The 1995-96 Chicago Bulls season is often hailed as one of the most dominant in NBA history. Under the guidance of head coach Phil Jackson, the Bulls finished the regular season with a record-breaking 72-10, surpassing the previous best of 69-13 set by the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers. This record stood for two decades until the Golden State Warriors surpassed it in the 2015-16 season.
Key to the Bulls’ success was the return of Michael Jordan for his first full season after his initial retirement. Jordan led the league in scoring with an average of 30.4 points per game, showcasing his unmatched prowess on the court. Complementing Jordan was forward Scottie Pippen, who was instrumental on both ends of the floor, and the newly acquired Dennis Rodman, who led the NBA in rebounds per game with 14.9, adding a crucial defensive and rebounding edge to the team.
The Bulls’ roster was further bolstered by solid contributions from players like Toni Kukoč, Ron Harper, and Steve Kerr. Their depth allowed the team to maintain a high level of performance throughout the season, which was evident in their impressive 37-4 home record and a 35-6 record on the road.
In the playoffs, the Bulls continued their dominance, losing only three games en route to the NBA Finals. They defeated the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and Orlando Magic to secure the Eastern Conference title. In the Finals, they faced the Seattle SuperSonics, defeating them in six games to claim their fourth NBA championship of the decade. Michael Jordan was named Finals MVP, capping off a season that solidified the 1995-96 Bulls as one of the greatest teams in basketball history.
- Regular Season Record: 72-10
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 3-0, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-1, Eastern Conference Finals: 4-0, NBA Finals: 4-2
Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats for 1995-96 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Michael Jordan | 82 | 30.4 | 6.6 | 4.3 | 2.2 | 0.5 | 42.7 | 18 | 30.7 | 4.9 | 4.1 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 40.3 |
| Scottie Pippen | 77 | 19.4 | 6.4 | 5.9 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 37.4 | 18 | 16.9 | 8.5 | 5.9 | 2.6 | 0.9 | 28.6 |
| Toni Kukoč | 81 | 13.1 | 4.0 | 3.5 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 40.3 | 15 | 10.8 | 4.2 | 3.9 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 19.1 |
| Luc Longley | 62 | 9.1 | 5.1 | 1.9 | 0.4 | 1.4 | 0.0 | 18 | 8.3 | 4.6 | 1.6 | 0.4 | 1.4 | 0.0 |
| Steve Kerr | 82 | 8.4 | 1.3 | 2.3 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 51.5 | 18 | 6.8 | 1.0 | 1.7 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 32.1 |
| Ron Harper | 80 | 7.4 | 2.7 | 2.6 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 26.9 | 18 | 8.8 | 3.7 | 2.5 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 31.9 |
| Dennis Rodman | 64 | 5.5 | 14.9 | 2.5 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 11.1 | 18 | 7.5 | 13.7 | 2.1 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.0 |
| Bill Wennington | 71 | 5.3 | 2.5 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 100.0 | 18 | 3.0 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Jack Haley | 1 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Jud Buechler | 74 | 3.8 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 44.4 | 17 | 2.7 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 38.1 |
| Dickey Simpkins | 60 | 3.6 | 2.6 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 100.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| James Edwards | 28 | 3.5 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 6 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Jason Caffey | 57 | 3.2 | 1.9 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Randy Brown | 68 | 2.7 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 9.1 | 16 | 2.8 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 50.0 |
| John Salley | 17 | 2.1 | 2.5 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 16 | 0.9 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
Chicago Bulls in the 1996 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Miami Heat
In the first round of the 1996 NBA Playoffs, the Chicago Bulls faced the Miami Heat and showcased their dominance with a decisive 3-0 series sweep. Led by Michael Jordan's scoring prowess and Scottie Pippen's all-around play, the Bulls overwhelmed the Heat with their relentless defense and efficient offense. This series set the tone for Chicago's historic postseason run, as they went on to capture the NBA Championship with a then-record 72-win regular season.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 26, 1996 | vs. Miami Heat | W 102-85 | |
| Apr 28, 1996 | vs. Miami Heat | W 106-75 | |
| May 01, 1996 | @ Miami Heat | W 112-91 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. New York Knicks
In the 1996 NBA Playoffs, the Chicago Bulls dominated the second round, sweeping the New York Knicks in a decisive 4-1 series. Led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, the Bulls showcased their defensive prowess and offensive versatility, effectively neutralizing the Knicks' physical style of play. This performance further cemented their status as a formidable championship contender in a season where they ultimately achieved a historic 72-win record.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 05, 1996 | vs. New York Knicks | W 91-84 | |
| May 07, 1996 | vs. New York Knicks | W 91-80 | |
| May 11, 1996 | @ New York Knicks | L 102-99 | |
| May 12, 1996 | @ New York Knicks | W 94-91 | |
| May 14, 1996 | vs. New York Knicks | W 94-81 |
1996 Conference Championship vs. Orlando Magic
In the 1996 NBA Playoffs, the Chicago Bulls showcased their dominance in the Eastern Conference Finals by sweeping the Orlando Magic in four games. Led by Michael Jordan, who was at the peak of his powers, and backed by a formidable supporting cast including Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, the Bulls overwhelmed the Magic with their tenacious defense and potent offense. This emphatic victory highlighted their historic 72-win season and set the stage for a triumphant return to the NBA Finals, where they would secure their fourth championship.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 1996 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 121-83 | |
| May 21, 1996 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 93-88 | |
| May 25, 1996 | @ Orlando Magic | W 86-67 | |
| May 27, 1996 | @ Orlando Magic | W 106-101 |
1996 NBA Finals vs. Seattle SuperSonics
In the 1996 NBA Finals, the Chicago Bulls showcased their dominance by defeating the Seattle SuperSonics in six games, clinching their fourth championship in six years. Michael Jordan, leading the charge, returned to his peak form, earning the Finals MVP award and solidifying the Bulls' 72-win season as one of the greatest in NBA history. The series highlighted Chicago's tenacity and depth, with key contributions from players like Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, cementing their legacy in basketball lore.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 05, 1996 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 107-90 | |
| Jun 07, 1996 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 92-88 | |
| Jun 09, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 108-86 | |
| Jun 12, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 107-86 | |
| Jun 14, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 89-78 | |
| Jun 16, 1996 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 87-75 |
Chicago Bulls 1995-96 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 1995-96 season for the Chicago Bulls.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 03, 1995 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 105-91 | |
| Nov 04, 1995 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 107-85 | |
| Nov 07, 1995 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 117-108 | |
| Nov 09, 1995 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 106-88 | |
| Nov 11, 1995 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 110-106 | |
| Nov 14, 1995 | @ Orlando Magic | L 94-88 | |
| Nov 15, 1995 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 113-94 | |
| Nov 17, 1995 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 109-94 | |
| Nov 21, 1995 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 108-102 | |
| Nov 22, 1995 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 103-94 | |
| Nov 24, 1995 | @ Utah Jazz | W 90-85 | |
| Nov 26, 1995 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 97-92 | |
| Nov 27, 1995 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 107-104 | |
| Nov 30, 1995 | @ Vancouver Grizzlies | W 94-88 | |
| Dec 02, 1995 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 104-98 | |
| Dec 06, 1995 | vs. New York Knicks | W 101-94 | |
| Dec 08, 1995 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 106-87 | |
| Dec 09, 1995 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 118-106 | |
| Dec 13, 1995 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 112-103 | |
| Dec 14, 1995 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 127-108 | |
| Dec 16, 1995 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 108-88 | |
| Dec 18, 1995 | @ Boston Celtics | W 123-114 | |
| Dec 19, 1995 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 114-101 | |
| Dec 22, 1995 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 113-104 | |
| Dec 23, 1995 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 100-86 | |
| Dec 26, 1995 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 103-97 | |
| Dec 29, 1995 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 120-93 | |
| Dec 30, 1995 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 95-93 | |
| Jan 03, 1996 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 100-86 | |
| Jan 04, 1996 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 117-93 | |
| Jan 06, 1996 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 113-84 | |
| Jan 10, 1996 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 113-87 | |
| Jan 13, 1996 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 120-93 | |
| Jan 15, 1996 | @ Washington Bullets | W 116-109 | |
| Jan 16, 1996 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 116-104 | |
| Jan 18, 1996 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 92-89 | |
| Jan 21, 1996 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 111-96 | |
| Jan 23, 1996 | @ New York Knicks | W 99-79 | |
| Jan 24, 1996 | vs. Vancouver Grizzlies | W 104-84 | |
| Jan 26, 1996 | vs. Miami Heat | W 102-80 | |
| Jan 28, 1996 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 93-82 | |
| Jan 30, 1996 | @ Houston Rockets | W 98-87 | |
| Feb 01, 1996 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 105-85 | |
| Feb 02, 1996 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 99-84 | |
| Feb 04, 1996 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 105-99 | |
| Feb 06, 1996 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 106-96 | |
| Feb 07, 1996 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 99-95 | |
| Feb 13, 1996 | vs. Washington Bullets | W 111-98 | |
| Feb 15, 1996 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 112-109 | |
| Feb 16, 1996 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 103-100 | |
| Feb 18, 1996 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 110-102 | |
| Feb 20, 1996 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 102-76 | |
| Feb 22, 1996 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 96-91 | |
| Feb 23, 1996 | @ Miami Heat | L 113-104 | |
| Feb 25, 1996 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 111-91 | |
| Feb 27, 1996 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 120-99 | |
| Mar 01, 1996 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 110-87 | |
| Mar 02, 1996 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 107-75 | |
| Mar 05, 1996 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 115-106 | |
| Mar 07, 1996 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 102-81 | |
| Mar 10, 1996 | @ New York Knicks | L 104-72 | |
| Mar 13, 1996 | vs. Washington Bullets | W 103-86 | |
| Mar 15, 1996 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 108-87 | |
| Mar 16, 1996 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 97-93 | |
| Mar 18, 1996 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 98-94 | |
| Mar 19, 1996 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 89-67 | |
| Mar 21, 1996 | vs. New York Knicks | W 107-86 | |
| Mar 24, 1996 | @ Toronto Raptors | L 109-108 | |
| Mar 28, 1996 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 111-80 | |
| Mar 30, 1996 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 106-85 | |
| Apr 02, 1996 | @ Miami Heat | W 110-92 | |
| Apr 04, 1996 | vs. Miami Heat | W 100-92 | |
| Apr 05, 1996 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 126-92 | |
| Apr 07, 1996 | @ Orlando Magic | W 90-86 | |
| Apr 08, 1996 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | L 98-97 | |
| Apr 11, 1996 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 113-100 | |
| Apr 12, 1996 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 112-82 | |
| Apr 14, 1996 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 98-72 | |
| Apr 16, 1996 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 86-80 | |
| Apr 18, 1996 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 110-79 | |
| Apr 20, 1996 | vs. Indiana Pacers | L 100-99 | |
| Apr 21, 1996 | @ Washington Bullets | W 103-93 |
