Golden State made history on Wednesday night, finishing with the best regular season record in NBA history at 73-9. They eclipsed the 1995-96 Bulls, who previously held the record at 72-10.
Chicago cruised through the playoffs that season en route to winning the NBA Finals over Seattle, and would follow that up by winning the next two titles.
Golden State, looking to defend its crown from last year, seeks to finish off its historic season with another championship.
For years, the ’95-96 Bulls regular season record seemed indomitable; however, now that Golden State has surpassed that mark, basketball fans are left wondering which of the two teams would emerge victorious in a head-to-head matchup.
For years, the ’95-96 Bulls regular season record seemed indomitable; however, now that Golden State has surpassed that mark, basketball fans are left wondering which of the two teams would emerge victorious in a head-to-head matchup.
Strat-O-Matic settled the score once and for all with a simulation of a best-of-seven series between the two teams. Here were the results:
GAME 1
Chicago: 86
Golden State: 107
RECAP: Golden State makes a big statement in Game 1, shooting 47% from the field against the vaunted Chicago defense. Golden State has five players score in double figures (Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala and Marreese Speights). Michael Jordan scores 40 points in the losing effort.
GAME 2
Chicago: 125
Golden State: 111
RECAP: Chicago bounces back in Game 2, blowing out Golden State on their home floor. Six players score in double figures. Jordan narrowly misses a triple-double, finishing with 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists. Scottie Pippen also puts together a great fantasy line, scoring 29 points to go along with 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Steve Kerr scores 14 points on 6-9 shooting from the field against his future squad. The Splash Brothers Curry and Thompson each score 31 points in the losing effort.
GAME 3
Golden State: 90
Chicago: 113
RECAP: Jordan leads all scorers with 33 points as Chicago dominates at home. Pippen contributes with 28 points of his own and Rodman pulls down 13 rebounds.
GAME 4
Golden State: 107
Chicago: 92
RECAP: Golden State takes back home court advantage with an impressive 15-point victory on the road. Curry displays his MVP form with 26 points and a whopping 16 assists. Harrison Barnes plays his best game of the series with 17 points and 5 rebounds. The defense locks down Jordan, who shoots just 8-21 from the field.
GAME 5
Chicago: 97
Golden State: 100
RECAP: The first close game of the series goes to the Warriors. Golden State leads by as much as 19 points in the second half before a furious comeback by the Bulls. Jordan and Pippen combine for 62 of the team’s 97 points, but come up just short against Golden State’s well-balanced attack. Curry scores 26, Thompson nets 24 and Andrew Bogut and Iguodala contribute with 12 and 10, respectively.
GAME 6
Golden State: 114
Chicago: 116
RECAP: Game 6 at the United Center will forever be known as “The Jordan Game” in the simulation world. With his team facing elimination, Jordan completely takes over the game, scoring 56 points on 21-35 from the field. To top it off, with 8 seconds remaining and the game tied, he hits a game-winning pull-up jumper at the buzzer to send the series back to Golden State for a decisive Game 7.
GAME 7
Chicago: 101
Golden State: 99
RECAP: Game 7 provides all of the drama a basketball fan could ask for. After Golden State jumps out to a 32-21 lead, Chicago comes roaring back in the second quarter to take a four point lead. Golden State responds in the third quarter by putting up 34 points and taking a one point lead. After numerous lead changes in the fourth quarter, Chicago hangs on to win after Curry misfires on what would have been a game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer. Chicago wins the series in 7 games.
CHICAGO WINS SERIES (4-3)
SERIES LEADERS
Points
Chicago: Michael Jordan, 35.0 ppg
Golden State: Stephen Curry, 25.6 ppg
Rebounds
Chicago: Dennis Rodman, 12.5 rpg
Golden State: Draymond Green, 8.7 rpg
Assists
Chicago: Scottie Pippen, 6.1 apg
Golden State: Stephen Curry, 8.4 apg
Steals
Chicago: Michael Jordan, 2.0 spg
Golden State: Stephen Curry, 1.9 spg
Blocks
Chicago: Luc Longley, 0.7 bpg
Golden State: Andrew Bogut, 2.1 bpg
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