Keep track of the then and now of Heritage Week here with game highlights from both classic meetings and the most recent matchups.
The 1994-95 season opened with the Chicago Bulls in a new arena, the United Center, but with Michael Jordan as a memory. Scottie Pippen was the team's star now, an All-Star starter and All-NBA First Team selection who led the league in steals (2.94 spg) and also ranked among the leaders in scoring (21.4 ppg, 12th), rebounding (8.1 rpg, 23rd) and assists (5.2 apg, 23rd). Toni Kukoc was inserted into the starting unit about 25 games into the season and averaged 15.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists for the year. Most nights Kukoc and Pippen formed a formidable duo.
Yet the Bulls became much stronger late in the year. Jordan, who had been toiling without much success as a minor league baseball player attempting, realized just how much he missed basketball. So on March 18, following months of speculation and amidst much fanfare, Jordan declared, "I'm back," rejoining the Bulls in what was certainly the most memorable return of a player in NBA history. Although he was not quite the same player who had left the NBA in 1993, five games into his comeback Jordan shook off the rust and showed he truly was back. Traveling to New York to face the rival Knicks at Madison Square Garden, Jordan was unstoppable as he erupted for 55 points on March 29, 1995. And he capped off his brilliant performance by setting up Bill Wennington for a dunk that gave Chicago a last-second victory.
In 17 late regular-season games, Jordan averaged 26.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists, but it would be another year before Jordan would lead the Bulls back to the top of the NBA.
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Vince Comes ThroughNow:
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Carr Lifts BlazersNow:
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'Sleepy' Floyd's huge fourth quarterNow:
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Nets and Cavs meet in postseasonNow:
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MJ's double-nickel in return to MSGNow:
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Isiah delivers at the buzzerNow:
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Rex Chapman Pours in 30 Points
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Magic Johnson Leads Lakers
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Reggie Miller Hits Game-Winner
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Frazier, Reed Lead Knicks
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Dumars Clutch For Pistons
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Malone, Stockton Lead Jazz
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Paxson Shines For Blazers
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Royals-Celtics (3/21/65)
Russell Too Big, Too Strong
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Billy Knight stars for the Pacers
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Maravich with Underhanded 60' Assist
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David Thompson Soars
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Big Country Reeves and Grant Hill
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C-Webb and Stephon Marbury
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Bernard King Scores 50 Again
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Shaq Dominates as a Rookie
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NJ Takes Care of Business
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Wilt, Elgin and West Headline Contest
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Moncrief's Double-Pump vs. Blazers
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Gary Payton Pours in 32 Points
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Alex English Hits For 34
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Michael Jordan Tallies 63 but C's Win
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Malone and Aguirre Register 28
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76ers Pull Off Playoff Sweep
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Smits Beats Buzzer
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Gervin Scores 26 on Opening Day
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D.J. Hits the Deep Shot
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Run TMC Takes on the Heat
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Jordan Makes His Presence Felt
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Knicks Make Second-Half Charge
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Kings Extend Streak to 7
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Vince Comes Through
Carr Lifts Blazers
'Sleepy' Floyd's huge fourth quarter
Nets and Cavs meet in postseason
MJ's double-nickel in return to MSG
Isiah delivers at the buzzer

NBA Access with Ahmad Rashad
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