By Jordan Long
Most NBA arenas average around 20,000 fans at each game. On this date in 1998, the Atlanta Hawks and the Chicago Bulls smashed an NBA record for attendance with 62,046 attending. They played a regular season game in the Georgia Dome.
The Bulls came into the game with a record of 53-17, on a 7-game winning streak. They were aiming for an 8th straight win. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks record stood at 41-27. Chicago had some of the best players to ever put a uniform on for the Chicago Bulls including Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Toni Kukoc. Atlanta’s side wasn’t as talented with Mookie Blaylock, Steve Smith, future Hall of Famer center Dikembe Mutombo, and Christian Laettner.
On paper, this was a lopsided matchup. The Atlanta Hawks were on top after the 1st quarter 25-22. It was the only quarter Atlanta outscored the Bulls. At the half, the score stood at 47-43. Atlanta was in the game. All they had to do in the second half was to go on a run and play defense.
That didn’t happen. The Bulls defense came alive in the 3rd quarter limiting Atlanta to 14 points. Chicago, on the other hand, put up 20. In the 4th quarter, Chicago pulled away with 22 points and allowed 16. Chicago ended up with an 89-74 victory which improved their record to 54-17.
The leading scorer that day for the Bulls comes at no surprise, Michael Jordan. He put up 34 points. Atlanta was led by Christian Laettner who came off the bench and had 13 points. The loss dropped Atlanta’s record to 41-28.
After this game, the Bulls ended the regular season at 62-20. They went on to beat the New Jersey Nets, Charlotte Hornets, and Indiana Pacers before knocking off the Utah Jazz to take home their 3rd consecutive title. Most people remember that NBA Finals as the last shot Michael Jordan ever made as a Bull.
For Atlanta, they made the postseason with a record of 50-32. They were beaten by the Charlotte Hornets 3-1 when the 1st round was a best of 5.
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