The 1997-98 Utah Jazz season was marked by strong performance and consistency, culminating in a return to the NBA Finals. Led by the iconic duo of Karl Malone and John Stockton, the Jazz finished the regular season with an impressive 62-20 record, securing the top seed in the Western Conference. Malone, the league MVP, was instrumental in the team’s success, averaging 27.0 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.
Under the guidance of head coach Jerry Sloan, the Jazz displayed exceptional teamwork and execution, particularly in their pick-and-roll offense. The team ranked third in the league in offensive efficiency and fourth in defensive efficiency, showcasing their well-rounded play on both ends of the court.
In the playoffs, the Jazz overcame the Houston Rockets in the first round, followed by a hard-fought series against the San Antonio Spurs in the Conference Semifinals. The Western Conference Finals saw the Jazz face the Los Angeles Lakers, where they secured a 4-0 sweep, advancing to the NBA Finals for the second consecutive year.
The NBA Finals pitted the Jazz against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in a highly anticipated rematch. The series was fiercely contested, with Utah pushing Chicago to six games. Despite their efforts, the Jazz were unable to capture the title, falling 4-2 to the Bulls. The 1997-98 season remains a significant chapter in Jazz history, highlighted by their exceptional regular-season performance and deep playoff run.
- Regular Season Record: 62-20
- Playoff Result: Western Conference First Round: 3-2, Western Conference Semifinals: 4-1, Western Conference Finals: 4-0, NBA Finals: 2-4
Utah Jazz Roster and Stats for 1997-98 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Karl Malone | 81 | 27.0 | 10.3 | 3.9 | 1.2 | 0.9 | 33.3 | 20 | 26.3 | 10.9 | 3.4 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 0.0 |
| Jeff Hornacek | 80 | 14.2 | 3.4 | 4.4 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 44.1 | 20 | 10.9 | 2.5 | 3.2 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 46.7 |
| John Stockton | 64 | 12.0 | 2.6 | 8.5 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 42.9 | 20 | 11.1 | 3.0 | 7.8 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 34.6 |
| Bryon Russell | 82 | 9.0 | 4.0 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 34.1 | 20 | 10.9 | 4.7 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 36.5 |
| Shandon Anderson | 82 | 8.3 | 2.8 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 21.9 | 20 | 6.7 | 3.2 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 27.3 |
| Adam Keefe | 80 | 7.8 | 5.5 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 15 | 2.1 | 2.3 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Howard Eisley | 82 | 7.7 | 2.0 | 4.2 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 40.7 | 20 | 5.6 | 2.0 | 4.1 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 29.6 |
| Antoine Carr | 66 | 5.7 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 20 | 4.4 | 2.0 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 0.0 |
| Greg Foster | 78 | 5.7 | 3.5 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 22.2 | 20 | 4.1 | 3.3 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 50.0 |
| Greg Ostertag | 63 | 4.7 | 5.9 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 2.1 | 0.0 | 19 | 3.4 | 4.3 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 1.9 | 0.0 |
| Chris Morris | 54 | 4.3 | 2.1 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 30.7 | 17 | 4.5 | 2.8 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 30.4 |
| Jacque Vaughn | 45 | 3.1 | 0.8 | 1.9 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 37.5 | 7 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 50.0 |
| Troy Hudson | 8 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| William Cunningham | 6 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
Utah Jazz in the 1998 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Houston Rockets
In the first round of the 1998 NBA Playoffs, the Utah Jazz, led by the formidable duo of Karl Malone and John Stockton, faced off against the Houston Rockets. The Jazz, showcasing their elite teamwork and defensive prowess, managed to sweep the series 3-0. Their dominance in this series set the tone for their eventual run to the NBA Finals that year.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 23, 1998 | vs. Houston Rockets | L 103-90 | |
| Apr 25, 1998 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 105-90 | |
| Apr 29, 1998 | @ Houston Rockets | L 89-85 | |
| May 01, 1998 | @ Houston Rockets | W 93-71 | |
| May 03, 1998 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 84-70 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. San Antonio Spurs
In the 1998 NBA Playoffs, the Utah Jazz faced the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals, showcasing their veteran poise and strategic prowess. Led by Karl Malone and John Stockton, the Jazz won the series 4-1, effectively utilizing their pick-and-roll offense to dismantle the Spurs' defense. This victory propelled them into the Conference Finals and ultimately set the stage for their second consecutive NBA Finals appearance.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 05, 1998 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 83-82 | |
| May 07, 1998 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 109-106 | |
| May 09, 1998 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 86-64 | |
| May 10, 1998 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 82-73 | |
| May 12, 1998 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 87-77 |
1998 Conference Championship vs. Los Angeles Lakers
In the 1998 NBA Playoffs, the Utah Jazz showcased their resilience and skill by advancing to the Western Conference Finals, where they faced the formidable Los Angeles Lakers. Led by the dynamic duo of Karl Malone and John Stockton, the Jazz swept the Lakers in a commanding 4-0 series, demonstrating their cohesive team play and defensive prowess. This victory propelled them to the NBA Finals for the second consecutive year, setting up a rematch with the Chicago Bulls.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 16, 1998 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 112-77 | |
| May 18, 1998 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 99-95 | |
| May 22, 1998 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 109-98 | |
| May 24, 1998 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 96-92 |
1998 NBA Finals vs. Chicago Bulls
In the 1998 NBA Finals, the Utah Jazz faced the Chicago Bulls in a highly anticipated rematch of the previous year's championship series. Led by the formidable duo of Karl Malone and John Stockton, the Jazz pushed the Bulls to a six-game series but ultimately fell short, losing 4-2. The series is famously remembered for Michael Jordan's iconic game-winning shot in Game 6, which secured Chicago's sixth title and dashed Utah's hopes of capturing their first NBA championship.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 03, 1998 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 88-85 | |
| Jun 05, 1998 | vs. Chicago Bulls | L 93-88 | |
| Jun 07, 1998 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 96-54 | |
| Jun 10, 1998 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 86-82 | |
| Jun 12, 1998 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 83-81 | |
| Jun 14, 1998 | vs. Chicago Bulls | L 87-86 |
Utah Jazz 1997-98 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 1997-98 season for the Utah Jazz.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 31, 1997 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 104-87 | |
| Nov 01, 1997 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 102-84 | |
| Nov 03, 1997 | vs. Washington Wizards | L 90-86 | |
| Nov 04, 1997 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 106-84 | |
| Nov 07, 1997 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 91-89 | |
| Nov 08, 1997 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 87-80 | |
| Nov 12, 1997 | vs. Vancouver Grizzlies | W 98-80 | |
| Nov 14, 1997 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 110-104 | |
| Nov 15, 1997 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 85-77 | |
| Nov 18, 1997 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 97-92 | |
| Nov 20, 1997 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 97-95 | |
| Nov 22, 1997 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 103-74 | |
| Nov 24, 1997 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 133-124 | |
| Nov 28, 1997 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 111-82 | |
| Nov 29, 1997 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 94-91 | |
| Dec 01, 1997 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 100-95 | |
| Dec 03, 1997 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 115-98 | |
| Dec 05, 1997 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 94-77 | |
| Dec 08, 1997 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 106-97 | |
| Dec 09, 1997 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 113-101 | |
| Dec 12, 1997 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 68-66 | |
| Dec 15, 1997 | @ Washington Wizards | L 88-86 | |
| Dec 16, 1997 | @ Miami Heat | W 103-95 | |
| Dec 18, 1997 | @ Orlando Magic | W 85-73 | |
| Dec 21, 1997 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 106-101 | |
| Dec 22, 1997 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 101-99 | |
| Dec 25, 1997 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 107-103 | |
| Dec 27, 1997 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | L 102-91 | |
| Dec 28, 1997 | @ Vancouver Grizzlies | W 89-88 | |
| Dec 30, 1997 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 132-99 | |
| Jan 03, 1998 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 97-82 | |
| Jan 06, 1998 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 98-95 | |
| Jan 08, 1998 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 116-109 | |
| Jan 10, 1998 | @ Houston Rockets | W 111-84 | |
| Jan 12, 1998 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 106-99 | |
| Jan 16, 1998 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 96-86 | |
| Jan 17, 1998 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 107-93 | |
| Jan 19, 1998 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 98-89 | |
| Jan 21, 1998 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 98-85 | |
| Jan 23, 1998 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 106-102 | |
| Jan 25, 1998 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 101-94 | |
| Jan 28, 1998 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | L 101-93 | |
| Jan 30, 1998 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 104-94 | |
| Feb 01, 1998 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 115-88 | |
| Feb 03, 1998 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 111-102 | |
| Feb 04, 1998 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 101-93 | |
| Feb 10, 1998 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 106-98 | |
| Feb 12, 1998 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 118-100 | |
| Feb 14, 1998 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 111-91 | |
| Feb 16, 1998 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 96-90 | |
| Feb 18, 1998 | vs. New York Knicks | W 94-78 | |
| Feb 21, 1998 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 79-77 | |
| Feb 24, 1998 | vs. Miami Heat | L 104-102 | |
| Feb 26, 1998 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 108-97 | |
| Mar 01, 1998 | @ Houston Rockets | W 106-100 | |
| Mar 03, 1998 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 108-93 | |
| Mar 04, 1998 | @ Boston Celtics | W 110-94 | |
| Mar 06, 1998 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 122-115 | |
| Mar 07, 1998 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 110-92 | |
| Mar 09, 1998 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 100-93 | |
| Mar 11, 1998 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 110-95 | |
| Mar 13, 1998 | vs. Vancouver Grizzlies | W 110-101 | |
| Mar 15, 1998 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 109-98 | |
| Mar 16, 1998 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 102-96 | |
| Mar 18, 1998 | @ Charlotte Hornets | L 111-85 | |
| Mar 20, 1998 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 91-79 | |
| Mar 22, 1998 | @ New York Knicks | W 124-119 | |
| Mar 24, 1998 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 92-73 | |
| Mar 27, 1998 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 99-90 | |
| Mar 28, 1998 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 106-91 | |
| Mar 31, 1998 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 88-86 | |
| Apr 01, 1998 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 98-89 | |
| Apr 03, 1998 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 97-75 | |
| Apr 05, 1998 | @ Vancouver Grizzlies | W 99-93 | |
| Apr 07, 1998 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 101-99 | |
| Apr 08, 1998 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 98-88 | |
| Apr 10, 1998 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 126-109 | |
| Apr 11, 1998 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | L 110-103 | |
| Apr 14, 1998 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 126-109 | |
| Apr 16, 1998 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 99-86 | |
| Apr 17, 1998 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 102-99 | |
| Apr 19, 1998 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 102-98 |