The 1997-98 Chicago Bulls season was marked by both triumph and the looming uncertainty of it being Michael Jordan’s final year with the team. The Bulls, under the guidance of head coach Phil Jackson, pursued their sixth NBA championship in eight years. The season was heavily documented in ESPN’s “The Last Dance,” highlighting the internal dynamics and external pressures on the team.
During the regular season, the Bulls finished with a record of 62-20, securing the first seed in the Eastern Conference. Michael Jordan led the league in scoring, averaging 28.7 points per game, and won his fifth and final NBA MVP award. The team’s success was bolstered by the strong performances of Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, despite both dealing with injuries and off-court issues during the season.
In the playoffs, the Bulls faced and overcame challenges from formidable opponents. They defeated the New Jersey Nets in the first round, sweeping the series 3-0. In the Eastern Conference Semifinals, they faced the Charlotte Hornets and won the series 4-1. The Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers proved to be their toughest test, with the series extending to seven games. The Bulls ultimately prevailed, securing their spot in the NBA Finals.
In the Finals, the Bulls faced the Utah Jazz, a rematch of the previous year’s championship series. The series was highly competitive, with the Bulls clinching the title in Game 6 on June 14, 1998, with a 87-86 victory in Utah. Jordan’s iconic game-winning shot over Bryon Russell in the final moments of Game 6 secured their championship and his sixth Finals MVP award.
The 1997-98 season was not just a testament to the Bulls’ dominance but also marked the end of an era. Following the season, key figures such as Michael Jordan, Phil Jackson, and Scottie Pippen parted ways with the franchise, signaling the dissolution of one of basketball’s greatest dynasties.
- Regular Season Record: 62-20
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 3-0, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-1, Eastern Conference Finals: 4-3, NBA Finals: 4-2
Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats for 1997-98 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Michael Jordan | 82 | 28.7 | 5.8 | 3.5 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 23.8 | 21 | 32.4 | 5.1 | 3.5 | 1.5 | 0.6 | 30.2 |
| Scottie Pippen | 44 | 19.1 | 5.2 | 5.8 | 1.8 | 1.0 | 31.8 | 21 | 16.8 | 7.1 | 5.2 | 2.1 | 1.0 | 22.8 |
| Toni Kukoč | 74 | 13.3 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 36.2 | 21 | 13.1 | 3.9 | 2.9 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 37.7 |
| Luc Longley | 58 | 11.4 | 5.9 | 2.8 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 18 | 7.9 | 5.0 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.0 |
| Ron Harper | 82 | 9.3 | 3.5 | 2.9 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 19.0 | 21 | 6.7 | 3.7 | 2.3 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 26.3 |
| Steve Kerr | 50 | 7.5 | 1.5 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 43.8 | 21 | 4.9 | 0.8 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 46.3 |
| Jason Caffey | 51 | 5.3 | 3.4 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Scott Burrell | 80 | 5.2 | 2.5 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 35.4 | 21 | 3.8 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 30.0 |
| Dennis Rodman | 80 | 4.7 | 15.0 | 2.9 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 17.4 | 21 | 4.9 | 11.8 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 25.0 |
| Randy Brown | 71 | 4.1 | 1.3 | 2.1 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 14 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Dickey Simpkins | 21 | 3.7 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 13 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Rusty LaRue | 14 | 3.5 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 25.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Bill Wennington | 48 | 3.5 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 16 | 2.8 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Jud Buechler | 74 | 2.7 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 38.5 | 16 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 60.0 |
| Joe Kleine | 46 | 2.0 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Keith Booth | 6 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| David Vaughn | 3 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
Chicago Bulls in the 1998 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. New Jersey Nets
In the first round of the 1998 NBA Playoffs, the Chicago Bulls faced off against the New Jersey Nets. The Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and a robust supporting cast, swiftly dispatched the Nets in a 3-0 series sweep. Despite a competitive Game 1 that went into overtime, Chicago's experience and star power proved too formidable, setting the tone for their journey to a sixth NBA Championship.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 24, 1998 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 96-93 | |
| Apr 26, 1998 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 96-91 | |
| Apr 29, 1998 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 116-101 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Charlotte Hornets
In the 1998 NBA Playoffs, the Chicago Bulls faced the Charlotte Hornets in the second round, showcasing their championship pedigree. Led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, the Bulls dispatched the Hornets in five games, highlighting their defensive prowess and clutch performances. This victory paved the way for Chicago's eventual run to their sixth NBA championship, cementing their dominance in the 1990s.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 03, 1998 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 83-70 | |
| May 06, 1998 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | L 78-76 | |
| May 08, 1998 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 103-89 | |
| May 10, 1998 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 94-80 | |
| May 13, 1998 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 93-84 |
1998 Conference Championship vs. Indiana Pacers
In the 1998 NBA Playoffs, the Chicago Bulls faced the Indiana Pacers in a fiercely contested Eastern Conference Finals. Led by Michael Jordan and supported by key performances from Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, the Bulls managed to overcome the Pacers in a thrilling seven-game series. The hard-fought victory highlighted the Bulls' resilience and set the stage for their eventual triumph in the NBA Finals, securing their sixth championship of the decade.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 17, 1998 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 85-79 | |
| May 19, 1998 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 104-98 | |
| May 23, 1998 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 107-105 | |
| May 25, 1998 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 96-94 | |
| May 27, 1998 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 106-87 | |
| May 29, 1998 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 92-89 | |
| May 31, 1998 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 88-83 |
1998 NBA Finals vs. Utah Jazz
The Chicago Bulls' performance in the 1998 NBA Finals was a testament to their dominance during the 1990s, as they secured their sixth championship in eight years. Led by Michael Jordan, who clinched his sixth Finals MVP, the Bulls edged out the Utah Jazz in a thrilling six-game series, highlighted by Jordan's iconic game-winning shot in Game 6. This victory marked the end of an era, as it was the last championship for the Bulls' dynasty under Phil Jackson.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 03, 1998 | @ Utah Jazz | L 88-85 | |
| Jun 05, 1998 | @ Utah Jazz | W 93-88 | |
| Jun 07, 1998 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 96-54 | |
| Jun 10, 1998 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 86-82 | |
| Jun 12, 1998 | vs. Utah Jazz | L 83-81 | |
| Jun 14, 1998 | @ Utah Jazz | W 87-86 |
Chicago Bulls 1997-98 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 1997-98 season for the Chicago Bulls.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 31, 1997 | @ Boston Celtics | L 92-85 | |
| Nov 01, 1997 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 94-74 | |
| Nov 03, 1997 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 87-83 | |
| Nov 05, 1997 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 94-81 | |
| Nov 07, 1997 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 80-78 | |
| Nov 08, 1997 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 99-86 | |
| Nov 11, 1997 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 101-80 | |
| Nov 12, 1997 | vs. Washington Wizards | L 90-83 | |
| Nov 14, 1997 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 105-92 | |
| Nov 15, 1997 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 79-70 | |
| Nov 20, 1997 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 89-85 | |
| Nov 21, 1997 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 111-102 | |
| Nov 23, 1997 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 103-88 | |
| Nov 25, 1997 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 91-90 | |
| Nov 28, 1997 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 94-83 | |
| Nov 29, 1997 | @ Washington Wizards | W 88-83 | |
| Dec 03, 1997 | @ Boston Celtics | W 97-87 | |
| Dec 05, 1997 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 84-62 | |
| Dec 09, 1997 | vs. New York Knicks | W 100-82 | |
| Dec 10, 1997 | @ Orlando Magic | L 106-98 | |
| Dec 12, 1997 | @ Charlotte Hornets | L 79-77 | |
| Dec 13, 1997 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 97-70 | |
| Dec 15, 1997 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 111-104 | |
| Dec 17, 1997 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 104-83 | |
| Dec 20, 1997 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 100-92 | |
| Dec 23, 1997 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 94-89 | |
| Dec 25, 1997 | vs. Miami Heat | W 90-80 | |
| Dec 27, 1997 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 97-90 | |
| Dec 29, 1997 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 111-105 | |
| Dec 30, 1997 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | L 99-95 | |
| Jan 02, 1998 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 114-100 | |
| Jan 03, 1998 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 105-96 | |
| Jan 06, 1998 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 90-79 | |
| Jan 07, 1998 | @ Miami Heat | L 99-72 | |
| Jan 09, 1998 | @ New York Knicks | W 90-89 | |
| Jan 10, 1998 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 87-82 | |
| Jan 13, 1998 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 101-91 | |
| Jan 15, 1998 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 106-96 | |
| Jan 16, 1998 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 96-86 | |
| Jan 18, 1998 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 106-100 | |
| Jan 21, 1998 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 110-79 | |
| Jan 23, 1998 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 100-98 | |
| Jan 25, 1998 | vs. Utah Jazz | L 101-94 | |
| Jan 27, 1998 | @ Vancouver Grizzlies | W 103-85 | |
| Jan 29, 1998 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 100-87 | |
| Jan 30, 1998 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 87-80 | |
| Feb 01, 1998 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 112-87 | |
| Feb 02, 1998 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 111-72 | |
| Feb 04, 1998 | @ Utah Jazz | L 101-93 | |
| Feb 10, 1998 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 93-86 | |
| Feb 11, 1998 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 92-90 | |
| Feb 13, 1998 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 112-110 | |
| Feb 15, 1998 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 99-90 | |
| Feb 17, 1998 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 105-97 | |
| Feb 19, 1998 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 123-86 | |
| Feb 21, 1998 | @ Washington Wizards | W 94-88 | |
| Feb 23, 1998 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 97-75 | |
| Feb 25, 1998 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | L 106-101 | |
| Feb 28, 1998 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 109-94 | |
| Mar 03, 1998 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 118-90 | |
| Mar 08, 1998 | @ New York Knicks | W 102-89 | |
| Mar 10, 1998 | vs. Miami Heat | W 106-91 | |
| Mar 12, 1998 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 104-97 | |
| Mar 14, 1998 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 96-86 | |
| Mar 16, 1998 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 88-72 | |
| Mar 17, 1998 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 90-84 | |
| Mar 20, 1998 | vs. Vancouver Grizzlies | W 98-92 | |
| Mar 22, 1998 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 102-100 | |
| Mar 23, 1998 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 111-88 | |
| Mar 25, 1998 | @ Orlando Magic | W 85-70 | |
| Mar 27, 1998 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 89-74 | |
| Mar 29, 1998 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 104-87 | |
| Mar 31, 1998 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 106-101 | |
| Apr 03, 1998 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 107-93 | |
| Apr 05, 1998 | @ Houston Rockets | W 109-94 | |
| Apr 07, 1998 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 103-85 | |
| Apr 09, 1998 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 91-85 | |
| Apr 11, 1998 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 87-78 | |
| Apr 13, 1998 | vs. Indiana Pacers | L 114-105 | |
| Apr 15, 1998 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 87-79 | |
| Apr 17, 1998 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 87-80 | |
| Apr 18, 1998 | vs. New York Knicks | W 111-109 |