No.7: Rex Chapman
February 23, 1996 vs. Chicago Bulls
39 points (12-17), (9-10 3PT), 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
One of the NBA’s greatest, most fierce rivalries of the 1990’s was the Miami Heat versus the Chicago Bulls. These two teams would trade barbs back and forth, which made for some of the most entertaining basketball games. Both of these squads were stacked with talent that included Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and, of course, His Airness, Michael Air Jeffrey Jordan.
However, at times, it’s the most unlikely of players that can outshine even the brightest of stars.
In the midst of their historic 72-10 season, the Chicago Bulls were blindsided by “The Boy Wonder” Rex Chapman. Outscoring even the GOAT, Chapman dropped 39 points that included nine 3-pointers. It was an impressive outing that saw Chapman hand Chicago one of their ten season losses and led an injury-riddled roster that was playing with just eight players that night.
It was amusing seeing Chapman outscore Jordan, as Jordan tried to recruit Chapman to North Carolina a decade earlier. Chapman stated that he always liked playing against Jordan because he hated playing off screens, and Rex was sort of notorious for playing like that. Due to this, Chapman knew he was always going to get open looks, which is exactly how this game went.
The remainder of the season didn’t translate into as much success as he had against Chicago that one fateful night, as injuries would plague him for the remainder of the season. He signed with the Phoenix Suns the following year and played with the team until his retirement after the 1999-00 season. He would remain in Phoenix, assuming front offices roles as a scout then later as Director of Basketball Operations.
It was Chapman’s lone season with the Heat but fans will forever remember the one night when Rex Chapman was king and not Michael Jordan.