There were many examples of why the old Chicago Stadium was nicknamed the Madhouse on Madison. This old barn had many moments both on the court and on the ice where we blew the roof off the place… where the stadium felt like it was rocking… literally, rocking. One of the top ones had to be Game 2 of the 1991 NBA Finals.
I’m not calling this the top moment ever.. I’m just saying, the importance of this game in both the season, and in Bulls history, is pretty significant. You may also recall a specific shot that was made in this game that would be played over and over and over. The Stadium was absolutely going bonkers.
You know how I feel about calling games must win when they are really not, yet Game 2 back at the Stadium, after the heartbreaking Game 1 loss, was a pretty big deal. The next 3 games would be at the Forum. To go out to Los Angeles down 0-2 in the Bulls 1st NBA Finals ever would be quite a challenge. How would the Bulls respond after losing Game 1?
The Bulls were only up by 5 points at the half, yet one of the most important moves of this series was made. Phil Jackson wasn’t just along for the ride with MJ. He was an excellent basketball coach. Yes, of course, having Jordan meant the world; the Bulls certainly wouldn’t have won without him. Yet, the question is, would the Bulls have won without Phil? I say no. I say they needed each other. It was the same dynamic duo that MJ and Pippen were on the court. MJ and Phil were 1 & 2 when it came to reasons why the Bulls became the dynasty Bulls. Yeah, I know the Jerrys were important, just as Pippen and all the other players along the way. But for me, it’s MJ and Phil. Phil made one of his signature moves in Game 2 of the 1991 NBA Finals.
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And then the “other” signature moment of this game was brought to us by his Airness. The one we are way more familiar with. As the Bulls pulled away in this game by outscoring the Lakers 38-26 in the 3rd quarter, MJ made one of the most amazing shots of his career. For me, I rank other shots over this particular one. But in terms of popularity across the general population, this shot… defined the Shot 2 since the Shot was over Ehlo, would be thought of as one of his best.
The Madhouse was already rocking as the Bulls were rolling. Then Jordan got the ball just past the free throw line. He took a dribble and appeared to be ready to throw down a thunderous dunk. Instead, he pulled it back, switched hands, and flipped in a left handed layup. Marv Albert went nuts. MJ had the fist pump. The crowd goes wild! I still remember the postgame, when Magic talked about it. Something like… he was suspended in the air, and was thinking, should I dunk it… nah, that’s too easy, let me switch hands and lay it off the glass with my off hand. Awesome move. Awesome game.
The Bulls won 107-86 and the series was tied. The Bulls had avoided the 0-2 hole, and now headed on the road for a pivotal Game 3. Little did we know, we would not be back at the Stadium for another game that year. We’d have to settle for this Game 2, as the final performance of this great team in this great stadium. That second half, after the Shot 2, down the stretch, the crowd was just pouring it on… that’s how we do, you know? The fans let the Bulls know we believed… we had their backs… we were ready. I always like to think as fans we sometimes impact the game… did the Bulls really need that much help in this 21 point victory? Probably not. But the 6th man that game was each and every fan in the Stadium that night. The roar was deafening. You could have probably even heard it on the West Coast… Game 3 at the Forum is next.
MK
The Bulls responded in grand fashion. Game 2 was large, and the Bulls answered the call. All 5 starters had double digit points, led by 33 from MJ, along with 13asts and 7rebs. The Bulls shot 62% from the field…wow! That, plus the decision to put Pip on magic, got this series even and flipped it in the Bulls favor, even though they were headed to la for 3 straight. MJ’s move was awesome, but I never thought it was as difficult or amazing as others…hype machine blew it up. What a way to end the home season…time to show how important winning on the road is out in la…MJ and the Bulls leave even but would come back as Champs!