Michael Jordan had another outstanding performance as host chicago defeated Atlanta, 97-90, to take over the lead in the Eastern Conference. Jordan scored 47 points and shot 69% (18-for-26 from the field) while the rest of the team, still without Scottie Pippen, combined for 50 points and 32% (19-for-59). The Hawks tried numerous defensive schemes, but Jordan at times made it look so easy that it seemed like he was playing a different game in a distinct space. Atlanta was at his mercy. “The Worm” continued his superb play from the last weeks when he collected 29 rebounds, the most in his two and a half seasons with the Bulls. He also hit a couple of tough shots that got the crowd fired up. Chicago has won seven consecutive games and defeated three division leaders (Atlanta, Miami and the Los Angeles Lakers) in a 10-day span. It was Phil Jackson’s 500th win as the head coach of the Bulls.