Bulls vs Knicks, 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 1

Lore & Background

The defining moment occurred when Jordan hit six consecutive three-pointers in the first quarter. With every swish, he offered a casual nod toward the Knicks' bench—a smirk that dared them to try again. It wasn't just scoring; it was a psychological dismantling. By halftime, the Knicks' legendary toughness had been punctured by sheer disbelief, setting the tone for a decisive series sweep.

In Their Own Story

The air inside Brendan Byrne Arena grew heavy with tension until Jordan broke the silence with rhythm. Release, arc, swish—he didn't hunt points; he hunted respect. The crowd's roar was swallowed by stunned silence after each trey. By the time the sixth shot fell, the Knicks' defensive identity had evaporated, leaving just a surging Bulls lead and a legend in motion.

Reader's Guide

This historic matchup took place on May 3, 1992, serving as Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Chicago Bulls traveled to New Jersey's Brendan Byrne Arena to face a formidable Knicks team led by Patrick Ewing and coached by Pat Riley. The game is remembered almost exclusively for Michael Jordan's explosive first quarter. In an era where three-pointers were often viewed as low-percentage shots, Jordan launched six consecutive attempts from beyond the arc, all falling through the net. This barrage caught the Knicks completely off guard, forcing them to adjust their defensive coverage and opening up driving lanes for the rest of the game. Although the Bulls ultimately won 85-76 in a lower-scoring affair typical of the era's playoffs, the first quarter remains one of the most iconic sequences in NBA history. It demonstrated Jordan's versatility and mental toughness, signaling to the league that the Bulls were not just contenders but the team to beat. This performance helped secure a decisive four-game series victory for Chicago, further cementing their path to the championship.

Did You Know?

• Michael Jordan shot 6-of-7 from three-point range in the first quarter alone.
• This was one of the few times Jordan relied so heavily on perimeter shooting to start a playoff game.
• The game took place at the Brendan Byrne Arena, which was located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, serving as the home court for the Knicks during that era.
• Pat Riley's Knicks were considered the toughest defensive team in the league, making Jordan's scoring explosion even more remarkable.