the Lakers' reign but also signaled the beginning of a new dynasty in the NBA.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 02, 1991 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 93-91 | |
| Jun 05, 1991 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 107-86 | |
| Jun 07, 1991 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 104-96 | |
| Jun 09, 1991 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 97-82 | |
| Jun 12, 1991 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 108-101 |
Chicago Bulls 1990-91 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 1990-91 season for the Chicago Bulls.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 02, 1990 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | L 124-116 | |
| Nov 03, 1990 | @ Washington Bullets | L 103-102 | |
| Nov 06, 1990 | vs. Boston Celtics | L 110-108 | |
| Nov 07, 1990 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 96-91 | |
| Nov 09, 1990 | @ Boston Celtics | W 120-100 | |
| Nov 10, 1990 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 105-86 | |
| Nov 13, 1990 | @ Utah Jazz | W 84-82 | |
| Nov 15, 1990 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 103-93 | |
| Nov 17, 1990 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 116-95 | |
| Nov 18, 1990 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 125-112 | |
| Nov 21, 1990 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 109-107 | |
| Nov 23, 1990 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 105-97 | |
| Nov 24, 1990 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 151-145 | |
| Nov 28, 1990 | vs. Washington Bullets | W 118-94 | |
| Nov 30, 1990 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 124-95 | |
| Dec 01, 1990 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 120-85 | |
| Dec 04, 1990 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 155-127 | |
| Dec 07, 1990 | vs. New York Knicks | W 108-98 | |
| Dec 08, 1990 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | L 109-101 | |
| Dec 11, 1990 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 99-87 | |
| Dec 14, 1990 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 128-88 | |
| Dec 15, 1990 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 116-98 | |
| Dec 18, 1990 | vs. Miami Heat | W 112-103 | |
| Dec 19, 1990 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 105-84 | |
| Dec 21, 1990 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 114-103 | |
| Dec 22, 1990 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 128-118 | |
| Dec 25, 1990 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 98-86 | |
| Dec 27, 1990 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 128-113 | |
| Dec 29, 1990 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 116-91 | |
| Jan 03, 1991 | @ Houston Rockets | L 114-92 | |
| Jan 05, 1991 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 108-92 | |
| Jan 08, 1991 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 111-102 | |
| Jan 09, 1991 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 107-99 | |
| Jan 11, 1991 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 99-96 | |
| Jan 12, 1991 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 106-95 | |
| Jan 14, 1991 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 110-97 | |
| Jan 16, 1991 | @ Orlando Magic | W 99-88 | |
| Jan 18, 1991 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 114-105 | |
| Jan 21, 1991 | @ Miami Heat | W 117-106 | |
| Jan 23, 1991 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 99-95 | |
| Jan 25, 1991 | vs. Miami Heat | W 108-87 | |
| Jan 31, 1991 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 106-102 | |
| Feb 01, 1991 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 101-90 | |
| Feb 03, 1991 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 99-86 | |
| Feb 04, 1991 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 108-97 | |
| Feb 07, 1991 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 95-93 | |
| Feb 12, 1991 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 122-113 | |
| Feb 14, 1991 | @ New York Knicks | W 102-92 | |
| Feb 16, 1991 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 99-87 | |
| Feb 18, 1991 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 110-95 | |
| Feb 19, 1991 | vs. Washington Bullets | W 118-113 | |
| Feb 22, 1991 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 129-82 | |
| Feb 23, 1991 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 129-108 | |
| Feb 26, 1991 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 129-99 | |
| Mar 01, 1991 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 109-86 | |
| Mar 02, 1991 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 135-114 | |
| Mar 05, 1991 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 104-86 | |
| Mar 08, 1991 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 99-89 | |
| Mar 10, 1991 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 122-87 | |
| Mar 12, 1991 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 131-99 | |
| Mar 13, 1991 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 102-101 | |
| Mar 15, 1991 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 105-92 | |
| Mar 16, 1991 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 102-98 | |
| Mar 18, 1991 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 121-108 | |
| Mar 20, 1991 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 129-107 | |
| Mar 22, 1991 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 95-90 | |
| Mar 23, 1991 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 133-119 | |
| Mar 25, 1991 | vs. Houston Rockets | L 100-90 | |
| Mar 28, 1991 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 128-94 | |
| Mar 29, 1991 | @ Washington Bullets | W 112-94 | |
| Mar 31, 1991 | @ Boston Celtics | L 135-132 | |
| Apr 02, 1991 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 106-102 | |
| Apr 04, 1991 | @ New York Knicks | W 101-91 | |
| Apr 05, 1991 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L 110-107 | |
| Apr 07, 1991 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | L 114-111 | |
| Apr 09, 1991 | vs. New York Knicks | W 108-106 | |
| Apr 10, 1991 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 101-96 | |
| Apr 12, 1991 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 95-91 | |
| Apr 15, 1991 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 103-94 | |
| Apr 17, 1991 | @ Miami Heat | W 111-101 | |
| Apr 19, 1991 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 115-99 | |
| Apr 21, 1991 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 108-100 |