History has immortalized Michael Jordan’s perfect 6-0 record in NBA Finals, often painting his performance as nothing short of divine. However, the 1996 NBA Finals against the Seattle Supersonics presented a rare glimpse of Jordan’s mortality. While his overall statistics in the series—27.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 42/32/84 shooting splits—would be exceptional for most players, they fell short of Jordan’s usual standards. This series was the only Finals where Jordan averaged below 31 points per game, and his 42 percent shooting from the field was his third-lowest in any playoff series.
The Supersonics’ defense played a significant role in limiting Jordan’s output. Despite his relatively subdued performance, the Chicago Bulls still managed to clinch the championship. According to Shawn Kemp, a key figure for the Sonics, much of the credit for the Bulls’ success goes to Dennis Rodman. Rodman’s arrival in Chicago for the 1995-96 season bolstered the Bulls’ roster, helping them achieve a record-breaking 72-10 regular season and securing their fourth NBA title.
Rodman’s impact during the 1996 NBA Finals was undeniable. Known for his psychological tactics on the court, Rodman also delivered substantial performances, averaging 7.5 points and 14.7 rebounds per game. His standout moment came in Game 6, where he recorded 9 points, 19 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals, effectively compensating for Jordan’s 5-for-19 shooting night.
Over three seasons with the Bulls, Rodman and Jordan formed a formidable duo, leading the team to a 203-43 record, one of the most dominant runs in NBA history. Following their victory over the Supersonics, the Bulls faced the Utah Jazz in the next two Finals, where Rodman’s contributions were less pronounced, potentially due to his off-court distractions and the inevitable toll of time. Nonetheless, his role in the 1996 Finals remains a highlight for Bulls fans and a reminder of his unique impact on the game.
Shawn Kemp’s reflections on the 1996 Finals, shared on the “All The Smoke” podcast, highlight the pivotal contributions of Dennis Rodman. While Michael Jordan’s legacy as an invincible Finals performer remains largely intact, Kemp’s insights provide a nuanced perspective on the team dynamics that led to the Bulls’ success.
