Here’s the ultimate, all-encompassing breakdown of Game 3 of the 1998 Eastern Conference First Round between the Chicago Bulls and New Jersey Nets—a 116-101 statement victory that sealed the 3-0 series sweep. This wasn’t just another win; it was a textbook demonstration of championship DNA, fueled by Michael Jordan’s brilliance, Scottie Pippen’s all-around dominance, Dennis Rodman’s rebounding madness, and Scott Burrell’s surprise explosion.
—
The Bulls’ Total Domination
The Bulls came into East Rutherford with one goal—shut the door on the Nets. And they did just that, controlling every aspect of the game. Their offense clicked at a high level, their defense stifled New Jersey’s young squad, and the triangle offense was a well-oiled machine.
Scoring consistency: Chicago outscored the Nets in every quarter, proving they were locked in from start to finish.
Efficiency: The Bulls shot a deadly 54% from the field, making New Jersey’s defense look helpless.
Ball movement: 30 assists on the night—this was team basketball at its finest.
—
1. Michael Jordan’s Scoring Clinic (38 Points)
MJ wasn’t here for a feel-good ending—he was here to bury the Nets. The GOAT dropped 38 points, going 16-for-22 from the field—a ridiculous 73% shooting night. He attacked from mid-range, in the post, and on drives, making every defender look silly.
Signature moments:
Hit clutch fadeaways that left defenders hopeless.
Dominated the third quarter, where the Bulls pulled away for good.
Scored with surgical precision, proving once again why he was the best to ever do it.
This was vintage Jordan—cold-blooded, efficient, and untouchable.
—
2. Scottie Pippen’s All-Around Brilliance (Triple-Double)
While MJ took care of the scoring, Scottie Pippen played maestro, delivering a 17-point, 11-rebound, 11-assist triple-double. He dictated the game’s pace, facilitated the offense, and locked down defensively.
Playmaking: Set up teammates with crisp passing and elite court vision.
Rebounding & Defense: Helped control the glass and disrupted the Nets’ offense.
A do-it-all performance that made life miserable for New Jersey.
—
3. Dennis Rodman’s Rebounding Madness (19 Boards)
The Worm did Worm things—hustle, grit, and complete glass domination. Rodman snatched 19 rebounds (8 offensive!), giving the Bulls second-chance after second-chance while suffocating the Nets’ offense.
Physical presence: Outworked everyone for every loose ball.
Tone setter: His relentless energy kept the Bulls in control all night.
Rodman didn’t need to score—he wrecked the Nets with effort alone.
—
4. Scott Burrell’s Surprise Explosion (23 Points in 24 Minutes)
The X-factor of the night? Scott Burrell, who came off the bench and dropped a 23-point bomb in just 24 minutes. The Nets had no answer for him.
Efficient shooting: Knocked down jumper after jumper (9-of-11 from the field).
Instant offense: Provided the spark that helped break the game open.
This was the last 20+ point game of Burrell’s career, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Even MJ hyped him up in “The Last Dance.”
—
5. Bulls’ Offense in Full Sync
Toni Kukoc: A silent killer with 14 points, keeping the offense flowing.
Steve Kerr: Knocked down timely shots, finishing with 12 points.
Luc Longley: Anchored the paint with his physicality.
This was Chicago at its peak—everyone contributing, everything clicking.
—
6. The Nets’ Fight & Struggles
New Jersey had some bright spots, but they just couldn’t match Chicago’s firepower.
Keith Van Horn: The rookie led the Nets with 22 points and 9 rebounds, showing flashes of his potential.
Sam Cassell: 23 points, 8 assists—tried to keep the Nets alive.
Jayson Williams: Pulled down 12 rebounds, fighting hard inside.
But youth and inexperience cost the Nets. They hung around for a while but couldn’t handle Chicago’s relentless attack.
—
7. The Knockout Punch: Third Quarter Blitz
The Bulls turned a close game into a blowout by outscoring the Nets 34-23 in the third quarter.
Jordan turned up the heat.
Burrell delivered knockout punches.
Rodman crushed every hope of a Nets comeback.
By the time the fourth quarter started, it was over.
—
Legacy: The Road to Title No. 6
This 3-0 sweep was just the beginning of the Bulls’ final championship run.
Veteran poise vs. youthful energy: Chicago’s championship experience crushed the Nets’ potential.
Another step toward history: This win paved the way for their sixth title in eight years.
The Last Dance continued: This was one of the last great playoff showcases for Jordan, Pippen, and Rodman together.
The message was clear:
“We’re still the kings. Who’s gonna stop us?”
The answer? Nobody.
#MichaelJordan #ScottiePippen #DennisRodman #ScottBurrell #ToniKukoc #SteveKerr #LucLongley #KeithVanHorn #SamCassell #JaysonWilliams #BullsVsNets #NBAPlayoffs #TheLastDance #Jordan38PTS #TripleDouble #RodmanRebounds #BurrellBreakout #1998NBAFinals
Comments are closed.