Ranking every season in Utah Jazz franchise history

1998-99 Utah Jazz Record: 37-13, Lost in Western Conference Semifinals to Portland Trail Blazers 2-4

1998-99 was generally one of the weirdest seasons in NBA history. The league was in the throes of a Michael Jordan hangover, as His Airness had just retired for the last time (as a Chicago Bull). Furthermore, a dispute between the league and the Player’s Association resulted in a lockout shortened season.

When action resumed, the Utah Jazz hoped to capitalize. Jordan may not have been in the league anymore, but Karl Malone and John Stockton were still going strong. They were fresh off of two consecutive Finals appearances, with Jordan’s Bulls having eliminated them in each. Who could stop them this year?

As it turned out, the answer was the Portland Trail Blazers, who themselves would lose to a soon-to-be-dynastic San Antonio Spurs. Still, this was another quality season for the Jazz. They finished with the second best record in the Western Conference, and Karl Malone was named the regular season MVP.