1989–90 Chicago Bulls season
NBA professional basketball team season
NBA professional basketball team season
The 1989–90 NBA season was the Bulls' 24th season in the National Basketball Association .[ 1] Despite their solid playoff run last year, the Bulls fired head coach Doug Collins and replaced him with assistant Phil Jackson ,[ 2] [ 3] [ 4] [ 5] and received the sixth pick in the 1989 NBA draft , which they used to select Stacey King from the University of Oklahoma .[ 6] [ 7] [ 8] [ 9] Under Jackson, the Bulls held a 28–19 record at the All-Star break,[ 10] finished the regular season second in the Central Division with a 55–27 record,[ 11] averaging 109.5 points per game.
Michael Jordan averaged 33.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.8 steals per game, was named to the All-NBA First Team, and NBA All-Defensive First Team, and finished in third place in Most Valuable Player voting,[ 12] [ 13] [ 14] [ 15] while Scottie Pippen continued to show improvement averaging 16.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 2.6 steals per game. Jordan and Pippen were both selected for the 1990 NBA All-Star Game , which was Pippen's first ever All-Star appearance.[ 16] [ 17] [ 18] [ 19] In addition, Horace Grant provided the team with 13.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, while Bill Cartwright contributed 11.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, John Paxson contributed 10.0 points per game, and King was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.[ 20]
In the playoffs , the Bulls defeated the Milwaukee Bucks three games to one in the Eastern Conference First Round,[ 21] [ 22] [ 23] [ 24] then defeated the Philadelphia 76ers four games to one in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals.[ 25] [ 26] [ 27] [ 28] They advanced to the Eastern Conference finals before losing a seven-game series to the eventual back-to-back champion Detroit Pistons , who they faced and lost against in last season's Eastern Conference finals.[ 29] [ 30] [ 31] [ 32] The Pistons would go on to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers in five games in the NBA Finals , winning their second consecutive championship.[ 33] [ 34] [ 35] [ 36] [ 37]
On March 28, 1990, Jordan scored a career-high of 69 points in a 117–113 road win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in overtime,[ 38] [ 39] [ 40] [ 41] [ 42] the highest scoring output by an NBA player since David Thompson 's 73 points on April 9, 1978, against the Detroit Pistons . Jordan also finished third in MVP voting behind Charles Barkley and Magic Johnson .[ 43] [ 44] In the summer of 1997, Jordan admitted that he went off for 69 points after the Cavaliers' fans cheered when Jordan was fouled hard by Hot Rod Williams , with Jordan lying on the ground in pain. Jordan stated, "I think the game I had against Cleveland, when I had 69, that was strictly off of anger and disappointment. Earlier in the first quarter, when I think I got a hard foul from Hot Rod and I—you know, I fell the wrong way, and I was really in pain. And the whole crowd cheered! And that right there pissed me off, because they (were) more in tune to winning than someone’s health. And that kind of got me fired up. That’s when I went crazy."[ 45]
On February 14, 1990, before a game against the expansion Orlando Magic , Jordan's number 23 jersey was stolen from the Bulls' locker room at the Orlando Arena ; Jordan had to wear a number 12 jersey, and scored 49 points as the Bulls lost to the Magic in overtime, 135–129.[ 46] [ 47] [ 48] [ 49]
Draft picks
Roster
1989–90 Chicago Bulls roster
Players
Coaches
Pos.
No.
Name
Height
Weight
DOB
From
G
10
Armstrong, BJ
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
175 lb (79 kg)
1967–09–09
Iowa
C
24
Cartwright, Bill
7 ft 1 in (2.16 m)
245 lb (111 kg)
1957–07–30
San Francisco
F
22
Davis, Charles
6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
215 lb (98 kg)
1958–10–05
Vanderbilt
F
54
Grant, Horace
6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
215 lb (98 kg)
1965–07–04
Clemson
G
14
Hodges, Craig
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
190 lb (86 kg)
1960–06–27
Long Beach State
G
12, 23
Jordan, Michael
6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
195 lb (88 kg)
1963–02–17
North Carolina
F
34
King, Stacey
6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
230 lb (104 kg)
1967–01–29
Oklahoma
F
45
Nealy, Ed
6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
238 lb (108 kg)
1960–02–19
Kansas State
G
5
Paxson, John
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
185 lb (84 kg)
1960–09–29
Notre Dame
C
32
Perdue, Will
7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
240 lb (109 kg)
1965–08–29
Vanderbilt
F
33
Pippen, Scottie
6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
210 lb (95 kg)
1965–09–25
Central Arkansas
F
42
Sanders, Jeff
6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
225 lb (102 kg)
1966–01–14
Georgia Southern
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Legend
(DP) Unsigned draft pick(FA) Free agent(S) Suspended Injured
Roster Last transaction: March 25, 1990
Regular season
Season standings
z – clinched division title
y – clinched division title
x – clinched playoff spot
Record vs. opponents
1989–90 NBA records
Team
ATL
BOS
CHA
CHI
CLE
DAL
DEN
DET
GSW
HOU
IND
LAC
LAL
MIA
MIL
MIN
NJN
NYK
ORL
PHI
PHO
POR
SAC
SAS
SEA
UTA
WAS
Atlanta
—
1–3
2–0
0–5
2–3
0–2
1–1
3–2
2–0
2–0
2–3
1–1
0–2
4–0
3–2
1–1
2–2
1–3
5–0
2–2
0–2
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–1
2–2
Boston
3–1
—
2–0
2–2
3–1
1–1
1–1
2–2
1–1
2–0
1–3
1–1
0–2
5–0
2–2
1–1
5–1
4–1
4–0
3–2
1–1
0–2
2–0
1–1
2–0
1–1
2–3
Charlotte
0–2
0–2
—
0–2
1–1
1–3
3–2
0–2
2–2
1–4
1–1
2–2
0–4
1–1
0–2
2–2
1–1
1–1
1–1
0–2
1–3
0–4
1–3
0–5
0–4
0–5
0–2
Chicago
5–0
2–2
2–0
—
5–0
2–0
1–1
1–4
2–0
1–1
2–3
1–1
1–1
4–0
4–1
2–0
3–1
3–1
3–2
2–2
2–0
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–1
0–2
3–1
Cleveland
3–2
1–3
1–1
0–5
—
0–2
0–2
1–4
1–1
0–2
3–2
1–1
1–1
4–0
3–2
1–1
4–0
2–2
4–1
2–2
1–1
1–1
2–0
1–1
1–1
1–1
3–1
Dallas
2–0
1–1
3–1
0–2
2–0
—
2–3
1–1
3–1
4–1
2–0
3–1
0–4
2–0
1–1
4–1
2–0
1–1
2–0
1–1
1–3
0–4
3–1
3–2
2–2
1–3
1–1
Denver
1–1
1–1
2–3
1–1
2–0
3–2
—
0–2
2–2
4–1
0–2
2–2
0–4
2–0
1–1
5–0
2–0
1–1
2–0
1–1
1–3
2–2
4–0
1–3
2–2
0–4
1–1
Detroit
2–3
2–2
2–0
4–1
4–1
1–1
2–0
—
1–1
1–1
4–1
1–1
1–1
3–1
3–2
2–0
4–0
4–0
5–0
1–3
2–0
1–1
2–0
1–1
1–1
1–1
4–0
Golden State
0–2
1–1
2–2
0–2
1–1
1–3
2–2
1–1
—
2–2
1–1
3–1
1–4
2–0
1–1
3–1
2–0
0–2
2–0
1–1
0–5
2–2
3–2
1–3
2–3
2–2
1–1
Houston
0–2
0–2
4–1
1–1
2–0
1–4
1–4
1–1
2–2
—
1–1
2–2
2–2
1–1
1–1
2–2
1–1
1–1
2–0
1–1
2–2
1–3
4–0
2–2
2–2
3–2
1–1
Indiana
3–2
3–1
1–1
3–2
2–3
0–2
2–0
1–4
1–1
1–1
—
0–2
0–2
3–1
3–2
1–1
4–0
1–3
4–1
0–4
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–1
3–1
L.A. Clippers
1–1
1–1
2–2
1–1
1–1
1–3
2–2
1–1
1–3
2–2
2–0
—
1–4
0–2
1–1
3–1
2–0
0–2
2–0
0–2
0–4
0–5
2–3
0–4
3–2
0–4
1–1
L.A. Lakers
2–0
2–0
4–0
1–1
1–1
4–0
4–0
1–1
4–1
2–2
2–0
4–1
—
2–0
1–1
4–0
2–0
2–0
1–1
1–1
3–1
2–3
5–0
2–2
4–0
2–2
1–1
Miami
0–4
0–5
1–1
0–4
0–4
0–2
0–2
1–3
0–2
1–1
1–3
2–0
0–2
—
2–2
1–1
1–4
1–5
3–1
0–5
0–2
0–2
1–1
0–2
0–2
1–1
2–3
Milwaukee
2–3
2–2
2–0
1–4
2–3
1–1
1–1
2–3
1–1
1–1
2–3
1–1
1–1
2–2
—
2–0
4–0
2–2
5–0
1–3
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–1
2–0
0–2
3–1
Minnesota
1–1
1–1
2–2
0–2
1–1
1–4
0–5
0–2
1–3
2–2
1–1
1–3
0–4
1–1
0–2
—
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–1
0–4
1–3
2–2
1–4
1–3
0–5
1–1
New Jersey
2–2
1–5
1–1
1–3
0–4
0–2
0–2
0–4
0–2
1–1
0–4
0–2
0–2
4–1
0–4
1–1
—
1–4
1–3
1–4
0–2
0–2
1–1
0–2
0–2
0–2
2–3
New York
3–1
1–4
1–1
1–3
2–2
1–1
1–1
0–4
2–0
1–1
3–1
2–0
0–2
5–1
2–2
1–1
4–1
—
2–2
2–3
1–1
0–2
2–0
1–1
1–1
1–1
5–0
Orlando
0–5
0–4
1–1
2–3
1–4
0–2
0–2
0–5
0–2
0–2
1–4
0–2
1–1
1–3
0–5
1–1
3–1
2–2
—
2–2
0–2
0–2
1–1
1–1
0–2
1–1
0–4
Philadelphia
2–2
2–3
2–0
2–2
2–2
1–1
1–1
3–1
1–1
1–1
4–0
2–0
1–1
5–0
3–1
1–1
4–1
3–2
2–2
—
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–1
5–1
Phoenix
2–0
1–1
3–1
0–2
1–1
3–1
3–1
0–2
5–0
2–2
1–1
4–0
1–3
2–0
1–1
4–0
2–0
1–1
2–0
1–1
—
2–3
5–0
0–4
3–2
3–1
2–0
Portland
1–1
2–0
4–0
1–1
1–1
4–0
2–2
1–1
2–2
3–1
1–1
5–0
3–2
2–0
1–1
3–1
2–0
2–0
2–0
1–1
3–2
—
4–0
3–1
3–2
2–2
1–1
Sacramento
1–1
0–2
3–1
1–1
0–2
1–3
0–4
0–2
2–3
0–4
1–1
3–2
0–5
1–1
1–1
2–2
1–1
0–2
1–1
1–1
0–5
0–4
—
0–4
2–2
1–3
1–1
San Antonio
1–1
1–1
5–0
1–1
1–1
2–3
3–1
1–1
3–1
2–2
1–1
4–0
2–2
2–0
1–1
4–1
2–0
1–1
1–1
1–1
4–0
1–3
4–0
—
3–1
3–2
2–0
Seattle
1–1
0–2
4–0
1–1
1–1
2–2
2–2
1–1
3–2
2–2
1–1
2–3
0–4
2–0
0–2
3–1
2–0
1–1
2–0
1–1
2–3
2–3
2–2
1–3
—
1–3
2–0
Utah
1–1
1–1
5–0
2–0
1–1
3–1
4–0
1–1
2–2
2–3
1–1
4–0
2–2
1–1
2–0
5–0
2–0
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–3
2–2
3–1
2–3
3–1
—
2–0
Washington
2–2
3–2
2–0
1–3
1–3
1–1
1–1
0–4
1–1
1–1
1–3
1–1
1–1
3–2
1–3
1–1
3–2
0–5
4–0
1–5
0–2
1–1
1–1
0–2
0–2
0–2
—
Schedule
#
Date
Opponent
W/L
Score
Record
Streak
1
November 3, 1989
Cleveland Cavaliers
W
124–119 (OT)
1–0
Won 1
2
November 4, 1989
Boston Celtics
L
100–102
1–1
Lost 1
3
November 7, 1989
Detroit Pistons
W
117–114
2–1
Won 1
4
November 8, 1989
@ Minnesota Timberwolves
W
96–84
3–1
Won 2
5
November 10, 1989
@ New Jersey Nets
L
107–117
3–2
Lost 1
6
November 11, 1989
Seattle SuperSonics
W
109–102
4–2
Won 1
7
November 14, 1989
@ Sacramento Kings
W
96–94
5–2
Won 2
8
November 15, 1989
@ Utah Jazz
L
107–108
5–3
Lost 1
9
November 18, 1989
@ Seattle SuperSonics
L
110–119
5–4
Lost 2
10
November 21, 1989
@ Portland Trail Blazers
L
110–121
5–5
Lost 3
11
November 22, 1989
@ Phoenix Suns
W
95–90
6–5
Won 1
12
November 25, 1989
@ Golden State Warriors
W
104–91
7–5
Won 2
13
November 26, 1989
@ Los Angeles Clippers
L
96–120
7–6
Lost 1
14
November 28, 1989
Atlanta Hawks
W
113–98
8–6
Won 1
15
December 2, 1989
@ Miami Heat
W
114–107
9–6
Won 2
16
December 5, 1989
Denver Nuggets
W
119–99
10–6
Won 3
17
December 8, 1989
@ Indiana Pacers
L
104–106
10–7
Lost 1
18
December 9, 1989
Philadelphia 76ers
W
125–105
11–7
Won 1
19
December 12, 1989
Dallas Mavericks
W
105–97
12–7
Won 2
20
December 14, 1989
Orlando Magic
W
124–113
13–7
Won 3
21
December 16, 1989
Charlotte Hornets
W
115–104
14–7
Won 4
22
December 19, 1989
Los Angeles Lakers
W
93–83
15–7
Won 5
23
December 20, 1989
@ Orlando Magic
L
109–110
15–8
Lost 1
24
December 22, 1989
@ Atlanta Hawks
W
125–113
16–8
Won 1
25
December 23, 1989
@ Philadelphia 76ers
L
104–131
16–9
Lost 1
26
December 26, 1989
Minnesota Timberwolves
W
112–99
17–9
Won 1
27
December 29, 1989
San Antonio Spurs
W
101–97
18–9
Won 2
28
December 30, 1989
@ Washington Bullets
W
117–112 (OT)
19–9
Won 3
29
January 3, 1990
@ Cleveland Cavaliers
W
93–87
20–9
Won 4
30
January 5, 1990
Orlando Magic
W
127–116
21–9
Won 5
31
January 6, 1990
@ Milwaukee Bucks
L
111–118
21–10
Lost 1
32
January 9, 1990
@ Detroit Pistons
L
90–100
21–11
Lost 2
33
January 10, 1990
@ Indiana Pacers
L
113–120
21–12
Lost 3
34
January 12, 1990
@ Charlotte Hornets
W
107–95
22–12
Won 1
35
January 13, 1990
Los Angeles Clippers
W
117–111
23–12
Won 2
36
January 15, 1990
@ New York Knicks
L
106–109
23–13
Lost 1
37
January 18, 1990
Golden State Warriors
W
132–107
24–13
Won 1
38
January 19, 1990
@ Atlanta Hawks
W
92–84
25–13
Won 2
39
January 21, 1990
New York Knicks
W
117–109
26–13
Won 3
40
January 23, 1990
Detroit Pistons
L
95–107
26–14
Lost 1
41
January 26, 1990
@ Philadelphia 76ers
L
109–120
26–15
Lost 2
42
January 27, 1990
New Jersey Nets
W
110–107
27–15
Won 1
43
January 29, 1990
Atlanta Hawks
W
121–111
28–15
Won 2
44
February 1, 1990
@ Houston Rockets
L
112–139
28–16
Lost 1
45
February 3, 1990
@ San Antonio Spurs
L
111–112
28–17
Lost 2
46
February 7, 1990
@ Los Angeles Lakers
L
103–121
28–18
Lost 3
47
February 8, 1990
@ Denver Nuggets
L
98–123
28–19
Lost 4
48
February 13, 1990
@ Miami Heat
W
107–95
29–19
Won 1
49
February 14, 1990
@ Orlando Magic
L
129–135 (OT)
29–20
Lost 1
50
February 16, 1990
Miami Heat
W
119–105
30–20
Won 1
51
February 18, 1990
@ Milwaukee Bucks
W
111–88
31–20
Won 2
52
February 19, 1990
Houston Rockets
W
107–102
32–20
Won 3
53
February 23, 1990
Portland Trail Blazers
W
113–102
33–20
Won 4
54
February 25, 1990
@ New Jersey Nets
W
107–106 (OT)
34–20
Won 5
55
February 27, 1990
Milwaukee Bucks
W
106–96
35–20
Won 6
56
March 2, 1990
New Jersey Nets
W
112–91
36–20
Won 7
57
March 4, 1990
@ Boston Celtics
W
118–114
37–20
Won 8
58
March 6, 1990
@ Milwaukee Bucks
W
114–105
38–20
Won 9
59
March 8, 1990
Utah Jazz
L
94–98
38–21
Lost 1
60
March 10, 1990
Indiana Pacers
W
117–105
39–21
Won 1
61
March 13, 1990
@ New York Knicks
W
111–108
40–21
Won 2
62
March 16, 1990
Detroit Pistons
L
81–106
40–22
Lost 1
63
March 17, 1990
Philadelphia 76ers
W
114–109
41–22
Won 1
64
March 20, 1990
Washington Bullets
W
122–97
42–22
Won 2
65
March 21, 1990
@ Atlanta Hawks
W
99–89
43–22
Won 3
66
March 23, 1990
Cleveland Cavaliers
W
102–95
44–22
Won 4
67
March 24, 1990
Sacramento Kings
L
113–116
44–23
Lost 1
68
March 26, 1990
Phoenix Suns
W
121–92
45–23
Won 1
69
March 28, 1990
@ Cleveland Cavaliers
W
117–113 (OT)
46–23
Won 2
70
March 30, 1990
New York Knicks
W
107–106 (OT)
47–23
Won 3
71
April 1, 1990
Miami Heat
W
111–103
48–23
Won 4
72
April 3, 1990
Indiana Pacers
W
109–102
49–23
Won 5
73
April 5, 1990
Orlando Magic
W
111–104
50–23
Won 6
74
April 7, 1990
@ Dallas Mavericks
W
109–108
51–23
Won 7
75
April 11, 1990
Cleveland Cavaliers
W
107–86
52–23
Won 8
76
April 13, 1990
Milwaukee Bucks
W
116–106
53–23
Won 9
77
April 14, 1990
@ Washington Bullets
L
103–113
53–24
Lost 1
78
April 16, 1990
@ Indiana Pacers
L
102–111
53–25
Lost 2
79
April 17, 1990
Boston Celtics
W
111–105
54–25
Won 1
80
April 19, 1990
Washington Bullets
W
120–117
55–25
Won 2
81
April 20, 1990
@ Boston Celtics
L
116–120
55–26
Lost 1
82
April 22, 1990
@ Detroit Pistons
L
106–111
55–27
Lost 2
Playoffs
1990 playoff game log
First Round: 3–1 (home: 2–0; road: 1–1)
Conference semifinals: 4–1 (home: 3–0; road: 1–1)
Conference finals: 3–4 (home: 3–0; road: 0–4)
1990 schedule
Player statistics
Regular season
Playoffs
† Denotes player spent time with another team in the season. Stats reflect time with the Bulls only.
Awards and records
Transactions
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(January 2013 )
References
^ "1989-90 Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats" .
^ "Collins Conflicts with Krause, Reinsdorf Told; Jackson Leads for Job" . United Press International . July 7, 1989. Retrieved January 31, 2023 .
^ Brunelli, Richard (July 7, 1989). "Jackson Leading Candidate for Bulls' Job" . United Press International . Retrieved November 23, 2022 .
^ Smith, Sam (July 10, 1989). "Phil Jackson Gets the Chicago Bulls Coaching Job in 1989" . Chicago Tribune . Retrieved September 22, 2022 .
^ "Bulls Elevate Phil Jackson to Head Coach" . The New York Times . Associated Press. July 11, 1989. Retrieved December 15, 2021 .
^ Goldaper, Sam (June 28, 1989). "Kings Take Ellison First in N.B.A. Draft; Clippers Pick Ferry" . The New York Times . Retrieved January 13, 2022 .
^ McManis, Sam (June 28, 1989). "THE NBA DRAFT: The Other Teams: Sacramento's Secret Is Out: It's Ellison" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved September 22, 2022 .
^ Cotton, Anthony (June 28, 1989). "Bullets Draft Hammonds" . The Washington Post . Retrieved December 31, 2022 .
^ "1989 NBA Draft" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved December 31, 2022 .
^ "NBA Games Played on February 8, 1990" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved November 23, 2022 .
^ "1989–90 Chicago Bulls Schedule and Results" . Basketball-Reference. Retrieved December 9, 2021 .
^ McManis, Sam (May 22, 1990). "Magic Repeats in MVP Vote; Barkley Is 2nd: Pro Basketball: Johnson Is the First Back-to-Back Winner Since Larry Bird. Michael Jordan Finishes a Close Third" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved November 23, 2022 .
^ Florence, Mal (May 23, 1990). "MVP Voting Is the Closest in 10 Years: Pro Basketball: Magic Johnson Wins It Again, Although Barkley Gets More First-Place Votes. Jordan Finishes Third" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved November 23, 2022 .
^ "SPORTS PEOPLE: PRO BASKETBALL; M.V.P. Controversy" . The New York Times . May 23, 1990. Retrieved November 23, 2022 .
^ "1989–90 NBA Awards Voting" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved November 23, 2022 .
^ Howard-Cooper, Scott (February 11, 1990). "NBA ALL-STAR GAME: Entire Family Is Back Together--Almost" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved November 23, 2022 .
^ "Bird, Johnson Return Magic to All-Star Game" . Sun Sentinel . February 11, 1990. Retrieved November 15, 2023 .
^ "1990 NBA All-Star Recap" . NBA.com . NBA.com Staff. September 13, 2021. Retrieved November 15, 2023 .
^ "1990 NBA All-Star Game: East 130, West 113" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved December 9, 2021 .
^ "1989–90 Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats" . Basketball-Reference. Retrieved December 14, 2021 .
^ "Bulls Go to Next Round: NBA Playoffs: Chicago Plays Tough Inside and Clinches Series in Milwaukee, 110-86" . Los Angeles Times . Associated Press. May 4, 1990. Retrieved December 31, 2022 .
^ Smith, Sam (May 4, 1990). "Bulls Get Tough, K.O. the Bucks" . Chicago Tribune . Retrieved December 7, 2021 .
^ "Bulls, Lakers Move Along in NBA Playoffs" . Deseret News . Associated Press. May 4, 1990. Retrieved September 20, 2022 .
^ "1990 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Bucks vs. Bulls" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved April 9, 2023 .
^ Brown, Clifton (May 17, 1990). "Jordan and Bulls Have a Date with Pistons" . The New York Times . Retrieved December 7, 2021 .
^ Wilbon, Michael (May 17, 1990). "Bulls Send 76ers Packing" . The Washington Post . Retrieved December 31, 2022 .
^ "Bulls Shut Door on Sixers, 117-99" . Tampa Bay Times . May 17, 1990. Retrieved September 20, 2022 .
^ "1990 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals: 76ers vs. Bulls" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved April 9, 2023 .
^ Goldaper, Sam (June 4, 1990). "Piston Defense Reigns Supreme" . The New York Times . Retrieved December 7, 2021 .
^ Howard-Cooper, Scott (June 4, 1990). "Pistons: Job Still to Be Done: Pro Basketball: Detroit Finishes Chicago, 93-74, But the Celebration Is Muted, Because NBA Final Series with Portland Is Ahead" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved November 23, 2022 .
^ Harris, John (June 4, 1990). "Pistons Bury Bulls with Early Flurry in 93-74 Victory" . Deseret News . Retrieved September 20, 2022 .
^ "1990 NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Bulls vs. Pistons" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved April 9, 2023 .
^ Barnes, Mike (June 14, 1990). "Pistons 92, Trail Blazers 90" . United Press International . Retrieved December 30, 2022 .
^ Brown, Clifton (June 15, 1990). "Pistons Rally to Repeat as N.B.A. Champions" . The New York Times . Retrieved September 22, 2022 .
^ McManis, Sam (June 15, 1990). "Vinnie, Vidi, Vici: Pistons Repeat Feat: NBA Finals: Johnson Hits Game-Winner in Last Second as Detroit Rallies from Seven-Point Deficit for a 92-90 Victory. Thomas Is the Unanimous Choice as MVP" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved September 22, 2022 .
^ Aldridge, David (June 15, 1990). "In Final Second, Pistons Win Second Finals" . The Washington Post . Retrieved September 22, 2022 .
^ "1990 NBA Finals: Trail Blazers vs. Pistons" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved April 9, 2023 .
^ "Basketball; 69 Points for Jordan" . The New York Times . Associated Press. March 29, 1990. Retrieved November 23, 2022 .
^ "Among Jordan's Great Games, This Was It" . Los Angeles Times . Associated Press. March 29, 1990. Retrieved November 23, 2022 .
^ "Jordan Gets 69 Points in OT Win" . The Washington Post . March 29, 1990. Retrieved November 23, 2022 .
^ Smith, Sam (March 29, 1990). "Jordan Pours in 69" . Chicago Tribune . Retrieved November 23, 2022 .
^ "Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers Box Score, March 28, 1990" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved April 9, 2023 .
^ "1989–90 NBA Awards Voting" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved December 15, 2021 .
^ "M.V.P. Controversy" . The New York Times . May 23, 1990. Retrieved January 19, 2022 .
^ Ashish Mathur (August 2, 2021). "Michael Jordan Scored Career-High 69 Points Against Cavs Because Fans Cheered After He Got Hurt: 'That Right There Pissed Me Off, That's When I Went Crazy' " . Sportscasting. Retrieved January 22, 2022 .
^ Povtak, Tim (February 15, 1990). "Orlando Thief Gets Jordan's Number" . Orlando Sentinel . Retrieved January 19, 2022 .
^ Cooper, Barry (February 15, 1990). "Magic Steal One from Bulls Despite Jordan's 49, Fired-Up Orlando Wins in OT, 135-129" . Orlando Sentinel . Retrieved November 23, 2022 .
^ Harris, John (February 15, 1990). "Magic Tops Bulls in OT, 135-129; Orlando Overcomes Jordan's 49 Behind Catledge, Theus and Skiles" . Tampa Bay Times . Retrieved November 23, 2022 .
^ "Orlando Magic Reveal Real Story of Michael Jordan No. 12 Jersey Game" . NBC Sports . April 21, 2020. Retrieved November 23, 2022 .
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