From the Sidelines: Can anybody finally run down the bulls?

Despite their struggles out of the gate, the Chicago Bulls are the clear favorite to walk away with the 1997-98 NBA crown. Throughout the Bulls' amazing dynasty, no other team has been able to match their dedication and drive, as Chicago has rolled over its Finals opponent in each of its five championship seasons. While this may be the last year of the Bulls' run--Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and coach Phil Jackson all have contracts that expire at season's end--Chicago is currently poised to capture a stunning sixth title in eight years.

Are the Bulls that unstoppable? Perhaps. But, like any NBA team, Chicago has its weaknesses that, if exploited effectively, could produce a new NBA champion come June. In particular, four specific strategies jump out as the keys to attacking the Bulls.

1. The Big Fella. Despite their wealth of talent and the best player of all-time in Jordan, the Bulls still lack a dominant center. While this point has been beaten to death, this year's Los Angeles Lakers might sport the right balance between size and three-point shooting to pose a serious threat to Chicago. Laker center Shaquille O'Neal, despite his horrid free-throw shooting, is as dominant an offensive force as any player in the game. His ability to back down opposing centers with ease forces opposing teams to double team, thereby freeing the Lakers for open looks beyond the arc. O'Neal is often criticized for his one-dimensional play, but he still averages nearly 30 points and 15 rebounds a game. His presence inside would force Chicago to alter their defensive strategy, and would prevent Pippen and forward Toni Kukoc from making slashing drives into the lane on offense. Given their talent base, the Lakers should make it out of the West this year, and could seriously threaten Chicago in the Finals.

2. Rock 'em, sock 'em. Jordan is not only the best player in the game, he's one of the toughest. Look back on his emotional Game Five against Utah in the Finals last season, when he scored 38 points, including the game-winning three pointer, while physically and emotionally exhausted from a stomach virus. Unfortunately, his teammates don't always display the same brand of toughness. Pippen and Kukoc would rather stand outside and launch ill-advised shots than challenge in the paint. And while Rodman is certifiably nuts, he can still be bullied by bigger players who don't fall prey to his shenanigans on the court.

So which teams promise to push Chicago around? Two Eastern rivals, Miami and New York, are the most likely candidates. Through the Bulls' championships, their biggest enemy traditionally has been the Knicks, not their hapless 1997 Finals opponent. New York doesn't back down to Chicago with its rough defensive play. Pippen has yet to put together consistent games in Madison Square Garden. Former New York coach Pat Riley has instilled this same toughness (and willingness to bend the rules a little) in the Heat, who, despite getting throttled by Chicago last season, still possess the necessary physical strength to push the Bulls around. Still, Miami will find its lack of offensive potency a problem as it seeks to unseat the current champions.

3. Execute! It sounds simple enough, but one of the easiest ways to challenge the Bulls is to execute on offense. Some of the most basic elements of the game become even more crucial when matched up with an opponent of Chicago's caliber. Teams must hit their free-throws, minimize turnovers, and pass with precision. Discipline on both offense and defense is key to an upset. Last season, when Utah was able to run their pick-and-roll offense as it is designed, they handed the Bulls two defeats. Teams simply cannot allow themselves to be intimidated by the Bulls' mystique. Utah returns, essentially, the same team as last year's Western Conference champions, and will challenge Los Angeles for this year's crown. If the two teams meet in a rematch of last year's Finals, the Jazz's offensive fluidity could present difficulty for the champs.

4. Develop a friendship with Ken Griffey Jr. Huh? I thought he played baseball! Exactly. Perhaps if an NBA star convinces Griffey to badmouth Jordan's baseball-playing days, His Airness will feel a rekindled fire for baseball and head back to the diamond, leaving the Bulls to fend for themselves. Otherwise, Jordan will probably average 40 points in the playoffs and spell doom for any and all opponents.

Keep in mind that even if a team combines all four of these strategies, and plays a flawless game heading into the fourth quarter, Jordan will probably still score 24 in the final session and win the game on a last-second jumper. He's just that good. In what may be his final season in the NBA, look for MJ to end his career with a bang, and a sixth championship for the Chicago Bulls.

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