The 1997 NBA Finals Game 1 (Season 1, Episode 1)
TV Episode | Sport

The 1997 NBA Finals

Game 1 (Season 1, Episode 1)

TV Episode | Sport

Despite injuring his foot in the Eastern Conference Finals against Miami, Scottie Pippen helped the Bulls to an 84-82 victory over Utah on Sunday. He scored 27 points while Jordan scored 31. The Bulls trailed by one in the 4th, yet were ...See moreDespite injuring his foot in the Eastern Conference Finals against Miami, Scottie Pippen helped the Bulls to an 84-82 victory over Utah on Sunday. He scored 27 points while Jordan scored 31. The Bulls trailed by one in the 4th, yet were able to grab an 81-79 lead after Pippen blocked Antoine Carr, then made his third 3-pointer with 1:11 remaining. However, John Stockton answered with a 3 of his own with 51.7 seconds left to give Utah an 82-81 lead. Michael Jordan made 1 of 2 free throws with 35.8 seconds left to tie it at 82. Then, Karl Malone was fouled by Rodman with 9.2 seconds left and had a chance to give Utah the lead. Scottie famously psyched him out, saying, "Just remember, the mailman doesn't deliver on Sundays, Karl", before he stepped up to the line. He missed them both. Jordan got the rebound and quickly called a time-out with 7.5 seconds left. With the game on the line, the Bulls put the ball in Jordan's hands. He dribbled out most of the waning seconds, then launched a 20-footer (game-winning shot) that went in at the buzzer to give Chicago a 1-0 series lead, after which he pumped his fist in triumph. The fist-pumping often draws comparisons to another famous Jordan reaction to a buzzer-beater, when he leaped into the air after hitting The Shot that eliminated the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of the 1989 Eastern Conference quarterfinals. Written by NBAFinals See less

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Cast	+ Add Cast
6 cast members

Name	Known for
Chicago Bulls Themselves Themselves See fewer	NBA on NBC (1990)
Utah Jazz Themselves Themselves See fewer	NBA on NBA TV (1999)
Michael Jordan Self - Chicago Bulls Self - Chicago Bulls See fewer	Space Jam (1996)
Karl Malone Self - Utah Jazz Self - Utah Jazz See fewer	After the Sunset (2004)
Dennis Rodman Self - Chicago Bulls Self - Chicago Bulls See fewer	Double Team (1997)
John Stockton Self - Utah Jazz Self - Utah Jazz See fewer	NBA on NBC (1990)