1991 Chicago Bulls 20 year celebration and reunion

Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were together again for another championship celebration, this time to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Chicago Bulls' first title.

The Hall of Famers along with some teammates and coaches were on hand for a halftime ceremony during Saturday's game against the Utah Jazz, reliving their past glory.

There was Jordan dunking over Patrick Ewing again. Pippen was wreaking havoc on both ends, John Paxson was nailing jumpers, the Pistons were hurrying off the court and the Bulls were hoisting the trophy, drenched in champagne after knocking off the Lakers.

It was all there during a video set to Tom Petty's "Learning to Fly" that kicked off the festivities.

Former Bulls broadcaster Jim Durham served as the master of ceremonies, and there were loud cheers as each player was introduced, starting with Dennis Hopson. Horace Grant and John Paxson each received a nice ovation, and fans just about came unglued when Pippen was introduced.

And when Jordan was called? Well, the roar was what anyone would expect.

In his address to the crowd, Pippen thanked the organization for bringing "back a memory that we all want to live again just one more time."

"This is very special for us," he said.

Jordan, grinning ear-to-ear, thanked the Bulls for "allowing us to reunite" and added, "You guys are in store for a lot of other championships."

The current team with Derrick Rose leading the way is stirring memories of a championship era that kicked into gear 20 years ago. The 1990-91 team went 61-21 and finally beat Detroit after losing to the Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals the previous two years, then took out Magic Johnson's Los Angeles Lakers in five games to start the first of Chicago's two three-peats.

"I was just talking to Paxson," Jordan said after the ceremony. "I said, 'You guys could be the best team in the East if you play the type of basketball you guys have been playing. I don't think it's going to take them seven years."

That's how long it took for Jordan, who endorsed Rose for league MVP.

"That kid has come into his own," Jordan said. "He's matured quite a bit. When he came into the league, everybody said he had speed and can get to the rim, but he can't shoot. Now, he can shoot the 3 as well as pull-up shots. He has very few flaws. I'm pretty sure the next thing they're going to say is he doesn't play good defense or can't handle the double team. Time will tell.

"I think he's a great piece for this franchise to rebuild with. They've got some other pieces that helped them quite a bit. Everybody's talking about Boston, everybody's talking about Miami and Orlando, you tend to forget about Chicago."

Several key members of the first championship team were absent on Saturday, most notably Phil Jackson and Jerry Krause. In a taped message, Jackson said the clinching win was "truly an exciting moment for all of us" and was "just the start of something big."

[Chavez]

I was there baby!!! SEC 106 Row E Seat 8!!!
MEMORABLE 4 LIFE!!!!

[Bloodfire]

Was at this game. The crowd was insane! It was an incredible experience to be there during the ceremony.

[jlgugo]

This is my favorite of all six titles. Bulls Forever Baby!

[lcpcalvin]

What a moment & all tears & memories float in front!
What a reality we have as the forever 90s' bulls fans...

[sarff]

I was there... Couldn't hear a thing. Goosebumps and yes, I cried.... Way too many great memories...

[airrammos]

i was at this game ! i stuck around and got to keep that 20 yr anniversary sticker thats on the court. how cool is that !!!

[Bigturns]

Watched this was just a constant smile on my face. Jordan still loves this franchise and im glad I get to see pippen at the games all the time.

[chocolatechords]

Damn, this relived moment feels too good. Brings tears to my eyes, after realizing how epic the sweep of the Pistons was. From boys to men. LET'S GO BULLS!!!

[chibrandyfan]

that was classic! i loved it and it brought back so many memories. it would be a dream to win our 7th title on our 20th anniversary!

[tigerwoods]

@TheeVulture I'm from Chicago and I can assure you, the Bulls are guaranteed to win every time they make the Finals, it's our TRADITION.

[oddnomad]

great post bruce, for a great team, with legendary acomplishments.

[DjJokerr]

I went to this game just for the 20th anniversary, to see the old bulls team and the Greatest player of all Time Michael Jordan. When MJ was about to do his speech right after Pippen place got so loud, everybody showing love to MJ. I even had tears in my eyes seeing my idol in person for the first time. Definitely emotional night for a lot of people.

[GunGemini]

the best team ever assembled. the Blazers of that era came close but we all saw what happened to them.

Chicago needs to be real proud

[mikester]

Thank you for the upload. I'm happy I got to watch this. It was a short ceremony but well done

[Kingjd]

The 90s bulls (any one of the championship year teams) would absolutely DECIMATE any team in this era. HANDS DOWN! Kobe couldn't hold MJ's stock strap by the way...

[TheeVulture]

I'm sure Derrick Rose though even though he is in charge of Jordan's franchise, wants to establish his own legacy with the Bulls. I'm glad that the Bulls are taking care of him very much like they did with Jordan. Rose is a great player, you have to just build around him like they did with Jordan with Pippen, Grant, Cartwright, etc in 1991 and the pieces will just fall into place. Jordan also defeated Isiah and Magic at the sunset and the end of their careers also during that season of 90-91.

[TSGS]

How ironic would it be for Phil Jackson to win hist last championship with the Lakers in 2011 and winning his first against the Lakers in 1991? Crazy! I don't care what anyone says, that would be an amazing story.

[energytic]

i've been searching this video. thank airjordan blitz... just got the old times... bulls forever

[robmolina]

Love watching that coward isiah walking with his head down. CLASSLESS pistons.

[iluvrei]

d love chicago has for mj..scottie and d rest of d guys..jst great!!
sum1 wrote d audience..as always s 4 mj, wel, he got the loudest..roar actually.lol
its jst dt mj to dm wl 4ever b dt beloved..evn he owns a diff teamm(as pointed out by some..dt its rather unwise 4 hm to say about anothr team winning..haha..)bt its chicago..he will always b a chicago bull. he came dr as a playr..i share the sentiments of most here..i ws jst 3 whn dy won dr first..bt ds s special!!
tnx for posting, as always!