The J-Notes
Fansided

10 best individual Finals preformances in Utah Jazz history

By Jonah Kubicek

Michael Jordan (L) of the Chicago Bulls smiles while standing next to Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz 07 June in the first half of game three of the NBA Finals at the United Center in Chicago, IL. The seven game series is tied at 1-1. AFP PHOTO Jeff HAYNES (Photo by JEFF HAYNES / AFP) (Photo by JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images)
Michael Jordan (L) of the Chicago Bulls smiles while standing next to Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz 07 June in the first half of game three of the NBA Finals at the United Center in Chicago, IL. The seven game series is tied at 1-1. AFP PHOTO Jeff HAYNES (Photo by JEFF HAYNES / AFP) (Photo by JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, UNITED STATES: Karl Malone (R) of the Utah Jazz battles for position with Dennis Rodman of the Chicago Bulls 12 June during game five of the NBA Finals at the United Center in Chicago, IL. The Bulls lead the best-of-seven series 3-1. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES: Karl Malone (R) of the Utah Jazz battles for position with Dennis Rodman of the Chicago Bulls 12 June during game five of the NBA Finals at the United Center in Chicago, IL. The Bulls lead the best-of-seven series 3-1. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images) /

#3: John Stockton – 1998 Game One

After this game, people in Salt Lake City were feeling pretty good. The Jazz started the series with a narrow victory over the defending champs. The Bulls would go on to win three straight, sure, but fans didn’t know that yet.

The Jazz jumped to an early series lead thanks to John Stockton. He put up 24 points, eight assists, and two steals on 9/12 shooting. This is the second time in franchise history that Malone was not the leading scorer in a Finals game, and it would be the last. Stockton worked hard to outplay Malone, and it resulted in a home court win.

#2: Karl Malone – 1997 Game Three

Malone played out of his mind in this game, putting up the second most points in franchise Finals history with 37. He added ten boards, just so that we could classify this masterful performance as a double-double. Thanks, Karl!

The Jazz won this game, which always helps in the rankings. Malone shot 29 shots and made 15 of them, but the James Harden-esque stat line resulted in a win, so who am I to judge?