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[Congressional Bills 105th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 249 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

105th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 249

    To congratulate the Chicago Bulls on winning the 1998 National 
                  Basketball Association Championship.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             June 16, 1998

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

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
    To congratulate the Chicago Bulls on winning the 1998 National 
                  Basketball Association Championship.

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.
                                 <all>
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