The Chicago Bulls were the most dominant team of the 90's. From 1991-1998 they won 6 championships. Led by players like Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman they were unstoppable. They collected championships in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 1998. The only reason they lost in the 1994 and 1995 seasons was because Michael Jordan retired and played baseball. Even without him they made it to the Eastern Conference finals in 1994 and 1995. When Michael Jordan returned in 1996 they made history by having an 82 win and 10 loss season, the best ever by an NBA team. They went on to win 3 championships in a row again before Michael Jordan retired again in 1999, thus causing the breakup of one of the greatest basketball dynasties ever.
Growing up, the New York Knicks were also a very good team. Led by big man Patrick Ewing the Knicks had 16 consecutive winning seasons. The Knicks always had perennial all-stars and great players. The Knicks would always make the Eastern Conference finals only losing to the Chicago Bulls. They were very entertaining and were known for their physical play. They were the rivals of the Bulls and whenever they played you were in for a show. The Knicks made the championship in 1994 and 1999 when the Bulls weren't in. They were a great team and always had great players.
Nowadays however, both teams have taken a different road then what they used to. The Bulls haven't won a championship, let alone make it to one since 1998. They haven't had an all-star in several years. From the 1999-2004 season they were always on of the worst teams in the league. The Knicks also have been slumping. Since in past 5 years they made the playoffs only once and have finished with a record above .500 once as well. Since the greatness of these teams, they have fallen to the bottom of the barrel. This season is a great example of how much the teams have fallen apart. The Chicago Bulls are a measly 18-28 while the Knicks are a worse 14-33. Both teams are on pace to win less than 30 games. The Bulls a decade ago finished with a 64-18 record and the Knicks finished with a 50-32 record. If you look at it, mid-way through this season they already surpassed the amount of losses they had in 1997.
Hopefully history will repeat itself and my two favorite teams will eventually return to greatness. If not, I'm gonna have to find new favorite teams.
1996 CHICAGO BULLS TOP PLAYS
Top 10 1994 NBA FINALS PLAYS: Knicks vs Rockets
