On the stat sheet, Jordan's 55 points were his playoff high for the season, and the total he put up in his final playoff game at the United Center.
Malone contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Ewing had 8 points and 5 rebounds.
For the Knicks, Li Fei posted 32 points, 14 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 blocks. His consecutive isolations in the fourth quarter helped the Knicks keep the score close, but Jordan's eruption caused the Knicks' defensive system to fail for the first time in this series.
Sprewell scored 18 points, Houston had 16, and Sabonis added 10.
At TNT's commentary desk, Kevin Harlan's voice echoed through the studio.
"Fifty-five points," he said. "Michael Jordan scored 55 points in his final playoff game at the United Center. He was 37 years old. His knee was injured. His team was down 0-3. Across from him stood the most terrifying basketball monster of this era. And yet, he still scored 55 points. That is Michael Jordan. That is why he is Michael Jordan."
Bill Walton took over. "The Chicago Bulls avoided the sweep. They won one at home and sent their fans home smiling. But this series isn't over. The next game returns to New York. The Knicks will finish this series at home, and Li Fei won't give the Chicago Bulls a second chance. But tonight belongs to Michael Jordan. Tonight, every fan at the United Center will remember this image—a 37-year-old veteran scoring 55 points in the final home game of his career."
Marv Albert's voice grew deeper. "The Knicks will end this series in Game 5. But Michael Jordan's legend will never end. He scored 55 points in his final game at the United Center. It is a perfect full stop. Not a championship, not an