NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS : Jordan Is Taking Over, but the Bulls Aren’t

The Chicago Bulls appeared invincible during the regular season, winning 67 games for the NBA’s best record. But they have been anything but in the playoffs, and dissension has joined with the Cleveland Cavaliers to threaten the defending champion’s reign.

After being pushed to a seventh game in the Eastern Conference semifinals by the New York Knicks, the Bulls have reverted in the conference finals against the Cavaliers to the Michael Jordan Show, one in which All-Star Scottie Pippen is reduced to a bit player.

The series is tied, 2-2, after Cleveland’s 14-point win over Chicago in Game 4 Monday. It resumes tonight at 6 PDT at Chicago Stadium.

“We’re still in command of the situation; we have the upper hand,” Jordan said. “We just have to defend our home court. When we’ve had to win, we’ve won. This is an important game, and we’re at home.”

Jordan, who sublimated his game to get his teammates more involved as they won the NBA title last season, has taken over in the playoffs.

After averaging 22.7 shots a game during the regular season, he has averaged 26.6 shots in 14 playoff games. And after averaging 30.1 points in winning his sixth consecutive scoring title, he has averaged 34.1 points in the playoffs.

But while Jordan’s playoff production has increased, forward Pippen’s production has done the opposite. Pippen, who averaged 16.6 shots in the regular season, has averaged 13.9 shots in the playoffs. His scoring average has fallen from 21 points a game in the regular season to 18.6 in the playoffs.

“I’d like to see the effort we had last year and all season long, when everybody made a contribution,” Jordan said. “If everybody’s going to sit back and wait for me to do all the work, I can’t carry that type of load.”

Pippen complained that Coach Phil Jackson didn’t involve him in the offense after failing to score in the second half of Game 4. Pippen took three shots in the second half, while Jordan scored 35 points on 33 shots, 20 in the second half.

Jordan, who was surprised after Monday’s game when a reporter mentioned that Pippen was scoreless in the second half, said the Bulls aren’t bickering.

“We’re not pointing any fingers at individuals,” Jordan said. “If Scottie wasn’t involved, ask Scottie.”

Pippen refused comment after watching practice Tuesday. He has a sore right ankle, but he’s expected to play tonight.