[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 78 (Tuesday, June 16, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S6424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 249--CONGRATULATING THE CHICAGO BULLS ON WINNING THE 
           1998 NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP

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

                              S. Res. 249

       Whereas the Chicago Bulls, despite injuries to Scottie 
     Pippen and Luc Longley, went 62-20 and tied for the best 
     regular season record in the National Basketball Association;
       Whereas the Bulls battled through the playoffs, sweeping 
     the New Jersey Nets and defeating the Charlotte Hornets in 5 
     games, before beating the Indiana Pacers in 7 games to return 
     to the NBA Finals for the third straight year;
       Whereas the Bulls displayed stifling defense throughout the 
     playoffs before beating the Utah Jazz to repeat the 3-peat 
     and win their third consecutive NBA championship, their sixth 
     in the last 8 years;
       Whereas head coach Phil Jackson and the entire coaching 
     staff skillfully led the Bulls through an injury riddled 62-
     win season and a 15-6 playoff run;
       Whereas Michael Jordan won his fifth most valuable player 
     award, and he, along with Scottie Pippen, were again named to 
     the NBA's ``All-Defensive First Team'';
       Whereas Michael Jordan won his record tenth scoring title 
     and was named the NBA Finals most valuable player for the 
     sixth time in 6 appearances in the finals;
       Whereas Scottie Pippen again exhibited his outstanding 
     offensive and defensive versatility, proving himself to be 
     one of the best all-around players in the NBA;
       Whereas the quickness, tireless defensive effort, and 
     athleticism of the colorful Dennis Rodman, who won his 
     seventh straight rebounding title, keyed a strong Bulls front 
     line;
       Whereas Toni Kukoc displayed his awesome variety of 
     offensive skills in both assisting on, and hitting, several 
     big shots when the Bulls needed them most;
       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 while at times providing a much 
     needed scoring lift;
       Whereas Steve Kerr buried several 3-pointers when the Bulls 
     needed them most;
       Whereas the outstanding play of Jud Buechler, Scott 
     Burrell, and Bill Wennington 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; and
       Whereas the contributions of Dickey Simpkins and rookies 
     Rusty LaRue and Keith Booth, 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 1998 National Basketball Association 
     championship.

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