| Revision as of 03:33, 8 September 2024 edit172.100.117.24 (talk)No edit summaryTag: references removed← Previous edit |
Revision as of 03:35, 8 September 2024 edit undo172.100.117.24 (talk)No edit summaryTag: references removedNext edit → |
| Line 23: |
Line 23: |
|
}} |
|
}} |
|
|
|
|
|
The ''']''' was the Jazz's 24th season in the ], and 19th season in ].<ref></ref> The Jazz entered the season as runner-ups in the ], where they lost to the ] in six games. |
|
The ''']''' was the Jazz's 24th season in the ], and 19th season in ].<ref></ref> The Jazz had been runner-ups in the ], where they lost to the ] in six games. In the 1997-98 season, the Jazz again reached the Finals and were again defeated by the Bulls in six games. |
|
|
|
|
|
During the off-season, All-Star guard ] sustained a knee injury and missed the first 18 games of the season,<ref>{{cite news | last = Hamilton | first = Linda | title = Knee Surgery Puts Stockton on Sidelines | work = Deseret News | date = October 14, 1997 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1997/10/14/19339657/knee-surgery-puts-stockton-on-sidelines | access-date = October 22, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = BASKETBALL: ROUNDUP -- UTAH; Stockton Will Miss 8-12 Weeks | work = The New York Times | date = October 15, 1997 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/15/sports/basketball-roundup-utah-stockton-will-miss-8-12-weeks.html | access-date = May 24, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = Jazz Loses Stockton for 2-3 Months | work = Los Angeles Times | date = October 15, 1997 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-15-sp-43068-story.html | access-date = March 2, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = Jazz Lose Stockton 6-8 Weeks; Knee Surgery Will End Streak of Consecutive Games Played at 609 | work = The Spokesman-Review | date = October 15, 1997 | url = https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1997/oct/15/jazz-lose-stockton-6-8-weeks-knee-surgery-will/ | access-date = January 4, 2023}}</ref> as the Jazz slowly got off to an 11–7 start after losing three of their first four games. The team also changed their starting lineup, replacing ] at small forward with ], and replacing ] at center with ].<ref>{{cite news | title = Jazz 98, Grizzlies 80 | work = Associated Press | date = November 12, 1997 | url = https://apnews.com/article/74e22ab81969ceb144ef3ff0ab0a5ec9 | access-date = July 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | agency = | title = Jazz Game Day | work = Deseret News | date = November 29, 1997 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1997/11/29/19348992/jazz-game-day | access-date = April 10, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Jorgensen | first = Loren | title = Russell Ready to Reclaim His Role as Jazz Starter | work = Deseret News | date = December 20, 1997 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1997/12/20/19352439/russell-ready-to-reclaim-his-role-as-jazz-starter | access-date = October 22, 2022}}</ref> However, Stockton would eventually return as the Jazz held a 31–15 record at the All-Star break.<ref>{{cite news | title = NBA Games Played on February 5, 1998 | work = Basketball-Reference | date = | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=5&year=1998 | access-date = July 20, 2022}}</ref> At midseason, the team traded Foster and ] to the ] in exchange for ].<ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = N.B.A.: LAST NIGHT; Jazz Obtains Seikaly for Morris and Foster | work = The New York Times | date = February 17, 1998 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/17/sports/nba-last-night-jazz-obtains-seikaly-for-morris-and-foster.html | access-date = December 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = Seikaly Traded to Jazz for Reserves | work = Los Angeles Times | date = February 17, 1998 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-feb-17-sp-20073-story.html | access-date = December 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Jorgensen | first = Loren | title = Jazz Pull Off Steal of a Deal, Acquire Seikaly | work = Deseret News | date = February 17, 1998 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1998/2/17/19364082/jazz-pull-off-steal-of-a-deal-acquire-seikaly | access-date = December 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | agency = Wire Reports | title = Jazz Pick Up Seikaly In 2-for-1 Trade | work = The Spokesman-Review | date = February 17, 1998 | url = https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1998/feb/17/jazz-pick-up-seikaly-in-2-for-1-trade/ | access-date = October 10, 2023}}</ref> However, after Seikaly refused to report within the mandated 48 hours required by NBA rules, the trade was called off and the Jazz took Foster and Morris back.<ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = Jazz Earns a Big Victory, But Seikaly Trade Voided | work = Los Angeles Times | date = February 19, 1998 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-feb-19-sp-20868-story.html | access-date = December 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Johnson | first = L.C. | title = Seikaly Refuses to Play for Jazz | work = Orlando Sentinel | date = February 19, 1998 | url = https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1998-02-19-9802190364-story.html | access-date = December 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = Jazz Call Off Seikaly Deal | work = The Spokesman-Review | date = February 19, 1998 | url = https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1998/feb/19/jazz-call-off-seikaly-deal/ | access-date = October 10, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Jorgensen | first = Loren | title = Rony Seikaly Insists Jazz Nixed the Trade | work = Deseret News | date = March 7, 1998 | url = https://www.deseret.com/platform/amp/1998/3/7/19367504/rony-seikaly-insists-jazz-nixed-the-trade | access-date = December 5, 2022}}</ref> Malone was the only member of the team to play in the ],<ref>{{cite news | last = Armour | first = Terry | title = Jordan Top All-Star Vote-Getter; Bryant, 19, Youngest Ever Picked | work = Chicago Tribune | date = January 26, 1998 | url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1998-01-26-9801260059-story.html | access-date = December 27, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Jorgensen | first = Loren | title = All-Star Voting Shows Malone Is Popular Fella | work = Deseret News | date = January 26, 1998 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1998/1/26/19359937/all-star-voting-shows-malone-is-popular-fella | access-date = November 18, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Howard-Cooper | first = Scott | title = Lakers Get Four-Star Rating as Van Exel, Jones Honored | work = Los Angeles Times | date = January 28, 1998 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jan-28-sp-13049-story.html | access-date = April 20, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | agency = NBA.com Staff | title = 1998 NBA All-Star Recap | work = NBA.com | date = September 13, 2021 | url = https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-1998 | access-date = May 16, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = 1997-98 All-Star Events and Contestants - in New York | work = Eskimo North | url = https://www.eskimo.com/~pbender/misc/all-star98.txt | access-date = December 27, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = 1998 NBA All-Star Game: East 135, West 114 | work = Basketball-Reference | date = | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_1998.html | access-date = November 27, 2021}}</ref> while being named to the All-NBA First Team, and NBA All-Defensive First Team, and also finished in second place in ] voting behind ].<ref>{{cite news | last = Wise | first = Mike | title = THE N.B.A. PLAYOFFS; Jordan Is Winner of M.V.P. a 5th Time | work = The New York Times | date = May 19, 1998 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/19/sports/the-nba-playoffs-jordan-is-winner-of-mvp-a-5th-time.html | access-date = September 23, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Springer | first = Steve | title = Malone Takes MVP Outcome in Stride | work = Los Angeles Times | date = May 19, 1998 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-may-19-sp-51461-story.html | access-date = October 22, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = 1997–98 NBA Awards Voting | work = Basketball-Reference | date = | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1998.html | access-date = January 1, 2022}}</ref> Hornacek also won the Three-Point Shootout during the All-Star Weekend in ],<ref>{{cite news | last = Popper | first = Steve | title = N.B.A. ALL-STAR WEEKEND: Kids Slam and Ham, but a Grown-Up Shoots for Dough; Houston Pair Win in 2Ball | work = The New York Times | date = February 8, 1998 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/08/sports/nba-all-star-weekend-kids-slam-ham-but-grown-up-shoots-for-dough-houston-pair.html | access-date = June 30, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Howard-Cooper | first = Scott | title = Jordan Under the Weather, and Stern Is Under the Gun | work = Los Angeles Times | date = February 8, 1998 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-feb-08-sp-17068-story.html | access-date = December 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Buckley | first = Tim | title = Hornacek to Defend 3-Point Title; Jazz Guard Won All-Star Contest in 1998 | work = Deseret News | date = January 18, 2000 | url = https://www.deseret.com/2000/1/18/19486364/hornacek-to-defend-3-point-title-br-jazz-guard-won-all-star-contest-in-1998 | access-date = November 18, 2022}}</ref> |
|
During the off-season, All-Star guard ] sustained a knee injury and missed the first 18 games of the season.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hamilton | first = Linda | title = Knee Surgery Puts Stockton on Sidelines | work = Deseret News | date = October 14, 1997 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1997/10/14/19339657/knee-surgery-puts-stockton-on-sidelines | access-date = October 22, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = BASKETBALL: ROUNDUP -- UTAH; Stockton Will Miss 8-12 Weeks | work = The New York Times | date = October 15, 1997 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/15/sports/basketball-roundup-utah-stockton-will-miss-8-12-weeks.html | access-date = May 24, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = Jazz Loses Stockton for 2-3 Months | work = Los Angeles Times | date = October 15, 1997 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-15-sp-43068-story.html | access-date = March 2, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = Jazz Lose Stockton 6-8 Weeks; Knee Surgery Will End Streak of Consecutive Games Played at 609 | work = The Spokesman-Review | date = October 15, 1997 | url = https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1997/oct/15/jazz-lose-stockton-6-8-weeks-knee-surgery-will/ | access-date = January 4, 2023}}</ref> The Jazz got off to an 11–7 start after losing three of their first four games. The team also changed their starting lineup, replacing ] at small forward with ], and replacing ] at center with ].<ref>{{cite news | title = Jazz 98, Grizzlies 80 | work = Associated Press | date = November 12, 1997 | url = https://apnews.com/article/74e22ab81969ceb144ef3ff0ab0a5ec9 | access-date = July 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | agency = | title = Jazz Game Day | work = Deseret News | date = November 29, 1997 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1997/11/29/19348992/jazz-game-day | access-date = April 10, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Jorgensen | first = Loren | title = Russell Ready to Reclaim His Role as Jazz Starter | work = Deseret News | date = December 20, 1997 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1997/12/20/19352439/russell-ready-to-reclaim-his-role-as-jazz-starter | access-date = October 22, 2022}}</ref> However, Stockton would eventually return as the Jazz held a 31–15 record at the All-Star break.<ref>{{cite news | title = NBA Games Played on February 5, 1998 | work = Basketball-Reference | date = | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=5&year=1998 | access-date = July 20, 2022}}</ref> At midseason, the team traded Foster and ] to the ] in exchange for ].<ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = N.B.A.: LAST NIGHT; Jazz Obtains Seikaly for Morris and Foster | work = The New York Times | date = February 17, 1998 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/17/sports/nba-last-night-jazz-obtains-seikaly-for-morris-and-foster.html | access-date = December 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = Seikaly Traded to Jazz for Reserves | work = Los Angeles Times | date = February 17, 1998 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-feb-17-sp-20073-story.html | access-date = December 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Jorgensen | first = Loren | title = Jazz Pull Off Steal of a Deal, Acquire Seikaly | work = Deseret News | date = February 17, 1998 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1998/2/17/19364082/jazz-pull-off-steal-of-a-deal-acquire-seikaly | access-date = December 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | agency = Wire Reports | title = Jazz Pick Up Seikaly In 2-for-1 Trade | work = The Spokesman-Review | date = February 17, 1998 | url = https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1998/feb/17/jazz-pick-up-seikaly-in-2-for-1-trade/ | access-date = October 10, 2023}}</ref> However, after Seikaly refused to report within the mandated 48 hours required by NBA rules, the trade was called off and the Jazz took Foster and Morris back.<ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = Jazz Earns a Big Victory, But Seikaly Trade Voided | work = Los Angeles Times | date = February 19, 1998 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-feb-19-sp-20868-story.html | access-date = December 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Johnson | first = L.C. | title = Seikaly Refuses to Play for Jazz | work = Orlando Sentinel | date = February 19, 1998 | url = https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1998-02-19-9802190364-story.html | access-date = December 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = Jazz Call Off Seikaly Deal | work = The Spokesman-Review | date = February 19, 1998 | url = https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1998/feb/19/jazz-call-off-seikaly-deal/ | access-date = October 10, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Jorgensen | first = Loren | title = Rony Seikaly Insists Jazz Nixed the Trade | work = Deseret News | date = March 7, 1998 | url = https://www.deseret.com/platform/amp/1998/3/7/19367504/rony-seikaly-insists-jazz-nixed-the-trade | access-date = December 5, 2022}}</ref> Malone was the only member of the team to play in the ],<ref>{{cite news | last = Armour | first = Terry | title = Jordan Top All-Star Vote-Getter; Bryant, 19, Youngest Ever Picked | work = Chicago Tribune | date = January 26, 1998 | url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1998-01-26-9801260059-story.html | access-date = December 27, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Jorgensen | first = Loren | title = All-Star Voting Shows Malone Is Popular Fella | work = Deseret News | date = January 26, 1998 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1998/1/26/19359937/all-star-voting-shows-malone-is-popular-fella | access-date = November 18, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Howard-Cooper | first = Scott | title = Lakers Get Four-Star Rating as Van Exel, Jones Honored | work = Los Angeles Times | date = January 28, 1998 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jan-28-sp-13049-story.html | access-date = April 20, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | agency = NBA.com Staff | title = 1998 NBA All-Star Recap | work = NBA.com | date = September 13, 2021 | url = https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-1998 | access-date = May 16, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = 1997-98 All-Star Events and Contestants - in New York | work = Eskimo North | url = https://www.eskimo.com/~pbender/misc/all-star98.txt | access-date = December 27, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = 1998 NBA All-Star Game: East 135, West 114 | work = Basketball-Reference | date = | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_1998.html | access-date = November 27, 2021}}</ref> while being named to the All-NBA First Team, and NBA All-Defensive First Team, and also finished in second place in ] voting behind ].<ref>{{cite news | last = Wise | first = Mike | title = THE N.B.A. PLAYOFFS; Jordan Is Winner of M.V.P. a 5th Time | work = The New York Times | date = May 19, 1998 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/19/sports/the-nba-playoffs-jordan-is-winner-of-mvp-a-5th-time.html | access-date = September 23, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Springer | first = Steve | title = Malone Takes MVP Outcome in Stride | work = Los Angeles Times | date = May 19, 1998 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-may-19-sp-51461-story.html | access-date = October 22, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = 1997–98 NBA Awards Voting | work = Basketball-Reference | date = | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1998.html | access-date = January 1, 2022}}</ref> Hornacek also won the Three-Point Shootout during the All-Star Weekend in ],<ref>{{cite news | last = Popper | first = Steve | title = N.B.A. ALL-STAR WEEKEND: Kids Slam and Ham, but a Grown-Up Shoots for Dough; Houston Pair Win in 2Ball | work = The New York Times | date = February 8, 1998 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/08/sports/nba-all-star-weekend-kids-slam-ham-but-grown-up-shoots-for-dough-houston-pair.html | access-date = June 30, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Howard-Cooper | first = Scott | title = Jordan Under the Weather, and Stern Is Under the Gun | work = Los Angeles Times | date = February 8, 1998 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-feb-08-sp-17068-story.html | access-date = December 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Buckley | first = Tim | title = Hornacek to Defend 3-Point Title; Jazz Guard Won All-Star Contest in 1998 | work = Deseret News | date = January 18, 2000 | url = https://www.deseret.com/2000/1/18/19486364/hornacek-to-defend-3-point-title-br-jazz-guard-won-all-star-contest-in-1998 | access-date = November 18, 2022}}</ref> |
|
|
|
|
|
The Jazz won 31 of their final 36 games after the All-Star break, including an 11-game winning streak between February and March. The team finished in first place in the Midwest Division with a 62–20 record.<ref name="results">{{cite web|title=1997–98 Utah Jazz Schedule and Results|publisher=Basketball-Reference|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/UTA/1998_games.html|access-date=June 21, 2021}}</ref> They made their fifteenth consecutive trip to the playoffs.<ref>{{cite web | title = Utah Jazz | work = Basketball-Reference | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/UTA/ | access-date = January 21, 2022}}</ref> Top scorer ] averaged 27.0 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. The Jazz offense featured two other players, Stockton and ], who averaged in double digits in points per game. Head coach ] finished in second place in ] voting.<ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = Bird Named Coach of the Year | work = The Washington Post | date = May 12, 1998 | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nba/longterm/1998/finals/articles/coach12.htm | access-date = October 6, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | agency = Times Wire Services | title = Bird Draws Top Honor in His Rookie Season | work = Los Angeles Times | date = May 13, 1998 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-may-13-sp-49216-story.html | access-date = February 2, 2023}}</ref> |
|
The Jazz won 31 of their final 36 games after the All-Star break, including an 11-game winning streak between February and March. The team finished in first place in the Midwest Division with a 62–20 record.<ref name="results">{{cite web|title=1997–98 Utah Jazz Schedule and Results|publisher=Basketball-Reference|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/UTA/1998_games.html|access-date=June 21, 2021}}</ref> They made their fifteenth consecutive trip to the playoffs.<ref>{{cite web | title = Utah Jazz | work = Basketball-Reference | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/UTA/ | access-date = January 21, 2022}}</ref> Top scorer ] averaged 27.0 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. The Jazz offense featured two other players, Stockton and ], who averaged in double digits in points per game. Head coach ] finished in second place in ] voting.<ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = Bird Named Coach of the Year | work = The Washington Post | date = May 12, 1998 | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nba/longterm/1998/finals/articles/coach12.htm | access-date = October 6, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | agency = Times Wire Services | title = Bird Draws Top Honor in His Rookie Season | work = Los Angeles Times | date = May 13, 1998 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-may-13-sp-49216-story.html | access-date = February 2, 2023}}</ref> |
|
|
|
|
|
In the Western Conference First Round of the ], the Jazz trailed 2–1 to the 8th-seeded ],<ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = NBA: PLAYOFFS; Utah Loses and Nears Elimination | work = The New York Times | date = April 30, 1998 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/30/sports/nba-playoffs-utah-loses-and-nears-elimination.html | access-date = January 18, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = Jordan Finishes Off the Nets; Rockets Put Jazz on the Ropes | work = Los Angeles Times | date = April 30, 1998 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-apr-30-sp-44661-story.html | access-date = October 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Jorgensen | first = Loren | title = Dream Turns Into Jazz's Nightmare | work = Deseret News | date = April 30, 1998 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1998/4/30/19377312/dream-turn-into-jazz-s-nightmare | access-date = February 24, 2023}}</ref> but managed to win the series in five games.<ref>{{cite news | last = Drape | first = Tom | title = THE N.B.A. PLAYOFFS; Youthful Sprint Wears Out Houston | work = The New York Times | date = May 4, 1998 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/04/sports/the-nba-playoffs-youthful-sprint-wears-out-houston.html | access-date = May 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Heisler | first = Mark | title = Resurgent Ostertag Helps Jazz Play On | work = Los Angeles Times | date = May 4, 1998 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-may-04-sp-46304-story.html | accessdate = May 30, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Jorgensen | first = Loren | title = Hous-Done! | work = Deseret News | date = May 4, 1998 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1998/5/4/19378048/hous-done | access-date = November 25, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = 1998 NBA Western Conference First Round: Rockets vs. Jazz | work = Basketball-Reference | date = | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1998-nba-western-conference-first-round-rockets-vs-jazz.html | access-date = February 4, 2023}}</ref> In the Western Conference Semi-finals, they defeated the ] in five games.<ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = THE N.B.A. PLAYOFFS; The Finals In the West: It's Jazz Vs. Lakers | work = The New York Times | date = May 13, 1998 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/13/sports/the-nba-playoffs-the-finals-in-the-west-it-s-jazz-vs-lakers.html | access-date = May 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Heisler | first = Mark | title = Worth Getting Jazzed About | work = Los Angeles Times | date = May 13, 1998 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-may-13-sp-49203-story.html | access-date = May 30, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Bucher | first = Ric | title = Malone, Jazz Put Spurs Out of Their Misery | work = The Washington Post | date = May 13, 1998 | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1998/05/13/malone-jazz-put-spurs-out-of-their-misery/433ecd1f-ee6a-4e59-ac89-c746ccb0941e/ | access-date = November 25, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = 1998 NBA Western Conference semifinals: Spurs vs. Jazz | work = Basketball-Reference | date = | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1998-nba-western-conference-semifinals-spurs-vs-jazz.html | access-date = February 4, 2023}}</ref> After that, the Jazz swept the ] in the Western Conference finals in four straight games to advance to the ] for the second consecutive year,<ref>{{cite news | last = Wise | first = Mike | title = THE N.B.A. PLAYOFFS; Utah Plods Right Back to the Finals | work = The New York Times | date = May 25, 1998 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/25/sports/the-nba-playoffs-utah-plods-right-back-to-the-finals.html | access-date = May 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Howard-Cooper | first = Scott | title = Bittersweep End | work = Los Angeles Times | date = May 25, 1998 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-may-25-sp-53375-story.html | access-date = May 30, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Jorgensen | first = Loren | title = Jazz Put Lakers to Sweep | work = Deseret News | date = May 25, 1998 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1998/5/25/19381888/jazz-put-lakers-to-sweep | access-date = November 18, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = 1998 NBA Western Conference finals: Lakers vs. Jazz | work = Basketball-Reference | date = | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1998-nba-western-conference-finals-lakers-vs-jazz.html | access-date = February 4, 2023}}</ref> and once again, met the ] in a rematch of ], in which they lost to the Bulls in six games, just like last year's NBA Finals.<ref>{{cite news | last = Araton | first = Harvey | title = Sports of the Times; At the End, Jordan Lifts Bulls to Their Sixth N.B.A. Title | work = The New York Times | date = June 15, 1998 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/15/sports/sports-of-the-times-at-the-end-jordan-lifts-bulls-to-their-sixth-nba-title.html | access-date = January 14, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Howard-Cooper | first = Scott | title = A Rousing Six-cess | work = Los Angeles Times | date = June 15, 1998 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jun-15-sp-60167-story.html | access-date = June 28, 2022}}</ref><ref name="chicagotribune.com">{{cite news | last = Armour | first = Terry | title = Michael Jordan Hits ‘The Shot’, and the Chicago Bulls Beat Utah Jazz for Their 6th NBA Championship | work = Chicago Tribune | date = June 15, 1998 | url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/ct-june-14-1998-bulls-beat-jazz-michael-jordan-story.html | access-date = September 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Robinson | first = Doug | title = M.J.'s Moment: A Finals Finale | work = Deseret News | date = June 15, 1998 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1998/6/15/19385920/m-j-s-moment-a-finals-finale | access-date = December 12, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = 1998 NBA Finals: Bulls vs. Jazz | work = Basketball-Reference | date = | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1998-nba-finals-bulls-vs-jazz.html | access-date = February 4, 2023}}</ref> Following the season, ] signed as a free agent with the ],<ref>{{cite news | title = Rockets Sign Antoine Carr | work = Associated Press | date = January 23, 1999 | url = https://apnews.com/article/16a7c5022dbbed7754437e9764f4235d | access-date = July 27, 2021}}</ref> and Morris signed with the ].<ref>{{cite news | last = Wise | first = Mike | title = PRO BASKETBALL; A Scrum for the Title | work = The New York Times | date = February 4, 1999 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1999/02/04/sports/pro-basketball-a-scrum-for-the-title.html | access-date = June 28, 2022}}</ref> |
|
In the Western Conference First Round of the ], the Jazz trailed 2–1 to the 8th-seeded ],<ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = NBA: PLAYOFFS; Utah Loses and Nears Elimination | work = The New York Times | date = April 30, 1998 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/30/sports/nba-playoffs-utah-loses-and-nears-elimination.html | access-date = January 18, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = Jordan Finishes Off the Nets; Rockets Put Jazz on the Ropes | work = Los Angeles Times | date = April 30, 1998 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-apr-30-sp-44661-story.html | access-date = October 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Jorgensen | first = Loren | title = Dream Turns Into Jazz's Nightmare | work = Deseret News | date = April 30, 1998 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1998/4/30/19377312/dream-turn-into-jazz-s-nightmare | access-date = February 24, 2023}}</ref> but managed to win the series in five games.<ref>{{cite news | last = Drape | first = Tom | title = THE N.B.A. PLAYOFFS; Youthful Sprint Wears Out Houston | work = The New York Times | date = May 4, 1998 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/04/sports/the-nba-playoffs-youthful-sprint-wears-out-houston.html | access-date = May 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Heisler | first = Mark | title = Resurgent Ostertag Helps Jazz Play On | work = Los Angeles Times | date = May 4, 1998 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-may-04-sp-46304-story.html | accessdate = May 30, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Jorgensen | first = Loren | title = Hous-Done! | work = Deseret News | date = May 4, 1998 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1998/5/4/19378048/hous-done | access-date = November 25, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = 1998 NBA Western Conference First Round: Rockets vs. Jazz | work = Basketball-Reference | date = | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1998-nba-western-conference-first-round-rockets-vs-jazz.html | access-date = February 4, 2023}}</ref> In the Western Conference Semi-finals, they defeated the ] in five games.<ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = THE N.B.A. PLAYOFFS; The Finals In the West: It's Jazz Vs. Lakers | work = The New York Times | date = May 13, 1998 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/13/sports/the-nba-playoffs-the-finals-in-the-west-it-s-jazz-vs-lakers.html | access-date = May 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Heisler | first = Mark | title = Worth Getting Jazzed About | work = Los Angeles Times | date = May 13, 1998 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-may-13-sp-49203-story.html | access-date = May 30, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Bucher | first = Ric | title = Malone, Jazz Put Spurs Out of Their Misery | work = The Washington Post | date = May 13, 1998 | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1998/05/13/malone-jazz-put-spurs-out-of-their-misery/433ecd1f-ee6a-4e59-ac89-c746ccb0941e/ | access-date = November 25, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = 1998 NBA Western Conference semifinals: Spurs vs. Jazz | work = Basketball-Reference | date = | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1998-nba-western-conference-semifinals-spurs-vs-jazz.html | access-date = February 4, 2023}}</ref> After that, the Jazz swept the ] in the Western Conference finals in four straight games to advance to the ] for the second consecutive year,<ref>{{cite news | last = Wise | first = Mike | title = THE N.B.A. PLAYOFFS; Utah Plods Right Back to the Finals | work = The New York Times | date = May 25, 1998 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/25/sports/the-nba-playoffs-utah-plods-right-back-to-the-finals.html | access-date = May 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Howard-Cooper | first = Scott | title = Bittersweep End | work = Los Angeles Times | date = May 25, 1998 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-may-25-sp-53375-story.html | access-date = May 30, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Jorgensen | first = Loren | title = Jazz Put Lakers to Sweep | work = Deseret News | date = May 25, 1998 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1998/5/25/19381888/jazz-put-lakers-to-sweep | access-date = November 18, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = 1998 NBA Western Conference finals: Lakers vs. Jazz | work = Basketball-Reference | date = | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1998-nba-western-conference-finals-lakers-vs-jazz.html | access-date = February 4, 2023}}</ref> and once again, met the ] in a rematch of ], in which they lost to the Bulls in six games, just like last year's NBA Finals.<ref>{{cite news | last = Araton | first = Harvey | title = Sports of the Times; At the End, Jordan Lifts Bulls to Their Sixth N.B.A. Title | work = The New York Times | date = June 15, 1998 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/15/sports/sports-of-the-times-at-the-end-jordan-lifts-bulls-to-their-sixth-nba-title.html | access-date = January 14, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Howard-Cooper | first = Scott | title = A Rousing Six-cess | work = Los Angeles Times | date = June 15, 1998 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jun-15-sp-60167-story.html | access-date = June 28, 2022}}</ref><ref name="chicagotribune.com">{{cite news | last = Armour | first = Terry | title = Michael Jordan Hits ‘The Shot’, and the Chicago Bulls Beat Utah Jazz for Their 6th NBA Championship | work = Chicago Tribune | date = June 15, 1998 | url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/ct-june-14-1998-bulls-beat-jazz-michael-jordan-story.html | access-date = September 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Robinson | first = Doug | title = M.J.'s Moment: A Finals Finale | work = Deseret News | date = June 15, 1998 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1998/6/15/19385920/m-j-s-moment-a-finals-finale | access-date = December 12, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = 1998 NBA Finals: Bulls vs. Jazz | work = Basketball-Reference | date = | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1998-nba-finals-bulls-vs-jazz.html | access-date = February 4, 2023}}</ref> |
|
|
|
|
|
==Offseason== |
|
==Offseason== |
The Jazz won 31 of their final 36 games after the All-Star break, including an 11-game winning streak between February and March. The team finished in first place in the Midwest Division with a 62–20 record. They made their fifteenth consecutive trip to the playoffs. Top scorer Karl Malone averaged 27.0 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. The Jazz offense featured two other players, Stockton and Jeff Hornacek, who averaged in double digits in points per game. Head coach Jerry Sloan finished in second place in Coach of the Year voting.
United States
Injured