Scottie Pippen in the playoffs from 1991-93

[U]Orlando Sun-Sentinel[/U]

Headline: [B]BULLS MAKE MAGIC A VULNERABLE TARGET[/B]

[QUOTE]
INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Suddenly, this is turning into work for Lakers guard Magic Johnson.

No more idle time on the defensive end.

No more wearing down Michael Jordan on the other end.

As the Lakers and Bulls head into Game 3 of the NBA Finals tonight at the Great Western Forum tied 1-1, the focus has shifted from Jordan's one-man show to Johnson's one-man nightmare.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE]And when Johnson tried to even the score in Game 2, [B]he found Chicago forward Scottie Pippen hawking him fullcourt[/B], while Jordan conserved his energy.

[B]"I thought, all along, that at some point they were going to play Scottie on me," Johnson said. "They're trying to wear me out or take the ball out of my hands. Take your pick."[/B]

The Pippen-on-Johnson matchup was created by necessity more than design after Jordan picked up two early fouls. But [B]it worked so well that Chicago coach Phil Jackson stayed with it even after Jordan avoided further foul trouble.[/B]

"I felt more confident guarding Magic and leaving the scoring to Michael," Pippen said. "Basically, I was trying to defend against Magic fullcourt, so he couldn't pick apart our defense."

After closing with a triple-double in Game 1, Johnson still finished with 14 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds in Game 2. But he also shot 4 of 13 after going 4 of 5 in the series opener.

"Scottie's more physical than Michael," Johnson said.[/QUOTE]

[URL="https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1991-06-07-9103020619-story.html"]https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1991-06-07-9103020619-story.html[/URL]

I'm not concerned with what people say, I make my own opinions on the things I see. The game is somewhat fresh in my mind.

Using Magics stat line against him to prop up Pippen is dumb, because things like this happen.

[url]https://youtu.be/8o8l6oM6Jeg?t=1075[/url]

He made it more difficult for Magic to bring the ball up, that's about it. It didn't cause any turnovers from what I remember.

[url]https://youtu.be/8o8l6oM6Jeg?t=2255[/url]

That's great effort by Pippen and it looks good, but the end result is Magic basically creating 2 FT attempts. Magic gets no stats for this play, but when you watch the game you make mental notes of these particular plays. So many other examples in the game. Magic had no issue with Pippen.

Why do you think the impression of the people who covered and participated in the game (including Magic himself and a Lakers assistant coach) was so different--and so consistent? A conspiracy to prop up a young Pippen?

I suspect it is your bar for "shut down" is much higher than what those other people were looking at: the decline Magic experienced from his (extremely high) baseline performance level. Think of that baseline performance level: so high that even 3ball was crowing about a game where Magic racked up 20 assists against MJ.

If everyone who watched or participated in the game at the time came away with the same conclusion, it obviously has to be based on something.

[QUOTE=Roundball_Rock;14054147]If everyone who watched or participated in the game at the time came away with the same conclusion, it obviously has to be based on something.[/QUOTE]

Everyone came to that conclusion because it's TRUE.

We have to understand that impact on defense goes farrrrr past stats. Or I should say can go. Magic was visibly flustered. It got so bad that other guys (guys like Divac, Perkins, Teagle) found themselves bring the ball up and initiating the offense. Pippen literally took the ball out of Magics hands. That's great defense. Or, Pip harrassed Magic so much that the Lakers found themselves taking a shot (their first shot mind you) with under 10 seconds on the clock. Again GREAT DEFENSE.

Or, the Lakers had Magic shooting the ball after receiving a pass from a player that was under duress. Because Magic was denied the ball from Pippen.

Pippens impact in that game was on par with a player dropping 50.

[B]And still no one has answered why Jordan himself said "I will only comeback if Pippen stays and plays along side me" [/B]:confusedshrug:

[QUOTE=Round Mound;14054372][B]And still no one has answered why Jordan himself said "I will only comeback if Pippen stays and plays along side me" [/B]:confusedshrug:[/QUOTE]

Dey know

:pimp:

.
[Size=3][U]Per 100 Possessions - Playoffs[/U]

[B]14' Wade[/B]..... 28.6 pts.. 6.2 ast.. 56.0 ts.. 106 ortg.. 18.5 PER.. 0.086 ws/48
[B]93' Pippen[/B]... 26.2 pts.. 7.4 ast.. 50.0 ts.. 102 ortg.. 16.9 PER.. 0.083 ws/48[/size]


[Size=4]^^^ Prime Pippen = 13' and 14' Wade...

So when people complain about Pippen, think about 13/14 Wade and you'll understand... 14' Wade had a higher production rate (above), and 13' Wade had prime Pippen stats in the Finals (20/5/5 on 48%)

In addition to his horrible 93' Playoffs, Pippen was also horrible in the 96-98' Playoffs and 88-90' Playoffs.. aka HIS ENTIRE CAREER... he was a horrible playoff performer even in 1994 and 99-03'[/size]


[QUOTE=Round Mound;14054372]

And still no one has answered why Jordan himself said "I will only comeback if Pippen stays and plays along side me" :confusedshrug:


[/QUOTE]

^^^ it's because MJ didn't say that, or it wasn't a deal-breaker

The only deal-breaker was Phil - he was the only must-have because MJ didn't want to build a new system

But a tons of guys could've replaced Pippen, aka any good defender that can average 16/6/5 on terrible efficiency.. so about 20% of the league

[QUOTE=3ball;14054413].
[Size=3][U]Per 100 Possessions - Playoffs[/U]

[B]14' Wade[/B]..... 28.6 pts.. 6.2 ast.. 56.0 ts.. 106 ortg.. 18.5 PER.. 0.086 ws/48
[B]93' Pippen[/B]... 26.2 pts.. 7.4 ast.. 50.0 ts.. 102 ortg.. 16.9 PER.. 0.083 ws/48[/size]


[Size=4]^^^ Prime Pippen = 13' and 14' Wade...

So when people complain about Pippen, think about 13/14 Wade and you'll understand... 14' Wade had a higher production rate (above), and 13' Wade had prime Pippen stats in the Finals (20/5/5 on 48%)[/size]




^^^ it's because MJ didn't say that, or it wasn't a deal-breaker

The only deal-breaker was Phil - he was the only must-have because MJ didn't want to build a new system

But a tons of guys could've replaced Pippen, aka any good defender that can average 16/6/5 on terrible efficiency.. so about 20% of the league

Btw, OP forgets that Pippen was horrible during the 93' Playoffs, including 45% true shooting in the Finals and a lower production rate for the playoffs than 14' Wade (stats above)..

In addition to the 93' Playoffs, Pippen was horrible in the 96-98' Playoffs (17 on 41%), 88-90' Playoffs, 94' Playoffs, and 99-03' Playoffs.. he was a horrible playoff performer[/QUOTE]

:facepalm

[QUOTE=Round Mound;14054416]:facepalm[/QUOTE]

Other than 91' or 92', name a good playoff run for Pippen that's worthy of the top 30 ranking that he enjoys by many fans... remember, a top 30 performance is better than guys like Ewing and R Miller... Okay, go

[QUOTE=3ball;14054418]Other than 91' or 92', name a good playoff run for Pippen that's worthy of the top 30 ranking that he enjoys by many fans... remember, a top 30 performance is better than guys like Ewing and R Miller... Okay, go[/QUOTE]
Name a good playoff run Jordan had without Pippen

[QUOTE=SouBeachTalents;14054424]Name a good playoff run Jordan had without Pippen[/QUOTE]

1986

44/6/6


1987

36/7/6



Now should I bother post Pippen's without Mike or you give up

[QUOTE=3ball;14054428]1986

44/6/6


1987

36/7/6



Now should I bother post Pippen's without Mike or you give up[/QUOTE]
So two runs where he won 0 playoff games? That's the best you got?

[QUOTE=3ball;14054428]1986

44/6/6


1987

36/7/6



Now should I bother post Pippen's without Mike or you give up[/QUOTE]

That usage doesn't help team - empty stats

[QUOTE=97_Bulls]Everyone came to that conclusion because it's TRUE.

We have to understand that impact on defense goes farrrrr past stats. Or I should say can go. Magic was visibly flustered. It got so bad that other guys (guys like Divac, Perkins, Teagle) found themselves bring the ball up and initiating the offense. Pippen literally took the ball out of Magics hands. That's great defense. Or, Pip harrassed Magic so much that the Lakers found themselves taking a shot (their first shot mind you) with under 10 seconds on the clock. Again GREAT DEFENSE.

Or, the Lakers had Magic shooting the ball after receiving a pass from a player that was under duress. Because Magic was denied the ball from Pippen.

Pippens impact in that game was on par with a player dropping 50.[/QUOTE]

Agreed. The only other alternative is there was a conspiracy cooked up to hype Pippen after the game between the entire NBA press and every participant in the game--including Lakers.

Look at those reporters. Their job literally is to tell their readers what happened and what was important in the game. They concluded the story was Pippen's defense on Magic. Not only that, their editors had to agree with them. If their editors thought it was BS they would force them to change the story.

[QUOTE=Round Mound;14054372][B]And still no one has answered why Jordan himself said "I will only comeback if Pippen stays and plays along side me" [/B]:confusedshrug:[/QUOTE]

True...:lol Not only that, when Pip left MJ, the reigning MVP and champ, kept his word and quit rather than play without Pippen.
/
3ball dishonestly has to inflate Wade 16% to bring 13' Wade to 98' Pippen--despite 98' being a much lower scoring time (remember, Utah made the chip with their 2nd/3rd options scoring 20-21 PPG--[I]combined[/I]). When you combine Miami playing at a faster pace and Wade playing a lot less minutes, it nets out to 3ball giving Wade a fictional extra 16%. That is the difference between 3ball and the OP: when you have the truth on your side you don't need to do the type of stuff he shamelessly does.

Moreover, under 3ball's BS, 98' Kukoc>13' Wade. Similar line but Kukoc was much more efficient in a much tougher defensive and lower scoring era.

Kukoc 98' per 100 in the PO: 25/7/5 56% TS
Wade 13' per 100 in the PO: 25/7/7 50% TS

The Bulls' 4th best player outperformed 13' Wade--according to 3ball's own accounting. :oldlol:

His defense was equal to a 50 pt game? Now I had to go back and watch this once again - how did I miss this? Turns out I didn't miss anything and my initial evaluation was spot on.

Here are the first half plays involving Pippen/Magic

- Magic dumps it down into a Worthy post iso. Jordan comes from nowhere to block what would have been an uncontested lay up.

[B]- Pippens best defensive play. Hassles Magic all possession. Great defense.[/B]

- Posts Pippen up. Wide open shot result.

- Blow by Pippen into the middle, MJ takes a charge

- Pippen helps way off Magic, he misses wide open 3

- Magic posts Pippen up. He shoots an uncontested hook shot, he misses. This right here is a good example of what I am seeing bring propped as good defense, even the announcer says it was good defense. Pippen went for a steal, Magic turned the opposite way and Pippen literally had nothing to do with the miss. You reach I teach, is what basically happened here but Magic missed the shot.

- Pippen presses, applies pressure but it doesn't phase Magic and he makes a dime for two FTs on a lay up foul.

- Magic blows by Pippen middle, Magic dumps off to Vlade for dunk

- MJ comes up and double teams Magic, forcing a bad TO at half court.

- Magic post up Pippen, wide open corner 3 results

- Magic posts up Pippen, wide open corner 3 again

- Pippen presses Magic, Magic blows right by him into the middle for a wide open kick out 3.


This ranks right up there with some of the most disgustingly false revisionist history I've seen so far. Maybe the second half is where this 50 point defensive explosion comes from - but I doubt it.

[QUOTE=Carbine;14054590]His defense was equal to a 50 pt game? Now I had to go back and watch this once again - how did I miss this? Turns out I didn't miss anything and my initial evaluation was spot on.

Here are the first half plays involving Pippen/Magic

- Magic dumps it down into a Worthy post iso. Jordan comes from nowhere to block what would have been an uncontested lay up.

[B]- Pippens best defensive play. Hassles Magic all possession. Great defense.[/B]

- Posts Pippen up. Wide open shot result.

- Blow by Pippen into the middle, MJ takes a charge

- Pippen helps way off Magic, he misses wide open 3

- Magic posts Pippen up. He shoots an uncontested hook shot, he misses. This right here is a good example of what I am seeing bring propped as good defense, even the announcer says it was good defense. Pippen went for a steal, Magic turned the opposite way and Pippen literally had nothing to do with the miss. You reach I teach, is what basically happened here but Magic missed the shot.

- Pippen presses, applies pressure but it doesn't phase Magic and he makes a dime for two FTs on a lay up foul.

- Magic blows by Pippen middle, Magic dumps off to Vlade for dunk

- MJ comes up and double teams Magic, forcing a bad TO at half court.

- Magic post up Pippen, wide open corner 3 results

- Magic posts up Pippen, wide open corner 3 again

- Pippen presses Magic, Magic blows right by him into the middle for a wide open kick out 3.


This ranks right up there with some of the most disgustingly false revisionist history I've seen so far. Maybe the second half is where this 50 point defensive explosion comes from - but I doubt it.[/QUOTE]

Again. It goes deeper than just Pippen on Magic. Even the two examples you gave. One shows Terry Teagle initiating the Lakers offense with Magic on the other side of the court. Think about that. How often was another player running the Lakers offense while Magic was on the floor?

The other example you used was a bad pass from Magic to Worthy and Worthy got bailed out with a foul called on Paxson.

I wish we could watch the game together.

That was a great pass from Magic, I don't know what you're looking at. Where else do you want him to put it? It hit him right in the hands?

It doesn't matter to me who initiates the offense if what results is a wide open shot. Magic was a good shooter at this point in his career, having him end up with a wide open look for the possession is great.

[QUOTE=Carbine;14054624]That was a great pass from Magic, I don't know what you're looking at. Where else do you want him to put it? It hit him right in the hands?

It doesn't matter to me who initiates the offense if what results is a wide open shot. Magic was a good shooter at this point in his career, having him end up with a wide open look for the possession is great.[/QUOTE]

Bro. I'm rewatching this game right now. Right off the bat 3 if Magics 10 assists came with MJ on him. Another came off a TO fastbreak when Cartwright was stripped Magic got the ball and passed it to Scott.

We still haven't gotten an explanation for why the whole world apparently got it wrong in real time, including Magic himself.

[QUOTE]This ranks right up there with some of the most disgustingly false revisionist history I've seen so far. [/QUOTE]

It isn't revisionism if that is what was recorded in real time, thereafter, and continued for decades (with no dissents at the time from any participants or observers of the game). That's the recorded history--you can't revise what has been the consensus the entire time--there by definition is nothing to revise if you agree with the consensus.

Only in the 2010's have we gotten this push back online from MJ fans on Pippen's defense on Magic (curiously, I don't see any analysis of Magic roasting MJ in the same series in other games). You are unbiased but the broader currents are the entire "Pippen on Magic" push to revise comes from an agenda.

That is where real time observations carry weight. None of the people involved had an agenda. People 20-30 years later do. It is obvious the revisionism comes from a slant dedicated to diminishing Pippen's role. Real time? People simply watched the game, reported or commented on what they saw.

[QUOTE]Right off the bat 3 if Magics 10 assists came with MJ on him.[/QUOTE]

MJ spent nearly the entire series getting roasted by Magic and he somehow draws no scrutiny for that defense but we have this big push on Pippen.

What's that have to do with anything? I'm isolating the plays of two players, what he did against MJ is not of any value - although MJ couldn't do anything against Magic either. Magic had no trouble against him.

[QUOTE=Carbine;14054639]What's that have to do with anything? I'm isolating the plays of two players, what he did against MJ is not of any value - although MJ couldn't do anything against Magic either. Magic had no trouble against him.[/QUOTE]

Even then how do you not say Pippen did a great job on Magic if he was only 4-13? I dont see what your measuring stick is.

He shot bad, had 4 TOs, the Lakers offense was out of synch, they took the ball out of Magics hands. What more do you want? Or expect?

[QUOTE]He shot bad, had 4 TOs, the Lakers offense was out of synch, they took the ball out of Magics hands. What more do you want? Or expect?[/QUOTE]

7 points on 3 for 14, 3 assists, 4 rebounds it appears. That just isn't going to happen with a player of Magic's caliber. Pippen, Jordan are GOAT defenders and Magic still got numbers on them. That isn't the metric. It is compared to his norm...

[QUOTE=Horace Grant]"If I had a vote in that first championship for MVP it would have been Scottie. He brought his whole game and everyone could see. [B]The way he played Magic and made him turn and turn and turn and made him work like that was the difference[/B], especially after we lost the first game."[/QUOTE]

He was on the court--he is wrong like everyone else involving in or covering the game? [url]http://20secondtimeout.blogspot.com/2015/07/scottie-pippen-all-around-performer.html?m=1[/url]

I'm giving you a play by play break down, not something that's an opinion but facts. I can't make it up, when he blows by Pippen into the middle of the lane for open looks. It's there for anyone to see.

Him posting up and creating wide open shots for his teammates is not opinion.

If the large majority of possessions in this matchup end result is his team getting wide open shots, the individual defense of Pippen isn't having any effect on him.

He blows by Pippen and Jordan takes a charge under the hoop, it's a TO for Magic but it's not good defense for Pippen. He gets a negative mark for letting the best playmaker of all time beat him into the middle in the lane.

I'm watching it (at least the first half) today. Pippen has just come in and the difference is obvious: Pippen is harassing Magic, making Magic work to even bring the ball up (which throws off the timing of the offense by delaying when the offense can set up). When Jordan was on Magic, Magic was strolling up the court, other than when MJ attempted a steal. The crowd roars in appreciation of Pippen's defense. The result of the play? Magic got a layup attempt but it was hardly an easy shot. Pippen, Grant were there to contest and he missed.

Fratello is talking about this play at the beginning of the 2nd quarter--notes Pippen's tough defense resulted in a difficult shot (miss) by Magic.

[QUOTE]- Posts Pippen up. Wide open shot result.[/QUOTE]

This makes it sound as if Magic had a walk in the park and got an open shot. Magic spun himself into the wall of Horace Grant after getting past Pippen who gambled for a steal (knowing Grant was behind them)--then threw it to an open man (not surprising since all 5 Chicago defenders were in the paint). This wasn't some great play by Magic. It is at 16:10 or so here. [url]https://youtu.be/8o8l6oM6Jeg[/url]

[QUOTE]Blow by Pippen into the middle, MJ takes a charge[/QUOTE]

Yeah, shooting with 4 defenders draped around you isn't a great idea.

[QUOTE=Carbine;14054665]I'm giving you a play by play break down, not something that's an opinion but facts. I can't make it up, when he blows by Pippen into the middle of the lane for open looks. It's there for anyone to see.

Him posting up and creating wide open shots for his teammates is not opinion.

If the large majority of possessions in this matchup end result is his team getting wide open shots, the individual defense of Pippen isn't having any effect on him.

He blows by Pippen and Jordan takes a charge under the hoop, it's a TO for Magic but it's not good defense for Pippen. He gets a negative mark for letting the best playmaker of all time beat him into the middle in the lane.[/QUOTE]

Lol. All that blowing by Pippen netted him 4 FGs on 13 attempts and 4 TOs and only 7 assists. A fee of those

All jokes aside, Pippen funneled Magic into the teeth of the defense.

[QUOTE=Roundball_Rock;14054670]I'm watching it (at least the first half) today. Pippen has just come in and the difference is obvious: Pippen is harassing Magic, making Magic work to even bring the ball up (which throws off the timing of the offense by delaying when the offense can set up). When Jordan was on Magic, Magic was strolling up the court, other than when MJ attempted a steal. The crowd roars in appreciation of Pippen's defense. The result of the play? Magic got a layup attempt but it was hardly an easy shot. Pippen, Grant were there to contest and he missed.



This makes it sound as if Magic had a walk in the park and got an open shot. Magic spun himself into the wall of Horace Grant after getting past Pippen who gambled for a steal (knowing Grant was behind them)--then threw it to an open man (not surprising since all 5 Chicago defenders were in the paint). This wasn't some great play by Magic. It is at 16:10 or so here. [url]https://youtu.be/8o8l6oM6Jeg[/url]



Yeah, shooting with 4 defenders draped around you isn't a great idea.[/QUOTE]


You don't have to link me the play - I know what play you're speaking of.

You and I see the game much differently. That play you're speaking of where he goes baseline and passes, that's beautiful to me. Getting a wide open shot as the end result is all you can ask for in the NBA, especially against this Chicago defense. Magic got two defenders to come at him, he found the open man - simple and beautiful offense.

[QUOTE=97 bulls;14054675]Lol. All that blowing by Pippen netted him 4 FGs on 13 attempts and 4 TOs and only 7 assists. A fee of those

All jokes aside, Pippen funneled Magic into the teeth of the defense.[/QUOTE]

You don't funnel Magic into the middle of your defense. This isn't a "strategy," IMO because it is illogical. Like I said to RoundBall, you and I clearly do not view basketball the same way - which is OK.

I'm extremely confident in what I believe.

[QUOTE=Carbine;14054681]You don't funnel Magic into the middle of your defense. This isn't a "strategy," IMO because it is illogical. Like I said to RoundBall, you and I clearly do not view basketball the same way - which is OK.

I'm extremely confident in what I believe.[/QUOTE]

Lol. Bro. Did Magic have a Magic type game?

I went back and checked all of Magics games during that playoff run. That was far and away his worst game.

I gotta say this again.

He shot bad, had 4 TOs, the Lakers offense was out of synch, they took the ball out of Magics hands. What more do you want? Or expect? Hell they even lost by 21pts. The were BLOWN OUT!!!!!. What metric are you using here Carbine? Funny thing is, alot of the shots the Lakers made came at the end of the shot clock. Desperation shots.

I'm only speaking of the first half in detail but that mindset gives credit to Pippen for things he doesn't deserve credit for.

Magics charge was Magic making a bad play or decision. Usually he makes the right decision. If I'm playing and let my guy beat me middle clean and my teammates step in to take a charge - I'm not taking any credit for the play. It was a combination of the offensive player making a bad decision and my help defense being on point.

What if Magic makes the wide open 3? Makes the post up move against Pippen where it was an easy hook shot with no contest from Pippen because he got caught reaching? What if Magics teammates hit a couple more of the open shots he created for them? I believe out of all the open looks he created, he got credited with 2 assists.

Perkins missing a wide open corner 3 from a Magic creation is what it is - regardless of if Perkins makes it or not Magic gets the same grade from me.

[url]https://youtu.be/8o8l6oM6Jeg?t=2724[/url]

Is this good defense by Pippen?

Pippen isn't the one making the shot contest. Horace was the impact player in this sequence for being super aware and sliding. He most likely got away with a blocking foul, though.

[QUOTE=Carbine;14054691]I'm only speaking of the first half in detail but that mindset gives credit to Pippen for things he doesn't deserve credit for.

Magics charge was Magic making a bad play or decision. Usually he makes the right decision. If I'm playing and let my guy beat me middle clean and my teammates step in to take a charge - I'm not taking any credit for the play. It was a combination of the offensive player making a bad decision and my help defense being on point.

What if Magic makes the wide open 3? Makes the post up move against Pippen where it was an easy hook shot with no contest from Pippen because he got caught reaching? What if Magics teammates hit a couple more of the open shots he created for them? I believe out of all the open looks he created, he got credited with 2 assists.

Perkins missing a wide open corner 3 from a Magic creation is what it is - regardless of if Perkins makes it or not Magic gets the same grade from me.[/QUOTE]

And what grade would that be?

[url]https://youtu.be/8o8l6oM6Jeg?t=2775[/url]

To me this is what I think of when the term hockey assist is thrown around. Magic draws the double, moves it and the team ends up with an easy hoop. No stats for Magic though, but he's the one creating the scrambling on defense by Chicago.

[url]https://youtu.be/8o8l6oM6Jeg?t=2859[/url]

I applaud Pippens effort, but Magic beats him.

[url]https://youtu.be/8o8l6oM6Jeg?t=2859[/url]

One of Magics turnoves. Pippen is on his ass, has no impact on this play whatsoever. The pass hit the guy in his hands, he dropped it.

So when you throw around his statline, as if this is because of Pippen..... then you actually watch what happens..... the facts (the film) don't support the narrative.

[url]https://youtu.be/8o8l6oM6Jeg?t=3165[/url]

Another one of Magics misses. Pippen getting credit for that is downright dishonest.

[url]https://youtu.be/8o8l6oM6Jeg[/url]

Magic blows by again......

Pippen gave Magic a ton of trouble bringing the ball up/setting up the offense. As 97 noted, it forced them to put the ball in other player's hands at times. When Magic made a move? He could get by Pippen (or MJ or anyone else). That isn't surprising. It is notable when he made those moves he ran right into a Bull or two (suggesting Pippen was driving him to bad areas of the court).

Magic had a lot of passes lead to open shots--but he was hitting players who were wide open (not even guarded in some cases--Grant alone had several lapses). Those are not "Magic Johnson" passes--those are passes NBA players can make. The Bulls did the same thing several times, especially to an open Paxson, on the other end of the floor.

Magic wasn't lasering passes into tight quarters or anything.

[QUOTE]- Pippen helps way off Magic, he misses wide open 3[/QUOTE]

To help on a driving Scott--Magic had to hastily shoot it with 1 second on the shot clock.

[QUOTE]- Magic posts Pippen up. He shoots an uncontested hook shot, he misses.[/QUOTE]

Pippen gambled again--knowing Grant was behind him. Grant rotated over, was in position to contest but didn't.

[QUOTE]- Magic blows by Pippen middle, Magic dumps off to Vlade for dunk[/QUOTE]

This is around 34:00. Pippen harasses Magic, who tosses it to Divac. Pippen goes over to help on Divac on the post. Divac kicks it back to Magic, Pippen goes back to intercept Magic, Magic gets by as Pippen tries to recover. This isn't quite Magic taking Pippen off the dribble 1 on 1. It is amazing Pippen covered that much ground and almost got much to Magic in time.

[QUOTE]- MJ comes up and double teams Magic, forcing a bad TO at half court.[/QUOTE]

Yeah--they trapped him at half court at 34:53. Pippen was all over him but the threat of a running MJ coming over caused the pass/TO.

[QUOTE]Magic post up Pippen, wide open corner 3 results
[/QUOTE]

I assume this at 37:05. Pippen is blanketing Magic so much Magic can't even take a step. :lol Magic passes to Worthy, Grant decides to give Worthy an open 3 with the shot clock winding down (again fails to contest). This is Pippen's fault? He did his job. The result is Worthy, a 29% three point shooter in the RS and 17% in the PO, taking a three with the clock ticking. I'll take that all day if I'm Phil Jackson.

The next possession Magic struggles to bring the ball up (around 37:30). Worthy streaks to the basket, Magic finds him, Worthy gets fouled. A good outcome for the Lakers but that isn't a pass that took an ATG to make.

[QUOTE] Magic post up Pippen, wide open corner 3 results[/QUOTE]

39:28, Cartwright loses Perkins and no one picks him up (Jordan decided to stand around under the basket guarding no one for some reason). He is left wide open. Has little to do with Pippen. In theory, if he kept Magic from getting to the hoop maybe the shot doesn't happen--but unlikely. Eventually Magic was going to turn and see Perkins left wide open.

Then the next LA possession basically the same things happens again, except it is Grant on Magic. Cartwright decides to leave Perkins open, Perkins makes the Bulls pay again.