The Morning Line

Sports Illustrated staff writer Marty Burns checks in after each game of the NBA finals

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Posted: Thursday June 11, 1998

GAME 4: BULLS 86, JAZZ 82

Bulls forward Scottie Pippen wore a crisp gray suit and a big smile as he walked out of the United Center after Wednesday's victory over the Jazz. And why shouldn't he be happy? Pippen had just scored 28 points, grabbed nine rebounds, dished out five assists and played yet another sterling defensive game to lead the Bulls to victory and a commanding 3-1 series lead.

Utah simply has not been able to come up with an answer for the 6'7" Pippen's all-around game. Just consider a few of his highlights in Game 4: he double-teamed John Stockton and forced him to give up the ball; intercepted a Karl Malone pass; forced Howard Eisley to miss a layup; found teammate Ron Harper cutting through the lane for an easy basket; got in teammate Toni Kukoc's face for not sacrificing his body on a Malone waltz through the lane. "He was sensational," said Jazz coach Jerry Sloan.

Pippen, indeed, has been the MVP of this year's Finals thus far. For a guy who plays with Michael Jordan, that's saying a lot. If the Bulls wrap up the series Friday night in Game 5 at the United Center, the crowd will be roaring like a 757 for Mike and Co.'s possible farewell game and Pippen will probably become the first Chicago player other than Jordan to win the Finals MVP award. What's more, he'll have earned it.  

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