NOTES

What was that about the Bulls being tired?

“A lot of people have said things about our physical tiredness or whatever, but our mental toughness is there,” Jordan said. “We are mentally strong to be where we are, and certainly mentally strong to defend what we have.

“Physically, we may not. They may be a much more physical, gifted team, but mentally, that counts for something. And I don’t think that should ever be overlooked.”

*

Hey Karl, it’s Jud Buechler, not Jed.

Karl Malone has been mispronouncing the name of the Bulls reserve forward in interviews, calling him Jed Buechler. Being an easygoing guy, Buechler isn’t offended, although it has meant some razzing from his teammates.

“I guess it’s nice to be mentioned at all,” he said. “And it’s better than being called ‘Jeb.’ The problem is now Scott Burrell keeps calling me ‘Jed.’ ”

*

The Jazz turned the ball over seven times in the fourth quarter in Game 2, leading to 10 Chicago points. . . . After missing all eight three-point attempts in Game 1, Utah made seven of 13 in Game 2. . . . Pippen’s one steal in Game 2 gave him a total of 59 in the NBA finals, tying him with Michael Cooper for third place in career steals.