Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen explains why he sat out the final 1.8 seconds as Toni Kukoc hit a game-winning shot in the 1994 playoffs: ‘You’re insulting me. That’s how I felt.’

Chicago Tribune Staff, Chicago Tribune
·2 min read
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Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan are considered the best one-two punch in basketball history, but the Chicago Bulls became Pippen’s team when Jordan retired for baseball before the 1993-94 season.

While Jordan was out of the picture, it became Pippen’s responsibility to lead and continue the Bulls’ winning ways after winning three straight titles.

That responsibility was tested during the postseason. Pippen led the team to a 55-27 regular-season record and an Eastern Conference semifinals appearance. In Game 3 of that second-round series against the New York Knicks on May 13, 1994, Pippen decided to sit out the final 1.8 seconds when he was passed over for the final shot in favor of Toni Kukoc. Of course, Kukoc then knocked down a 2-pointer to secure the 104-102 win.

The Bulls lost the series 4-3.

Pippen recently spoke with GQ’s Tyler R. Tynes and explained the rationale behind his decision.

“I don’t think it’s a mystery, you need to read between the fine lines,” Pippen told GQ. “It was my first year playing without Michael Jordan, why wouldn’t I be taking that last shot? I been through all the ups and downs, the battles with the Pistons and now you gonna insult me and tell me to take it out? I thought it was a pretty low blow.”

Pippen, who played a backseat to Jordan for most of his storied career, took exception.

“I felt like it was an opportunity to give (Kukoc) a rise,” Pippen said. “It was a racial move to give him a rise. After all I’ve been through with this organization, now you’re gonna tell me to take the ball out and throw it to Toni Kukoc? You’re insulting me. That’s how I felt.”

Asked if he held any animosity toward coach Phil Jackson, Pippen opened the floodgates.

“It was my team,” Pippen said. “Why are you trying to let him (Kukoc) be the hero? He ain’t the leader of this team. No. You trying to make him a hero to hit that shot. If he misses, he playing wit’ house money.”