Full Game: A Statement Win | Michael Jordan Bulls vs Bucks 1990 Playoffs Game 2 (April 29, 1990)

Watch the complete Game 2 of the 1990 Eastern Conference First Round as Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls deliver a dominant performance against the Milwaukee Bucks. This convincing 109-102 victory at the Chicago Stadium gave the Bulls a commanding 2-0 series lead and showcased the growing potency of Phil Jackson's Triangle Offense.

In his first home playoff game as head coach, Phil Jackson's strategic adjustments were on full display. After a hard-fought Game 1 victory, the Bulls aimed to make a definitive statement on their home court. The offense, orchestrated through the Triangle, created opportunities for the entire team, proving that the Bulls were more than just a one-man show.

Michael Jordan was, as always, the focal point, leading the charge with a spectacular 48-point performance that included a critical late-game surge to fend off a Bucks rally. However, it was the balanced attack that truly defined the victory. Scottie Pippen was instrumental, contributing 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Horace Grant anchored the frontcourt with 14 points and 11 rebounds. The Bulls' offensive efficiency was a testament to their new system, as they shot an impressive 54% from the field.

The game was a physical and intense affair, with the Bulls' defense rising to the occasion. "We wanted to establish ourselves, play solid defense and take them out of the game early," Jackson noted, emphasizing the importance of setting a physical tone. The Bulls' ability to control the tempo and answer every Milwaukee run demonstrated a newfound maturity and poise.

This victory was a crucial step for the Bulls, not just in this series, but in their evolution into a championship contender. "We knew we could beat Milwaukee," Jordan commented, his confidence reflecting the team's growing belief in their system and each other. The win put the Bulls in a commanding position as the series shifted to Milwaukee, and it served as a clear message to the rest of the league that a new power was rising in the East.