The 1998 Chicago Bulls represent a fascinating paradox in the legacy of Michael Jordan. While the eye test often recalls a team past its prime, the reality is far more nuanced, as the Bulls navigated a challenging season with flashes of brilliance that kept them squarely in playoff contention for much of the year.
Regular Season Performance and Standings
Finishing the 1997–98 campaign with a 47–35 record, the Bulls secured the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. This marked the seventh playoff appearance in eight seasons for a franchise riding the high of Jordan’s second three-peat. The 47-win total was a testament to the enduring quality of the roster, even as the vaunted starting five of Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, Ron Harper, and Luc Longley began to show the subtle signs of aging.
Key Players and Their Contributions
Michael Jordan averaged 28.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, proving he could still dominate on offense despite the shifting dynamics around him. Scottie Pippen, the often-underappreciated engine of the team, contributed 19.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, handling a heavier defensive burden than in prior years. On the glass, Horace Grant was a stalwart presence, pulling down 9.0 rebounds per game, while Luc Longley provided crucial spacing with a .513 shooting percentage from the field.
Player | PPG | RPG | APG
Michael Jordan | 28.7 | 3.7 | 3.5
Scottie Pippen | 19.1 | 6.4 | 5.2
Horace Grant | 12.8 | 9.0 | 1.4
Luc Longley | 11.0 | 4.8 | 1.4
Playoff Run and Defining Moments
Entering the postseason as the fifth seed, the Bulls faced a daunting first-round matchup against the heavily favored Charlotte Hornets. Led by superstar Glen Rice, the Hornets took a 3–1 series lead, creating a narrative of inevitable collapse. However, Chicago’s resilience shone through, as they responded with three consecutive victories to win the series 4–3 in one of the greatest upsets in NBA playoff history.
The Ewing Game and Series-Clinching Moment
Game 7 of that series remains etched in the memories of Bulls fans. With the game on the line, Patrick Ewing dominated the paint, yet it was Michael Jordan’s iconic game-winning shot over the outstretched arms of Larry Johnson that encapsulated the team’s fighting spirit. This victory set the stage for a second-round confrontation with the Atlanta Hawks, where the Bulls again found themselves on the brink, ultimately prevailing 4–3 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
