The newspapers in the Oregon region strongly supported Pippen, stating: "What difference does it make if they meet earlier? Just to get defeated by the Trail Blazers earlier? Pippen prevented that from happening."
In fact, the rivalry between these two cities began last season.
For the Bulls to face the Trail Blazers, they must first defeat the Detroit Pistons.
The Pistons defeated their old rivals, the Boston Celtics, 4-2 in the second round.
This year was the Celtics' most promising season in recent years.
Bird and McHale still had some gas in the tank, and the arrival of Divac and Hornacek bolstered the team's roster.
They breezed through the Pacers in the first round with a 3-1 win, only to fall to the Pistons once again.
Even though the Pistons showed signs of decline this season, the Celtics were even more exhausted and aging.
