1988–89 Chicago Bulls season


The 1988–89 NBA season was the Bulls' 23rd season in the National Basketball Association. The Bulls finished fifth in the Central Division with a 47–35 record. Michael Jordan led the league in scoring with 32.5 points per game, and was selected for the 1989 NBA All-Star Game. In the first round of the playoffs, the Bulls defeated the 3rd-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in five games, and the New York Knicks in six games in the semifinals. However, they would lose to the Detroit Pistons four games to two in the Eastern Conference Finals. Following the season, Doug Collins was fired as head coach.

Draft picks

Roster

Regular season

In the 1988–89 season, Jordan again led the league in scoring, averaging 32.5 ppg on 53.8% shooting from the field. The Bulls finished with a 47–35 record, and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals. On March 11, head coach Doug Collins moved Jordan to the point guard position. Two days later, Jordan finished with 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists in just 30 minutes of a blowout win against the Pacers. Jordan continued at point guard through the rest of the regular season.

Season standings

Record vs. opponents

Player stats

Regular season

Playoffs

PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
1734.3.486.000.7007.11.2.53.7111.8
1613.7.422.000.6472.6.6.25.384.1
1711.2.404.167.7782.5.3.24.062.7
1736.8.518.000.8009.82.1.65.9410.8
51.4.667.000.500.2.2.00.001.0
1732.6.412.398.7141.53.61.29.1811.2
1742.2.510.286.7997.07.62.47.7634.8
1618.9.474.263.875.62.1.75.005.8
37.3.667.000.6672.0.7.00.004.7
1736.4.462.393.6407.63.91.35.9413.1
1313.6.379.000.8332.41.2.23.314.2
167.1.303.000.750.51.2.19.061.8

Playoffs

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls: Bulls win series 3-2
Last Playoff Meeting: 1988 Eastern Conference First Round

East Conference Semifinals

New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls: Bulls win series 4-2
Last Playoff Meeting: 1981 Eastern Conference First Round

East Conference Finals

Detroit Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls: Pistons win series 4-2
Last Playoff Meeting: 1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals

Awards and honors