NBA Champions ·
1998 Chicago Bulls
The 1997-98 Bulls finished 62-20 and beat the Jazz again, this time in a rematch, to win a sixth title in eight years. Jordan closed it himself in Game 6, scoring 45 and hitting the jumper over Bryon Russell with the season on the line. It was the last shot of his Bulls career.
Chicago slipped from 69 wins to 62 as Pippen missed half the season after foot surgery, but the team still tied Utah for the league's best record. Jordan, then 34, led the NBA in scoring at 28.7 a game and played all 82.
The supporting cast turned over again. Scott Burrell arrived from Golden State, Kukoc grew into a larger role, and Kerr, Wennington, and Jud Buechler returned. Rodman led the league in rebounding once more.
The Finals were a rematch with Utah, which held home court this time. The Bulls fell behind early and trailed the series before taking it back, then closed Game 6 at the Delta Center. Pippen hurt his back, and Jordan scored 45. With Chicago down one in the final seconds, he stripped Malone, drove on Russell, and hit the jumper for an 87-86 win.
That shot finished the second three-peat. Jordan won his sixth Finals MVP, and Phil Jackson, Jordan, and Pippen all left the team that summer, ending the run.
Championship roster
Featured in Ring Holders Club
| Player | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ron Harper | PG | 74 |
| Michael Jordan | SG | 97 |
| Scottie Pippen | SF | 88 |
| Dennis Rodman | PF | 80 |
| Luc Longley | C | 70 |
| Toni Kukoc | 6th man | 81 |
| Phil Jackson | Coach | 94 |
Ratings are year-specific curated estimates for Ring Holders Club, not official NBA stats.
Rest of the roster
| Player | Pos |
|---|---|
| Steve Kerr | G |
| Scott Burrell | F |
| Bill Wennington | C |
| Jud Buechler | F |
| Randy Brown | G |
| Dickey Simpkins | F |
| Joe Kleine | C |