by The concept and message of Episode four is simple, everyone loves and listens to Phil Jackson. Except for Jerry Krause that is. Although it wasn’t always that way and this part does a great job laying everything out.
After losing to the Detroit Pistons in the 1989 Eastern Conference Finals, Krause fired head coach Doug Collins. His reasoning was that Collins refused to use the Tex Winter triangle offense. Krause and Winter both believed that Phil Jackson was the man for the job, and the triangle was born.
Jordan wasn’t happy, and this would take away from his scoring, but in the end, he and his teammates would benefit so he went with it. The results didn’t pay off right away but would eventually in major ways!
The Bulls returned to the Eastern Conference in 1990, but once again were defeated by the Pistons who outmuscled them. Adding to the issue, was Scottie Pippen not playing well in the decisive Game Seven in Detroit. Pippen had a migraine, that left him pretty much useless the entire game. A fact that didn’t seem to sit well with Jordan 30 years later.
Instead of a postseason vacation, the Bulls returned to work right away and decided to up their weight training. This was done in part to better hang with the Pistons, and it worked. Done were the days of them being bullied.
The strategy worked as they took down the Pistons in the 1991 Eastern Conference finals in four straight games. The Bulls were unstoppable, and this was truly the beginning of the dynasty. They were no longer bullied and the torch was officially passed in the East.
This scene is also important because it shows the clip of the Pistons refusing to shake hands with the Bulls and leaving the court with 7 seconds left on the clock.
A huge sign of disrespect that stills pissed off Jordan and his teammates to this day. Many believe that this cost Isiah Thomas his chance to play on the Dream Team in 92, as Jordan simply refused to play with him. Was it worth it Zeke?
The Bulls would then run through the Lakers in 5 games in the NBA Finals, and the rest is history. It was cool to go back and look at all the old footage as well. This documentary has been excellent thus far, not leaving anyone or anything out as the timeline plays out.
This episode also does an incredible job showing the stark contrast in Jerry Krause and his love of Jackson from 89 when he promoted him to head coach, to 1997 when he wanted him out at all costs, even with the risk of losing Jordan for good. The episode ends with Krause once again doubling down on his stance, as the distracted Bulls blow a big lead on the road in Utah.
I give night two of the five-part series 5 out of 5 stars. It was excellent again with the past and present woven perfectly. I absolutely love how honest everyone is, and no punches have been pulled.
On to night three next Sunday.
