Were some of MJ’s titles conference dependent?

[Vino24]

MJ was on record saying he doesn’t think he could best Hakeem and glad that they were in the other conference.

[2ball]

It’s definitely possible. The outcomes to some degree are predicated on matchups. Despite overall less talent Hakeem teams were a bad matchup. I think Hakeem bounces MJ early for at least two years

[3ball]

It’s definitely possible. The outcomes to some degree are predicated on matchups. Despite overall less talent Hakeem teams were a bad matchup

the frieking Knicks almost beat the Rockets despite Ewing shooting 33% and Starks nearly the same

The rockets ran a very solvable offense and the bulls would've figured out the rotations very easily - obviously, there's no time to do this in the regular season - it's just on to the next team on the schedule

So the idea that Hakeem would be tough for the bulls is based on..... exactly nothing... It's crazy because MJ, pippen, and grant were entering their uber-prime in 94' and 95' as 3-peat champs.. their odds to win #4 and 5 would be the best ever.. literally.. they left 2 guaranteed rings on the table