Bulls Vs. Trail Blazers: A Finals That Never Happened

Hey guys! Ever wondered about those dream matchups that just never quite materialized in the NBA Finals? One that often pops into my head is a potential showdown between Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls and the Clyde Drexler-led Portland Trail Blazers. Both teams were powerhouses in the early 90s, but fate had other plans. Let's dive into why this series would have been epic and what kept it from happening.

The 1992 NBA Finals That Almost Was

The 1992 NBA season was a year where the Chicago Bulls, led by His Airness, Michael Jordan, were at the peak of their powers. Fresh off their first NBA Championship in 1991, they were hungry for more and determined to prove that their previous victory wasn't a fluke. Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Horace Grant formed a formidable trio, complemented by key role players like B.J. Armstrong and John Paxson. The Bulls' offense was a well-oiled machine, and their defense was suffocating, making them a nightmare matchup for any team.

Meanwhile, out in the Western Conference, the Portland Trail Blazers were making noise of their own. Led by Clyde 'The Glide' Drexler, who was arguably Jordan’s biggest rival at the time, the Blazers had a dynamic and high-scoring offense. Drexler, Terry Porter, and Jerome Kersey formed a potent trio, supported by players like Buck Williams and Clifford Robinson. The Trail Blazers were known for their fast-paced style of play and their ability to score in bunches, making them one of the most exciting teams to watch.

As the playoffs approached, the anticipation of a Bulls-Blazers Finals matchup began to build. Both teams were dominant in their respective conferences, and many fans and analysts believed that they were on a collision course for the championship. The media couldn't get enough of the potential Jordan vs. Drexler storyline, hyping it up as a battle between two of the game's biggest stars. The narrative was simple: Jordan, the reigning champion, against Drexler, the challenger looking to dethrone him.

However, as fate would have it, only one team made it to the grand stage. The Bulls, after a relatively smooth journey through the Eastern Conference playoffs, secured their spot in the Finals. On the other side, the Trail Blazers faced tougher challenges, eventually overcoming the Utah Jazz in a hard-fought Western Conference Finals series. The stage was set: Bulls vs. Blazers, Jordan vs. Drexler. The dream matchup was finally a reality.

Why This Matchup Was So Hyped

Guys, the hype around a potential Bulls-Trail Blazers Finals in the early 90s wasn't just media-driven; it was fueled by several compelling factors. First off, you had the Jordan vs. Drexler narrative. Both were high-flying, athletic superstars often compared to each other. Drexler, although incredibly talented, was often seen as playing second fiddle to Jordan. This Finals matchup would have been Drexler's chance to prove he belonged in the same conversation as MJ.

Then, there were the contrasting styles of play. The Bulls, under Phil Jackson's triangle offense, were known for their methodical, team-oriented approach. They were disciplined on both ends of the floor, relying on ball movement and defensive rotations. The Trail Blazers, on the other hand, were a high-octane offensive team that loved to run and gun. Their games were often high-scoring affairs, and they relied on their athleticism and outside shooting to overwhelm opponents. This clash of styles would have made for a fascinating series.

Moreover, both teams had a legitimate claim to being the best in the league. The Bulls had just won their first championship and were determined to establish themselves as a dynasty. The Trail Blazers, after years of playoff disappointments, were finally poised to make a serious run at the title. Both teams were hungry, talented, and confident, making a Finals matchup between them a must-see event.

What Actually Happened in the 1992 Finals

Okay, so the Bulls and Blazers did meet in the 1992 Finals, but the series itself had some unexpected twists and turns. The Bulls came out firing, winning Game 1 in dominant fashion. Jordan put on an absolute clinic, hitting six three-pointers in the first half and finishing with 39 points. His shrug after one of those threes became an iconic moment in NBA history.

The Blazers, however, didn't back down. They bounced back in Game 2, evening the series at 1-1. Drexler stepped up his game, and the Blazers' role players made key contributions. The series then shifted to Portland, where the Blazers won Game 4 to take a 2-1 lead. Suddenly, the Bulls were on their heels, and the dream matchup was turning into a nightmare.

But the Bulls, being the Bulls, responded like champions. They won the next two games, including a crucial Game 5 victory in Portland, to regain control of the series. Back in Chicago for Game 6, the Bulls closed out the series, winning their second consecutive NBA championship. Jordan was named Finals MVP, solidifying his status as the game's best player.

While the series was highly competitive and entertaining, it didn't quite live up to the astronomical expectations. Drexler, while playing well, was often overshadowed by Jordan's brilliance. The Bulls' superior defense and overall team play ultimately proved to be the difference.

What If: Hypothetical Scenarios

Let's indulge in some