Scottie Pippen Chicago Bulls 1996 NBA Finals Game Worn Jersey | Matched to 3 NBA Finals Games | Games 3, 4, 5 | Matched to 3 Other 1996 NBA Playoff Games | 72 Win Season

“No matter how well you do in the regular season, it has to be capped off with a championship to really mark your legacy in the game.”- Scottie Pippen on his postseason mindset after helping lead the Bulls to an NBA record 72 win regular season

Sotheby’s is pleased to present this red Chicago Bulls away jersey, worn by Scottie Pippen in six playoff games during the 1995–96 season, including all three road games in the NBA Finals. Unlike many jerseys from what is widely regarded as the most dominant season in NBA history, this example was used throughout the postseason, making it a direct witness to the Bulls’ title run following a record-setting 72–10 regular season.

Record-Breaking Dominance

The 1995–96 Chicago Bulls did more than win—they set a new standard for excellence. After early playoff exits in the two previous seasons, Chicago approached each game with focus and precision. By midseason, the Bulls were undefeated at home and riding an 18-game winning streak, signaling that something historic was underway.

When the regular season ended, Chicago’s 72–10 record was the best in NBA history at the time. As coach Phil Jackson reflected, “I don’t want the players to get [72 wins] as a goal. That’s not a goal. The goal is to go through the season in an orderly fashion and build momentum through the end of the year.”

At the center of that momentum was Scottie Pippen. He powered the Bulls on both ends of the floor—creating offense, guarding opposing stars, and sharing the weight of expectation with Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman.

Rodman’s rebounding and defense anchored the frontcourt, while Toni Kukoč, Steve Kerr, Luc Longley, and Ron Harper helped maintain the team’s consistency. Chicago dictated tempo, controlled matchups, and made winning feel inevitable. By the end of the season, the Bulls had established a standard that continues to define championship basketball. As Jackson noted after Game 3 of the Finals, “I think that the most impressive thing to a coach like myself about the team that I’ve been able to coach this year is the fact that they go on the road and they’re a better basketball club on the road.”

Sealing the Legacy

After an 11–1 playoff run through the Eastern Conference, Chicago returned to the 1996 NBA Finals to face the Seattle SuperSonics. Led by Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp, Seattle had set a franchise record for wins and brought an intensity that tested the Bulls. Chicago relied on Pippen and Jordan to run the offense and anchor the defense, while Rodman ensured the team remained precise and disciplined.

This jersey was worn during Game 3 in Seattle, when the Bulls delivered a decisive 108–86 win, pushing the series to 3–0. Pippen nearly recorded a triple-double with 12 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists, and 3 steals. In Game 4, Seattle responded with a win, and Pippen again nearly recorded a triple-double, finishing with 9 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks. Game 5 saw another intense road battle, where Pippen led the Bulls with 14 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. As NBC’s Bob Costas noted, “What appeared to be a coronation has turned into a competition.”

Though the Bulls didn’t close the series in Seattle, they returned to Chicago ready to finish the job. Pippen led the team in assists and steals for the Finals, a reflection of his all-around influence.

Forging a Path to the Finals

The 1996 postseason began with a physical Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, led by Patrick Ewing. In Game 3 at Madison Square Garden, Pippen finished with 24 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals over nearly 50 minutes, keeping Chicago competitive in a narrow 102–99 loss. He followed that with 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in Game 4 as the Bulls eked out a 94–91 win, taking a 3–1 series lead and eventually closing out the series at home.

Next came a rematch with the Orlando Magic, the team that had eliminated Chicago the year before. In Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on May 25, 1996, Pippen delivered one of his most complete performances, leading Chicago to an 86–67 victory on the road with 27 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. Ahmad Rashad reflected on the team’s mindset: “It was one of those things where the Bulls just said, ‘Next time we play you in the playoffs, there’s no chance of you winning.’”

This jersey comes directly from the Collection of Scottie Pippen. This jersey has been photo matched by MeiGray.