June 20, 1993 America West Arena Chicago Bulls 99, Phoenix Suns 98

Jordan finished with the highest scoring average in Finals history (41.0) as the Bulls joined the 1960s Boston Celtics and the 1950s Minneapolis Lakers as the only teams to win three straight titles.

John Paxson drilled the game-winning three-pointer with 3.9 seconds left. Horace Grant blocked Kevin Johnson's jumper at the buzzer to preserve the win.

"I knew when it left my hand, it was going in. Of course I did. I would tell you that even if it didn't," said Paxson. "I don't know what I feel or what I was feeling. I am just thrilled to be able to step up and hit the shot in a key situation."

Following his father's murder that summer and increased media speculation that he bet on golf games, Jordan would announce his retirement on Oct. 6.

"This means so much to us. Winning this championship is harder than anything I've ever done before in basketball, with all the ups and downs I've gone through this season and the mental approach that I've had to take into each game. We never gave up hope, and now that this team has become part of history, it's a very gratifying feeling for me."

photo by Manny Millan