The Chicago Bulls appeared to have gotten things together in the 1990-91 season. Despite Michael Jordan leading the way, it was their team-oriented approach that helped the organization succeed.
In February 1991, the Bulls were on a roll. They romped over the Atlantic-division-leading Boston Celtics, 129-99, extending their team's record-breaking home winning streak to 19 games. This run eclipsed the squad's previous stretch of 12 straight victories, registered in 1973.
"Right now, we have a lot of continuity and chemistry," Jordan said of their winning ways. "We are playing very well as a team. We are focused, but we must build on this streak."
However, Mike and the Bulls knew that the pressure would only mount from there. They still had 28 games left in the regular season, and being the hottest team at the time, the target was on their back.
Bird's cryptic compliment
Meanwhile, the Celtics were dealing with manpower shortages. Kevin McHale did not play against the Bulls, adding more headaches to head coach Chris Ford. On the other hand, Larry Bird spent 25 minutes on the floor and finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
The legendary forward struggled to stay healthy due to a compressed nerve in his right foot. After the 30-point blowout loss to the Bulls, "The Hick from French Lick" dropped an unusual complement to Chicago's success with hopes of upping the pressure on the Windy City squad.
"The Bulls are the best I've ever seen. Go ahead, write that," Bird said at the time via UPI. "Maybe it will put some pressure on them."
The start of the Bulls dynasty
Instead of falling for Larry's bait, coach Phil Jackson wanted his squad to enjoy the ride and focus on the ultimate goal—winning the organization's first NBA championship.
"Right now, it is a high that we want to ride," Jackson said. "As long as it lasts, it is wonderful."
The Bulls would continue their dominance until the playoffs, finishing the regular season with 61 wins. They dropped only two games in the postseason—against the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinals and the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals—en route to winning the 1991 NBA championship.
Chicago would go on to win the next two titles, becoming the third team in NBA history to complete a three-peat. Jordan was the Finals MVP in all of their championship runs, cementing himself as the best player in the world and an NBA icon.
Related: "He's probably one of the premier players for getting calls" - When Phil Jackson called out Larry Bird for saying Bulls are favored by the refs
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