Episode 9
The penultimate episode of The Last Dance focuses on two playoff series, the NBA Finals of 1997 and the Eastern Conference Finals of 1998. We also get to learn more about a key role player in the second three-peat, and a security guard who was much more than his title.
Reasons to watch:
- 1998 Eastern Conference Finals versus the Indiana Pacers. Shown more in-depth are games one through four and the pivotal seventh game. The documentary shows the battles Michael Jordan had against Reggie Miller, adds Miller’s great storytelling along with his Pacers specific perspective, and shows how a jump ball and jump shot switched the momentum of Game 7.
- 1997 NBA Finals versus the Utah Jazz. Find out what motivated Michael in this series and why Utah gave the Bulls trouble.
- The Flu Game, or perhaps Food Poisoning Game. Learn the backstory about how Michael became ill and his performance that resulted in the iconic photo of Pippen helping Jordan back to the bench.
- Steve Kerr. Get to know Steve Kerr’s backstory, how his relationship with John Paxson helped him gain trust from Michael. Also, find out the unfortunate thing that Steve Kerr and Michael Jordan had in common.
- Gus Lett. Get to know Gus, the security guard that meant much more to Michael than being protecting him, especially after the passing of his dad
My top 3 moments:
- Reggie Miller’s Black Jesus story.
- Jordan’s recollection of Bryon Russell and what he said to make the list.
- Steve Kerr at 1997 Championship Parade
- BONUS: Larry Bird and Michael Jordan’s interaction after Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals
Episode 10
The final episode of The Last Dance presents the final hurdles the Chicago Bulls had in their quest to win their sixth championship and what transpired after the partying stopped.
Reasons to watch:
- 1998 NBA Finals versus the Utah Jazz. See why the Jazz were considered a more formidable opponent than the previous year.
- Yeah, Brother. Learn the story of Dennis Rodman’s missed practice and an unexcused trip to Michigan, the day after game three, to hang out with Hulk Hogan and the repercussions of it.
- Game 6 and the storylines. Witness how the Bulls were able to win the game despite Scottie Pippen’s nagging back injury, Utah building a large early lead, and Jordan running on empty entering the fourth quarter. Then seeing how all these circumstances culminated into “The Shot”.
- The Championship Parade of 1998. Hear and see Phil Jackson, Scottie Pippen, and Michael Jordan talking to the fans of Chicago, expressing gratitude but not promising the future.
- Don’t break up the band. Listen to Jerry Reinsdorf explain how he tried to get Phil Jackson to stay and why they were going to break up the team. With Jordan hearing this for the time, he shares why the team potentially could have come back and tried to win another title.
My top 3 moments:
- Bulls staff explaining and executing Rodman’s escape from the arena after practice.
- Seeing the players celebrate after winning the championship, especially Jordan at the piano.
- Michael Jordan and Bob Costas talking about “The Shot”.
- BONUS: The final montage of scenes the wrap up the series.