Detroit Pistons @ Chicago Bulls | 1991 Playoffs | ECF Game 1: The statement game
Before a deafening crowd of 18676 fans at Chicago Stadium, the Bulls defeated the Pistons, 94-83, in the opening game of the four-of-seven-game Eastern Conference championship series. Jordan, whose election as the league’s most valuable player will be announced Monday, was held to 22 points, 9 points below his playoff average, on 6-for-15 shooting along with three boards, three steals and six assists. But Jordan’s teammates stepped forward — the Bulls’ bench combined for 30 points and starters Scottie Pippen (18 points), Bill Cartwright (16 points) and Horace Grant (10 rebounds) stood up to Detroit’s physical play, holding off the Pistons whenever they threatened to take control. “I had a bad game, but we still won,” Jordan said afterward. “I think that shows the maturity of our team. I think this shows them that we’ve got a team, instead of a one-man situation.” Today’s game set the tone for the remainder of the series. There was very little open-court play, and there were very few scintillating offensive moves. This series will be physical. Bodies will fly. Tempers will flare. Skin will bleed. Character will be tested. There were times away from the ball when the action resembled a rugby scrum. Players shoved, held and did whatever else they felt they could get away with. “It’s a different style of ball when you play us,” said Mark Aguirre, who led the Pistons with 25 points. “They’re not going to be able to play us like Philly, where they got a lot of running and …
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