CSN Looks Back at MJ, Ahead to Luvabulls

Let’s say you are a Chicago Bulls fan in dire need of a fix. Of course, a fix to the NBA’s lockout would be the best solution. That way you could watch Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Luol Deng and company try once again to win an NBA title. Or at least reach the NBA Finals.

Well, until then, Comcast SportsNet Chicago just might have the second-best solution. Possibly the best, if you happen to be a Michael Jordan fan. Beginning Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., the cable channel will show 15 games featuring MJ. Bulls announcers Neil Funk and Stacey King will host the telecasts. Hey, they have nothing better to do.

Included will be all six title-clinching games in the franchise’s history.

The debut installment of “Chicago Bulls Classics” will be from February, 1987, with His Airness setting a team scoring record (58 points).

The series is to last through February, although it is subject to change. No word on whether — if a greater part of the season is wiped out beyond November — whether CSN will spin off a similar series with 15 of Stacey King’s greatest games. He did have at least 15, yes? As a player? With the Bulls?.. OK, maybe that idea goes on the back burner.

The series featuring MJ:

Wednesday, Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 26, 1987: New Jersey Nets at Bulls (Bulls win 128-113). Michael Jordan sets a Bulls scoring record with 58 points; also sets Bulls record of 26-of-27 free throws, including 19 straight. Postgame interview with Johnny “Red” Kerr asking MJ, “What’s next?” Replies Jordan: “An NBA championship.”

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 16, 1989: Milwaukee Bucks at Bulls (Bulls win 117-116). Jordan scores 27 of his 50 points in fourth quarter, including a 20-footer with one second left.

Tuesday, Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m.
May 7, 1989: Round 1, Game 5 – Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers (Bulls win 101-100). “The Shot.” MJ hits game-winning shot at buzzer over Craig Ehlo to giving the Bulls the series upset.

Tuesday, Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m.
June 12, 1991: NBA Finals, Game 5 – Bulls at Los Angeles Lakers (Bulls win 108-101). Bulls celebrate first NBA title. Jordan scores 30 points, to go with 10 assists and five steals. Postgame locker-room coverage includes MJ clutching the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy with his father James Jordan at his side.

Wednesday, Nov. 30 7:30 p.m.
June 3, 1992: NBA Finals, Game 1 – Portland Trailblazers at Bulls (Bulls win 122-89). Jordan’s “shrug” told the story as he was 6-of-10 from three-point range and had 35 points in the first half.

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.
June 14, 1992: NBA Finals, Game 6 – Portland Trailblazer at Bulls (Bulls win 97-93). Bulls win consecutive NBA titles and celebrate their first home-court championship at Chicago Stadium.

Tuesday, Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.
May 17, 1993: Round 2, Game 4 – Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers (Bulls win 103-101). Jordan hits game-ending, series-clinching “Shot II.”

Tuesday, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.
May 31, 1993: Eastern Conference Finals, Game 4 – New York Knicks at Bulls (Bulls win 105-95). On this Memorial Day telecast, MJ provides a 54-point performance that tied the series at 2-2.

Tuesday, Dec. 27, 7:30p.m.
June 16, 1993: NBA Finals, Game 4 – Phoenix Suns at Bulls (Bulls win 111-105). The Bulls go up 3-1 against Sir Charles & the Suns as Jordan scores 55.

Tuesday, Jan. 3, 7:30 p.m.
June 20, 1993: NBA Finals, Game 6 – Bulls at Phoenix Suns (Bulls win 128-113). John Paxson hits three-point championship-winning shot with 3.9 seconds left for the Bulls’ first “three-peat.”

Monday, Jan. 9, 7:30 p.m.
March 28, 1995: Bulls at New York Knicks (Bulls win 113-111). In his fifth game back from retirement, No. 45 Jordan scores 55 points and sets up Bill Wennington for a game-winning slam dunk at Madison Square Garden.

Monday, Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m.
June 16, 1996: NBA Finals, Game 6 – Seattle Supersonics at Bulls (Bulls win 87-75). Bulls cap off record-breaking 72-10 regular season by downing the Sonics for their fourth NBA title.

Monday, Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m.
June 11, 1997: NBA Finals, Game 5 – Bulls at Utah Jazz (Bulls win 90-88). A flu-stricken MJ scores a game-high 38 as the Bulls take a 3-2 series lead.

Monday, Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m.
June 13, 1997: NBA Finals, Game 6 – Utah Jazz at Bulls (Bulls win 90-86). Steve Kerr scores a 17-footer with five seconds remaining followed by Toni Kukoc’s slam dunk with 0.6 seconds left, as the Bulls win their fifth NBA title.

Monday, Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m.
June 14, 1998: NBA Finals, Game 6 – Bulls at Utah Jazz (Bulls win 87-86). Jordan hits historic game-winning shot as the Bulls clinch their sixth NBA championship.

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For those interested in something Bulls-related that involves attractive females dancing, there is good news. CSN will debut “The Making of the Luvabulls” Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. The four-part series (hey, your humble correspondent suggested the series be much, much longer than that) will chronicle the journey to become part of the 25-woman dance team.

Pat Boyle narrates the series that includes the initial audtions, mini-camp to the team finally being selected. Highlights include quality time with Luvabulls veteran/former Miss Illinois Ashley Bond, Luvabulls Director Cathy Core, choreographer Kim Tyler and others who participated in the process.

“We wanted to provide our viewers with an honest look at what it truly takes to become a member of the Luvabulls, not just from a physical standpoint, but also from a mental one as well,” CSN CHicago senior news director Charlie Schumacher said. “We captured so many euphoric moments, but also numerous moments of heartbreak. Most importantly, ‘The Making of the Luvabulls’ showcases so many hard-working, determined women trying their best to make their dream come true.”

Hey, and it helps fill up time until the NBA lockout ends.

Also available will be web exclusives at csnchicago.com.

* Episode 1: Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. (replays: Nov. 4 at 12:30 p.m. and Nov. 6 at 9:30 p.m.): A little history about the Luvabulls, profiles of Director Cathy Core and choreographer Kim Tyler and highlights from the initial tryouts with more than 200 females participating.
* Episode 2: Wednesday, November 9 at 7 p.m. (replays: Nov. 11 at 12:30 p.m. and Nov. 13 at 9:30 p.m.): Minicamp.
* Episode 3: Tuesday, November 15 at 7 p.m.: (replays: Nov. 18 at 3 p.m., Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. and Nov. 24 at 8 p.m.): The 2011-12 Luvabulls team is selected.
* Episode 4: Tuesday, November 22 at 7 p.m. (replays: Nov. 24 at 8:30 p.m. and Nov. 28 at 7 p.m.): The Luvabulls poster shoot.

“It is a very difficult process and anybody that kind of makes it through that training process, kudos to you because I felt like it is one of the hardest things mentally, physically, that you will ever go through in life being challenged on both ends and have that balance to make it through to the other side. — Luvabulls choreographer Kim Tyler on auditions/minicamp

“We look for a lot more than just a pretty face and a good dancer. We look for the whole package. Somebody who can speak in front of crowds and interact with CEOs and the community and really be a great representation for us and for the Bulls.” — Bulls Sr. Director of Game Operations Jeff Wohlschlaeger on what the team looks for in a Luvabull