As soon as John Stockton's last-second shot put the Utah Jazz in the NBA Finals, a majority of television watchers at the Big Downtown Club and neighboring Miller's Pub on Wabash Avenue cheered with approval.
Many were happy for former Chicago star Jerry Sloan, while others just enjoyed the fantastic finish.But, make no mistake about it, Windy City folks are Bull-ish when it comes to basketball.
"It's somebody different and it should be a great series," said bartender Kevin Mongoven of suburban Park Ridge. "The Bulls will take it in six just because of their experience. They will have to be on their toes, however, because the Jazz are tough."
Children's book distributor John Toraason of Peru, Ill., who is in town for the American Book Association convention, calls it a blue-collar series.
"That's why a lot of us respect the Jazz," said Toraason, who also believes the Bulls will prevail in six games. "Both teams are a lot like Jerry Sloan - hard-nosed and tough."
Chicago resident Carlos Figueroa thinks da Bulls are capable of a sweep.
"They'll win them all," he forecasted. "I was hoping Houston would win this game so that Scottie's leg can heal up a little bit."
Pippen injured his left foot in Chicago's series-clinching win over Miami Wednesday and is listed as day-to-day for the finals.
"They could win this series without Pippen," said 38-year-old chef Melvin Taylor of Country Club Hills, Ill. "It depends on how Scottie is, but I'll give Utah a game."
Taylor screamed "I can't believe it" when Stockton's shot eliminated Houston. Though he hoped the series wouldn't begin until Wednesday, Taylor said Chicago would be ready to get after it Sunday.
Especially Michael Jordan.
"Everybody knows Mike should have been given the MVP," said Taylor. "He's going to show who the real MVP is this year. The NBA robbed Jordan of the MVP. He's going to prove his point, man, no doubt about it."
Taylor admitted he liked Karl Malone's game, but said their was no comparison. Same goes for the upcoming clash of the conference champions.
"The West is like the AFC in the NFL," he said. "They don't play any defense in the West. It's all run and gun."
The shootout begins Sunday in the United Center.