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When the Chicago Bulls' won their first NBA title against the Los Angeles Lakers
It's been 32 years since Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls climbed to the top of the NBA after a long and demanding journey. Through heartbreaks and defeats, the Bulls' resilience and determination led them all the way to the Finals in 1991.
It was a hard-fought battle against Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers, and after four grueling games, the Bulls found themselves ahead 3-1 and just a win away from capturing the NBA title that has long eluded them. Game 5 was going to be a do-or-die situation for the undermanned LA squad that was missing starters James Worthy and Byron Scott due to injuries. The Bulls smelled blood, but the Lakers stood defiant and even held a lead in the fourth quarter.
The Lakers wouldn't go away
Magic did absolutely everything he could to prevent the Bulls' coronation, as he completed a massive triple-double of 16 points, 11 rebounds, and an eye-popping 20 assists. Jordan's college teammate Sam Perkins added 22 points and nine boards for the Purple and Gold, while young big man Elden Campbell also came alive with 22 points.
The Lakers weren't going away and had a 93-90 lead, prompting the Bulls to call a timeout that would define this title run.
Paxson got hot
With the Lakers in front, the Forum was rocking and Bulls coach Phil Jackson could barely communicate with his players. According to longtime Bulls insider Sam Smith, Jackson had just one question for Jordan.
"Jackson shouted to Jordan again, 'Who's open?' Finally, Jordan looked at Jackson and answered 'Paxson.' Well, then, throw him the ball, Jackson said," Smith wrote.
Jackson was referring to the space Paxson had given that Magic was leaving him to help out on Jordan. With Jordan feeding him, Paxson would score 10 of the team's next 12 to put the Bulls in front for good and eventually win Game 5, 108-101, for their first NBA title.
