1988–89 Chicago Bulls season

Updated on Dec 18, 2023

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Record 47–35 (.573) Period 1988 – 1989 Radio WMAQ Televisions WFLD, FSN Chicago		Head coach Doug Collins Owner Jerry Reinsdorf Arena Chicago Stadium

Place Division: 5th (Central) Conference: 6th (Eastern) Playoff finish East Conference Finals (Eliminated by Pistons 2–4) Similar 1985–86 Chicago Bulls sea, 1990–91 Chicago Bulls sea, 1997–98 Chicago Bulls sea, 1996–97 Chicago Bulls sea, 1966–67 Chicago Bulls sea

The Chicago Bulls qualified for the NBA Playoffs.

C - Bill Cartwright

PF - Horace Grant

SF - Scottie Pippen

SG - Michael Jordan

PG - John Paxson

The team's season roster is featured in the video games NBA 2K16 and NBA 2K17.

Regular season

In the 1988–89 season, Jordan again led the league in scoring, averaging 32.5 ppg on 53.8% shooting from the field. The Bulls finished with a 47–35 record, and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals. On March 11, head coach Doug Collins moved Jordan to the point guard position. Two days later, Jordan finished with 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists in just 30 minutes of a blowout win against the Pacers. Jordan continued at point guard through the rest of the regular season.

Playoffs

The Bulls made it to the Eastern Conference Finals defeating the Cavaliers and Knicks along the way. The Cavaliers series included a career highlight for Jordan when he hit a series winning shot over Craig Ehlo in the closing moments of the fifth and deciding game of the series.

East First Round

3) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (6) Chicago Bulls: Bulls win series 3-2

Game 1 @ The Coliseum, Richfield (April 28): Chicago 95, Cleveland 88

Game 2 @ The Coliseum, Richfield (April 30): Cleveland 96, Chicago 88

Game 3 @ Chicago Stadium, Chicago (May 3): Chicago 101, Cleveland 94

Game 4 @ Chicago Stadium, Chicago (May 5): Cleveland 108, Chicago 105

Game 5 @ The Coliseum, Richfield (May 7): Chicago 101, Cleveland 100

Last Playoff Meeting: 1988 Eastern Conference First Round (Chicago won 3-2)

East Conference Semifinals

(2) New York Knicks vs. (6) Chicago Bulls: Bulls win series 4-2

Game 1 @ Madison Square Garden, New York City (May 9): Chicago 120, New York 109

Game 2 @ Madison Square Garden, New York City (May 11): New York 114, Chicago 97

Game 3 @ Chicago Stadium, Chicago (May 13): Chicago 111, New York 88

Game 4 @ Chicago Stadium, Chicago (May 14): Chicago 106, New York 93

Game 5 @ Madison Square Garden, New York City (May 16): New York 121, Chicago 114

Game 6 @ Chicago Stadium, Chicago (May 19): Chicago 113, New York 111

Last Playoff Meeting: 1981 Eastern Conference First Round (Chicago won 2-0)

East Conference Finals

(1) Detroit Pistons vs. (6) Chicago Bulls: Pistons win series 4-2

Game 1 @ The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills (May 21): Chicago 94, Detroit 88

Game 2 @ The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills (May 23): Detroit 100, Chicago 91

Game 3 @ Chicago Stadium, Chicago (May 27): Chicago 99, Detroit 97

Game 4 @ Chicago Stadium, Chicago (May 29): Detroit 86, Chicago 80

Game 5 @ The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills (May 31): Detroit 94, Chicago 85

Game 6 @ Chicago Stadium, Chicago (June 2): Detroit 103, Chicago 94

Last Playoff Meeting: 1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals (Detroit won 4-1)

Awards and honors

Craig Hodges, NBA All-Star Weekend Three-Point Shootout Winner

Michael Jordan, All-NBA First Team

Michael Jordan, NBA All-Defensive First Team

Michael Jordan, NBA All-Star Game

References

1988–89 Chicago Bulls season Wikipedia

(Text) CC BY-SA

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