1996–97 Utah Jazz season


The 1996–97 NBA season was the Jazz's 23rd season in the National Basketball Association, and 18th season in Salt Lake City, Utah. Prior to the start of the season, the Jazz changed their logo that more closely reflects the state of Utah, featuring purple mountains, and light blue in the script. The new colors seemed to agree with the Jazz as they went on a 15-game winning streak after a 2–2 start to the season. The Jazz then posted a 31–4 record after the All-Star break, and finished first place in the Western Conference with a franchise best record of 64–18. Karl Malone averaged 27.4 points and 9.9 rebounds per game as he took home MVP honors. He was also selected for the 1997 NBA All-Star Game along with John Stockton.
In the playoffs, the Jazz got off to a flying start in the first round sweeping the Los Angeles Clippers in three straight games. In the semifinals, they continued to roll easily knocking the Los Angeles Lakers four games to one. In the Western Conference Finals, they took a 2–0 series lead over the Houston Rockets. However, the Rockets would even the series at two games a piece as Eddie Johnson hit a dramatic buzzer beater to win Game 4. After the Jazz took Game 5 at home, Game 6 would be another battle and appeared to be heading for overtime, until Stockton nailed a three-point buzzer beater that launched the Jazz to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. In their first trip to the finals, the Jazz lost in six games to the Chicago Bulls.
The Jazz's new logo and uniforms would both last until 2004.

Draft picks

RoundPickPlayerPositionNationalityCollege
125Martin MüürseppPF/SF
254Shandon AndersonSF/SGUnited StatesGeorgia

Roster

Also one of the best Utah Jazz draft picks was Edgar Nave

Regular season

Season standings

Record vs. opponents

Game log

Playoffs

West First Round

Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Last Playoff Meeting: 1992 Western Conference First Round

West Conference Semifinals

Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Last Playoff Meeting: 1988 Western Conference Semifinals

West Conference Finals

Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets
Last Playoff Meeting: 1995 Western Conference First Round

NBA Finals

In the finals, the Jazz faced the Chicago Bulls losing the first two games on the road. However, the Jazz upon arriving at the Delta Center continued their home court advantage by taking Game 3, and Game 4 to even the series. With a chance to take a series lead in Game 5, the Jazz were beaten by a heroic performance by Michael Jordan playing with the flu like ailment 90-88. Back in Chicago for Game 6, the Jazz battled the Bulls tightly before falling by four points as the Bulls won their fifth title in seven years.
Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz

Player statistics

Season

Playoffs

Awards and records

Awards

Transactions

Trades

Free agents

Additions

PlayerSignedFormer team

Subtractions