Michael Jordan's 1998 Playoff Run
The final chapter of the first three-peat, sealed by an iconic buzzer-beater.
Michael Jordan's 1998 Playoff Run stands as the defining conclusion to his first era with the Chicago Bulls, marking a pinnacle of NBA history that transcended individual franchises like the Atlanta Hawks. While not an Atlanta team achievement, this championship campaign defined the competitive landscape of the late 1990s league in which the Hawks competed, setting the standard for excellence during that season. This run is remembered globally as Jordan's final series before his first retirement, cementing his legacy against a formidable Utah Jazz defense. For Atlanta fans of that era, it represented the peak of the sport they followed, even as their own team navigated a rebuilding phase outside the postseason.
- Team
- Chicago Bulls
- Season
- 1997-1998
- Result
- NBA Champions
- Finals MVP
- Michael Jordan
- Series Score
- 4-2 vs Utah Jazz
- Key Moment
- Game 6 'Last Shot'
- Status
- Completed / Retired
Lore & Background
The 1998 playoffs are etched in basketball history as the culmination of Jordan's dominance. Facing a Utah Jazz team led by Karl Malone and John Stockton, the Bulls had to overcome physical exhaustion and injury concerns. The narrative was one of resilience; Jordan carried the team through the Eastern Conference before meeting the West's best. The lore centers on Game 6 in Salt Lake City. With seconds remaining and the series tied at 3-2, Jordan drove past Bruce Bowen and sank a fadeaway jumper over Bryon Russell. This 'Last Shot' secured the sixth championship ring for Jordan and his teammates, Phil Jackson and Scottie Pippen. For the broader NBA community, including Atlanta Hawks fans watching from home, it was a moment of witnessing history. It marked the end of an era where one player's will could dictate the outcome of a series, setting a benchmark that future stars would chase.
In Their Own Story
The arena in Salt Lake City hummed with tension, the air thick with anticipation as the clock ticked under ten seconds. Michael Jordan stood at the top of the key, breathing hard, his jersey soaked. He dribbled once, twice, then drove into the paint. The defense collapsed around him like a closing fist. With a flick of his wrist and a release that defied gravity, the ball arced through the air. It swished through the net just as time expired. Silence followed for a heartbeat before the roar erupted.
Reader's Guide
The context of the 1998 run was a league dominated by Chicago's dynasty. The Bulls entered the playoffs with a 62-20 record, needing to defeat the Jazz in six games. Key plays included Jordan's clutch scoring throughout the series and Pippen's defensive efforts despite injury. The turning point was Game 6; after trailing late in the fourth quarter, Jordan took over. The emotional legacy for fans is one of closure and reverence. It was the final time this trio would win together before Jordan retired to baseball.
Did You Know?
- This championship marked Michael Jordan's sixth title with the Bulls.
- Jordan scored 45 points in Game 6 of the Finals.
- The Jazz had won all three previous meetings in Utah during the series.
- This was Scottie Pippen's final playoff appearance before his injury-plagued decline.