Sunday wasn’t about friendly wagers of local delicacies between elected officials. It wasn’t about which city’s music scene casts the longest shadow (Chicago blues vs. Seattle grunge). And it sure wasn’t about TV hospital dramas (ER vs. Grey’s Anatomy). Sunday was about the very serious business of Chicago’s sports teams facing Seattle’s in the playoffs. After the rubber match went to Chicago, here is a review the tales of the tape:
BULLS VS. SUPERSONICS
NBA FINALS, 1996
What happened: Culminating one of the great seasons in North American sports history, the Bulls defeated the SuperSonics after winning an NBA-record 72 games during the regular season. Counting the playoffs, the Bulls finished a staggering 87-13.
Remember him: Michael Jordan was the Finals MVP, averaging 27.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists, but don’t forget Dennis Rodman. His rebounding helped win both Game 2 and the clinching Game 6 when he combined 19 rebounds (11 offensive) with nine points and five assists.
And that other guy: Seattle forward Shawn Kemp led the Sonics in both scoring (23.3 points) and rebounds for the series.
Don’t forget: Jordan weeping on the floor of the Bulls’ locker room after Game 6 as the memory of his late father overcame him on Father’s Day.
Winner: Bulls in six games for their fourth NBA title.
WHITE SOX VS. MARINERS
AL DIVISION SERIES, 2000
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What happened: After winning an AL-best 95 games during the regular season, the White Sox forgot how to hit, batting .185 in losing three straight. The Sox scored only three runs in the final 25 innings of the series.
Remember him: Third baseman Herbert Perry led Sox with .444 average. Frank Thomas, Paul Konerko and Carlos Lee combined to go 1-for-29.
And that other guy: Raul Ibanez batted .375 to lead Seattle and Edgar Martinez’s 10th-inning home run off Keith Foulke put the Mariners ahead for good in Game 1.
Don’t forget: In the 10th inning of Game 1, Seattle manager Lou Piniella calls time and has an extended chat with Mike Cameron who was on first base with a single. Cameron then steals second and the rattled Foulke gives up the homer to Martinez.
Winner: Seattle wins the series when Carlos Guillen squeezes home Rickey Henderson with a bunt past Thomas in the bottom of the ninth in Game 3.
BEARS VS. SEAHAWKS
NFC SEMIFINALS, Sunday
What happened: All-Pro kicker Robbie Gould made a 49-yard field goal with 10:02 left in overtime as the Bears defeated the defending NFC champions for their first playoff victory since Jan. 1, 1995.
Won’t forget him: Bernard Berrian had more receptions (five), receiving yards (105) and touchdowns (1), but teammate Rashied Davis (four catches, 84 yards) made two key third-and-10 receptions for the Bears. His juggling, 37-yard catch in front of Seattle’s Jordan Babineaux on the Bears’ opening drive pushed them inside the 20-yard line and set up the first of Thomas Jones’ two rushing touchdowns. Davis’ 30-yard reception in overtime put Gould in position for the game-winner.
Or that other guy: After missing six regular-season games with a foot injury, including the 37-6 loss in Chicago in Week 4, Shaun Alexander carried 26 times for 108 yards and two touch- downs. His 3-yard score in the second quarter pulled the Seahawks even at 14-14, and his 13-yard draw in the third quarter gave Seattle its first lead.
Keep in mind: Rex Grossman responded to a dismal regular-season finale against Green Bay by completing 21 of 38 for 282 yards. He connected with Berrian on a 68-yard touchdown in the second quarter–one play after Seattle’s Nate Burleson caught a 16-yard touchdown pass from Matt Hasselbeck.
Winner: The Bears won 27-24, advancing to the NFC title game.