Dennis Rodman’s Masterful Mind Games To Get Frank Brickowski Ejected In Game 3 Of The 1996 NBA Finals

Dennis Rodman used mind games on Frank Brickowski in Game 3 of the 1996 NBA Finals, which led to Brickowski's ejection.

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Credit: Fadeaway World

Dennis Rodman is one of the most notorious players in NBA history, known for his aggressive play, wild personality, and unpredictable behavior both on and off the court. The 1996 NBA Finals between the Chicago Bulls and the Seattle SuperSonics showcased Rodman’s infamous mind games that helped turn the tide of the series. 

From his colorful hair to his trash-talking and physical antics, Rodman’s impact on the game went far beyond his statistics. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Rodman’s role in the 1996 NBA Finals and how his mind games helped the Bulls secure their fourth championship in six years. 


Dennis Rodman vs. Frank Brickowski

Dennis Rodman won two NBA titles as a member of the “Bad Boy” Detroit Pistons. One of the Pistons’ biggest rivals was the Chicago Bulls, so when Rodman joined the Bulls before the 1995-96 season, it had many fans scratching their heads.

These fans soon forgot about the hard fouls Rodman gave the Bulls players in the past, as he won Chicago’s heart with his work ethic and his unforgettable style. Rodman started to color his hair when he was traded from the Pistons to the San Antonio Spurs in 1993.

By the time Rodman was in Chicago, his hair had begun to change many colors and included different pictures, like the Chicago Bulls logo. Rodman’s hair color did not distract his play or his teammates, as the Bulls reached the NBA Finals with a then-record 72 wins.

Rodman, who was known as “The Worm” was the master of playing mind games. Once he got into your head, it was over… Just ask Frank Brickowski of the Seattle SuperSonics.

Brickowski took on Rodman in the 1996 NBA Finals as his Sonics tried the impossible: beating the 72-10 Chicago Bulls.

While all eyes were on Michael Jordan for his scoring, Rodman was having his way with all the Sonics bigs on the boards, tying an NBA Finals record with 11 offensive rebounds in Game 2.

In Game 3, the Sonics looked to Brickowski to slow Rodman down, and it did not work. Rodman toyed with Brickowski, hooking his arm with Brickowski’s arm, putting his face purposely by Brickowski’s elbows and flopping back, and staring directly at him with a smile on his face while free throws were taken.

This all led to Brickowski being thrown out of the game in the fourth after a flagrant foul was called when he shoved his forearm into Rodman’s neck.

The Bulls won the game 108–86 and the series 4-2, giving the franchise its fourth title, thanks to Rodman’s antics on Brickowski.

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Titan Frey is the editor-in-chief and a staff writer for Fadeaway World from York, Pennsylvania. Titan blends his deep passion for basketball and storytelling to oversee the content at Fadeaway World. A prolific writer, Titan has authored several novels, including the award-winning "Players Path." This experience has honed his ability to weave compelling narratives, a skill he applies to his editorial role, ensuring that every piece resonates with basketball lovers and maintains high journalistic standards. His passion for basketball was sparked by Michael Jordan's return to the NBA in 1995, and his allegiance to the Chicago Bulls often inspires his contributions to "Pippen Ain’t Easy," a website dedicated to Bulls-related content. Titan’s specialization in player biographies and retro basketball content allows him to offer unique insights, often reaching out to key sources to secure exclusive information not available elsewhere. One of Titan’s proudest achievements is the biography of Chuck Cooper, the first African American drafted by an NBA team. By collaborating directly with Chuck Cooper III, Titan was able to present a nuanced portrayal that enriched the basketball community’s understanding of Cooper’s impact on the sport. Titan also extends his storytelling prowess to his YouTube channel "HoopsHistory26", where he uses archived footage to bring historical basketball stories to life, engaging a broader audience with his vivid storytelling and authoritative content.Titan's bold predictions and memorable basketball moments also reflect his deep involvement in the sport. He boldly predicts that the Phoenix Suns will part ways with their Big 3 and focus on building around Kevin Durant. Among his cherished memories is attending the unforgettable 2004 game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Indiana Pacers in Philly, where he witnessed Allen Iverson make his first career game-winning shot. These experiences and insights continue to enrich his contributions to Fadeaway World, connecting with readers on a deeply personal level.
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