“72 WINS, NO MERCY: THE 1995–96 CHICAGO BULLS AND THE GREATEST SEASON IN NBA HISTORY”
CHICAGO — Flashback to 1995–96 — When the Chicago Bulls stepped onto the court that season, they weren’t just playing basketball — they were rewriting history. With a record-shattering 72–10 regular-season run and a dominant 15–3 postseason, this Bulls squad didn’t just win — they crushed legacies, silenced doubters, and cemented their place as arguably the greatest NBA team of all time.
Led by the incomparable Michael Jordan, the relentless Scottie Pippen, the ferocious Dennis Rodman, and under the tactical brilliance of Phil Jackson, the 1995–96 Bulls team was a perfect storm of talent, grit, and championship DNA.
🐐 Jordan’s Return — Not Just a Comeback, A Conquest
This was Michael Jordan’s first full season back after his initial retirement and brief baseball stint — and he returned with a vengeance.
NBA MVP
All-Star MVP
Finals MVP
Scoring Champion (30.4 PPG)
Jordan didn’t just reassert himself as the best player in the world — he obliterated all narratives that his time had passed. The killer instinct, the polished fadeaway, the fire in his eyes — it was all back.
Regular Season Rampage (72–10)
The Bulls set a then-NBA record of 72 wins — a mark no team had ever reached before and only surpassed once (Warriors’ 73–9 in 2015–16, though they lost the Finals).
Their record included:
33–0 when leading after three quarters
10+ game winning streaks multiple times
A defensive rating that ranked #1 in the league
Margin of victory: +12.2 PPG, one of the highest in league history
Dominant Playoff Run (15–3)
Their postseason wasn’t a breeze — it was a gauntlet. But the Bulls rose to every challenge:
🔹 First Round: Miami Heat (3–0 Sweep)
Key Opponents: Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway
Jordan averaged 30.3 PPG in the sweep, setting the tone early.
🔹 Eastern Semis: New York Knicks (4–1 Win)
Key Opponents: Patrick Ewing, John Starks
A physical series against a long-time rival, but the Bulls’ depth and execution proved too much.
🔹 Eastern Finals: Orlando Magic (4–0 Sweep)
Key Opponents: Shaquille O’Neal, Penny Hardaway (60-win team)
Revenge was sweet after losing to Orlando the year prior. The Bulls annihilated the Magic, showing no mercy.
🔹 NBA Finals: Seattle SuperSonics (4–2)
Key Opponents: Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp (64-win team)
Despite a late fightback from Seattle in Games 4 & 5, the Bulls clinched the championship on Father’s Day — an emotional moment for Jordan, honoring his late father.
The Masterminds Behind the Magic
Phil Jackson: The Zen Master masterfully balanced egos and personalities. His triangle offense unlocked the full potential of the roster.
Scottie Pippen: The ultimate two-way wing — defender, facilitator, and co-leader.
Dennis Rodman: Rebounding genius, defensive anchor, and unmatched energy.
Role players like Toni Kukoč, Ron Harper, Luc Longley, and Steve Kerr brought balance, experience, and big-time plays in key moments.
The Legacy
The 1995–96 Bulls:
First team to win 70+ games and an NBA title
Defeated two 60+ win teams in the same postseason
Dominated an Eastern Conference stacked with Hall of Famers
Laid the foundation for a second three-peat (1996–1998)
Michael Jordan’s Finals MVP was his fourth of six
Final Word
When historians debate the greatest team in NBA history, the 1995–96 Bulls don’t just come up — they set the standard. They weren’t just better than everyone else — they were miles ahead, redefining dominance, intensity, and execution at every level.
They didn’t just play to win.
They played to destroy.
And they did.
