On the stat sheet, Michael Jordan played 44 minutes and scored 31 points, with 7 rebounds and 4 assists, shooting 48% from the field. Karl Malone contributed 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks, including 12 points in the third quarter alone. Cassell added 12 points and 8 assists.
For the Heat, Alonzo Mourning put up 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 blocks, battling until the final moment. Tim Hardaway had 19 points and 7 assists, while Jamal Mashburn posted 16 points and 8 rebounds.
At the TNT commentary desk, the three analysts began their postgame recap.
Kevin Harlan took off his headset and let out a long breath. "A lot of people underestimated this Chicago Bulls team. Seventh in the regular season? Yes, their regular-season record wasn't good. But we have to remember what this team went through during the regular season—Jordan didn't truly regain his form until after the All-Star break, Malone needed half a season to adjust to the new system, and Ewing emerged from the bench. It wasn't that they couldn't do it. They were still building chemistry."
Marv Albert nodded. "The Heat are strong. Pat Riley built a hard-nosed team. Mourning is one of the best defensive centers in the league, and Hardaway is still an elite point guard. But the Bulls have Jordan and Malone. Those two names are a guarantee in the playoffs."
Bill Walton picked up the thread. "Jordan is already 36—no, wait, is he 37? Never mind—he isn't young anymore. But there's still gas in the tank, and plenty of it. He played 44 minutes tonight and scored 31 in Game 7. Malone is in his prime. He's the most consistent power forward in the league, bar none. Put those two together, and no team in the playoffs dares take them