Taking a closer look at three key takeaways from episodes 3 and 4 from ESPN’s ‘The Last Dance’ which featured Dennis Rodman and Phil Jackson.
The first part of episode three focused on Dennis Rodman. It discussed the method to his madness, how he decided to become a defensive-specialist and his early years with the Detroit Pistons. The episode then shifted to the first coaching change in Michael Jordan‘s career, in which Doug Collins was hired in 1986.
That led to the storyline of Jordan vs. the Bad Boy Pistons with their “Jordan Rules” – a team that plagued him for three seasons before the Bulls were able to break through during the 1990-91 season.
Episode four picks up with Rodman’s “48 hours in Vegas.” When Scottie Pippen returned from injury during the 1997-98 season, Rodman requested a “mini-vacation.” Phil Jackson decided to allow Rodman 48 hours. Predictably, Rodman didn’t return in 48 hours and Jordan had to go to Vegas to retrieve Rodman.
The episode then shifts to the story of Phil Jackson, where he came from, and the impact he had on his players. Let’s take a look at three of the biggest takeaways from episodes three and four.