MICHAEL JORDAN and the Chicago Bulls began counting the days until their showdown with Orlando, while the Utah Jazz might have counted out San Antonio a bit too quickly. The Bulls beat New York 94-81 on Tuesday to reach the NBA semi finals while Utah missed a chance to advance, losing 98-87 at San Antonio.
Jordan scored 35 points as the Bulls completed a 4-1 victory in the best of seven Eastern Conference series. They are anxious to face Orlando, who ousted Chicago from last year's play offs.
"We anticipated a major fight getting to the conference finals and it doesn't get any easier," Jordan said. "We have to play a lot better to beat Orlando."
The Bulls had to physically withstand a punishing Knicks. squad without Toni Kukoc, who, missed the past three games with a back injury. Jordan's back is also sore.
At San Antonio, a crowd of 34,215 watched the Spurs keep their title hopes alive because David Robinson recovered from two poor showings with 24 points and 15 rebounds to silence the Jazz.
The Spurs trail Utah 3-2 in the best of seven Western Conference semi final entering game six today. at Salt Lake City. The survivors faces Seattle for a berth in the NBA finals.
