If this were last season, the Bulls' morale might have collapsed. Being tied after leading by so much could have thrown off their mental state.
But this time, it didn't. Horace Grant and Pippen worked together on defense to force consecutive Pistons turnovers, and the Bulls used fast breaks to strike a 6-0 run against the Pistons, widening the gap once again.
By halftime, the Bulls were leading the Pistons by 10 points—a rare occurrence in previous games between the two teams in Detroit.
The Bulls successfully stifled the Pistons' counterattack and established their rhythm, escaping from the defensive quagmire set by the Pistons.
Phil Jackson watched his team's smooth transition offense and their seamless cooperation. He knew this team had completed its evolution and ascension.
The Pistons were no longer a match for the Bulls. They were gasping for air, sluggish and unfit, lagging in both offense and defense.
