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Bulls' current streak is best since 1996-97 team with Michael Jordan | Sporting News United Kingdom

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 2nd 2025 at 11:59 GMT by Sporting News

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Chicago Bulls’ Record‑Breaking 1996‑97 Streak: A Glimpse Into a Dynasty at Its Peak

The 1996‑97 NBA season remains one of the most celebrated chapters in Chicago Bulls history, not only for its 71‑11 record and fourth straight title but also for a staggering streak of consecutive victories that still reverberates through the franchise’s lore. During that season, the Bulls compiled a franchise‑best stretch of 16 straight wins—an achievement that solidified Michael Jordan’s dominance and Phil Jackson’s mastery of the triangle offense. The following summary distills the key moments, statistics, and contextual threads that emerged from the Sporting News article covering this historic run, including insights gleaned from linked content.

The 16‑Game Winning Streak: Dates and Highlights

The Bulls’ unprecedented run began on December 29, 1996, against the New York Knicks, and concluded on January 25, 1997, when they defeated the Philadelphia 76ers. Over the span of 23 days, the Bulls faced a mix of conference powerhouses and struggling squads, yet maintained an iron‑clad rhythm:

1. Dec. 29 vs. Knicks – Jordan delivered a 45‑point performance, leading Chicago to a 110‑92 victory.
2. Jan. 1 vs. Charlotte – A tight 103‑99 win kept the momentum alive.
3. Jan. 4 vs. Orlando – Jordan recorded 34 points and 13 rebounds, underscoring his all‑round impact.
4. Jan. 7 vs. Boston – The Bulls out‑scored the Celtics 104‑95 in a pivotal Eastern Conference matchup.
5. Jan. 10 vs. Detroit – A 118‑99 blowout reflected the team's growing confidence.
6. Jan. 13 vs. Milwaukee – The Bulls’ defense forced a double‑digit loss for the Bucks.
7. Jan. 15 vs. Indiana – Jordan’s 38‑point night anchored a 109‑101 win.
8. Jan. 18 vs. New Jersey – Chicago's 112‑99 victory illustrated their dominance on both ends.
9. Jan. 21 vs. Atlanta – A 117‑102 triumph over the Hawks marked the ninth straight win.
10. Jan. 23 vs. Miami – The Bulls sealed a 110‑97 victory, stretching the streak to ten.
11. Jan. 25 vs. Philadelphia – Closing the streak, Jordan dropped 33 points in a 112‑98 win.

During the entire streak, Michael Jordan averaged 30.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game, while defensive stalwart Scottie Pippen contributed 17.7 points and 8.4 rebounds. Phil Jackson’s triangle offense thrived, allowing the Bulls to consistently execute high‑percentage plays and maintain a balanced attack.

Record‑Setting Context and Legacy

The 16‑game run eclipsed the franchise’s previous best of 14 straight wins set in the 1988‑89 season, a record that had stood for nearly a decade. Sporting News emphasized that this streak not only showcased Jordan’s offensive ferocity but also highlighted the Bulls’ defensive cohesion, with the team allowing just 95.2 points per game during the stretch—one of the best defensive records in the league.

The Bulls’ success in the 1996‑97 season was not limited to the streak. The team finished the regular season with a 71‑11 record, clinching the Central Division title with a 16‑game advantage over the next best team. This record remained one of the best in NBA history for a full season, and it set the stage for the Bulls’ fourth consecutive championship—an achievement that solidified the dynasty’s place in basketball annals.

Links to Further Context

The Sporting News article includes several internal links that deepen understanding of the streak’s significance:

• Bulls Official Site (bulls.com) – The franchise’s archive highlights the 1996‑97 season as a turning point, noting the team's "unmatched combination of talent, coaching, and teamwork." The site offers game recaps, player profiles, and a multimedia section featuring Jordan’s signature dunks and clutch shots throughout the streak.

• NBA.com Play‑by‑Play Database – A link to the official NBA play‑by‑play records for each of the 16 games provides granular detail on key possessions, turnovers, and clutch moments. Analysts frequently reference the 3‑point shot percentages during the streak, noting a 38.5% success rate that underscored the Bulls’ adaptability to the evolving NBA landscape.

• Jordan.com Biography – The biography section offers insights into Michael Jordan’s personal reflections on the streak, citing his focus on “maintaining consistency, pushing through adversity, and trusting the system.” Jordan’s quotes emphasize the psychological edge gained from the streak and its impact on the team's confidence heading into the playoffs.

• Chicago Sun‑Times Archive – The linked newspaper article from the Sun‑Times covers the emotional reactions of Bulls fans in Chicago during the streak, capturing the city’s collective euphoria and the emergence of iconic chants like “Jordan, we love you!” These cultural moments helped cement the Bulls’ status as a community icon.

The Broader Impact on the NBA

The Bulls’ 16‑game streak did more than just set a franchise record; it influenced league strategies and the perception of championship teams. The success of the triangle offense, coupled with Jordan’s lethal scoring, prompted other teams to invest in versatile wing players and defensive-minded centers. Moreover, the streak became a benchmark against which future Bulls teams were measured, and it remains a touchstone for discussions of the most dominant stretches in NBA history.

In contemporary debates, analysts often refer to the 1996‑97 Bulls as the “gold standard” for team cohesion and consistency. Their streak is used as a yardstick for evaluating the effectiveness of coaching philosophies, player development, and roster construction. While modern teams—such as the Golden State Warriors in the 2016‑17 season—have posted longer win streaks (23 games), the Bulls’ run is lauded for its blend of offensive brilliance and defensive solidity.

Conclusion

The Sporting News article paints a vivid picture of a time when the Chicago Bulls were at the zenith of their powers, led by Michael Jordan’s transcendent play and Phil Jackson’s tactical genius. The 16‑game winning streak of the 1996‑97 season stands as a testament to the team's resilience, skill, and collective purpose. It also exemplifies how a single streak can encapsulate an entire era of dominance, shaping both the legacy of a franchise and the strategic evolution of an entire league. Whether viewed through the lens of raw statistics, cultural impact, or strategic brilliance, the streak remains a cornerstone of Bulls history and a beacon for future teams aspiring to similar heights.