The greatest game of all time ends, finally stopping a seemingly eternal rivalry.

The back courts were relatively evenly weighted. With Jordan scoring 40+ and Rose recording double digits in assists and points; the Chicago guards were key in keeping the game competitive. Jordan’s mid-range jumpshot was almost impossible to defend, and his drives to the basket produced and-one after and-one, even against the strong defence of Kobe Bryant.

The Bulls initially opted to run “Pick and Roll Continuity” to try and allow a route for Jordan to drive to the basket, or to leave Pippen open for a shot from the three point line. However, the mental stamina, intensity, and basketball IQ of the Lakers meant that the Bulls soon abandoned this system for the 1996, Jordan orientated, playbook. The Lakers elected to play help defence, allowing space for Rose to produce both from outside and inside the 3-point line.

The Lakers were very successful in the back court. The Bulls defensive strategy was damaged by Magic. Running the point, his passing is deadly and the Bulls had to counter this. Magic could not be stopped simply by Rose. Although Rose’s intensity would be a nuisance, he simply could not defend the 6’9 PG on his own. This left the Bulls with a dilemma. Pippen was proven at shutting down Magic, but this would leave Rose on either Baylor or Kobe. On one hand, there was a possibility of Rose defending Baylor, with support from Rodman. However, this would leave Kareem in space, with disastrous consequences. Kobe would also have a field day against Rose, and this could not be allowed. Therefore, the only possible option was to put Rose on Magic, and have Pippen play help defence, hoping to neutralise Magic. While Magic’s effect was limited, he still recorded over 10 assists, predominately lobs to Shaq. This also left Baylor in space, and he took advantage recording 20+ points in the game. Kobe had a limited effect. Michael Jordan dominated him, specifically using his brilliant perimeter defence, causing Kobe to take wild threes and drive to the paint looking for fouls. While he recorded good numbers, he did not perform as his ability should have allowed him to.

The game, however, was not won in the back court. Shaq and Kareem dominated the paint, recording huge numbers in all aspects. Kareem’s skyhook was often utilized in key moments, as it was guaranteed points for the Lakers. On the other hand, Shaq physicality alone should allow him to bully Noah, scoring time after time. But, with the support of Rodman, Shaq’s effect was also limited, with Rodman recording over 10 rebounds against the giants.

The Bulls’ Big Men were a lot less effective. Dennis Rodman was purely focused on defence, and his offensive use was mainly as a distraction or in Pick and Rolls. Noah too was good on defence, but again his offence was limited. He failed to record a single offensive rebound as he was dominated by Shaq and Kareem. He again was mainly used in Pick and Rolls and as a distraction.

The game started relatively even, with Jordan recording consistent points amongst a few 3’s from Pippen and dunks from Rose. The Lakers seemed to start with ease, almost overwhelmed by the sheer number of scoring options. Their offence was started by Magic, but he often quickly offloaded the ball to areas of space, leading to consistent points for the Lakers. While Jordan didn’t stop, the Lakers seemed in control, steaming ahead in all aspects of the game. They could almost pick and choose their best option, never without an opportunity to score. While Jordan attempted to drag the Bulls back in the fourth quarter, the sheer variety of options for the Lakers kept them ahead.

The Lakers won by over 20 points.