In the highly anticipated 1993 NBA Finals, Charles Barkley led the Phoenix Suns against the dominant Chicago Bulls. The showdown between Barkley and Michael Jordan captivated basketball fans worldwide. However, as revealed in the book, The Jordan Rules, the Suns carried an additional motivation into the series: the Chicago violence that followed the Bulls’ victory in the previous year’s Finals.

Advertisement

Following their victory in the 1992 NBA Finals, the city of Chicago was rocked by violence. And, as the Finals between the Suns and Bulls was underway, the threat of violence once again loomed. But, rather than cower in fear at the thought of it, Barkley and the Suns decided to use it as fuel. Going so far as to even mock the city’s slogan to avoid the said violence: SAVE THE CITY.

Charles Barkley and the Suns mocked Michael Jordan and the Bulls prior to their third consecutive title win

In 1992, the Windy City saw an increase in violence following the Bulls’ championship victory. It was horrible with many getting injured and worse. So, when the 1993 NBA Finals rolled around, the city wanted to avoid a similar situation at all costs. However, the Bulls’ opponents, the Phoenix Suns had other ideas.

Advertisement

Heading into their matches against Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and the Suns were looking for extra motivation. So, what did they do? They decided to mock the city in Game 5 by scrawling the words “SAVE THE CITY” on their chalkboard. A direct attack on Chicago’s efforts.

It worked, as the Suns cruised to a 108-98 win over the Bulls, taking the series back to Phoenix. But, while it was effective, they would end up losing the Finals in Arizona. A huge victory for Chicago, after all, they had completed the three-peat. But, the win was marred by the violence that ensued following the historic moment.

“The Suns, once again with nowhere to turn, turned top entertainment, scribbling on their chalkboard in their dressing room SAVE THE CITY, thus mocking Chicago’s plans to avoid violence again in a championship celebration. So the Suns cruised out by 12 points in the first quarter and won rather easily, 108–98, sending the series back to Phoenix for the deciding game, or games.”

Things were far worse than what happened in 1992. Two taxi cabs being destroyed do not compare to the shooting and deaths that were caused in 1993. It was horrible and not something any Bulls fan or Chicago native is proud of.

Jordan was accused of playing golf with Charles Barkley in order to win the 1993 Finals

The 1993 NBA Finals saw the Chicago Bulls complete the first-ever three-peat. A huge feat, but one that Suns fans were not happy about. They felt they had been cheated and even accused Michael Jordan of playing golf with Charles Barkley the day before Game 6. Essential tiring out The Round Mound of Rebound and guaranteeing the win.

Advertisement

Of course, there is no factual evidence to prove such a thing ever occurred. But, it is interesting to think about. Nevertheless, there can be no denying that the better man came out on top.

Advertisement