The Bulls forced the Pacers into 26 turnovers, including 19 steals, and had a 15-7 advantage in offensive rebounds.
The Bulls were within three points at halftime even though Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Toni Kukoc shot a combined 3 for 24.
Dennis Rodman was the Bulls’ leading scorer in the first half with nine points. Michael Jordan had six, shooting 1 for 9.
OPENING TIP
Sunday marked the Bulls’ eighth appearance in the Eastern Conference finals. Counting the Game 1 victory, they are 26-13 in the round, including a 16-4 mark at home. The Bulls have won 10 straight home games in the Eastern Conference finals. The Bulls have won five of their seven previous Eastern Conference finals appearances, including five straight. Indiana is making its third career Eastern Conference finals appearance and counting Sunday’s loss is 6-9 overall.
DEFINING MOMENT
The Bulls were leading 66-65 when Michael Jordan scored seven straight points. He capped the run with a marvelous three-point play with 7 minutes 25 seconds remaining, giving the Bulls a 73-65 lead.
TREND-SPOTTING
The best-of-seven playoff format has been used 257 times since the NBA’s inaugural season in 1946-47, and the team with home-court advantage has prevailed in 193 series, or 75 percent. … Jordan leads all playoff scorers at 32.1 points per game, Dennis Rodman leads all playoff rebounders at 16.1 per game and Indiana’s Mark Jackson is the top assist man at 10.2 per playoff outing. … Scottie Pippen played in his 166th career playoff game, passing Bill Russell for 11th place on the NBA’s career list. … Jordan scored at least 30 points in his third straight postseason game.
HISTORY
The Bulls’ record after Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals in their championship seasons:
1990-91: Bulls 94, Detroit 83 (Bulls led series, 1-0)
1991-92: Bulls 103, Cleveland 89 (Bulls led series, 1-0)
1992-93: N.Y. Knicks 98, Bulls 90 (Knicks led series, 1-0)
1995-96: Bulls 121, Orlando 83 (Bulls led series, 1-0)
1996-97: Bulls 84, Miami 77 (Bulls led series, 1-0)
TUESDAY
Same place, different time. The Bulls practice Monday, then return to the United Center for Game 2 on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. (Fox Sports Chicago, WMVP-AM 1000, WIND-AM 560). The Bulls have taken 2-0 leads in the past two Eastern Conference finals, and they will be shooting to repeat that feat.
