How Dennis Rodman's Defense on Alonzo Mourning Helped the Chicago Bulls Advance to the 1997 Finals It's 1997 Eastern Conference Finals matchup between Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat. Heat was coached by Pat Riley and led by center Alonzo Mourning. Phil Jackson made his strategy. Bulls would try to get into Alonzo Mourning's head. They planned on making that a habit. He couldn't control his instincts. He couldn't turn his head other side, and eventually, he was provoked by Dennis Rodman. In theory,