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Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls began the 1998 playoffs with a first-round matchup against the New Jersey Nets. The team was the No. 1 seed in the East, while the New Jersey squad was the eighth seed.
Most pundits expected Jordan and Chicago to coast to a three-game sweep, and so did MJ.
Before Game 1 at the United Center, Jordan was asked what the Bulls would have to do to lose one game, as narrated in the latest episodes of The Last Dance. MJ said the only way that was going to happen was if the team “fell asleep.”
Jordan's worst nightmare almost came true. The Nets outscored the Bulls 27-17 in the fourth quarter to send the opening game of the series into overtime. However, Chicago escaped with a 96-93 win behind Jordan, who racked up 39 points. Scottie Pippen had 24 points, seven rebounds and five assists as well.
Game 2 was a close affair, too. The Bulls won by only five points. Jordan scored 32 and shot an efficient 9-of-19 from the field. MJ and Chicago were now headed to New Jersey for Game 3. One more win and the Bulls would be done with the pesky Nets.
The Bulls finally looked like themselves in Game 3, winning by a final count of 116-101 to end the Nets' season. Jordan poured in 38 points and shot a ridiculous 16-of-22 overall. He finished the three-game series with averages of 36.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
Jordan and the Bulls finished off the '98 playoffs by defeating the Utah Jazz in the NBA Finals, capping the '90s with six championships. Jordan won all six Finals MVPs and established himself as the greatest basketball player in NBA history.
Michael Jordan finished his Bulls career with averages of 31.5 points per game.
