Episode 3
The third episode covers a myriad of interesting topics. We finally get to learn about the personal and professional story of Dennis Rodman. Viewers also get a look at Doug Collins, the coach of the Bulls before Phil Jackson, and his dynamic with Michael Jordan. The episode also highlights the 1989 playoffs.
Reasons to Watch:
- The Worm. Dennis Rodman’s backstory and journey to becoming an NBA player is briefly explained, but is an incredible story. They also document Rodman as a member of the Detroit Pistons. If you want more Rodman than shown, ESPN previously aired a 30 for 30 in 2019, titled “Rodman: For Better or Worse”.
- Jordan and the Playoff Bulls in 1989. You’re able to relive “The Shot” over the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Craig Ehlo in Game 5. We also see highlights from that entire series. The episode provides past and present commentary from players and coaches of both teams involved in the Bulls’ Eastern Conference Finals battle versus the Bad Boys of Detroit.
- Coach Collins. Learn about Doug Collins’s coaching philosophy and passion to win, how he was able to use that to gain Michael’s respect, and ultimately lead the Bulls. In addition to learning about his coaching, Collins lists the accolades Jordan achieved while under his regime in the short time he coached him
- Come on in. Episode 2 ended with Scottie Pippen declaring that he would never play for the Bulls again. In Episode 3, the camera crew is let into Pippen’s hotel as he explains why the change of heart.
My top 3 favorite moments:
- Rodman explaining the art of rebounding and how he learned how to rebound by watching players’ shooting spins.
- The explanation from former Detroit Piston staff and players about the “Jordan Rules” and how it was executed.
- Michael Jordan telling the story about Dennis Rodman’s in-season vacation request with Phil Jackson, Scottie Pippen, and Rodman watching via cell phone.
Episode 4
In the fourth episode, we get Phil Jackson, Tex Winter, the triangle offense, the 1991 playoffs, more Rodman, saying goodbye to Doug Collins, and more. How they were able to squeeze all of this in an hour episode, I don’t know, but I thank them for it.
Reasons to Watch:
- Rodman’s 48-hour Vegas vacation. Episode 4 begins displaying how many hours Rodman was actually gone for. It then provided viewers with scenes on what he was doing during that time. We also get a story from his girlfriend at the time and Michael about who knocked on their hotel door days later. What happened in Vegas, didn’t stay in Vegas… for Rodman.
- Phil Jackson. Learning about Phil as a church kid, to his high school, college, and pro athlete days and accolades was an amazing ride to be a part of. Viewers also get to see his rise to being hired as Bulls’ Assistant Coach to Head Coach, and how Jerry Krause influenced these situations. The footage gathered to display all parts of his life is extraordinary and must be seen to be believed. Hola, Puerto Rico Phil.
- Triangle Offense. Also explained within the episode is the philosophy behind Bulls Assistant Coach Tex Winter’s triangle offense. Followed by Doug Collins’s refusal to use it, how Phil Jackson learned, adopted and mastered it, to Jordan’s dislike, and then eventual belief in it.
- 1991 Playoffs. The footage of the first championship in the Bulls dynasty included how Jordan’s actions motivated the team in the off-season before the 91 season, the Bulls 3rd straight Eastern Conference Finals match-up with the Pistons, including changing both teams respective mindsets plus Detroit’s game 4 “Walk Off”, and the match-up with the Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals.
- More Pip. Jordan talks about how he began to trust Scottie more, Pippen’s growth in becoming one of the best players in the league under the triangle offense, his defining offense and defense moments in the 91 playoffs and the migraine game in 1990.
My top 3 favorite moments:
- Horace Grant and Michael Jordan talking about Detroit’s Walk-Off is gold. Plus, seeing Michael Jordan’s in the moment reaction to what Isiah Thomas had to say about it is also great.
- The dancing on the plane from two people after the Bulls finally beat the Pistons in the playoffs.
- Michael Jordan throwing all types of shade on Scott Burrell on the way to Utah.
Episodes 5 & 6 will air next Sunday, at 9 and 10 PM on ESPN (explicit version) and ESPN (kid-friendly version).