Ep 6. Episode 6

The Last Dance is a documentary series that chronicles the life and career of Michael Jordan. In episode 6, we focus on the 1993 NBA Finals, where the Chicago Bulls faced off against the Phoenix Suns. This series was the first Finals appearance for the Suns in over a decade, and they were led by superstar point guard, Kevin Johnson.

The episode begins with the Bulls capturing their third consecutive championship in 1992, and their quest to win a fourth title in the 1992-1993 season. However, their journey was not without obstacles. Jordan had announced his retirement prior to the start of the season, leaving many fans and analysts wondering about the future of the Bulls. However, Jordan's retirement proved to be short-lived, as he returned to the NBA in March of 1995.

The season was also a tumultuous one for the Suns, as they fired their head coach early in the season and replaced him with Paul Westphal. Westphal implemented a fast-paced, run-and-gun offense, which was a stark contrast to the slow, deliberate style of their former coach. The Suns finished the season with a record of 62-20, the second-best record in the league, and advanced to the NBA Finals after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers and the Seattle SuperSonics in the playoffs.

The matchup between the Bulls and the Suns was highly anticipated, and the series did not disappoint. In game 1, the Bulls emerged victorious in a close game, thanks in part to Jordan's game-winning shot. In game 2, the Suns rebounded and evened the series at one game apiece. The series then shifted to Chicago for games 3 and 4, where the Bulls were dominant, winning both games convincingly.

The episode also explores the off-court drama that surrounded the series. Jordan was facing intense scrutiny from the media for his gambling habits, and there were rumors that he was involved with a known gambler and suspected drug dealer named James Bouler. However, Jordan maintained that he had no ties to Bouler beyond playing golf with him, and that his gambling was simply a form of entertainment.

The Suns also had their fair share of distractions, as star player Charles Barkley was embroiled in a controversy over remarks he made about the women in San Antonio, where the Suns had played in the previous round of the playoffs. Barkley had called the women in San Antonio "big old women" and said that the city had "fat women everywhere." His comments drew widespread criticism, and Barkley was subjected to intense scrutiny and media attention throughout the Finals.

Despite the distractions, both teams continued to battle in the series. In game 5, the Suns were able to hold off a late charge by the Bulls to secure a crucial victory and force a game 6 in Phoenix. The final game of the series would prove to be one of the most memorable Finals games in NBA history.

Overall, episode 6 of The Last Dance provides a fascinating look at one of the most iconic NBA Finals series ever played. The episode explores the intense rivalries and off-court controversies that surrounded the championship series, and provides a deeper understanding of the dynamics that drove two of the most talented teams in NBA history. If you're a fan of basketball, or just a fan of great sports documentaries, this episode is a must-see.