As bench players, Mark Aguirre and Ma Hong found it difficult to continuously provide enough output. With the starters fatigued, the Pistons couldn't suddenly muster the energy to pull ahead in the fourth quarter.
On the contrary, if the Pistons grit their teeth and persist without proper rotations and rest in the fourth quarter, when Jordan and Pippen return to the court, they will collapse instantly.
Although Jackson felt confident internally, there was still a sliver of worry, as the substitute players' performances were always poor whenever facing the Pistons.
BJ Armstrong and Hodges put up disastrous performances in last year's Game 7.
Jackson still trusted his substitutes, especially with Horace Grant leading from the bench this year.
Jackson also brought in Levinston, and when the fourth quarter truly began, Jordan was surprised to find his teammates were playing very well.
The Bulls not only didn't fall behind but launched an 11-0 offensive surge, overtaking the score!
