1989-90 Utah Jazz Record: 55-27, Lost in Western Conference First Round vs Phoenix Suns 2-3
In terms of pure individual numbers, this was arguably the best season in the storied history of John Stockton and Karl Malone. The former averaged 17.2 points and 14.5 assists per game, with Malone contributing 31.0 points and 11.1 rebounds. That’s remarkable combined production, and that’s exactly what made their first round playoff exit so disappointing.
Arguably, the duo just didn’t have enough help. The third leading scorer on this iteration of the Utah Jazz was Thuri Bailey at 14.2 points per game. Blue Edwards may have one of the best names in the history of the NBA, but the 8.9 points per game he averaged weren’t a lot for a team’s fourth leading scorer.
John Stockton and Karl Malone may have carried considerable weight for this Utah Jazz franchise for a long time, but even they couldn’t couldn’t advance in the playoffs without help.