[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 25, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6372-S6373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        SENATE RESOLUTION 103--TO CONGRATULATE THE CHICAGO BULLS

  Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN (for herself and Mr. Durbin) submitted the 
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 103

       Whereas the Chicago Bulls at 69-13, posted the second best 
     regular season record in the history of the National 
     Basketball Association;
       Whereas the Bulls once again roared through the playoffs, 
     sweeping the Washington Bullets and defeating the Atlanta 
     Hawks in 5 games, before beating the Miami Heat in 5 games to 
     return to the NBA Finals for the second straight year;
       Whereas the Bulls displayed a potent offense and stifling 
     defense throughout the playoffs before beating the Utah Jazz 
     to win their second consecutive NBA championship, their fifth 
     in the last 7 years;
       Whereas head coach Phil Jackson and the entire coaching 
     staff skillfully led the Bulls through a 69-win season and a 
     15-4 playoff run;
       Whereas Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were again named 
     to the NBA's ``All-

[[Page S6373]]

     Defensive First Team'', the only 2 players from the same team 
     to be so named, and were each voted to be among the 50 
     greatest players in NBA history;
       Whereas Michael Jordan won his record ninth scoring title, 
     is the sixth leading scorer in NBA history, and was named 
     playoff most valuable player for the fifth time in 5 playoff 
     appearances;
       Whereas Scottie Pippen again exhibited his outstanding 
     offensive and defensive versatility, providing himself to be 
     one of the best all-round players in the NBA;
       Whereas the quickness, tireless defensive effort, and 
     athleticism of the colorful Dennis Rodman, who won his sixth 
     straight rebounding title, keyed a strong Bulls front line;
       Whereas veteran guard Ron Harper, in shutting down many of 
     the league's top point guards throughout the playoffs, 
     demonstrated the defensive skills that have made him a 
     cornerstone of the league's best defense;
       Whereas center Luc Longley frustrated many of the all-star 
     caliber centers that he faced in this year's playoffs while 
     at times providing a much needed scoring lift;
       Whereas Toni Kukoc, despite injury, displayed his awesome 
     variety of offensive skills in both assisting on, and 
     hitting, several big short when the Bulls needed them most;
       Whereas Steve Kerr, with his laser-like 3-point shooting, 
     sparked many a Bulls rally and hit the championship winning 
     shot in game 6 of the NBA finals;
       Whereas the outstanding play of Brian Williams and Jason 
     Caffey, and the tenacious defense of Randy Brown, each of 
     whom came off the bench to provide valuable contributions, 
     were an important part of each Bulls victory;
       Whereas Jud Buechler and Robert Parish provided valuable 
     contributions throughout the season and the playoffs, both on 
     and off the court, at times giving the Bulls the emotional 
     lift they needed; and
       Whereas the regular season contributions of injured center 
     Bill Wennington, forward Dickey Simpkins, and rookie Matt 
     Steigenga, both on the court and in practice, again 
     demonstrated the total devotion of Bulls personnel to the 
     team concept that has made the Bulls one of the great sports 
     dynasties of modern times: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, 
     That the Senate congratulates the Chicago Bulls on winning 
     the 1997 National Basketball Association championship.

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