The 90s continued the trend of tough, physical basketball as it’s known as possibly the hardest era to score in. It included distinguished defenders such as Dikembe Mutombo, Gary Payton, David Robinson, and Hakeem Olajuwon. This was also the first time an NBA champion didn’t include a dominant big as Michael Jordan lead the Bulls to 6 rings. Previously it was the standard that an elite team needed a big man either in charge or as one of their best players.

The Chicago Bulls were the team to beat in this decade. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen lead them to a three peat from ‘91-’93 and then added a third star in Dennis Rodman to three peat again from ‘96-’98. In the ‘96 season, they broke the record for wins in a season with 72. This trio was one of the best defensive groups the NBA has ever seen as they were all named to the all NBA first team three separate times. Jordan also led the offense averaging 31.5ppg in his tenure in Chicago. One of their toughest opponents was the Utah Jazz who they faced in the finals in ‘97 & ‘98. This team was led by Karl Malone, John Stockton, and Jeff Hornacek. In the two seasons that Jordan sat out to play baseball, the Houston Rockets won both championships. This team was led by Hakeem Olajuwon with the help of Clyde Drexler, Otis Thorpe, Kenny Smith, and Vernon Maxwell. More stars of the 90s include Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Mark Price, and Chris Mullin.