One of the Bulls’ major concerns entering this chest-to-chest Eastern Conference final against Indiana was the Pacers’ renowned bench strength, featuring Antonio Davis, Jalen Rose, Derrick McKey and Travis Best.
Sunday, the Indiana reserves managed to outscore the Bulls’ bench 30-19, yet the Bulls managed to win the game 85-79 at the United Center.
The Bulls’ trump card turned out to be forward Dennis Rodman, who had 11 points and 10 rebounds. More significantly, Rodman, who didn’t start, sparked a dormant team that shot only 27 percent in the first half and appeared destined to slip into an even deeper abyss.
“Dennis played a great basketball game,” Indiana coach Larry Bird said. “He energized them. He’s a great rebounder. He caused a lot of problems out there. And he got out on the break and got a few baskets. He causes havoc out there. It’s real hard to get a rebound when he’s in the game.”
Outside of Rodman, the Bulls’ bench provided only eight points, four by Randy Brown and two each by Bill Wennington and Scott Burrell. Steve Kerr, Jud Buechler and Dickey Simpkins went scoreless, doing little to engender confidence from coach Phil Jackson.
Despite their poor shooting, the Bulls trailed only 40-37 at the half. A 10-0 run early in the third period brought the Bulls out of their doldrums.
“It was an amazing defensive performance by our starters coming out in the third quarter, and that turned the game around,” Kerr said.
“With our turnovers and missed shots, yes, I think we let them off the hook a little bit,” Bird said. “They took away a lot of things we were trying to do out there, and really, they just played better when they had to.”
Though their offensive production was minimal, the Bulls’ backups made a contribution by tightening the defensive screws.
“We did a lot to deny Rik Smits the ball in the post,” Wennington said. “With Luc (Longley) and myself, we made it difficult for him to get the ball.”
The Pacers’ bench was led by Antonio Davis (12 points). Rose and Best had seven each, and McKey, who picked up three quick fouls in the first half, finished with four.
“We have to find a way to get into our offense faster,” Rose said. “Someone has to come up and give some screens.”
Jackson crossed up the Pacers by assigning forward Scottie Pippen to guard point guard Mark Jackson.
“They had us off balance all game long,” Bird said. “It seemed like Chicago was just toying with us. Every time we would get close, they would extend it out. Defensively they’re the best.”
