Often regarded as the Robin to Michael Jordan's Batman, Scottie Pippen doesn't quite get as much of the recognition as His Airness does. Despite not getting the credit he deserves, many basketball fanatics still consider the Chicago Bulls do-it-all star as one of the greatest players to ever play the game.
It's arguable that none of Chicago's six championships would have come if Pippen wasn't around. Jordan even said it himself in “The Last Dance” documentary:
“Whenever they speak Michael Jordan, they should speak Scottie Pippen.”
Still, it's hard to ignore the perception that Pippen played under Jordan's shadow throughout their partnership. However, Pippen actually had an opportunity to prove that he can be “The Man.” When Jordan shockingly retired for the first time in 1993, there was no doubt that the Bulls became his team.
In the 1993-94 season, Pippen absolutely balled out of his mind and finished third in MVP voting while leading the Jordan-less Bulls to a 55-27 record.
However, in Game 3 of their second round playoff series against the New York Knicks that season, Pippen — with all eyes on him — had his biggest blunder ever.
For some context, the Knicks took the first two games on their home floor and the Bulls needed to win Game 3 to stay alive in the series. Chicago looked well on its way to a victory with a six-point lead with 1:16 remaining. However, New York stormed back and tied the game at 102-all with 1.8 seconds left.
In Chicago's previous possession, with the Bulls up by two, Pippen failed to ice the game and took too long to make a play. Hence, this forced him into a tough shot and gave the Bulls a shot clock violation in the critical juncture of the game. Patrick Ewing then converted on a hook shot to tie the game, but it still left Chicago with one final shot to win the contest.
In the final play, however, instead of entrusting the last shot for his All-NBA forward, head coach Phil Jackson drew up the potential game-winning play for rookie Toni Kukoc. The Croatian forward was not at all having a great game and only had six points in 13 minutes at that point. However, while Pippen was Chicago's unquestioned leader, Kukoc already had three game-winners that season.
This did not sit well with the Bulls superstar at all. With their backs against the wall, Pippen refused to check back into the game. Obviously, this was a petty move from the seven-time All-Star.
Nonetheless, he does have his reasons. He had been playing in Jordan's shadow for most of his career. Before, the ball almost exclusively went into His Airness' hands. That moment — with the Jordan-less Bulls looking to stay alive in the playoffs — became the prime opportunity for him to prove himself that he can shine in the big moments.
This dicey situation left Jackson with no choice but to sub out Pippen. Chicago played out their final sequence without their go-to player. Kukoc wound up knocking down the game-winner with an incredible turnaround jumper and the Bulls won their first game of the series.
Chicago joyously celebrated the win, while Pippen looked like the bad guy. He certainly drew a ton of flak from critics for his actions. Many viewed this as inexcusable behavior, that he only cared about himself over the success of the team.
Decades after, 90s hoops fans still remember this particular game. Some have sided with Pippen and understood his situation. However, majority paint this moment as one of the darkest stains in Pippen's Hall of Fame career.
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