Leading 3 games to 1 and with a trip to the conference finals on the line, the Jazz would not be denied as they closed out the Lakers at home, 98-93 in overtime. Facing the up-and-coming Lakers who featured four All-Stars, the Jazz were led by their hall-of-famers, John Stockton and Karl Malone. The duo dominated the game as Malone finished with 32 points and 20 rebounds while Stockton had 24 points and 10 assists. The game was close down the stretch and as the Jazz made clutch free throws, Kobe Bryant air-balled three consecutive three pointers in the final minutes. The Jazz would go on to their first NBA Finals appearance, ultimately losing to Chicago in six games.
This Day in Jazz History - May 12, 1997
May 12, 201212:47 PM MDT