June 12, 1991 Great Western Forum Chicago Bulls 108, Los Angeles Lakers 101

There was no doubt who carried the Bulls to their first NBA title: Jordan averaged 31.2 points, 11.4 assists and 44 minutes per game to earn MVP honors. He cried in wife Juanita's arms after the game, then apologized for showing so much emotion.

But the Bulls wouldn't have won without John Paxson, who scored 10 of his 20 points during a three-minute stretch late in the fourth quarter after the Lakers, playing without the injured James Worthy and Byron Scott, had tied the game.

"It seemed like Paxson never missed a shot in this series," said L.A.'s Sam Perkins.

"I never lost hope. I'm so happy for my family and this team and this franchise. It's something I've worked seven years for, and I thank God for the talent and the opportunity that I've had."		In 1992 Jordan scored 46 (14-23 FG, 16-19 FT) against the Portland Trail Blazers as the Bulls moved one win away from title No. 2 with a 119-106 win.

photo by Manny Millan