Losing the first two games of the Western Conference Finals in Seattle, the Jazz got back into the series in game three as they beat the Sonics 96-76 in Salt Lake City. A balanced offensive attack and stifling second half defense proved too much for the Sonics to overcome. Karl Malone's 28 points and 18 rebounds and Jeff Hornacek's 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds led the Jazz but it was sixth man Bryon Russell's 24 points, 10 rebounds and three steals that was the difference in the game. The #3-seed Jazz outscored #1-seed Seattle 45-29 in the second half on their way to victory. It was an extremely close series as four of the seven games were decided by four points or less, but Seattle ultimately won in seven games.
This Day in Jazz History - May 24, 1996
May 24, 201211:26 AM MDT