Hall of Famer and NBA TV analyst Gail Goodrich led that team in scoring (25.9 points per game, one-tenth of a point ahead of Jerry West at 25.8), free throw percentage (.850) and was second on the team in assists (365). We asked Goodrich about the '72 Lakers team, the '96 Bulls and the '07 Mavs.
NBA.com: Can you compare the '72 Lakers to the '96 Bulls?
Goodrich
: "Both teams were really dominant. The Bulls were certainly head and shoulders above everybody else, as were we in that particular year.
"And I think the ability to win that many games during the season carries over to the championship. Great teams win championships. You gain a lot of confidence when you win a number of games. Somehow, some way, you had the confidence you're going to pull these [close] games out.
"Now, we had two or three games where we were behind and we made some big shots, got on a run and won those ballgames. I'm sure Chicago had their close calls too. I don't know if it was Michael or Scottie who saved them in those games, but once you get rolling and you get that confidence, you just know that somebody whether it was myself, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain or whoever was going to make that play or a succession of plays, you had the confidence you were going to win.
"I'm sure no one is more competitive than Michael Jordan. I'm sure they had the same kind of feeling, the same kind of approach to these games. That confidence builds so high, almost to a point of being cocky. And you need to be careful, you don't want to be cocky, you need to respect your opponent, but you push it to the limit.
"I think, without knowing the internal structure of the Bulls, that they had to have that same kind of feeling. I think going into games the preparation was still the thing and that they would get into a routine: shootaround, going over the team, concentrating on what we wanted to do, exploit some mismatches, whatever it may be.
"But I think that's the one thing I can compare was that confidence. And that confidence turns into fun. It's much easier to get up in the morning having won the night before and going to practice and getting on a plane and going to the next one. And if you're not playing well and you need to go all those things and you need to listen to the coach and knowing the coach is dissatisfied, that's the last thing you want to do."
NBA.com: Did you know you were making history during the season? Did you know you were on pace to break the Sixers' record of 68 wins?
Goodrich
: "No. I don't think we realized, other than the streak, that we were headed for the Sixers' record. We were aware of the winning streak, but to my recollection, no one really gave any thought to the Sixers' record."
NBA.com: Did feel any extra pressure in the playoffs to live up to that regular season excellence?
Goodrich
: "When we got to the Finals and lost Game 1, that was a real wake up call for us. Because we had made the Finals before and hadn't won it. So, I do remember [coach Bill] Sharman stepping up and having a real firm conversation with us as to how we played and how we did and didn't do.
NBA.com: What did you think was special about that Bulls team in '96?
Goodrich
: "Again, I think first of all, that Bulls team had great talent and great balance. Everybody contributed. They had great complementary players. Their centers didn't score much, but they rebounded and played defense. You had Steve Kerr, who could shoot the ball.
"So, it was a good solid team. They had Jordan and Pippen to go to in the clutch when they needed a big play and you need to have that, a guy who can step up, a great player who can step up in championship games and delivers for you.
NBA.com: What did you think is special about this Mavericks team?
Goodrich
: "They lost the first four in a row, as you know, but this is the key for them: they're getting great bench play from Jerry Stackhouse. He really provides them a great deal of energy, performance and leadership.
"You have Dirk Nowitzki who is a go-to guy in the clutch, he delivers. You watch this team and you can see they have a lot of confidence. Again, they know how to close out games, they play with a swagger. They know they can win games.
"They're determined. They're on a mission. I think that the experience they gained last year when they sort of folded after the first couple of games against Miami has helped them this year. I think they know what it takes to win. They play very good defense, they're balanced, they can play the halfcourt game with you.
"They just have a team that is on a mission and maybe someone knocks them off, but if they continue to play the way they are playing right now, particularly on the defensive end -- and I think Avery Johnson has done a great job of showing them and convincing them that to win a championship, you have to do it on the defensive end."
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