1992
Chicago Bulls
Series Flow
4
Wins
2
Losses
Regular Season
67-15
Win–Loss
Playoff Record
15-7
Win–Loss
Finals
4–2
vs Portland Trail Blazers
Finals MVP
Jordan
Michael
Chicago Bulls
67-15Portland Trail Blazers
57-25Finals MVP
Michael Jordan
#23 · SG
35.8
PPG
4.8
RPG
6.5
APG
Jordan's 35.8 points per game across six games included the Shrug Game's historic performance and the decisive Game 6 comeback. Pure dominance.
How the Series Unfolded
G1 · W
1–0
G2 · W
2–0
G3 · L
2–1
G4 · L
2–2
G5 · W
3–2
G6 · W
4–2
122
CHI
89
POR
The Shrug Game. Michael Jordan hit six three-pointers in the first half, finishing with 35 points, and gave the world a shrug to remember. Chicago demolished Portland by 33 points in a statement performance.
Chicago Bulls
Michael Jordan
35 pts, 6 three-pointers (6 in first half alone), 8 reb, 4 astScottie Pippen
24 pts, 9 reb, 6 astPOR
Clyde Drexler
23 pts, 7 ast104
CHI
81
POR
Chicago controlled from the opening tip. The Bulls' defense smothered Portland's transition game and their halfcourt sets. Jordan was efficient rather than explosive as the Bulls went up 2-0.
Chicago Bulls
Michael Jordan
39 pts, 6 reb, 4 astScottie Pippen
18 pts, 9 rebPOR
Horace Grant
13 pts, 12 reb94
CHI
84
POR
Portland got one back at home. Clyde Drexler finally got going and the Blazers' crowd carried them to a needed victory. The Blazers' depth proved a factor as Chicago struggled to find rhythm on the road.
Chicago Bulls
Clyde Drexler
32 pts, 8 reb, 5 astTerry Porter
14 pts, 6 astPOR
Michael Jordan
26 pts, 5 reb93
CHI
88
POR
Portland evened the series at 2-2. The Blazers played their best defensive game of the series and got strong contributions from their bench. Chicago's early lead evaporated in the second half.
Chicago Bulls
Clyde Drexler
28 pts, 9 rebKevin Duckworth
22 pts, 8 rebPOR
Scottie Pippen
24 pts, 7 reb119
CHI
106
POR
Jordan responded to the two losses with a dominant performance that put Chicago back in control. The Bulls made it clear they weren't going to let Portland gain momentum heading back to the Pacific Northwest.
Chicago Bulls
Michael Jordan
46 pts, 6 reb, 4 astScottie Pippen
24 pts, 8 rebPOR
Clyde Drexler
24 pts, 7 ast97
CHI
93
POR
One of the great Finals comebacks. Chicago trailed by 15 in the fourth quarter before Jordan and Pippen ignited a stunning 14-2 run. The Bulls outscored Portland 33-18 in the fourth to claim their second consecutive championship.
Chicago Bulls
Michael Jordan
33 pts, 8 reb, 8 ast — Finals MVPScottie Pippen
26 pts, 11 reb, 7 astPOR
Clyde Drexler
21 pts, 8 rebThe Champions
Scottie Pippen
#33 · SF
20.8
PPG
8.7
RPG
5.8
APG
Lockdown defender and secondary playmaker who matched Clyde Drexler all series.
Horace Grant
#54 · PF
9.2
PPG
10
RPG
1.8
APG
Relentless rebounder and energy anchor who kept Portland off the glass.
John Paxson
#5 · PG
7.5
PPG
1.3
RPG
3.7
APG
Veteran guard whose steady play and spacing allowed Jordan's attacks to flourish.
B.J. Armstrong
#10 · PG
7
PPG
1.7
RPG
3.3
APG
Backup point guard who provided energy and solid shot-making off the bench.
They Pushed Us to the Limit
History Written in 1992
Back-to-back championships — first Bulls repeat in franchise history
Jordan averaged 35.8 PPG, the highest single-series scoring average in NBA Finals history at the time
The Shrug Game (Game 1) became one of the most iconic moments in Finals history
Chicago came back from 15 down in the fourth quarter of Game 6 to close out the title
67-win regular season validated the Bulls' dynasty credentials
Scottie Pippen finished top-3 in Finals MVP voting for the first time
Beyond the Box Score
Clyde Drexler was frequently compared to Jordan going into this series — his exceptional play raised the question of whether a different distribution of talent might have changed outcomes.
The 1992 Dream Team was announced weeks before the Finals — this Bulls core (Jordan, Pippen) would go on to represent the United States in Barcelona that summer.
Chicago's 67-15 regular season record was the best in the NBA and signaled the Bulls' ascension to all-time great territory.
The comeback in Game 6 was reminiscent of the Warriors-era clutch play — a team not panicking, trusting their system, and executing under pressure.
The Full Story
The 1991-92 Chicago Bulls were arguably better than their first championship team, winning 67 games and looking every bit like a dynasty in progress. But the Portland Trail Blazers — led by Clyde Drexler, who was often cited as Jordan's equal — came ready to compete.
Game 1 produced one of the most iconic moments in Finals history. Jordan hit six three-pointers in the first half, finishing with 35 points. After the sixth three, he turned to the broadcast table with an exaggerated shrug — the "Shrug Game." Portland never psychologically recovered from that display.
The series had drama: the Blazers won Games 4 and 5 to make it competitive. But Game 6 in Portland saw Chicago rally from 15 points down in the fourth quarter — outscoring the Blazers 14-2 in a stunning run — to win the title. Scottie Pippen was magnificent throughout, cementing his status as the essential co-star.
Share the Legacy
Send this page to a fellow Chicago Bulls fan. Let them relive every moment — game by game, play by play.