What the post-90s generation learned by watching The Last Dance

Scottie Pippen refusing to re-enter Game 3 of 1994 Eastern Conference Semifinals

In the wake of The Last Dance’s conclusion, Scottie Pippen came forward to voice his frustrations about how he was perceived in the 10-part documentary. While we sympathize with Pippen in that de facto executive producer Jordan could have done better to highlight his seismic contributions to the Bulls dynasty, most of the former No. 5 overall pick’s unappealing portrayal was self-inflicted.

Perhaps the greatest black eye on his legendary career materialized during the closing seconds of Game 3 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals. At this time, Jordan was retired and slugging his way through the Chicago White Sox’ farm system, so he was unavailable to be chosen to take the final shot. That prompted head coach Phil Jackson to call Toni Kukoc’s number. At the time, the Croatian native was a 25-year-old rookie, but he sank multiple game-winners throughout the season.

Pippen, who was considered Chicago’s best player by some margin, was beside himself that Jackson designed the play for Kukoc, a former overseas player. Rather than accept his role as the inbounder, Scottie refused to enter the game, which forced Jackson to sub in Pete Myers. Considering the stakes, Pippen’s temper tantrum was indefensible. On top of that, the Bulls had run the exact same play to beat the Pacers earlier that same campaign.

Kukoc drilling the dagger really threw a blanket over what could have gone down as one of the greatest mishaps in NBA history. Instead, it serves as a minor footnote on Pippen’s Hall of Fame resume. This wasn’t a major storyline of The Last Dance, which leads us to believe that the majority of today’s generation learned of it for the first time by watching the doc.