The true story
Michael Jordan had already won three NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls when he surprised the world and retired in 1993. That same year, his father, James, died. Jordan tried playing minor league baseball for a while. Then, in March 1995, he sent out a two-word message: "I'm back."
The next season, 1995–96, the Bulls were unstoppable. With Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, they won 72 games and lost only 10. No team in NBA history had ever won that many games in a season.
In the NBA Finals, the Bulls faced the Seattle SuperSonics. Chicago won the series four games to two, finishing it at home on June 16, 1996. That day was Father's Day.
When the final buzzer sounded, Jordan grabbed the game ball and fell to the floor, crying and hugging it. It was his first championship since his dad had died. He was named Finals MVP for the fourth time.
Jordan won three more championships in a row, finishing with six in all. Many fans still call him the greatest basketball player ever, and the 72–10 Bulls one of the greatest teams.
Talk about it
- Why do you think winning on Father's Day meant so much to Michael Jordan?
- Jordan quit basketball and then came back. Have you ever taken a break from something and come back better?
- What makes a team great, not just one player?
Try this
Math challenge: the Bulls won 72 of their 82 games. What percent of their games did they win? (Answer: about 87.8%)
Good for: Math (percents) · Teamwork · Family
