'The Last Dance' Episode 4 Review: Phil Jackson's tactical acumen, Jordan's drive at heart of Bulls's success
Michael Jordan's best emotions on the court were wild celebrations, anger, and ferocity. Tears weren't one of them. When the Bulls took on the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1991 NBA Finals, it was probably one of Jordan's exhaustive, draining games. Legend Magic Johnson thew everything he had at Jordan, but in the end, could only watch as the sensation dunked basket after basket to give Bulls the final win. The aftermath was a scene the NBA fraternity remembers till day— Jordan in tears and smiles at the same time.
Phil Jackson gets his introduction time as the episode recounts the transition phase after Doug Collins was fired on July 7, 1989. There is also a recount of the Bulls vs Detroit Pistons rivalry which saw the infamous walk-off moment by the Pistons. It showed a new side of the Bulls under Jackson who traded blows, took them and still fired their way to winning against the Pistons known to be the toughest and the roughest in the business.
The episode also showcases Jordan's win-at-all-cost spirit and the time he went from 200 to 215 pounds, lean muscle tissue and strength to take and administer the piston pain. After seasons and seasons of losing to them, this was a new and improved Bulls who dominated with a scintillating display of skill and maturity. Jackson, on his part, pretty much overrode Collins' mantra of "hand it to Jordan in the end" and that was a masterpiece move that was instrumental in helping Bulls fry the Pistons.
In many ways, Episode 4 also does what the previous episodes did— shed light on each trait of Jordan that made him a success story. In this case, it was the drive that he brought to the team. It was the lead-from-the-front attitude that saw them take the walloping from the Pistons but still stood their ground and take home the wins. Pippen's part in the wins doesn't go unnoticed as Jordan relives the moment where the 6'7" forward was unfazed despite the Pistons' rough play.
It is perhaps from this episode's final minutes that we get a glimpse of what to expect from the next few episodes of 'The Last Dance'. It starts the post-Jackson era and that ill-timing team General Manager, Jerry Krause chose to announce Jackson's ousting from the team.
The iconic moment in the entire episode has to be when Jordan puts his arms around Magic and breaking down out of the sheer joy of winning the finals. This was a moment to remember. 'The Last Dance' continues to impress as it delves into the events that were invisible to the public eye. Four episodes of ESPN's docuseries has been a compelling affair and we can only expect it to get better.
'The Last Dance' airs Mondays 9 pm ET on ESPN.