Bulls Push Hornets To Brink

Michael Jordan was everywhere - swishing 3-pointers, energizing the crowd with soaring slams, defending 5-foot-3 Muggsy Bogues on the perimeter and double-teaming 6-10 Alonzo Mourning under the basket.

With Mourning not a factor, the Chicago Bulls attacked the boards, negated the Charlotte Hornets’ only matchup advantage and took a 2-1 lead in the first-round playoff series.

Jordan scored 25 points, including 13 during a 19-4 run that spanned the end of the second quarter and start of the third, as Chicago won 103-80 Tuesday night.

“This is one game, and that’s all you can say. Momentum has to be built next game,” Bulls coach Phil Jackson warned. “But one thing we do know is that we’re now in the driver’s seat in this series.”

Chicago can wrap up the series Thursday night at the United Center.

Mourning, dominating in Game 2 with 23 points and 20 rebounds, had two points and one rebound in the first half Tuesday and finished with 13 and seven. When he did get in position to score, the Bulls committed hard fouls or tore the ball from his grasp. He made six of Charlotte’s 22 turnovers.

The Bulls have not lost a first-round series since 1987.

Mourning blamed his poor showing on the officiating.

“It’s frustrating playing against not just five but eight guys,” he said.