1991 Breaking Through: Jordan’s First Crown

1991 was Jordan’s "breaking through" year. Earlier he’d been blocked by Detroit’s "Bad Boys" — the rough-defense team that eliminated Chicago in the playoffs two years running.

In the 1990-91 East finals, Chicago swept Detroit 4-0 for revenge; Jordan’s post-game embrace signaled maturity. In the Finals vs Magic Johnson’s Lakers, the Bulls won 4-1; Jordan averaged 31.2 points and 11.4 assists, the clear first Finals MVP.

The first ring shed his "stats without title" label and opened the Bulls’ 90s dynasty. That year he moved from lone hero to champion leader.

When the final stop came and the title was his, Jordan’s tears were a release the era had long awaited.

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