26 Years Ago: John Stockton Sends Utah Jazz To NBA Finals

May 29, 2023, 10:00 AM | Updated: 11:41 am

Former KSL Sports writer

SALT LAKE CITY – 26 years ago, basketball fans in the Beehive State celebrated after NBC’s Greg Gumbel declared, “John Stockton sends the Utah Jazz to the NBA Finals.”

On May 29, 1997, the Rockets hosted the Jazz for Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals. Utah entered the matchup with a 3-2 series lead.

With less than three seconds remaining on the game clock and the game tied 100-100, Karl Malone set a screen near the top of the three-point arc to create an open space for Stockton. Bryon Russell inbounded the ball to Stockton, who took one dribble toward the hoop and rose up for a shot over Rockets forward Charles Barkley.

Stockton’s shot sailed through the cylinder as time expired to give Utah a 103-100 victory and a 4-2 win in the series.

@kslsportscom Is this the best shot in Utah Jazz history? 🤔 #TakeNote #nbaplayoffs #fyp #utahjazz ♬ 852 Hz Third Eye Chakra (Manifestation) – Sound Bath & Chakra Sound Bath & Solfeggio Sound Bath

After the shot, Stockton’s teammates and coaches ran to mid-court to celebrate the franchise’s first trip to the NBA Finals.

Stockton finished the contest with 25 points and 13 assists. Malone posted 24 points and 11 rebounds. Jeff Hornacek chipped in 18 points, while Greg Ostertag added 16 points and 14 rebounds. Russell recorded 15 points.

The Jazz went on to face the Chicago Bulls in the Finals. After losing the opening two games of the championship series, the Jazz even things up with victories in Games 3 and 4. The Bulls bounced back with two consecutive wins to defeat the Jazz and win the NBA title.

A year later, Utah and Chicago met again in the NBA Finals. Once again, the Bulls took the title with a 4-2 series win.

The two straight trips to the Finals still remain as Utah’s only appearances in the championship series.

🚨🚨🚨

"JOHN STOCKTON SENDS THE @UTAHJAZZ TO THE NBA FINALS❗️❗️❗️"#NBATogetherLive #TissotBuzzerBeater pic.twitter.com/oy0YJd9mwL

— NBA (@NBA) May 30, 2020

Last season, the Jazz missed the postseason with a 37-45 record.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

Follow @kyleireland

Utah Jazz

Lauri Markkanen #23 of Finland | Watch EuroBasket...

Ben Anderson

How To Watch EuroBasket 2025 In USA

SALT LAKE CITY – Fans across the globe will be tuning in to watch EuroBasket 2025, with several top players from the NBA competing for their native countries. The tournament runs from August 27 through September 14, featuring 24 European countries competing for the EuroBasket trophy. Related: Three Jazz Players Competing at EuroBasket EuroBasket Schedules For […]

7 hours ago

Ace Bailey #4 looks on during the first half of the mens 2024 McDonald's All American Game...

Ben Anderson

Jazz Rookie Ace Bailey To Have High School Jersey Retired

Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey will have his No. 4 jersey retired at McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia.

3 days ago

Caroline Klein of the Smith Entertainment Group...

Ben Anderson

Caroline Klein, Smith Entertainment Group CCO, Passes Away At 40

Caroline Klein, the chief communication officer for the Smith Entertainment Group, has passed away at the age of 40 after a multi-year battle with cancer.

3 days ago