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Chicago Bulls Trivia Quiz: 20 Questions to Test Your Fandom
Welcome to the ultimate test of Windy City basketball knowledge. From the foundational years of the 1960s to the global dominance of the 1990s and the "Windy City Assassin" era, the Chicago Bulls are more than a team—they are a global brand. As a sports historian, I’ve seen many franchises rise and fall, but few have captured the imagination of the world like the Red and Black. Do you have what it takes to be called a "Die-Hard"? Let’s find out.
1. In what year were the Chicago Bulls founded as an NBA expansion team?
Answer: B) 1966
The Story Behind the Stat: The Chicago Bulls joined the NBA in 1966, founded by Dick Klein. They were the third NBA franchise in Chicago history, following the Stags and the Packers/Zephyrs. Remarkably, they became the first expansion team in NBA history to qualify for the playoffs in their very first season.
The Story Behind the Stat: The Chicago Bulls joined the NBA in 1966, founded by Dick Klein. They were the third NBA franchise in Chicago history, following the Stags and the Packers/Zephyrs. Remarkably, they became the first expansion team in NBA history to qualify for the playoffs in their very first season.
2. Who was the first head coach in Chicago Bulls history, winning Coach of the Year in the team's inaugural season?
Answer: C) Johnny "Red" Kerr
The Story Behind the Stat: Johnny "Red" Kerr, a Chicago native, led the expansion Bulls to a 33-48 record, which was enough to secure a playoff berth. His leadership earned him the NBA Coach of the Year award, a rare feat for an expansion coach. Kerr later became a beloved broadcaster for the team for over three decades.
The Story Behind the Stat: Johnny "Red" Kerr, a Chicago native, led the expansion Bulls to a 33-48 record, which was enough to secure a playoff berth. His leadership earned him the NBA Coach of the Year award, a rare feat for an expansion coach. Kerr later became a beloved broadcaster for the team for over three decades.
3. Michael Jordan was famously selected 3rd overall in the 1984 NBA Draft. Which two players were taken before him?
Answer: A) Hakeem Olajuwon and Sam Bowie
The Story Behind the Stat: The 1984 Draft is often cited as the most consequential in league history. While Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston) had a Hall of Fame career, the Portland Trail Blazers' decision to draft Sam Bowie over Jordan remains the most scrutinized "what if" in sports history. Jordan’s arrival in Chicago immediately transformed the franchise into a global powerhouse.
The Story Behind the Stat: The 1984 Draft is often cited as the most consequential in league history. While Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston) had a Hall of Fame career, the Portland Trail Blazers' decision to draft Sam Bowie over Jordan remains the most scrutinized "what if" in sports history. Jordan’s arrival in Chicago immediately transformed the franchise into a global powerhouse.
4. Against which team did Michael Jordan score a playoff-record 63 points in 1986?
Answer: C) Boston Celtics
The Story Behind the Stat: In just his second season, Jordan put on a masterclass at the Boston Garden against one of the greatest teams of all time. Despite the Bulls losing in double overtime, Larry Bird famously remarked that it was "God disguised as Michael Jordan." The 63-point mark remains the NBA record for most points in a single playoff game.
The Story Behind the Stat: In just his second season, Jordan put on a masterclass at the Boston Garden against one of the greatest teams of all time. Despite the Bulls losing in double overtime, Larry Bird famously remarked that it was "God disguised as Michael Jordan." The 63-point mark remains the NBA record for most points in a single playoff game.
5. Which Bulls player was known as "The Worm" and led the league in rebounding for seven consecutive seasons?
Answer: C) Dennis Rodman
The Story Behind the Stat: Dennis Rodman joined the Bulls in 1995 and became the final piece of the second three-peat puzzle. His eccentric personality and defensive tenacity were legendary. During his three seasons in Chicago, he won three rebounding titles and three championships, cementing his legacy as the greatest rebounder for his size.
The Story Behind the Stat: Dennis Rodman joined the Bulls in 1995 and became the final piece of the second three-peat puzzle. His eccentric personality and defensive tenacity were legendary. During his three seasons in Chicago, he won three rebounding titles and three championships, cementing his legacy as the greatest rebounder for his size.
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Check out the latest Chicago Bulls jerseys and gear on Amazon here6. Who hit the game-winning jumper in Game 6 of the 1993 NBA Finals to secure the Bulls' first "Three-Peat"?
Answer: D) John Paxson
The Story Behind the Stat: With the Bulls trailing by two points in the closing seconds against the Phoenix Suns, the ball moved through the hands of Jordan, Pippen, and Horace Grant before finding a wide-open John Paxson. Paxson calmly drained a three-pointer with 3.9 seconds left. This shot secured the 99-98 victory and the Bulls' third consecutive title.
The Story Behind the Stat: With the Bulls trailing by two points in the closing seconds against the Phoenix Suns, the ball moved through the hands of Jordan, Pippen, and Horace Grant before finding a wide-open John Paxson. Paxson calmly drained a three-pointer with 3.9 seconds left. This shot secured the 99-98 victory and the Bulls' third consecutive title.
7. In 2011, which Bulls star became the youngest player in NBA history to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award?
Answer: B) Derrick Rose
The Story Behind the Stat: At just 22 years old, Chicago native Derrick Rose took the league by storm, leading the Bulls to 62 wins. His combination of speed and athleticism was unprecedented for a point guard. He remains the only Bull other than Michael Jordan to win the league's highest individual honor.
The Story Behind the Stat: At just 22 years old, Chicago native Derrick Rose took the league by storm, leading the Bulls to 62 wins. His combination of speed and athleticism was unprecedented for a point guard. He remains the only Bull other than Michael Jordan to win the league's highest individual honor.
8. Before moving to the United Center in 1994, what was the name of the Bulls' legendary home arena?
Answer: B) Chicago Stadium
The Story Behind the Stat: Known as "The Madhouse on Madison" (which was its nickname, not its formal name), Chicago Stadium was famous for its acoustics and the roaring sound of the Barton organ. It was the site of the first three championship celebrations. The arena was demolished in 1995, but its spirit lives on across the street at the United Center.
The Story Behind the Stat: Known as "The Madhouse on Madison" (which was its nickname, not its formal name), Chicago Stadium was famous for its acoustics and the roaring sound of the Barton organ. It was the site of the first three championship celebrations. The arena was demolished in 1995, but its spirit lives on across the street at the United Center.
9. Which coach led the Bulls to all six of their NBA championships during the 1990s?
Answer: B) Phil Jackson
The Story Behind the Stat: The "Zen Master" took over in 1989 and implemented the Triangle Offense. His ability to manage the egos of superstars like Jordan, Pippen, and Rodman was his greatest strength. Jackson finished his Bulls tenure with a staggering 545-193 regular-season record.
The Story Behind the Stat: The "Zen Master" took over in 1989 and implemented the Triangle Offense. His ability to manage the egos of superstars like Jordan, Pippen, and Rodman was his greatest strength. Jackson finished his Bulls tenure with a staggering 545-193 regular-season record.
10. What jersey number did Michael Jordan wear for 17 games upon his return to the NBA in 1995?
Answer: C) 45
The Story Behind the Stat: When Jordan returned from his baseball hiatus, his iconic #23 had been retired. He chose #45, his high school baseball number and the number he wore for the Birmingham Barons. He switched back to #23 during the 1995 playoffs after Magic Johnson and Nick Anderson commented that he didn't look like the "old #23."
The Story Behind the Stat: When Jordan returned from his baseball hiatus, his iconic #23 had been retired. He chose #45, his high school baseball number and the number he wore for the Birmingham Barons. He switched back to #23 during the 1995 playoffs after Magic Johnson and Nick Anderson commented that he didn't look like the "old #23."
11. Who was the starting center for the Bulls during their second "Three-Peat" (1996–1998)?
Answer: B) Luc Longley
The Story Behind the Stat: Luc Longley was the first Australian to play in the NBA and provided the size and passing ability needed in the Triangle Offense. While he wasn't a high-volume scorer, his screen-setting and interior presence were vital. He started nearly every game during the historic 72-10 season.
The Story Behind the Stat: Luc Longley was the first Australian to play in the NBA and provided the size and passing ability needed in the Triangle Offense. While he wasn't a high-volume scorer, his screen-setting and interior presence were vital. He started nearly every game during the historic 72-10 season.
12. The Bulls set a then-NBA record by winning 72 games during which regular season?
Answer: B) 1995-96
The Story Behind the Stat: The 1995-96 Bulls are widely considered the greatest team in NBA history. They started the season 41-3 and finished 72-10, a record that stood until the 2015-16 Warriors won 73. Unlike the Warriors, however, the Bulls capped their season with a championship.
The Story Behind the Stat: The 1995-96 Bulls are widely considered the greatest team in NBA history. They started the season 41-3 and finished 72-10, a record that stood until the 2015-16 Warriors won 73. Unlike the Warriors, however, the Bulls capped their season with a championship.
13. Which European star, known as "The Waiter," was a crucial sixth man for the Bulls' second championship trilogy?
Answer: A) Toni Kukoc
The Story Behind the Stat: Toni Kukoc was a versatile 6'11" forward from Croatia who could pass, shoot, and handle the ball like a guard. He won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 1996. His arrival was initially met with friction from Jordan and Pippen, but he eventually earned their deep respect as a clutch performer.
The Story Behind the Stat: Toni Kukoc was a versatile 6'11" forward from Croatia who could pass, shoot, and handle the ball like a guard. He won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 1996. His arrival was initially met with friction from Jordan and Pippen, but he eventually earned their deep respect as a clutch performer.
14. Against which team did the Bulls win their first-ever NBA Championship in 1991?
Answer: B) Los Angeles Lakers
The Story Behind the Stat: The 1991 Finals was billed as a "passing of the torch" from Magic Johnson to Michael Jordan. After losing Game 1 at home, the Bulls won four straight to claim the title. This series featured Jordan's famous mid-air hand-switch layup, one of the most iconic highlights in sports history.
The Story Behind the Stat: The 1991 Finals was billed as a "passing of the torch" from Magic Johnson to Michael Jordan. After losing Game 1 at home, the Bulls won four straight to claim the title. This series featured Jordan's famous mid-air hand-switch layup, one of the most iconic highlights in sports history.
15. Who holds the Chicago Bulls franchise record for the most career assists?
Answer: C) Scottie Pippen
The Story Behind the Stat: While Michael Jordan leads the franchise in almost every scoring category, Scottie Pippen holds the record for assists with 4,494. Pippen was the quintessential "Point Forward," often initiating the offense to allow Jordan to focus on scoring. His playmaking was a fundamental pillar of the Bulls' dynasty.
The Story Behind the Stat: While Michael Jordan leads the franchise in almost every scoring category, Scottie Pippen holds the record for assists with 4,494. Pippen was the quintessential "Point Forward," often initiating the offense to allow Jordan to focus on scoring. His playmaking was a fundamental pillar of the Bulls' dynasty.
16. What was the name of the "Triangle Offense" architect who served as an assistant coach during the Bulls' dynasty?
Answer: A) Tex Winter
The Story Behind the Stat: Tex Winter was a basketball innovator who perfected the Triple-Post Offense (Triangle Offense) at Kansas State. Phil Jackson brought him to the Bulls, and his system revolutionized the team's play. Winter was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011 for his contributions to the game.
The Story Behind the Stat: Tex Winter was a basketball innovator who perfected the Triple-Post Offense (Triangle Offense) at Kansas State. Phil Jackson brought him to the Bulls, and his system revolutionized the team's play. Winter was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011 for his contributions to the game.
17. Which Bulls player was famously traded to the New York Knicks in 1988 for Charles Oakley?
Answer: A) Bill Cartwright
The Story Behind the Stat: The trade was initially unpopular with Michael Jordan, who was close friends with Oakley. However, Cartwright provided the veteran interior presence and rim protection the Bulls desperately needed. He became a co-captain and a vital part of the first three-peat championship teams.
The Story Behind the Stat: The trade was initially unpopular with Michael Jordan, who was close friends with Oakley. However, Cartwright provided the veteran interior presence and rim protection the Bulls desperately needed. He became a co-captain and a vital part of the first three-peat championship teams.
18. Only two players in Bulls history have had their jerseys retired for their playing contributions (excluding Jerry Sloan and Bob Love). Who are they?
Answer: A) Michael Jordan (#23) and Scottie Pippen (#33)
The Story Behind the Stat: The Bulls are very selective with jersey retirements. Jerry Sloan (#4) and Bob Love (#10) were the first, representing the tough-nosed teams of the 70s. Jordan and Pippen followed, immortalizing the duo that brought six banners to the city of Chicago.
The Story Behind the Stat: The Bulls are very selective with jersey retirements. Jerry Sloan (#4) and Bob Love (#10) were the first, representing the tough-nosed teams of the 70s. Jordan and Pippen followed, immortalizing the duo that brought six banners to the city of Chicago.
19. In the 1997 "Flu Game," Michael Jordan heroically scored 38 points while battling illness. Who was the opponent?
Answer: C) Utah Jazz
The Story Behind the Stat: Game 5 of the 1997 Finals is the stuff of legend. Jordan was suffering from what was later revealed to be food poisoning (likely from a late-night pizza). Despite being visibly dehydrated and exhausted, he hit a clutch three-pointer to seal the win, eventually collapsing into Scottie Pippen's arms.
The Story Behind the Stat: Game 5 of the 1997 Finals is the stuff of legend. Jordan was suffering from what was later revealed to be food poisoning (likely from a late-night pizza). Despite being visibly dehydrated and exhausted, he hit a clutch three-pointer to seal the win, eventually collapsing into Scottie Pippen's arms.
20. Which current Bulls star, acquired in 2021, set a record by scoring 35+ points on 50% shooting in eight consecutive games?
Answer: B) DeMar DeRozan
The Story Behind the Stat: DeMar DeRozan's first season in Chicago was a revelation. During the 2021-22 season, he went on a historic scoring tear that surpassed a record previously held by Wilt Chamberlain. His mid-range mastery brought "Deebo-mania" to the United Center and earned him an All-NBA Second Team selection.
The Story Behind the Stat: DeMar DeRozan's first season in Chicago was a revelation. During the 2021-22 season, he went on a historic scoring tear that surpassed a record previously held by Wilt Chamberlain. His mid-range mastery brought "Deebo-mania" to the United Center and earned him an All-NBA Second Team selection.
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