Bulls x Hawks 1997 ECSF Game 5

[Music] the world champion Chicago Bulls got back on track after a winning weekend in Atlanta but now they're back at the United Center here in Chicago where last Thursday the Bulls gotta wake up Paul losing to the Atlanta Hawks tonight they look to close out the Hogs in their Eastern Conference semifinal tonight Game five of the best of seventh with the Bulls out in front three games to one and as expected Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen have been the big guns for the Bulls hosting these impressive numbers throughout the series and good evening everyone and welcome to Chicago it could be a series clincher the Hawks off to stay alive I'm dick Stockton's along with Hubie Brown but it's a lot more than the scoring for Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen for what they've done in the series you just have to like the fact that they stepped up in the rebounding dick Michael averaging 11 rebounds and Scotty at 6 plus the assists and in their overall defensive play but for the Bulls in games 3 & 4 they shoot their 48 percent then they dominate the critical period the third quarter a +9 in game 3 a +9 in game four you say what else happened the bench the bench stepped up Kukoc Williams and Kirk 38 points a game and that spelled it off solid defense solid shooting and Pippen and Jordan at the top of their games and he'll be when you look at the Atlanta Hawks and analyze their woes you don't have to go really far beyond shooting that's what won the game for them in Game two and that's what really cost him and three important yeah everyone thought that once they could go home dick that everything would work out you can see 33% as a team 31% in threes now Phil Jackson makes a change he puts Harper on Blalock and Pippen on Smith and look at the visible shooting percentages 10 for 29 3 for 14 for Blaylock that's - 15 points over games one and two Smith struggled only shot 19% 5 for 14 and 3 a minus 8 so by locking the two great shooters up they get a plus 23 you have to like it dick that's the Bulls at their best they're on the brink right now now Dennis Rodman has not been a factor in this series and Phil Jackson the Bulls coach had some comments and craig sager caught up with him when he came to the United Center tonight many people are making a big deal about the cause and Dennis Rodman did you make a formal complaint to the league you think things will change here in Chicago no we found out from experience that that doesn't help you know there's usually a rationale behind it and there's usually a judgment behind it and we have to trust the judgment officials that they'll see you know the dennis is sometimes a victim in these things and you'll give him a break his birthday you're gonna start him well that's still up for debate you know I told him today that Jason's played well enough to stay in the starting line that the wool makers gametime decision on that and gave one of our Tuesday night double dip Sonics is still alive for the second time in the series they went in the rockets gym 102 94 Christi Hawkins goes for 23 and Gary Payton goes for 21 and they're going back to Seattle for Game six on Thursday night right cheer on TNT EJ and PJ back at you your take on what you saw tonight Seattle you talked about the heart of a champion in Houston when they were winning their championships and here's the Western Conference champs not ready to end this thing yet no they're not going to give it up easily and I think Houston knows well because they're the last team to come back from 3-1 that it's possible Seattle coaches felt pretty good they just felt they hadn't been knocking shots down and if they got back to doing that they were gonna be alright they got a hundred points again meantime that Houston duo Ellie and Maloney doing nothing tonight great adjustments George got his team to really get out and get into them they didn't get the looks they've been getting you got two guys that are 27 for 50 from three coming into tonight tonight they couldn't buy a basket outside they're going to game six in Seattle coming up next year on TNT we're taking you to the United Center onward Christian Laettner the Hawks trying to stay alive against the Bulls it comes your way next correct cheer TNT [Music] back here in Chicago the Atlanta Hawks going with their same starting lineup a bulky Blalock and Steve Smith a guard Tyrone Corbin and Christian Laettner the forwards and Dikembe Mutombo the center Ron Harper and Michael Jordan the guards Scottie Pippen Luc Longley to Center and Jason Kaffee starting his third straight game of the series right now let's check in with Prague well deck chief of staff of NBA officials Darell Garretson is here tonight but he is not here because of rumors that he has been fired or that there's a conspiracy against Dennis Rodman here are the facts his contact is up at the end of this season also he is here because he's covering the East he'll be in Miami tomorrow today he spent two hours with the officials at working tonight's game looking at 50 to 60 plays the playoffs only one involved Rodman Robin has had 14 fouls these four games Luc Longley 18 so maybe either Robins a marked man or maybe he's getting more attention because he's the world whatever you have the nose for the news Craig thank you very much for that report and there is Dennis Rodman who's celebrating his 36th birthday today Phil Jackson saying not sure how much Rodman will be used in this series but knows he will need him for sure in the next series should the Bulls advance the officials EDT ruffs ken Mauer and Joe Forte if the Atlanta Hawks are going to get it done here this evening in games three and four their main three scorers Smith Laettner and Blaylock shot 28% that was a major disappointment and the tip controlled by the Chicago Bulls lost only three games this year at the United Center to Miami Heat the New York Knicks and last Thursday to these Atlanta Hawks but woke up big-time in Atlanta [Music] the game the Atlantic can get it going in transition take advantage of possible mismatches by pushing the ball quickly the shooting put the defensive [Applause] - Kaffee the defensive end for the swag presented job against christian laettner been hitting the three Corman was hot in game number one did not score in Sunday's game for now they need him to pick up the slack a little bit because he is not one of the main three shot attempt for his first points of the game so we have a swift opening to game number five the Bulls lead by one that was a beautiful slice cut by Michael from the opposite sides Mookie Blaylock misses his first public [Music] Blalock and Smith will have to hit their outside shop inside and the Hawks showing very little defensive resistance in the and the Bulls lead 60 yes sleepwalking here in the first three possessions that was just a simple given go cut down the middle Steve slipped off the screen this is soap first shots of the game playing with a lot of zest and energy this is from downtown where he is 1 for 13 in the series guiding after watch out for in this series of Scottie Pippen he's attempted eight threes a game and he's shooting 45% Corbin shooting over Pippen and this is a hopper you say 20 second timeout I'm Lenny Wilkens I am so upset here we have just the tempted all long-range jump shots the ball is rebounding long so where are your guards where is Smith where a Blalock getting back defensively now keep an eye to the right of your screen this is just a given go Harper down the middle on Mookie Blaylock he's not even within six feet of them now here as this shot is missed watch how it kicks out now as they look down the floor come on where's Smith where's Blaylock anytime that long-range jump shots are going up you know your tube guards are always rotating back if one of your guards is penetrating and laying it up your small forward must be back with your opposite guard it's been too easy for the Chicago Bulls thus far and four of their five starters have scores with the exception of Luc Longley Pippen Kathy Harper and Jordan are in the scoring column the Bulls are up by five with a little more than two minutes gone by Pippen guarding Smith and has done a terrific job on him playing the pass into Laettner cathy has done a great job on Laettner in Atlanta the double-team and Laettner will go up with it [Applause] the level of his play big-time in this series in a five point lead happy at the high post but tumble out to be them and hopper will be rebound by Mutombo you'd like to see an Atlanta Hawks understand that they've got to establish an inside game here tonight because they're hugging Smith and Blaylock out on the perimeter Hawks are one of five from the field and Laettner is fouled by Jason Kaffee that's the first foul of the game now Jason Kaffee has stepped in for Dennis Rodman in 27 minutes again nine points eight rebounds when you add Rodman's totals in there what they're getting for 43 minutes ten points 12 rebounds nice solid contribution for the floor position here's the tumble working against lukewarm lien after the Hawks [Applause] his pudding we've gone through this somebody else in here Longley gets it - Jordan Jordan lost control and the fall away the glass and to the hands of Georgia long and lengthy to my control look like they're ready to move with his second basket he just loved that the Bulls have come out understand the importance of this game we have the technical foul and you can just see it right now they are playing with a great deal of enthusiasm f-sharp Chris movement now just watch this backdoor move by Michael coming and naturally the tumbles coming from the other side but he's late and Steve Smith who has been the best free-throw shooter at 84% for the Hawks makes good making it 10 to 4 now keep an eye on this backdoor now here comes Mutombo over the top see Michael Jordan the Sun Saudi give him a Taunton member matumbo waved his finger was embarrassed in Game three in Atlanta here as Laettner walking against Cathy who leaves his feet but does the job defensive little girl and now the bull is leading by six nearly four minutes have gone by in the first quarter and Corbin with a nippon there is the shooting story atlanta coming out one four seven and the Bulls over 50% well it's the frustrated coach and he should be you're going into christian laettner a guy who has a height advantage and also an all-star player he's not getting it done with his back to the basket jason Kaffee is handling him physically michael jordan coming off the screen the long rebound by Blaylock and he gets it ahead to Corbin and Tyrone Corbin lays it in only the second basket for the Hawks who trail by four into pimping by Cathy off his hands and the Bulls turned it over yeah no that's a Michael Jordan just yelled to Cathy what why did you do that I was standing here there was no one with me you know make a short pass you don't have to be threading a needle throwing the ball out to half court get look and hits who was eight four nine and game became the Hawks one that's the three-point territory now you get down in there and establish inside that you guys can get something done Mookie and Smith will be open [Applause] [Music] and the Bulls are up again 39 I was a difficult move great and ball fake in order to fence Blaylock Blaylock recovery Barker's still made the show depending in Mutombo gets the basket and file the pulls wanted a traveling violation but matumbo will have a chance for a three-point play the personal foul is on Cathy - on Jason Catherine now at this cent can I on matumbo now this is going on its way up but sambal makes a clean block the ball was definitely not on the way down now in spite of the poor start by the Hawks the soft defense the score is 13:11 and Mutombo on the line craig sager talked with phil jackson coming into the United Center about Dennis Rodman has only played 18 minutes Hubie and now it seems that he's becoming a martyr because now it seems unfair that all the technicals he's gotten and they're not calling it evenly with Dennis what do you thought you can see it the only place that we have that feeling is here in Chicago now you remember he also got away with a year ago a six game suspension for head-butting a referee so now the referees are finally crawling all of the fouls on Rodman that should be called that are called on all of the other power follows does the other power forwards in this league the coaches who have to coach against him that that he how should I say through his feisty actions the elbows in the head in the back of the head the shots to the lower ribs in the back the confrontations where he bangs into your player to try to antagonize him well you know what all the way that is finally Paul now outside of Chicago I would think that the majority of the teams are happy inside of Chicago he has become a martyr because they know they need him to keep advancing in these playoffs he's had nine technicals in the playoffs has been ejected twice he's in the lineup now Michael Jordan gets the basket six points for Jordan and he will go to the line Jordan already picking up a technical earlier and the foul was against his steed Smith now Michael just hides right behind the screen and roll and anytime that you get a defender to go under the screen you can just stop on a dime come back then normally you can knock down a clear shot Jordan points to lead the Bulls have game for Sunday playing 43 minutes ten of the last 12 in the fourth quarter when the hawk escapes upholds a scare and cut it to three with other minute to go pokey Blaylock over Harper [Applause] Wow this year [Applause] Jordan is back to the fans inside to Smith and the hawk the people want a charge right there because Hartford was underneath the rim and took it and that's that area the gray area in the NBA where you're not going to get a charge fraud both lead by two nearly halfway through this opening quarter Chicago was up by as many as 70 early on has it knocked away and they're going to call the foul and that will be against Laettner his birth now this is just excellent anticipation by Mookie Blaylock on that high dribble by Jordan now watch as he steps back the defense reacts now there's your charge drop off High School in college yes a charge NBA no Bulls with the ball so Laettner Corbin and smithy Twitter [Music] fine into the hands of Mookie Blaylock hooked up now the big fellas open right underneath and here is Portman going baseline lays it in high off the glass the former DePaul star [Music] he gave the series ties the score say that anytime that you get the fringe points from Corbin and and also matumbo you know that you're wrong and you hope that you can continue to keep it up talks whether the silent early start by the whole [Applause] around and the Atlanta home LEED 18 to 16 the first lead since 3 to 2 so they weathered feathers Lenny Wilkens call a 20-second timeout this is the loss that played here to game Scottie Pippen with a jumper at the free-throw line this is an aha five minutes to go in the first quarter have Blalock very active at the stage where first layup is off but Mookie is found example go to the line they stepped out of bounds sniffs out of that battle on so let's nullify that will nullify the foul situation and the Lenny Wilkens the Hawks hit 50% shooting after a slow start they will 1 for 7 there's no reason for the Hawks to play Chicago when they're 28 29 feet away from the basket here's Ron Harper with the [Applause] to make his physical presence at 72 295 nice eyes Tumbo from Smith and Mutombo is fouled we're going to show you Blaylock right here I'll just watch you see right there he touches the ball beautiful steals Harper thought he had a potential foul this is Mookie sick and steal in the quarter he's often running I starting to feel strong about his game luc longley committing the foul and the Tumbo going to the line Mutombo has gone on the line an average of only seven times in this series and so that his surprising it expected the big guy would go to the line a lot more earlier tonight on TNT the Seattle Sonics stayed alive winning Game five on the road in Houston 194 the Rockets lead three games to two and we'll have Game six for you Thursday night from Seattle is that serious at that time later on a lot depends on what happens with this series Hawks by 2 was 409 remaining [Music] robbing setting a screen and scottie pippen discipline more than the rebound seven leave it continues to get to the inside on lateness Steve Smith this is a three and George gets it out to Tiffany [Applause] have a loose ball foul people a lot his first personal scottie pippen very quiet in the early going here he is not on the end of any type of wide open shots he's 1 for 4 from the floor but nothing has been easy Hawks by 2 with 340 remaining in the first quarter Pippen now firing away layoffs one four five and here come the Hawks in a transition situation as driving the baseline [Applause] the offensive foul against Lenny Wilkens stand all back all the coaches on the bench everybody upset you love the way Portman is going but right there that is a definite foul that's not even close he was out on the college line and that's far enough away from the rim second foul on Corbin though the foes looking to at least tie it up take the lead [Music] sitting over Smith basket counts on the foul Michael Jordan getting opportunities to go to the line after a basket now has nine as Steve Smith picks up his second foul now he's upset but he definitely fouled him low before Michael elevated for the fadeaway now we show you even if you challenge I'll keep an eye on this now are you gonna see now once once Michael starts he catches them right there on the hip and in the thigh area and that was so unnecessary if you're not going to challenge the shot why even touch him Michael Jordan with his second possible three-point play by virtue of a jump shot here in the first quarter for Michael Jordan and the Bulls are up by one in this series dick Michael is only getting to the line six times a game where during the course of the year he said at least 10 times for Balkan good luck rookie Blalock who has hit the only one of two three-point baskets for the Hawks this is it there gets cheers from the crowd and we'll take a timeout [Music] now here's Michael Jordan with the ball on a screen and roll Dennis Rodman sets the screen Steve Smith is going to underneath Jason caffee's playing soft so if Michael starts one way and in comes back the other he will just shoot uncontested behind the screen because there is no help RA from its humble stepping on it there it is right there Michael in your face well you mentioned at the top how the Atlanta Hawks need to have Smith and Blaylock as well as Laettner shoot a lot better so far they are combined three of ten from the field Jordan of course leading everyone with ten points and the Bulls lead by one so the Hawks despite the poor shooting from the big three hanging in there well let's look at this series in Game one the Hawks with 210 on the clock tie game they go over six they lose they win Game two Game three they get blown out by 20 Game four on Sunday there three and they got three possessions they go over three and Chicago wins the game so they could have possibly one more three games that with all of the this is a Scottie Pippen beep to the with an offensive rebound Pizza three [Applause] he makes a girl of Laettner spinning slime gets the foul and his first person now once again the offense of second-chance points this is their second second chance on opportunity on this possession nice shot by Dennis and you know that he will take them he's not very bashful so you must punish him at the other end of the floor when you go to Laettner he's got to show you strong move into the pivot and enjoy get Dennis to over anticipate and catch him in the air and that's what happened on that possession late they're going to the line makes good on the first want to remind you tomorrow night at eight o'clock the Knicks in the heat Knicks lead three games to one but you know they will not go quietly down in Miami Pat Riley will have them playing pomp basketball for the Bruins series thus far tomorrow night on TNT Game five [Music] [Applause] coming back and hitting now Bulls 26 Hawks 23 and I could bring it out the side [Music] averages eight points a game and one season at Detroit a average slope once a game off the bench only lately [Applause] laid tough smart painting thread landing out high percentage area a minute remaining here is [Applause] leading by six loose their biggest lead of this basket Lana cannot get a second job [Applause] by Steve's head six I was a beautiful penetration by Smith once Luc Longley stepped across to the double-team the Tumbo went right to the front of the rim a beautiful pass by stage [Applause] and the Bulls are up by 8 the stars of dating a French what we predicted offensively this is the huts at Rodman can't save it they were boys [Applause] they lost the ball it'll be Atlanta's possession I just keep an eye right now Mutombo laying off st. Denis you'll never make this shot he puts it down at this sitting right now you have six point six seconds plenty of time from the Tumbo five seconds in six point the opposed to go up Mashhad buzzer so lonely and Mutombo [Applause] eleven points between them but Dennis Rodman has scored more in this first quarter than he has in the first four games of the series where he hasn't really played much hitting from downtown and after one quarter the Bulls lead the Hawks by a score of 33 to 27 [Music] keep an eye on Steve Smith right here he's going to dribble a basketball down luc longley is going to leave matumbo and trap the passive matumbo is going to step it's matumbo job to create the passing angle just watch you see luke longer you'll help everytime matumbo can step up and dunk almost that will but he must create the passing angle for the man who is being trapped there's matumbo who had 9 points in the first quarter eldritch forecaster has come in the game for the Atlanta Hawks Steve Kerr and Brian Williams and Toni Kukoc mentions the bench doing the job for the Bulls and free of turn there right now as we spark the second row in games 3 & 4 Kukoc 14 points Brian Williams Aladin off the bench jucoky rebound by Robin [Applause] again Tiffany goes to the hole rotten tiptip finally into the hands of the Hawks but the Bulls had a couple of opportunities find the Atlanta Hawk coaching staff I'm the nervous wreck because they're shooting almost until they store that's a bad sign and at the other end Atlanta cannot get my friend subpoena pass inside to Smith and a blocking foul is called against Steve Kerr 33 to 27 the Bulls lead in this second quarter how Steve Smith is stepping in there he's being fronted they're looking for the lob pass at the end of the court of Chicago 48% Atlanta 48 offensive rebounding Chicago six Atlanta zero Alan Henderson back in the game he's had some fine moments coming off the bench for the Hawks on the street and try to get it to the tumble but it's last touched by the whole reason why that ball was knocked away from the tumble Rodman did an excellent job rotating down from the top off for Christian Laettner nearly a minute gone by we haven't had any scoring here in the second quarter this is game number five and the Bulls lead three games to one wrap it up against the Hawks [Music] from two coats to Brian Williams with a nifty hook shot William given the bench of being lift with his big body and scored seven points with three rebounds and son forget that he's left-handed and he loves that rolling hookshot Laettner with a fake on rotten [Applause] so far in this first man [Music] Tippin is guarded by Henderson Robin setting [Applause] great pass by Dennis Rodman now you're going to see Williams this Williams at his best last year he averaged 16 points for the Los Angeles Clippers eight rebounds he can score down inside that's a great pass by Rodman because they know the man is coming from the corner that was a dead back either make sure he doesn't get the shot off or let him lay the ball up and don't give them the extra point Ryan William [Applause] roster Williams's average 19 minutes in the last two games so he is a very big part of the Bulls the nine man rotation zone and it's doing well right now her poop coach williams patient after leave for the Bulls is their largest and the Hawks will have 10 seconds to attempt to shine Phil Jackson bulls leading here's a second [Music] don't forget tomorrow night 8 o'clock game 5 Knicks and heat followed by inside the NBA we'd like to show you that great play again now keep an eye on the basketball here by Kukoc Rodman is coming in to form the triangle matumbo who is playing Brian Williams comes over to intercept and in Brian Williams just goes right to the basket on this great overhead pass by Rodman Rodman knows he's coming why because matumbo comes across opens it up bad foul by Henderson either put him down don't let him make the layup force him to make the two foul shots let them land up don't make it a three-point play there's that bench story the Bulls out scouring the hall - nothing thus far speed Smith this is touched by the a little bit with EDT rush Smith 105 Laettner over three pops not kidding scoring from the three they really need to get shooting from Williams for the great feet pimp it with ten on the shot clock but throws it off the hands of Brian Williams a stunning thing is happening here anytime that Chicago throws the ball into the post the guys from the corner in the train basement it's open every time tonight it's like this the first time that the Hawks have seen the Train [Applause] Clio folks who broke out of it with 16 points in Game three he's been unpredictable Phil Jackson said you know this is the best the second unit has looked in it's ball movement why because Williams is in shape Rodman is running well without the cutout the brace nearly three minutes gone by in the second and the Chicago Bulls have outscored the Atlanta Hawks seven to nothing and of course say even Scottie Pippen admitted that perhaps our confidence wavered a little bit after the game to loss at home but they put it on with the 20-point victory in Game three and then which still delayed search but the Bulls feel that they themselves have learned something from that loss and now our back on track well they have to play at their best Rodman and Kukoc had to get over their injuries and then defense first rebounding and then the bench all three have come together in games three four and in the early going of Game five Michael Jordan who went to the bench at the tail end of the first quarter is back he has ten points there's the rebounding story particularly the offensive read with an 8 to 1 inch lonely playing a big role there 13 point lead for the Chicago Bulls [Music] here in the second quarter laylock this is from the corner so Blaine [Music] Jorden guarded by picked up by Corbin on the switchblade lock is on the door [Applause] Michael Jordan curve beating inside easy opportunities so far absolutely doing a great job in a screen and roll they're trapping Blaylock [Music] drive to the basket and is their second offensive rebound mr. Schumer terrible presented though the [Music] Wow people driving the baseline the personal foul is on Alan Henderson his second Tony Coolidge ended the season by missing 25 games with a severe injury to his arch it definitely affected his jump shooting especially his three-point range so he was sporadic in a Washington series and in games one and two in this series but he definitely is moving with a lot of witness here this evening and I like the way that this unit is playing with confidence first they played with Pippen the big four out there Rodman Williams Kukoc incur now they're on the floor with Michael Jordan Game six the psychics and the rockets will be Thursday as Seattle the defending Western Conference champions want a big game on the road then they'll be home on Thursday with Seaton on TNT's as the Conference semifinals get down to crunch time wild shot shortages jumper Tumbo gets the rebound inside and this series off the bench Henderson has been doing an excellent job he's only getting 19 minutes but in the 19 minutes is giving you nine points five rebounds and shooting over 50% an active body but can the Hawks win with Laettner and Steve Smith not making heavy point contributions I don't think so be very difficult Smith right now on the bench with two personals and only Boyd's Blaylock has seven after an early spurt lately she is Okafor from the field Alan Henderson makes the free throw 720 remaining in the Ferdinand [Music] [Applause] follows up above the cylinder when Rodman came in there was nothing he can do about it because he made the commitment he left his feet now keep an eye to the right of your screen you're gonna see Dennis come flying in here right there now I want us all to the syllable [Music] dole basket and is you coax with his first personal foul Henderson has been very active very electric in this entire series if he would continue to come into the lane and through a drop step or what we call a reverse power move he's going to be in heaven because he'll be taking the defender who's cutting lost the lane and taking him strong to the rim and those numbers for Alan Henry the regular season when he played only Thursday late mr. slate the face of God [Applause] and that's a good call because they missed the first one but they got along the second a guide him on that one except Lenny Wilkens wanted Rodman pulling Laettner down in that charge now here's the freight nut you're gonna see as the bull goes away as he makes a move you're going to see he just pushes that's a little bit of an act but then as they follow up Rodman grabs on to Laettner and pulls him into the sky from the perimeter struggle from the field that you know he can explode in any for three point range 22:31 11 once again this is getting a lot of production from their bench well you know one thing about Steve Kerr he's not going to be disruptive to the offense he's going to run his cuts the same way every time if the shot is there he'll take it but he's not forcing anything Bulls have 16 points already off of their banks too poor for the Atlanta Hawks Sea Kings at Steve Kerr you got to keep the defender on him so even if he stays away from the ball you know that there's a defender out of the road over speaker [Music] that by the way was against Brian Williams as we have six minutes remaining this is outmaneuvers Dennis Rockmond for the rebound whooping Tallulah man defensively but way now has he's forced that shot Curless right up in there bulls are leading by God reminiscent of the early moments of this game when the Bulls got easy layup that's that same that's a wide camp for kids from state with that cutter yet I know I was missing something that summer job a 344 233 11 point lead now Bulls have been in control of his there is guarded by him Blaylock now George 410 in the first quarter has yet to score here in the second quarter of just under five and the main thing in this year 14 [Music] and a foul ball yeah that's frustration dick Toni Kukoc got a piece of that lob pass Henderson was not strong enough to hold him off now keep an eye now right here you see you got the lob you just hold them you don't have to try to get in front let me just hold them there you go but now watch a great effort by Kukoc and the reason because Henderson gave up the three speed if he just hold them off with your forearm he could have tailed them and you could have received the pass and laid the ball up frustration now in Henderson remains in the game with his third personal foul Kukoc on the bench and Mookie Blaylock replaced by Eldridge Ric has lured four and a half to go in the first half scottie pippen with a finger for eight shootings but the Bulls are up by 13 and the Bulls are showing us a great deal of energy in running the half-court triangle doing an excellent job when they go to the 3/2 open offense great quick nor can he concerned on layoffs he is over five from the sea [Applause] and the Chicago Bulls opening up a walk important margin here in the second quarter four minutes to go 22:33 in a timeout now Michael definitely could force this shot right here the keep and I always reward your big guys when they are running the floor and moving without the ball we'd like to show you this three-two offense now right now it's a little tight the basketball is right here with KUKA cheers Steve Kirk now once the pass was made the coupe coach they're just blowing the guy through here even though they have two guys in this position and the pass is simply coming this is the second time Mookie Blaylock loses this man for an uncontested layup now you say well why are they guarding them way out at half-court that's a very good question why are they those without score the Hawks [Applause] moving from side to side with lateral movement that's tonight no grace on Dennis Rodman and they couldn't come at a better time because that miss Rodman who the boys all feel they we in the next series if it is New York releases by having three two one tomorrow night by the way he Laettner firing from free and continues to come up FB he's old from the field off the bench and a 17-point pulls lead threatening the breakfast Williams at the center position this unit out on the floor can fly because he can fill Elaine and [Applause] Michael joined with his work to the second quarter and the polls are unattended up Laettner finally hit after missing his first six and the Bulls lead is 52 to 35 under two and a half to play in the first half now in this first says the very little movement offensively by the walk anytime that you're an excellent defensive team like Chicago you are making the rotation [Music] [Applause] and it's 55 to 38 that was a three for Corbin Dennis Rodman exploding [Applause] this situation well you know it's nice no confrontations in knowing your face don't smacking people he's just playin and that's all the teammates of a scheme to do play the game and stop with all of the side William speak to the eyes offensive rebound Laettner is covering Rodman as if he led to lead after hitting two crowd of thrill here's Jordan trying to winds up in the tombos hands with what but it's 10a [Applause] Pam Victor is racast nervous [Applause] [Applause] for the Chicago cool laser hits his second in the 100 mind you coming up on the bikee halftime report Ernie and PJ Carlesimo will have a wrap-up of Game five between the Sonics and rock Seattle to stay alive 12 on the shot clock and we'll go to the line [Applause] the polls but we never have written a better script when you think of luc longley Brian Williams Dennis Rodman who coaching curve what they have done is sensational their ball movement their defensive defensive rebounding it's really exciting in it this is a team that struggled in its first buy playoff game and seemed to be peaking at the right time getting set for what should be a good Eastern Conference final and of course the Bulls want to close it out tonight and get the rest knowing that the Knicks lead Miami 3-1 and of course they're hoping that that series the Chicago Bulls defense already industry forecasters with Eleni include 17.5 and Henderson [Applause] night in and night [Music] final seconds in the first half and the Chicago Bulls will get a rousing sending to the intermission all controlled by Laettner at eight tenths of a second good call Laettner was found and the Bulls are over the limits so they'll be Laettner going to the free-throw line now you're gonna see it as it bounces out here right now Laettner is banged into from the rear from Scottie Pippen could not put on the brakes in time [Applause] eight tenths of a second moving [Music] [Applause] in Game three Chicago meets Atlanta Atlanta 180 in game 4 80 and halftime here tonight 44 points you talked about the third quarter that's run the Bulls have played their best that is the end of the first half Dennis Robin town has ten Jordan with 14 leaves and this cloud what the polls have shown at the end of the first half here at the United Center the Bulls who need one more win to close it out lead the Atlanta Hawks by a score of 60 [Applause] [Music] [Applause] well if the United Center in Chicago is the first half which is included a Michael Jordan dunk in the house of matumbo in a taunt for a little finger wave from His Airness the Bulls up 62 44 time once again for the Nike halftime report Ernie Johnson in Atlanta with PJ Carlesimo last time the Bulls played in their house they lost to the Hawks doesn't look it's like it's gonna happen this time this is a better look in Chicago team than earlier in the series come this is the 69 win team their bench they're coming off the bench playing great Dennis Rodman the way we know him he's being allowed to play he's playing very well in fact beyond very well he's making two three-point shots it's going to be a long night celebrating his 36th birthday Chicago trying to put this thing away in five games they lead at the break Houston tried to put Seattle away in five games didn't happen boys and girls the highlights from the summit where they have a couple of championship banners and her gunning for more but early on Gary Payton with the drive and Shawn Kemp this is part of a 15 to 5 early Seattle hot streak Charles Barkley had 20 rebounds on the night here's one of them Charles Barkley had 17 points on the night here come two of them nobody in a green shirt is going to turn around and pick up the chuck wagon and George Carl's hating that though his team was up 27 19 after one Clyde Drexler has a good angle on the Eddie Johnson miss jams it back down he had 26 on the night were tied at 43 late second quarter and it's Gary Payton who had 13 points in the half 21 in the game 57 52 Rudi's guys down at the break Seattle with a 9 nothing third period run Hirsi Hawkins with the steal they're up 79-71 after three you want to see a spectacular move in the paint check out Clyde Drexler back to the hoop off the glass under 8 to play they're down 87 to 80 but Shawn Kemp 20 points 10 rebounds a hue tip there and George Karl is happier than he appears in that shot because they won 102 94 to send this thing back to Seattle for Game six the rocket lead now cut to three games to two in this Western Conference semifinal best of seven let's hear from the coaches when they went up 3-1 they made the series very simple to us it's it's a one game series you know and I think a lot of people thought it was going to be a long series when it began and we've made it that now to me to sum up the game those guys came in here ready for a war and we talked about closing him out and all that and said all the right things but we didn't put on the fatigues gotta have a dress code in the playoffs got to have the fatigues and Matt Maloney and Mario Elie when they win games in the playoffs you see their production in their two losses though a total of 17 points only 19% field goals and only 14% from beyond the arc so game six Thursday night on TNT and conversely PJ when those guys are having off times it just means good news for the sonic but well the Seattle backcourt played virile Hirsi Hawkins I thought set the tone early he they got him involved they ran some place to get him go and they also found him in transition I think the first play we're gonna see Terry Cummings drives in here draws some help and finds her C out there and it seemed all night when the Sonics needed a big bucket her C was there to step up here's Mary Ole Miss in a three-pointer which is kind of the story of the night Gary gets the fast-break going but again her sees the guy they find he knocks the shot down so when they get the transition game going and unfortunately Houston couldn't capitalize with the shot the bigger problem again this is Seattle basketball Gary Payton in her seat Hawkins with the double-team creates the turnover by Matt Maloney and here goes the fast-break again so everything was working tonight for Seattle they've been averaging a hundred points in the series but tonight the defense was good they found people to step up and Houston didn't have any answers the Sonics go to the summit and they beat the Rockets and the Utah Jazz just sitting back saying wait a couple more guys will wait back with more on the Nike halftime report in just a minute the worm celebrating birthday 36 with a three [Music] welcome back to the Nike halftime report polls by 16 over the Hawks morrow night here on TNT game five between the Knicks and the heat New York leading 3-1 and looking for the clincher PJ the question to you once the Miami approached tomorrow night what's the NIC approach as they try to try to wrap things up on the road where they've had some success well I think take the script from tonight but Rudy T made a great point in his postgame comments you're gonna close somebody out particularly a proud team which Miami certainly is you've got to really bring a special effort new york has won three out of four in Miami this year they're capable but I don't think Miami's gonna go very quietly I think it'll be a great game we wonder how this series would said if Miami could hit any free throws in this series that has been a huge factor earlier tonight we aired a report that speculated that NBA chief of officiating Darell Garretson might not have his contract renewed League sources have informed us Garrett's ins contract was indeed renewed by commissioner David Stern two months prior to the end of the regular season back to put the finishing touch on the Nike halftime report in just a minute the Atlanta Hawks trailing the Michael Jordan led Bulls he's got 14 they're up the function [Music] and we welcome you back remember after the hawks and bulls it's inside the NBA Vince Cellini and Cheryl Miller wrap up the playoff night from Vinny's virtual village that's inside the NBA later on tonight Chicago after 24 minutes leading Atlanta 60 to 44 coach this is no Mirage the garage boss the garage welcome back to the United Center in Chicago a halftime game five between the Hawks and the Bulls with the Bulls leading by a score of 60 to 44 bull shot 49% the Hawks 42% good defense by the polls and Jimmy Brown mentioned defense production where it's been there throughout the series especially the last two games look at the 28 points 12 of 19 from the field we haven't talked about the third quarter that's where you say the Bulls play their best ball but the bench again doing the job today well third quarter means adjustments at halftime but you love what the bench did you like their shooting percentage do you say well what about Michael and Pippen they're only 7 for 21 but everyone else is doing their thing and they're shooting their 49% we keep emphasizing that because your favorite team out there if they're losing they're probably not shooting their percentage the Bulls shoot their percentage Hubie the other thing you brought out at the top is that the Hawks had to get production from the Mookie Blaylock Steve Smith as well as Christian Laettner combined 29% of the first half yeah and you can see it once again Steve Smith is now 6 for 31 he's shooting 18% in games 3 4 & 5 let's go back to Dennis Rodman in the great first half he had all round well maybe he's paying attention you don't get your minutes then you come in here you get it together a shot fly a three then we're going to see him come right in here another three in your face two for two and three knocks in another jumper ten points seven rebounds one block shot is he paying attention now tonight he's got it all together and the major thing only one foul right now let's go to Craig Sager well dick Laettner Blaylock and Smith just seven of 24 I talked to Lenny Wilkens he said he thought the team brushed shots had poor execution and denied set screens I said do they keep shooting he goes with good shooters he always keeps shooting he related a story when he was with st. Louis Bob Pettit was old for ten at the half Keane in the locker room and said it imma hit my next ten shots and he did I said did you relate that story to your team he said I'm afraid they asked me who Bob Pettit was and you know what they would yeah they would and he only made the first team all dete all-nba power forward ten straight years was one to top 50 players in the league Lenny had the privilege of playing on that great ballclub that they had in st. Louis Bob Pettit and until Larry Bird came along and now Malone the best power forward ever to play the game the box beat the Celtics for the NBA championship in 1958 he got beer at all yes he could mrs. that drops it'll count for the basket for Laettner in the first half Corbett had 10 become bold I [Music] [Music] George Scottie Pippen off the glass and he has only six points so we haven't seen the best of Scottie Pippen's office well Pittman has four assists 3 rebounds only 3% from the floor but everyone else is fine Steve Smith freeze Smith with his first from downtown only six points in the game but the Hawks failing by 12 so they made up some points being the first minute to play here in the third let's see if the Hawks can knock Chicago off their stride in the third quarter here now switch keep them outside only allow one offensive shot attempt let's see if they can continue to keep it rolling here the Bulls have 10 seconds to attempt a shot Ron Harper is squaring up for three pitches gets the ball over Corbin so the Bulls with another possession Bulls needing the win here wrap it up in five and get ready for the survivor of being Miami New York Knicks series that stands three one New York with gamma five tomorrow night on TNT seven rebounds the Hoffs fine had cut into the Bulls lead early here at the while you'd like to see some execution and that was an excellent listen from downtown [Applause] [Music] [Applause] he dismissed guarding the hip start around Corbin on Jordan gets away from [Applause] you're in business they're in business I guess because my Corbin is it from the corner for benign it's a 62 to 52 game the hawk stays in the third quarter rally one who continues the pop harper goes up basket counts and a foul good first step by Ron Harper luc longley is making his presence felt we told you that he only has four points but he's got eight rebounds it's a nice solid drive by Harper no rotation by the Hawks but he is pushing elbowing for arming matumbo and anyone who is cutting by him when he sets up in the post area Corbett with his third personal foul Ron Harper with the three-point play Papa has 11 and he has scored in double figures in four of the five game so they've got good production yeah and no one is talking about him in the newspaper everyone's talking about everyone else he's done an excellent job on Blaylock in Game three four and five and he putting the ferns on the board Laettner with a strong move to the hoop to Laettner coming out with five of his 12 points here the third quarter get to complete three minutes this is it do it right now or you go on vacation for another five months Jordan guarded by Smith with ten on the shot clock captain in the low post hip its buyers away and this is the fleet Orton was a tip in a fire Tyrone Corbin arguing with the official and he has picked up his fourth personal foul for our quarters now Dec in the first half Chicago out rebounds Atlanta by 1110 on the offensive board I know Corbin's upset he should be because he had inside position on Jordan and Jordan and right up over the top of the line Mikan gets it in to George posting up against Smith knocked out of bounds last touched by Atlanta Michael Jordan with 14 points thus far in the game lot of his production has been from defense and rebounding that's what his contribution has been to a great deal so far in the series up to tonight normally he makes it it's a good possession for the arts you come up here right now try to get some movement here now because anytime you use movement you're getting good chance to overplay matumbo and now the horse happened under double digits it's a nine Atlanta coming out strong [Applause] Tippett trying to get free we pushing keep pushing him now you can't count the Hawks out as evidenced by the fourth quarter in Game four we came from 22,000 lb only three with 50 some-odd seconds a man there always a threat because of their three-point opportunities that they'll push and hopefully they're one of the great Street shooting teams in the lake keep an eye here now see Luc Longley bad mistake okay you just cannot gamble at that angle because once you miss the tumble has the dunk Jason caffee picking up his third personal foul the first full player to get free it is a nine point lead like blaylak lost his triple right dick Laettner with a runner is short the rebound by happy in the corner George is lingering in the corner offensive here Donna Jordan is telling the Bulls justice settle down yeah that that's Pistons for x-rays [Music] with six points and the lead is 11 luc longley new is going to come up for what we call a guard around Lake Mutombo tried to deed him to the spot loop lead change direction and Corbett gets inside for the layup so Tyrone Corbin who did not score in Sunday's game 4 has 14 points matching his output in game was fixed this is the fifth game of the series offensive foul the way and I want to tell you that's uh pause a big chase here luc longley Texas him with an elbow maybe something preceded that I didn't say I just happened to see it out of the corner of my eye I keep an eye to the left luc longley back doors here and Mutombo lost contact with him for the lob dunk very nearly lost his temper as well keep an eye on Michael Jordan with the basketball right here matumbo is straight arming luc longley as Longley comes across to set the screen watch matumbo come and belly up and then Longley shed him with his right forearm now keep a nice even ox the arm down alright now watch he as he does that the referee calls a foul on matumbo and you can see white matumbo is upset unnecessary forearm movement by matumbo but then a shedding by longer six and a half minutes remaining in the third quarter Bulls leading by 9 despite the fact that their job 9 for 28 Jordan gets the easy layup on the live of lob and he has 16 points he is the game high scorer Corbin has 14 to lead the heart so Steve Smith's shooting wolves continue here in the second half now it said in this game it's the fact that Chicago very easily just back during too many touching he runs this shot and Kathy has talked to Caleb speech Deluxe's can't get a break the scenes and it'll be Chicago ball there's a very patient man a very patient fortunately his team yeah he's hoping that Steve Smith will come out of it right now now with that offensive rebound Chicago now has 15 offensive rebounds that we have 18 minutes more to go in his family lead is 11 for the pole 69 to 58 biggest lead was 20 nipping off a long lease cream off the glass Scottie Pippen with his second basket here in the second hand for of 14 shooting Bulls are leading by 7158 despite game tonight so far from hippie [Applause] 12 on the shot clock Harper is guarding Blaylock he's done a good job on it since Game three Blaylock misses from the corner by jason caffee the Georgia if they're just doing a very nice job on Blaylock coming to brushes off his dreams is stepping out there saying no siree fighting for the loose ball Blaylock lines up with it the Bulls backs defensively and open for the jumper and Tyrone apartment you don't expect the big offense from him but he is 7 of 8 from the field and 16 points all they needed because the inconsistency of Laettner and Steve Smith got a step up here and played big if they're going to make a strong run for 35 remaining in the third Ron Harper from the court to a trailing by 11 with under four and a half to go here's pitting from downtown and the Bulls lead now is 71 to 63 and Phil Jackson wants a timeout excellent timeout you have to break up this run right now Mookie Blaylock comes from the right of your screen right now off the screen open one of the few times that he has in the open floor we're going to show you the triangle here's Scottie Pippen with the ball he's going to pass the ball into luc longley anytime that happens the man in the corner goes backdoor and clears out now then the man who passed the ball is supposed to cut through this area and then they fill we call that cut and fill but instead the defense prevents rough Pittman from going watch him change direction and come right into this area this is beautiful read the defense there is nothing open on the backdoor Pippen plays off the defense always read the defense good offenses allow the players to go opposite of how they're defending Dennis Rodman has come into the game for the Chicago Bulls coming off a sensational first half when he had ten points to four to four threes seven rebounds and only one personal foul do you pointed out Dennis Rodman displays and doesn't worry big stuff so bulls are very happy else's happy the referees are happy just play that's [Applause] [Music] [Applause] with his first foot three not been effective bump downtown but he hit one there and has 19 points and the polls are up five and 11 [Applause] closest in civilian or eleven ago since this is a three rebound [Applause] there Jordan makes the movie in suburban on the baseline the basket counts and he's found a very quick move by Michael Jordan who is checked in now with 21 Oh Michael Jordan is only struggling in one part of his game and that's the three-point shooting he's 1 for 4 tonight came into the game 1 for 12 now this is Michael on a dime Smith is right up in there but he catches him on the left elbow Steve Smith with a personal foul and Michael Jordan neither 22k [Applause] that was his third three-point play the old-fashioned way before they have the art-making the basket getting the foul it's on to the line the Bulls are up again by 14 loses it out of bounds so again the Hawks after making a one early here in the third quarter on Levitt turnover by that's what mother pigs very good 18 turnovers in Game three 16 for and during that period of time Chicago Bulls were right around so you're picking up extra shop bulls to turn it over in that instance and the Hawks with it again as we have three minutes remaining in the third quarter the screen and goal but Watley is all over late-night on the shot clock [Applause] the manufacturer Laettner with a fade away as 1440 is second to quarter second [Music] the ball knocked away and it's into the hands now of Mookie Blaylock so the box still our key later against Michael Jordan lost the ball [Applause] Michael Jordan [Music] the third bulls 77 hawk 65 goals led by 16 at the head Georgia with two defenders Harvey there are 24 Michael Jordan well I think what you have to like is any time that Blaylock gets caught up with Michael Michael runs them right into the post keep an eye this Michael gambling Laettner thought that he got valve did not run back on defense Psylocke looking for become bo on the post-op and a repo situation to become bo and a foul before the shot I'm unhappy that matumbo finally dropped step and went baseline on him because luc longley is putting all of that weight 290 pounds taking away the lane he's not going to let him get to the lane each team with four fouls here in the third quarter so both in the catalyst situation on the next foul by both club Layla Smith shooting with Jordan in his face [Music] this crowd would have erupted he's already made two tonight 79-65 the Bulls by 14 1:20 remaining [Applause] with 14 points cutting the lead to 12 that was a very tough play because Pittman was on Blaylock in transition and Scottie followed him over the top almost dr. Michael Jordan 24 [Applause] Bulls do not get a shot off at Jordan is complaining to aunty rush that he was fouled he was all upset he thought that got sandwich that time [Music] that's what he was falling Jordan scored the last for the boys [Music] those two a half a minute remaining it is third quarter 10 on the shot Lanna and illegal defense called against the boat'll that's the first call tonight right now let's take a look at tonight's Chevy scoreboard the Sonics beat the Rockets earlier and the game six will be Thursday night the Rockets lead three to two and they'll have to go out to the key arena in Seattle for Game six stay tuned for inside the NBA with virtual Vince Cellini as he fell down Cheryl Miller will join following the game 18 on the shot clock differential above less than four seconds for the Hawks later blocked by Rodman who picks up his second shakin up slightly as he goat hits the deck and this will be a shooting the first time tonight that he has done after and said anything to a referee now just watch us Laettner drop steps here and he goes to the baseline he can see Rodman has him on the hip area tried for the charge by getting in front good call by Joe 40 right there just keep an eye right there [Applause] arte discussing things with Phil Jackson [Music] and later 3 of 4 at the line so far tonight this is her will come in for Ron Harper Kerr has seven points all in the second quarter including a basket from downtown we had to love that bench production 28 points 19 when you feel 15 for later double fingers Blalock 14 that's the way trailing by 11 final SEC this is an you hate to use the cliche there was a lid on the basket but it looked that way in that instance as the third quarter comes to an end how about the fact that Dennis Rodman gets two offensive rebounds in that period of time Michael Jordan 24 points with a big third quarter and after three the Bulls lead the Hawks 75 to 68 this program is authorized into broadcasting rights granted by the National Basketball Association any publication reproduction or other use of the pictures descriptions or accounts of this game without the expressed written consent of the National Basketball Association is prohibited I'd like to show you a nice drop off fest by Pippen Luc Longley puts his shoulder right into Laettner misses this easy bunny keep an eye on Rodman one tap now watch this keep an eye on Rodman don't watch the ball do you think she's got two he turns around cannot believe that he missed that easy shot Dennis guess what Dennis Rodman celebrating his 36th birthday with ten points nine rebounds only two personal fouls hawk shot 63% of the third quarter cut a 16 point deficit to 11 24 to 19 inch by Google to started by Corbin Kukoc with an up and under has rejected by matumbo and with four seconds on the clock Chicago still has possession right now Chicago has therefore substitutes on the floor with Scottie Pippen this group was terrific in the first half and the offensive rebound it's another one for the Chicago Bulls they have murdered the Hawks off the offensive glass dome Pippen Williams was driving toward the basket they have at least 18 second shot attempts and we still have 11 and a half Tyrone Corbin still eating the Hawks with 60 Laettner 15 Mutombo 11th with ballots for the Hawks but Steve Smith all these six points Lily come up empty so far this her guarding Leila kind of a windmill hook for him bow biker trying to complete a three-point play now this is just a very strong move and he gets knocked off balance by curve you got to see it right there caught him on the hip whoo it's not a hook it's not a push-up it's an in-betweener all he knows he's got a chance for three Mookie Blaylock with a career playoff high 31 points in the losing effort of game [Applause] with come to me 79-71 with a minute every time you city you think she toggles ahead size 25 the votes be playing it down going back up Williams to cook upstairs the perfection Toni Kukoc from downtown and it's 82 to 71 they sent demand from the top on the split came over the Hawks cheated and went underneath the screen opening up new coach and there is block hitting a three [Applause] has six points already three down Michael Jordan's and capsule French and it's an eight-point again promise submit murmur going through the crowding they said my gosh this looks like game one in two together said he thought his team might acquit in the fourth quarter game the reaction Lenny Wilkens says the key does not quit and they have not shown any evidence of that as Scottie Pippen gets into double figures Borbon is not allowing quick than to get to the middle of the floor doing so he's letting Scotty get that one to dribble in the animation for that Jack here is Steve Smith and finally after going one of his first six from downtown it cuts the - seven at what point it was late in the second quarter if Smitty's going to get hot now's the time the switch [Music] now the ball knocks away and let's see if they called the Tonto to Dikembe Mutombo that's it's a freak for Atlanta because the clock was going down the pass went in they had a chance for a deflection by Mutombo instead they get the pound ball but the Hawks are making another fourth-quarter and here is tonight's Dutch boy in the paint and painted red and black the colors of the Chicago Bulls actually colors of the Hawks as well but look at those numbers UV it's just a dominance into total rebounds but the offensive rebounds and in Bulls in the paint and remember the Hawks are only losing by seven kind of amazing now we'd like to show you the triangle the ball is in the pivot there goes your backdoor curves gonna come through and set a screen Kukoc is gonna come in here and watch the defender fall down now this is just basic basketball backdoor look for him nothing set a screen Hawks could have switched they didn't opens up Kukoc in your face 3 now keep an eye on Steve Smith at the bottom of the screen you're going to see that as the ball gets knocked around Steve Smith steps on her and he's nice a little tender right now Lucas open these robberies new coats could have shot it but he went to rodman instead right now let's get a report from Craig Sager all right thanks dick I was talking to Steve Smith his he's on the bench he said that he thought maybe the tape broke on his ankle and he laced his shoe but give his right he's not very comfortable with the right now Fatah still bothering you good foul by Steve good foul on Dennis Rodman force him to make the shots Bachman is making everything that I on his birthday Knicks and meet tomorrow night 8 o'clock what about that series Hubie it's been a tough defensive thing Terry so far you having a light of the Knicks there's more movement in there night starts at the top the mangy guys they're getting good balanced scoring so enhance work defense but the difference between the two more movement in by the next eight o'clock on TMT tomorrow mrs. cook coax to rebound this is where the hawk now it is a nine-point game [Music] get to [Applause] it's last touched by the Hawks there's Jordan on the benches as 24 points in the game had Tim in the third quarter it'll be Chicago ball with nine seconds on the clock and the 20 second timeout fall by the ball and it's a good call by Phil Phil they know that they're gonna have the ball out of bounds on his side he's trying to get maximum performance by his club in this in this last nine seconds well dikembe mutombo the Hawks are hoping and he comes up peak in the fourth quarter and he has had problems in the critical fourth quarter in the all four games yeah but you're looking at a dick he's not getting any field goal attempts and if you look at it he's only got six shot attempts in four games in the fourth quarter he can say well he's not getting anything done but once again if he hit him on the move it's better than any trying to get in a wrestling match with their centers [Music] the three shots he costly foul that were the five on Steve Smith well I think that's what Phil Jackson drew up over there he said now remember if you take the three make sure you get valve right here you can see Steve Smith catches Pippen on the elbow three shots coming up for Scottie Pippen Crystal Lake game and Alan Henderson Abbas Smith remains in with five now once again peaks and valleys the Hawks get it to seven rolls very quietly moving it back right now it's ten potential 11 and it's interesting because they take it to 12 13 14 boom the Hawks bring it right back again and we've just been seen not equipment with his first trip to the line tonight has made the first two of three free throws at the kid boost the Bulls to an 11 a 12 point lead well tonight the Hawks staying with a seven-man rotation cash man Henderson off the bench pulls down rotation that everyone is making a contribution team points for Scottie Pippen starting to come on offensively point lead Chicago Bulls with a the fourth quarter this is the deciding game of the series Steve Smith off the screen misses the three [Applause] let's rock it was an explosion and we have not seen him do that in games one two three and four that ligament damage to the knee which you know he missed so many ball games at the end of the season you know just 27 for the games but down the stretch he was not available because of the injury good hands by Jordan is he saw came into the refresh down the stretch Kukoc that he's filed I said Michael tonight has broken into the pain below the dotted line and in each instance would have forced the shot and instead he drops it off to another player and that's just great basketball his assists are mounting up throughout the series and tonight already five and of course he talked about at the top of the game [Applause] [Music] the Bulls in rebounding and Michael Jordan knows that he can contribute in a lot of ways it doesn't only have to be points over here's a pretty girl [Music] one of seven in the sea right he'll get that up before it's over 91 77 so he knoweth walks without by seven or trailing by 14 knocked away off of the couple got it deflected off of Dikembe Mutombo keep it right here and it is is a battle now that's an exchange of two guys who wanted that inside space gumball rotten both delivered for ours look at a loose ball foul we'll go against the Bulls Toni Kukoc with his second foul at this point the Bulls have two team fouls and the Hawks have four and if the Atlanta Hawks are going to make another run to keep their season alive whatever slim chance they have waste much time 91 77 the Bulls in front in the fourth quarter Foucault sticks it out about any time they hit Laettner at the top of the circle they're running a back screen to the right side of the floor Kukoc played that beautifully later looking inside [Applause] korban with his third from downtown in step 19 I said such a strong game it's always nice to see him do well and he hasn't been the bricklayer not Trudy Navin I used to call him jokingly in his early years with the Blue Diamond Steve Kerr leaves it for Brian Williams [Applause] Brian Williams and he's going to help them if they do try either New York or Miami Smith posted up against Michael Jordan gets the double team equate their coziness is foul [Applause] whoosh after that that was a good foul good strong foul by Dennis Laettner came from the other side when the pivot man was double-teamed we're going to show you the basketballs here in the post watch Williams come and double-team as his man steps to the dotted line looking for a pass Rodman rotates up and plays him his man Laettner is wide open and goes to the basket this is just reading your man good defensive rotation by Rodman opens up Laettner to slow Rodman is going to fail you force you to make the 2000 and Laettner will go to the free-throw line talk about Dennis Rodman and what he has been a trooper honor for the Bulls tonight he is late 29 minutes and the Bulls of out score the Hawks by 20 all day best that's all the players Pippen Jordan just play the game the people all want him to play the game with all of the antics they like that they think it's exciting it's a [Music] see you tonight he's playing at his best no confrontation doing it all later with the free-throws has 17 and the Bulls with a ball lead by 11 6:20 remain [Music] but no payoff at the [Applause] double-team on speaks [Applause] ticketed and Ryan Williams goes inside after two o'clock Pilate with experiences an apartment is pal Wow right for him to show him his arm - Eddie rush selling him I was fouled on the last plane and he says but that was a good call by any rush but until there this is a good drop-off you're going to see as it goes up right now Brian Williams gets raked on his right arm you can see him he said I just got fouled Kukoc shoots up now watch Brian come right down inside of course he crashes into Corbin but I want to plead my case one more time with under six minutes remaining in the Smith leaves it for later wide open and later 10 points here they come [Applause] the second hand and it's a so the Hawks are baking what would be their some boat push Ryan on that guard around now that time anytime that Chicago comes back to the top they hit the floor word who is coming up and they run a guard around now just keep an eye on matumbo as William sells it up see he pushed you can see him push Brian wins referees right on top of the play and unfortunately they're in the penalty that was on Blaylock they gave it to Mookie as three and you're right the penalty situation for the Hawks the Bulls next foul for Chicago [Applause] not only for the first time in this game but for the first time in this series inside the NBA coming up next Vince Cellini Cheryl Miller recap all of tonight's action and preview tomorrow's big game five between the Knicks one tonight to keep that series alive they'll play Thursday in Seattle with the raucous game six around the screen with a runner lead now is nine again 95 eighty-six winding down the five minutes ago that's such a very difficult shot to make and he shoots it at a high percentage an awful lot like a great score from the Olie in the NBA Jorge Gurgel to shoot that shot off of the front [Applause] Atlanta's ball their linen horses a prolific scorer with the San Antonio [Applause] I've hit 6 of 8 from the field they've got avoid elimination but an offensive foul Christian Laettner sent a back screen for Blalock now just watch how he sets the screen sets the screen and now as he starts to go see how Rodman had him Rodman had him with his arm and Laettner you see he can't to that Jesus he got a ride through it you say well he's being feisty loading honest he got the [Applause] [Music] [Applause] to go away from them he took it away scottie pippen back in the day the threat of matumbo Jordan this is from outside the boards and the Bulls if they win this game predator offensive rebounding Scottie Pippen with the layin watch out now and a timeout is called by Atlanta Michael Jordan yes he pushed junk Dennis Rodman away 15 feet on the tombow Mutombo wine that was a confrontation the tombow is out there talking to the three referees now keep an eye right here you see Rodman is belying him up now this is the one that he steals right there but the confrontation happens after this right before the timeout [Music] we'd like to show you the action here is Pippin with the basketball right here you're going to see Rodman come around on the shot as it goes up side watched the collision with matumbo and matumbo throwing him to the floor I'll just keep an eye on this down Arad minutes look and he goes the block out and then the Tumbo catches him with a floor arm now as they bounce up Rodman gets in the face to say something to Mutombo and Michael Jordan steps in front and pushes him away and you could see he says the Michael Jordan I'm alright I'm alright craig sager the Kevin Mattel has been yelling to the officials he's been saying I want to win this game I do not want to go home give us a chance to win this game I don't want to go home - I need the last possession the tumble quick riding in Ghana 3:49 remaining and that'll put the Bulls into the penalty that is against robbing his port speaking of matumbo he has not had a field goal attempt here in this fourth quarter he has turned it over twice to personal fouls and once again but Tumbo is not to be found in the crunch time yeah but you know sinners don't get the basketball dick and they can't dribble the basketball centers are at the mercy of the perimeter people they need the ball a beep s to them or they need screens to catch the ball when they are moving they're doing nothing for the man especially in the page not receive one screen all night long Laettner eight of 10 from the free-throw line and the lead is 990 788 with 346 to go all the Chicago Bulls best of seven series in five games and the hawk standing in their way and he is the poison dart tonight perhaps 12 points poker they just said a beautiful bubble screen to the right side of the floor Andrian sleeve around that from the right side on the baseball is the pose of 12 - darling later die the poster he's just gotta pay attention see these are the things when she's allowed to get away with four years well now they're not allowing it just watch see they're not going to let him push down inside here they're going to hold on see there got no hand checking makes good on the first free throw so now the big test for Dennis Rodman and you know that they're bulls and Phil Jackson watching them closely how he will react to the first stress of the night picking up his fifth foul now once again here they are they're only down ten you got three minutes to go they need some excellent defense and they must hold the Bulls to one shot bill Jackson has in Brooklyn was a late signing this year steal by Mookie Blaylock read that perfect so the hot in this fourth quarter time Kaleo and the toughest is the test hana-chan [Applause] have to be separated [Applause] to it again [Applause] and then not sure yeah because it's on the other side of the floor now if fexif Alan Rodman that would be his 661 [Applause] or was ejected now keep an item's action yeah keep an eye on rod right there all right now as matumbo goes on now it happens as they're coming back the Tumbo reaches out in Rodman says hey what's happening here believe because Kenny Mauer let's hear what it says here right now because of them say it's a foul on both technicals on Rodman who's been ejected clearing that up because that happened away from us and then he went to the inside of the floor Steve Smith will be at the free-throw line and Dennis Rodman [Applause] wasn't too take off his jersey of given now in his defense started by matumbo by reaching out for him and he was kind of stunned that the foul was ball on him now watch right now you see to see the elbow come right up that forearm came up find the Tumbo Rodman was shocked at the referee blew the whistle and calls it on the south and if you want to know about why it's two technicals the first one was a T the second taunting and that's why we got the second technical and was ejected third time that he has been ejected so the technical litany continues to follow Dennis Rodman around he nearly escaped from this game without getting caught you me played 33 minutes has 12 points nine rebounds and he contributed to the big first half lead for the Bulls ten point lead for Chicago they've got the ball two and a half to go in quarter Jordan Isis to turn around and here comes play live in the forecourt that time they had Corbin on Michael as soon as she went into the post [Applause] Michael Jordan making sure they will not run [Applause] two minutes ago the Bulls looking to wrap up this best-of-seven series in five games [Applause] teams are shooting the penalty Michael Jordan by the way is scoreless here in the fourth quarter [Applause] and he's gotta see put the nail in the coffin with a three that's his third [Applause] performance by the bullpen it's 103 [Applause] in a 13-point lead sit down Laettner vision here in the fourth quarter suppose ahead all battered around it is still Chicago ball what a big three by Steve Kerr he's just had a great night once again we told you you know very few shot attempts in the four previous games tonight he's standing around coming off double screens catching back screens going into the corner and he is unfired the pols bench has outscored the Hawks reserves 45 to 69 only play for Castner and Henderson and we have seen them in limited minutes tonight whereas at the Chicago end their big four are getting major major minutes because of their production two coats will inbound with the second showing on the flop Michael Jordan in the board for that really for 24 in the game the boils are headed to a four game 2-1 victory over the Atlanta Hawks their only defeat game to last Thursday here at Harlan tip it mrs. Williams goes in a nice pile and goobie the Hawks season coming to an end you have to credit Atlanta 56 wins season they got by Detroit after trailing to the one the win three to two and five games some big deals made and the big acquisition on the free agency to Tempe become beau late during the trade and the Hawks have to be pretty satisfied overall with what they accomplished Oh eight new players added there twelve on their on their foot on their roster and you have to give them credit for messy struggled on the road with a losing record and also a losing record against teams over 500 and in Eastern Conference 5 and 15 against the top five teams in East but they stepped up against Detroit and in this series every game you know he said they lost two games one in four and they had a chance potentially [Applause] [Music] sadena the subroutine just moves out [Applause] the car the living tonight if you're going to beat them series you have to stop their second two out of ten air adding to the great they have never played better thanks for the billy-oh their movement has an absolutely sensational offensive rebounds as well count the basket Michael Jordan by the way in 40 minutes tonight had 24 points seven rebounds that's gone before [Applause] I used to cop it's fine why you look at it dick very little from Pippin zero from Jordan and points and applause water you would stand too by Atlanta and you walked away with a 15-point win so the Chicago Bulls have eliminated the Atlanta Hawks winning tonight 107 to 92 to win the series at five right now let's go to Craig Sager well Michael this is the best we've seen the Bulls so far in the playoffs the ball boomer the offensive rebounding why did everything come together tonight I think we're starting to find a rhythm the plaid you know we're getting something about guys healthy you know which means a lot you know we're getting out playing with a lot of different groups and groups getting a custom plan with each other and defensively we're playing with a lot of intensity and you know we're moving the ball very well the doc over Dikembe you went like this no nose that's something you're gonna regret no yeah I do regret that because it's a technical foul and you know in retrospect I'm giving it up the team a point you know so you know I guess he spoke at all-star game he said I've never dumped on him so I just wanted to remind him that I can still dunk on him what about Dennis you had to push him away once he had a great game was in the flow did everything he was supposed to do basketball wise a lot of energy to the game and sometimes uncontrollable you know in that situation when he got kicked out of the game I thought Mutombo threw a punch at him and you know he reacted you know and he just got to learn how to walk away and even if he does walk away you know they're gonna see him in an altercation certainly he's gonna get penalized but you know we still maintain that control and not really let that affect us tomorrow now let's go to the table with Scottie Pippen Scottie you gotta be really pleased at the fact that this team of course really gelled over the weekend but tonight I think you took another step what we did we felt like you know coming into the nice game that we want to put this series out to sleep want to come out and play hard and play aggressive all we knew the Hawks are gonna come out and try to run us tonight and we tried to do the same to some respect but uh you know we are play tonight on both ends Scottie the bench to tell us about how you feel about the bench production we've been blowing so much smoke on them cuz they're on fire tonight I've been she's been strong for us all season I guess I can say for the last couple seasons the guys like Tony and now with Dennis over there some added energy so spurt coming off the bench ah there they got a big lift seekers gonna come off a knocks out to be very consistent for Brandon's don't gonna do the defense so uh we feel very good about our defense and our dance as well how about Brian Williams the x-factor Brian has been grateful he's been a great addition to our basketball team he's came in he's worked hard and he's beginning to learn his system and the more he learn it the better he's getting for us you know you made some defensive changes Scotty in this in a setup where you moved over onto Steve Smith and you moved Harper over on Blaylock can you say enough about that well I think that was the key to our series we tried to talk feeling to doing that and you know he's from the old school he didn't want to change anything before the series start but we felt good about our match up with me on Smith because of our size Scotty it appears that you emerging more as a leader even a vocal leader some of the comments have you made after game two outspoken you haven't been that outspoken in the past but maybe not a bad thing do you feel that perhaps you're getting more comfortable in that role well I've always been outspoken to my teammates aw you know I just happened to make that one publicly and you know I wanted to count on light a spark upon my teammates I don't know that we had to come out and play in this series was gonna be a easy cakewalk and this team but it gave you a little competition going into the next round yes they did they're good defensive team Blaylock Smith those guys they're gonna make you work hard on the defensive end with those three-point shots and hopefully they got to prepare it for the next round okay now what about this 20 shot attempts a game in this series come on now I'm getting like Mike Scottie let's take a look at the brackets now in the Eastern Conference as the Bulls have advanced beating the Hawks four to one they'll play the winner of the Miami New York series which moves on tomorrow on TNT final 107 92 Bulls we'll be right back [Music] back in Chicago as you be pointed out throughout the Bulls with 25 offensive rebounds 49 points off the bench the keys tonight but Hubie I know that the heat Knicks one of them will play the Bulls they might have been watching tonight where are the Bulls in their quest for another title well first look at Brian Williams healthy in and shake Kukoc the arch looks like he can hit the perimeter shot and he's good off the dribble Rodman the most explosiveness that we have seen so far nine the offensive glass right now and they have a feel for one another they are going to be very difficult to handle you like them tonight oh I did I I really like the way they played their spacing was outstanding the three-point shooting was there and they get away without it without Jordan and Pippen heaven sensation rights that's right all right that's the story here our thanks to Marty Aaron off our statistician the final score the Chicago Bulls 107 the Atlanta Hawks 92 to wrap up the series at move on the NBA Playoffs continue tomorrow night on TNT at 8:00 o'clock game five between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat with the Knicks leading three games to one up next on TNT it's inside the NBA with Vince Cellini and Cheryl Miller so far Hubie Brown and Craig Sager this is dick Stockton saying good night from Chicago

Channel: Tremendous Upside

Views: 135,389

Rating: 4.6617451 out of 5

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Id: C_BLA7nY1M0

Length: 111min 39sec (6699 seconds)

Published: Sat Mar 16 2019