Originally published June 16, 1998.
SALT LAKE CITY — For one shining moment, nothing else mattered.
The uncertainty of the future, bitter conflicts of the past and pain from another grueling marathon season were pushed aside, if only briefly, for a glorious celebration of achievement.
Two days after the disappointment in Chicago, the Bulls took their victory party 1,200 miles west. Smiles and hugs dominated on the formerly hostile Delta Center court, and champagne flowed in the visiting locker room.
That’s six NBA championships in eight years, and to a man the Bulls said this one was the sweetest because nothing came easy right up until the end.