Bulls vs Suns, 1993 NBA Finals Game 6
One jumper. One stop. The end of the first three-peat.
On June 20, 1993, America West Arena became the final stage for the Chicago Bulls' first dynasty. In Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Michael Jordan delivered a masterclass that secured the franchise's third consecutive championship with a 99-98 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Beyond the title, this contest marked the last time Jordan would wear a Bulls uniform until his return from baseball in 1995, transforming every possession into history.
- Final Score
- Bulls 99, Suns 98
- Series Result
- Chicago wins 4-2
- Michael Jordan Points
- 41
- Location
- America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona
- Date
- June 20, 1993
- Key Moment
- Jordan's 25-foot jumper with 8.1 seconds remaining
Lore & Background
This wasn't just a game; it was a test of endurance. Despite the Suns controlling the pace early, Jordan exploded for 19 points in the fourth quarter alone. The series hung in the balance until his iconic 25-foot step-back jumper over Dan Majerle with 8.1 seconds remaining shifted the momentum permanently. While the offense provided the highlight, Scottie Pippen's critical defensive containment of Kevin Johnson on the ensuing possession ensured the trophy stayed in Chicago.
In Their Own Story
The Arizona heat seemed to press against the glass as the clock wound down with just eight seconds left. The Suns clung to a narrow lead, and America West Arena roared for the final stop needed to force overtime. Jordan dribbled near the top of the key, eyes locked on the basket amidst the cacophony. He drove left, stepped back, and rose over Dan Majerle. The ball hung against the arena lights before swishing through the net. As the final seconds ticked away on a futile Suns possession, Jordan stood with hands on hips, watching his teammates erupt while he absorbed the moment of immortality.
Reader's Guide
Game 6 capped a grueling seven-game series pitting Jordan's Bulls against Charles Barkley's Suns. Chicago entered with a 3-2 advantage but faced a Phoenix squad hungry to force overtime in their own building. The victory validated the Bulls' early-90s dominance, proving they could close out a championship despite Barkley's MVP-caliber performance throughout the series.
Did You Know?
- This was Michael Jordan's final game as a Bull until his return in March 1995, marking the end of an era before his baseball hiatus.
- Charles Barkley became the first player to win both the MVP award and the Finals MVP in the same season, though he lost this series.
- Jordan scored 41 points in Game 6, matching his career-high for a Finals game at that time.
- The victory gave the Chicago Bulls their third consecutive NBA championship, establishing them as the first team to achieve a three-peat since the Boston Celtics of the late 1950s and early 1960s.
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