Dodging Bullets: How Jordan and Pippen Got By Washington in a 1997 Playoff Masterclass

The 1997 NBA Playoffs matched the 69-13 Chicago Bulls against the 8th-seeded Washington Bullets. On paper, it seemed like a mismatch. In reality, it became one of the most competitive sweeps in playoff history. From Jordan's 55-point performance to Pippen's series-clinching dunk, this is the complete story of a playoff matchup that meant more than the 3-0 scoreline suggests.

This video essay follows the Bulls' pursuit of their 5th championship alongside the human stories that made this series special. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen's evolving friendship, Dennis Rodman's off-court controversies, the reunion of Michigan's Fab Five stars in Washington, and how this series marked the end of the "Bullets" era before the franchise rebranded as the Wizards.

Written and Edited by Tarik Arslan

TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Introduction
01:26 - Bulls Dynasty Context
02:44 - Introducing Washington Bullets
05:38 - Jordan and Pippen bromance
07:26 - Game 1
10:48 - Game 2 (Jordan scores 55 points)
14:30 Game 3 (Pippen's game winning dunk)
17:34 Aftermath

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