In the 1995–96 season, the Chicago Bulls were bolstered by the addition of rebounding specialist Dennis Rodman . The team dominated the league and concluded the regular season with the best record in NBA history at the time, 72–10, a mark that stood for 20 years until it was broken by the 2015–16 Golden State Warriors.
Before the 1996 playoffs, Michael Jordan talked about his continued motivation despite already reaching the pinnacle of the NBA. In his 10-year career before the playoffs, he had already won three championships, three Finals MVPs, three league MVPs, and made the All-Star Game every full season he played in. He had already achieved what many couldn't in their career, so the Chicago legend knew the only thing left for him was to clear his own astronomically high bar.
"Each time I step on the basketball court, I have a motivation either to prove something to myself or to prove something to you or to the other team," Jordan told SLAM Magazine. I don't like to lose. This team doesn't like to lose. That's motivation within itself. It's a definite and a don't. Either way, you don't want to lose, and that's the motivation."
A Legacy built on humility and focus
It may seem impossible to stay motivated after achieving the pinnacle of success, but the 33-year-old still uncovered new challenges. At times, he didn't feel like the best in the game. It wasn't a display of humility or modesty but rather of honesty. Jordan kept leading the team game by game until they made history. They took their regular-season performance into the playoffs, and in the first three series, they lost just once—thanks to one man's greatness.
In the process of dismissing the Miami Heat, New York Knicks , and Orlando Magic, No. 23 averaged 32.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists on a 57.6 true-shooting percentage en route to the NBA Finals.
A special NBA title
The Bulls climaxed that remarkable season by winning their fourth championship in six seasons. Chicago survived a strong challenge from a determined Seattle Supersonics team, who challenged Chicago even after falling behind 3-0 in the series.
In Game 6, the Bulls showcased the elements that made them champions. They had Jordan's leadership and brilliance, who became the first four-time winner of the Finals MVP award. They also had Rodman's relentless effort as the Bulls secured the championship, winning 4-2.
Debates will continue about how this Bulls team would fare against great past and present champions. For Jordan, winning this title meant a lot more than just another ring to his name, this was his first since the tragic death of his father James Jordan who always stood by him from his early career.
"Who would have ever written this season?" Jordan said about the near perfect season for the Bulls. "Who could have predicted this? But things work in mysterious ways. I was blessed to be able to be healthy all season, to bring a championship back to the city of Chicago. It happened on Father's Day, which made it even more special for me."
Related: "Yeah, I'm glad. Now we can focus on the playoffs" - Michael Jordan's honest reaction after the Bulls' 70th victory in 1996
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