One Man Against the Machine | Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers (January 5, 1989)

Watch the complete game archive of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers in this 1988-89 regular season rivalry game. This contest is a key document of the Bulls' intense frustration against the Cavs, a powerhouse team that served as a major roadblock for Chicago in the Eastern Conference. This game was a clear example of the Bulls' 1988-89 regular-season futility against Cleveland. The Cavaliers, on their way to a dominant 57-win season, were a formidable defensive team. This victory was one of six straight that the Cavaliers handed the Bulls during the regular season, a clean sweep that cemented Cleveland's psychological edge heading into the postseason. Under coach Doug Collins, the Bulls' offense was heavily reliant on Jordan's individual creation. In this game, Jordan was a singular force, playing 41 minutes and finishing with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. Despite Jordan's output, the Bulls' supporting cast struggled with the Cavaliers' physical, team-oriented defense. The game was a rough, bruising affair that saw Scottie Pippen foul out of the game and Horace Grant finish with five fouls. The 103-98 loss exemplified the narrative of the season: Jordan was a superstar, but the Cavaliers were the superior team. This pattern of regular-season dominance by Cleveland is essential for understanding the magnitude of the Bulls' historic, series-clinching upset just four months later. Timestamp Index: 00:00 Bulls Introductions 02:47 Tip-Off 03:36 Mike Sanders scores the first basket 04:21 Michael Jordan's first basket 04:46 Brad Daugherty dunks on Bill Cartwright 06:41 Michael Jordan dunks over Larry Nance 11:45 Horace Grant follow-up dunk 12:23 Jordan hits a long jumper (8 pts) 15:37 Jordan long jumper (10 pts) 19:59 Final Two Minutes (First Half) 22:02 Start of Second Quarter 26:34 John "Hot Rod" Williams two-hand dunk 31:43 Jordan tough hanging jumper (14 pts) 33:40 Michael Jordan fadeaway (16 pts) 40:38 Michael Jordan tip-in (20 pts) 43:25 Halftime 45:44 Start of Third Quarter 49:45 Jordan hanging one-hander (22 pts) 01:03:55 Jordan fastbreak And-1 (27 pts) 01:04:59 Craig Ehlo hits a three 01:07:11 Start of Fourth Quarter 01:08:57 Scottie Pippen tough layup 01:10:38 Michael Jordan blocked by Hot Rod Williams 01:11:23 Craig Hodges fastbreak layup (cuts lead to 2) 01:12:32 Jordan hits jumper (29 pts) 01:14:37 Bill Cartwright And-1 (Ties game 82-82) 01:16:02 Horace Grant hits jumper (Ties game 84-84) 01:18:10 Scottie Pippen tough bank shot (Ties game 86-86) 01:20:44 Craig Hodges jumper (Ties game 88-88) 01:22:20 Horace Grant dunk (Ties game 90-90) 01:22:42 Ron Harper clutch scoop layup 01:23:21 Ron Harper drives and scores (Cavs up 4) 01:26:27 Final Two Minutes (Second Half) 01:26:53 Ron Harper steal and breakaway dunk (Cavs up 7) 01:30:13 Mark Price 3-pointer (Cavs up 9) 01:31:07 Michael Jordan hits a three (32 pts) 01:34:30 Ron Harper blocks John Paxson's 3-point attempt 01:35:35 Final Horn 01:38:03 Player of the Game: Horace Grant