Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 17, 1990 TAG: 9005170488
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-1 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: CHICAGO LENGTH: Medium
"The challenge from Detroit is immense," Chicago coach Phil Jackson said. "We've been looking ahead to this all season."
The best-of-seven NBA Eastern Conference final opens with games in Detroit on Sunday and Tuesday. After a short lapse, the series resumes with games in Chicago on May 26 and May 28.
Last year, the Pistons defeated the Bulls in six games in the conference final.
Michael Jordan scored 37 points and Scottie Pippen added 29 Wednesday night in leading the Bulls to a 117-99 victory to eliminate the 76ers in the second round of the series 4-1.
Jordan was pleased but surprised that the Bulls were able to knock off the 76ers so quickly.
Pleased that "we'll get some rest before we go against Detroit," said Jordan, but surprised "because I was expecting a seven-game series."
He added, "I thought it would be tougher to control [Charles] Barkley, and [Rick] Mahorn wasn't a very big factor."
As usual in this series, the 76ers went in front early with several seven-point leads in the first quarter and a 63-62 halftime advantage.
Then Jordan and Pippen, who did not start after missing Sunday's game and several practices because of his father's death, led a 14-2 run at the start of the second half, and it was all over.
The Bulls held the 76ers to 36 second-half points.
"Our defense was really intense, especially in the second half," said Jordan.
Ron Anderson, a non-starter, led the 76ers with 20 points. Mike Gminski and Johnny Dawkins had 18 each and Barkley finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds.
Pippen, though, was a big difference.
"Scottie Pippen was great. I could not have asked for more considering the situation," Jackson said.
Pippen said, "I dedicated this game to my father, and it was a good return for me. I appreciate walking on the floor and having the crowd reaction. It really pumped me up."
Mahorn, who played for the Pistons last year and managed only 40 points in the entire series this year, picks Detroit to again defeat Chicago.
"The Bulls played well and frustrated us with their defense," said Mahorn. "They have more experience than last year, but `the boys' (Detroit) will play them tough. Detroit has more firepower and bench strength."
Jordan disagrees, noting the short series against Milwaukee and Philadelphia will help the Bulls.
"We'll be better rested this time," Jordan said. "The Detroit series will tell us how much better we are."
by CNB