1997 NBA Finals Game 3 Chicago Bulls at Utah Jazz
for the introduction of the starting lineups. Let’s go to the public address voice here at Delta Center, Dan Roberts. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Delta Center for the NBA Finals. This is game number three. Introducing the starting lineup for the Chicago Bulls. Starting it forward, wearing number 33 at 67 from Central Arkansas, Scotty Pippen. Starting at four, hurrying number 91 at 66 from Southeast Oklahoma State, Dennis Rutman. [Applause] Starting at center, wearing number 13 at 72 from New Mexico, Luke Lley. On the guard line, worrying number nine at 66 from Miami of Ohio, Ron Harper and a guard for number 23 at 66 from North Carolina, Michael. The Bulls are coached by Bill Jackson. Turning it forward, wearing number 32 at 69 from Louisiana Tech, the mailman, Carl Maloo. Starting for number three at 67 from Long Beach State, playing Brian Russell. The starting center wearing double O and 72 from Kansas on the guideline wearing number 12 at 61 from Gaga. God Stockton and a gun wearing number 14 at 64 from Iowa State, Jeff Hornessa. The chance by Jerry Slo. And now, ladies and gentlemen, a very special presentation. a sports and entertainment par excellence. Ladies and gentlemen, Michael Buffer. Ladies and gentlemen, the National Basketball Association is proud to present game three of the 1997 finals for the undisputed championship of the world. Are you ready? jazz fans, are you ready for the thousands in attendance here tonight and the millions watching around the world, ladies and gentlemen, let’s get ready to rumble. [Applause] Well, the Utah Jazz pulling out all the stops and they have brought on noted ring announcer Michael Buffer to help rev up the crowd. Rousing ovation for the Jazz during the course of the introduction of the starting lineup. Mar critical for the Jazz. The great start. Feed off this wild crowd. Run the floor like you’ve never run it before. Test the Bulls endurance and attack the basket. Get to the free throw line. Particularly Carl Malone. And the Bulls know the importance of establishing their will defensively. They did it in the first two games at home. Now they’ve got to do it on the road. And the key is trying to bottle up John Stockton. The officials Joe Crawford, Hugh Holland, Jack Nese, the chant of MVP for Car Malone right from the start. Although that can do funny things in the opposite way because it could also fire up number 23, Michael Jordan. Well, Michael has said from the very beginning of this so-called controversy that it didn’t bother him. Good luck to Carl Malone. He deserved it. But Michael Jordan does not like to come in second in anything. [Applause] It’ll be Greg Oster tag and Luke Lley on the opening tent. Joey Crawford with the toss and game three is underway. Rod Hopper who has been an unsung hero for Chicago. able to control. Dennis Rodman with a new look and Jordan being played by Brian Russell. Fires over him for three. Not a single dribble on that entire possession. Everybody touched it. Jordan beats the shot clock for the three. Jeff Wise for Carl Malone putting moves on Luke. Now two adjustments. First of all, Utah making the switch defensively. The bigger wrestle might force Jordan outside and Carl Malone going to another familiar place at that high right elbow. Pippet played by Hornac. Jordan with Russell able to handle the rebound. When Hornosk was guarding Jordan, Michael would post up right away. I’m sure the Jazz would like to see Michael away from the basket as much as possible. Again, the Bulls able to cut off Stockton as he tried to penetrate and then Malone moves aside. Shot clock is down to four. Nice pass. So Russell gives the Jazz the one-point lead. A different look on the faces of the Jazz tonight. Marv confidence, aggressiveness. They want the ball. ly and saved by Russell. So Utah has come out more aggressive. Something Jerry Sloan has been asking for. Hornosk able to keep it alive. Well, anytime your coach questions your competitiveness and your will to win, that’ll fire you up. Just take this to the hoop and get a foul. Here they go. the call against Chicago for the first time. This lead by Utah is the first time they have led since game one. Brian Russell with two terrific plays. Really picking it up now. The best he’s played in the entire series. Look for Utah’s younger players to play much better here at home. Two minutes have gone by. Malone and Hopper getting to the rebound. Here comes Jordan. Cut off by Russell and fouled. It is a blocking foul. Foul on Russell. Home sweet home for the Utah Jazz. Undefeated in the playoffs. Scoring a ton of points. Big point differential on the road though. They just cannot seem to find any sort of rhythm. And during the regular season, Utah 38 and3 here at Delta Center. Second best home record in the NBA. Again, the room for Jordan. All set up by Scotty Pippen going to the mismatch inside against Hornac. Drew the defense and then they leave Jordan alone. That’s his second from downtown. Russell. That’s a three for Brian Russell. The Jazz by one. Pippen for three. Yes. Well, both clubs have come out firing from long range. The Bulls nine and the Jazz seven. Get Carl Malone down low. The Jazz have not had anything at the basket other than Russell’s broken play. What a handle though. Kevin got a piece of it and the game is tied at nine. And I noticed the Bulls dragging a little bit. It’s that initial rush of the altitude and you feel it in the opening minutes. Pri got bottled up and a foul is called. It is on Utah. Altitude. They came down to Salt Lake City from up in the mountains where they’re staying. Matt, this is Jeff Hornet. What he likes to do. get in the lane, take and make very difficult shots. Foul was called on Stockton. Jordan tried to squeeze his way through and the call on Jordan. Offensive foul. Chicago goes to the pick and roll. Jordan waits for Luke Longley. Terrible call. They called it on Luke Longley there as he’s just standing there. Foul was on Lley setting what was felt to be an illegal pick. [Applause] Stockton with the lead for Oster Tag and a foul. A glorious lead pass thrown by John Stockton and the foul committed by Ron Haer. You’re seeing a completely different Utah Jazz team from game two. Stockton just picking them apart and finally Oyster Tech can hang on to it. They call the reaching in foul. Game tied at nine. Four minutes have gone by. Utah’s opened up hitting four of its first six shots. Oh, the and the tag both buying four and the Jazz lead 119. It was tipped home by Malone. His second field goal long and Jack says loose ball foul on Dennis Rodman. Well, finally Greg Oster getting involved at the offensive end. Nobody put a body on him as Rodman took himself out of the play. So Oster, this is what he did in the two earlier series against the Lakers and the Rockets. Oster tackle has been silent in this series. Russell Popper on it. He has Pippen ahead of the field. Finds Jordan on the wing. Pippen, he is fouled. That’s a good physical play by the Jazz and they’ll take that from Tag. They got a lot of depth in the center position. [Music] [Applause] Jordan in the air to pass. Draws the defense and that Oster tag from behind. He could have if he played a little bit more consciously had a good block. But why not see if Scotty puts okay guys mention the the altitude here for the record Salt Lake City is 4,300 ft above sea level. I know Bill has been greatly affected. Well, the reason why I say we’re almost five minutes into this game and the Bulls are leaning over on their pulling their shorts, hands on hips. And as a coach, what you try to do is get those players out quickly, get some substitutions in, and usually you feel much better on with that second win. The long off the fake, got the stick and was fouled. Nice move. Once again, Phil Jackson is opening up with Luke Longley defending on Car Malone. And that’s the second committed by Long. Carl Malone finally determined to get to that hoop. Something we see all the time in the Western Conference. Tends to look at that hand on every miss. Now Matt, you made a comment about the Bulls bending over. You have to wonder about Chicago’s conditioning and endurance. They don’t practice much at all. The injuries to Scotty and Tony Cooach. I think Utah can really take advantage if they just get the running game going. Well, Utah has to get out and run and get some easy baskets. They only had two fast break baskets, two fast break points in game one, six in game two. Here’s the problems for Carl Malone from the free throw line in the first two games. Three for six in the first game. And of course, those two key misses. And he’s playing with that nasty blister on his shooting hand. Reopened when he fell to the floor the first half the other day. Brian Williams just checked in for the first time and heard the booze from the crowd. He has made some disparaging statements about this area. Meanwhile, Car Malone continues to have his difficulties at the line. Game tied at 11. 5 minutes gone by. Brian Williams replacing Luke Longley after Longley picked up a second. Jordan for three and host tag able to swipe it off to Stockton. Malone rebounded by Pippen. Well, the move of putting Brian Russell on Michael Jordan so far has kept Michael out of the post where he likes to take that fadeaway jump shot. I think Michael should still go inside. He can get that shot over Brian Russell anytime he wants. I know Jerry Sloan likes Russell on Jordan because of the 6’7, the long arms about 225 lbs. Jordan shooting over him again. Well, Michael Jordan is now two out of five, both from downtown. Malone on the move. Foul on Brian Williams and a timeout called Brian Russell a second round pick back in 1993 came up big in the playoffs last season in particular the Western Conference final against the Seattle Sonics. Excellent timing on the part of Russell because he had become a free agent and he had the huge game in game four against the Lakers that really since that series in the second round in support of Carl Malone. Monster game for Brian Russell. Malone able to finish off a three-point play and the Jazz up by three. They double on Pippen. So Utah going for pressure. Well, that’s the most aggressive I’ve seen the Jazz defensively as far as getting after people. They obviously a totally different attitude and personality on this home floor. No doubt they feed off this crowd. Jerry Sloan called them out. Called a bunch of sissies. Basically, he didn’t want to play. Here’s Brian Williams. Sweeping hook by Brian Williams. Well, Jerry Sloan was seething following Wednesday’s game too. Fella’s team did not compete hard. He was stunned that the Jazz he felt had actually been intimidated by the Bulls. Now Brian Williams defending on Carl Malone off to a terrific start. He has nine and the Jazz up 1613. Five and a half remaining in this first quarter. Ryan Williams out position but way off. And so far, Carl Malone, not only scoring, doing an excellent job keeping Rodman off the offensive board. Hostag make a shot one time. That’s a layup. Hostag took only one shot in game two and missed it. Robin wide open and was looking for Brian Williams, but Williams thought that Robin would take the shot. Well, he has been taking that shot not only in the last two playoff games, but early in earlier series as well. And I think Brian Williams did the right thing. The way Dennis has been playing, he made the right move to try to get to the offensive end. Dennis has to take that shot. Never take your eye off the ball. Bal again. Utah by five. Steve Kerr getting set to check it. Howard Eley has come on for John Stockton. Here’s Hopper and tipped home by Williams. Ryan Williams able to get a piece of it. Utah leading 1815. Car Malone has scored the Jazz last nine points. We come up on four minutes to go in this opening quarter. When Oster Tag goes for that block, the guards have got a block continues to play perfect ball in relief of John Stockton. Well, we just saw the Jazz run a pick and roll in the middle of the floor where they were successful in game two and nothing much else was successful. Phil Jackson not happy. wants to talk it over. Eisley likes to know the pressure doesn’t bother him. He just goes right through and delivers again. Carl Malone from Howard Eley. 13 for Malone. An enormous bounce back here in the first quarter by Carl Malone. And the Jazz up by four. We come up on two minutes left in the first. Williams, that’s a force shot. Terrible shot by Brian. He should be able to face up Greg Forer and drive it to the basket. And Forer fired it up. Foul is called. Where was that shot from? Whoa. Hopper on the foul over the top. The pass perfect on the money. You see the Chicago Bulls standing and watching. You got to be on the move the minute the pass leaves the the post feeder hand. Well, a big reason for that, Bill, is out of that trap. The Bulls never really regrouped defensively and picked up their men and got organized. And that’s a key to Chicago success. A technical foul called on Ron Hawer nonchalantly bending down tying his shoelaces, but apparently had something to say to Joe Crawford who was at his side. and the technical being taken by one of the best free throw shooters in front of here’s another look at it. So, uh, Ron pulling the ventriloquist. [Music] And a little after that, Joe Crawford looked at Ron Harper and said, “One more word and you’re out of here.” Of course, the Bulls have had their problems with Joe Crawford in the past. He generally keeps a very close eye on Dennis Rodman. Greg Foster at the free throw line. Foster, a seven-year NBA man out of Texas, El Paso and UCLA, began his college career with the Bruins. Well, that obviously explains the brilliant performance here in this playoffs. Yes. Six-point Jazz lead just under two minutes to go in the first. Ryan Williams, that’ll count. It is a goalender. Ryan Williams very active offensively. He now has eight points. The Bulls are looking for points. Michael’s on the bench right now. Scotty has not asserted himself. The other guys don’t really have much going for him, particularly Tony Cooko with his sore foot. And with the Jazz not able to block any shots and no real shot blocker in there right now, Chicago should be taking the ball to the basket in every opportunity. M set the pick off the fake and sets it up for able to retrieve. Eley set it up perfectly again though. Gary Sloan remarkably calls every set play for this veteran very intelligent team. Eley off the crossover. Eley again just making good decisions. And the reason is Utah has gotten away from the side of the floor where the Bulls can dictate where they want them to go. You get in the middle of the floor, much more difficult to control. I was in a little bit of trouble, kept his boys and finally got the cutter Foster. Matt, the hype of the Bulls perimeter players has not had the edge here in Salt Lake City that they had back in the first two games. I think it’s cuz they’re tired, their hands are down, and having a race. Seven-point Utah lead. Jud Bush has gone. Tony Cook putting moves on Carl Malone and gets the roll. The Jazz 27, the Bulls 22. We are down to 50 seconds to go in this opening quarter. Eley working on per setting up Malone. It’s perfect pass again. Eley’s decision. Eley has played better than John Stockton. Three assists for Eley. 15 points for the Jazz by seven. Pippen for three and a foul called on Chicago. Well, Howard Eisley is being guarded by Steve Curras. Bill Jackson elected to go with offense, but it’s been defense that’s been good for Randy Brown would be doing a better job keeping Eley from getting into those positions to make those kinds of plays. Foul on Brian Williams. 25 and 210 seconds left in this first quarter. And an ovation for Carl Malone as he heads to the bench. [Applause] A look at Scotty Pippen bending over, leaning on the shorts. A telltale sign. Brian Williams was as well as Phil Jackson has gone to a very small lineup now with a one shot situation. Michael Jordan coming in. This shows you how concerned Phil Jackson is bringing Michael Jordan in for one shot here. [Applause] Utah with its biggest lead of the night. Now Phil Jackson complaining about the extra substitution. Adam Keefe and Anqua Kong just allowed to check in and the substitutions were permitted. Car Malone with 11 of his 15 points after Luke Longley for long has given him some problems but no problems in the first quarter with Malone with 15 points on seven of 11 shooting. Bulls holding for a final shot of the quarter. They’re down by nine. Pippeters couldn’t handle it. Final seconds. Pushed for a block and it was apparently deflected out by thought. He was fouled by Keith with two seconds two seconds to go in the first quarter. The Bulls can’t believe a foul was not called there. Utah great opportunity. All right. Carr fires down. Keith tried to snap it back. He did and shot late. Looked like a long two seconds, I think. Whoa. That’s called homeported down in the Western Conference. But that’s the end of one standing ovation here in Salt Lake City for the Utah Jazz. Michael Jordan has been very quiet. He has not scored since the first two minutes of the game. He’s missed his last three shots. His first four shot attempts were three-point downtown attempts. He’s two of six overall. Opening minute, second quarter. Marv Albert, Bill Wall, Matt Guas, Rashad, and Jim Gray. And here’s Jordan. Got the step and was hit hard. And Michael Jordan is going to make sure there he has been taking the perimeter shot. He knows that’s not going to cut it. And already a couple calls have gone against him, a couple technical fouls. He’s going to put it right to the officials, take the ball to the basket, draw contact, and get to that foul line. Foul committed by Mars. Chris Mars getting the playing time and the the absence of Shannon Anderson whose dad passed away yesterday. Anderson back home in Atlanta. A reminder, join us Sunday for game four of this NBA Final Series. NBA Showtime will get things going 7:00 Eastern, 4:00 Pacific. And then game four between the Bulls and the Jazz right here from Salt Lake City, Utah. That’s all here 7 Eastern, 4 Pacific on NBC. Well, we talked at the outset about the Jazz needing to get back to their game as Jordan makes the second of two. They are playing exactly their pace, which we saw all year long in the Western Conference. Fast break and punishing offensive execution through Malone. Jason Cafe on the floor for the first time. A match with Antoine Carr. Carr did not have the shot. Here’s Stockton. Forced it out and Cuckoo with the rebound. Caffeine with Rodman and Coo on the front line. Jordan and Curr in the backboard. Coo. Yes. And took a shot from Greg Foster. And actually Foster on the backlash also was on the follow through by Puko. Well, usually when the ball is stuck on one side, it’s problems even for the Chicago Bulls. They finally reversed it and got a good look at the basket. Foster. Oh, he’s on target. Six points for Greg Foster. Mary’s playing with such great aggression. He is banging Tony Coup, coach trying to intimidate the Bulls. Steve Kerr in a rare situation trying to set up a shot off the dribble. Well, he’s a little frustrated because right now he’s unable to keep John Stockton from controlling the tempo and making plays. Stockton has four assists, no turnovers. Adam Keefe Carr trying to punch up that rebound. We’re early second. The Jazz up by 11. Jordan being guarded by Mars and then hit by Keith who cut him off. Cuc for three. Cathy’s back hand running the floor finding. Biggest lead of the game for Yukon. They are up by 13. Curve for three. Well, Steve Kerr, who’s been showing signs from downtown, able to hit one from straight away. It’s a 10-point Jazz advantage. But the Jazz just keep attacking. Don’t slow down. That was a kick ball. Should have been called except for the Jazz. Terrific effort by Steve Kerr who has been getting abused though by John Stockton. Had to make him feel confident to get the three and then make a good defensive play. And for the Jazz only their second turnover. Jordan stripped for getting the step and they’ll jump it out. Rodman and Keith on the tie out. And now a timeout taken. 842 to go. First half, Utah by 10 and hearing it from the crowd. Five, five fast break points for the Utah Jazz. The Bulls had not a single fast break opportunity tonight. The Jazz able to control the tip as Keith got good position on it. Eight and a half remaining in the first half. It’s Utah 38, Chicago 28. The Jazz attempting to get back into this series, trailing two games to nothing. Car Malone back on the floor and rebounded by Michael Jordan. Malone with a 15-point first quarter. Jordan has been quiet as has Pippen. Jordan guarded by Morris. Here comes off the fake. Got the step. The pass not handled by Cathy. And here comes Stockton. The Jazz are the quicker, more aggressive team. Stockton just got away with a carry. Oh, what a pass. Yes. And a touch. Utah Jazz basketball on exquisite display tonight. John Stoen will never touch the ball with that left hand. The defense you cannot play behind Carl Malone. Too deep. Basketball at its best. But one time he did touch him with his left hand. It was okay. It was should have been a turnover. It never ceases to amaze me how teams do something on their home floor and then go away and stop doing it. What was good for the Bulls, they’re not doing it here. And that was six assists for Stockton. Let’s check in with Jim Gray. Jim. All right. Thank you, Marvel. That wound on his right hand. Mike Shaminsky, the trainer of the club, got more than 300 calls and voicemails from around the country. More than 100 Federal Express packages, lotions, ointments, creams. A lot of good suggestions, a lot of very bad ones. The worst suggestion according to Shaminsky, he was told to soak it in Clorax on tobacco. Oh, finally they settled on a new skin which seems to be holding up very well. Mark, yes. Wise move passing on that particular suggestion. And Michael Jordan with his first field goal since the opening minutes of the game and the first time he’s gone into the post. That’s what’s been so good for Chicago in the first two games. Utah by 11. Where has Dennis Rodman been? Just two rebounds total tonight. Eric Foster has been a major factor. The Jazz up by 13. Broadway who just checked back in. He was fouled before the shot attempt, but illegal defense was called, so that will overrule the foul. Rodman’s not going to guard Carl Malone. He’s got to dominate the weak side defensive rebounding. Foster, though, just coming in over the top of Dennis and Scotty Pippen throwing it down. He’s a little worked up tonight, too. Well, Phil Jackson and the Bulls are waiting for Dennis Robin to get more involved in some way. Jordan. It counts and the foul. So, Michael Jordan going to the fadeaway and took the hit. Chicago’s bench doing well, too. Brian Williams, Tony Cuck, coach, Steve Kerr making a contribution, but the only starter for Chicago doing anything of note, Michael Jordan. And he just completed a three-point play. So, the Jazz lead is 10. Stockton putting moves on Hoffrey able to penetrate. Now Stockton looking like a different player. Utah by 12. They came out with a burst at the start sparked by Malone and they have maintained the doubledigit lead. Jordan and here’s Mars. Fires and hits. How did we all know he was going to shoot that ball? First of all, he did a terrific defensive job on Jordan forcing him away. Take a tough shot. And Longly stretched by Malone. Foster in the open floor able to put it behind his back again. They are on their feet in St. It’s a 15-point Yukon lead and they’re looking for more. They double up on Stockton. Foster for three. Yes. 18. The alleyoop for Jordan. So it is Utah 51, Chicago 35. At the defensive end, the Chicago legs are dead. No quickness, no movement, no anticipation or aggressiveness. Forget about Chicago if you’re Utah and just keep playing your game. Mars for three and Long with the rebound. Pippen delivered intended for Here comes Foster with the pull up. And called for that foul, putting Keith on the deck. Carl Malone’s defense tonight has been outstanding. Chris Morris’s three-pointer on the break. An ill-advised shot, but it goes down. Why not? And Foster, he’s stroking threes. Everything going right for the Utah Jazz. Greg Foster now has 11 points, a season high 13 back in late January against Atlanta. Greg Foster opened up the 9495 season with the Bulls and then was cut after only 17 games. It was his misfortune to be with Chicago when they had too many centers or at least uh too many buddies at the center position. At one point he thought his career was over. Marv, you can never have too many centers. spoken like a true center. Look at him get to the hoop. Malone with 20. Chicago not able to come up with a stop. Utah scoring every possession and they lead 5335. Randy Brown has checked in for the first time. Bill Jackson looking for some defense. Here’s Brian Williams. back Stockton. Stockton for three and a Chicago ball. Carl Malone passes up the outside shot. Gets that little bit of seam not to be denied tonight. Michael Jordan so frustrated. What’s going on out here? He’s asking himself. Well, he didn’t want to come out of the game. Four minutes to go in the half. His team struggling as Pitman gets one. Scotty Pippen only his second field goal. It’s a three-pointer. He now has nine. The Jazz up 538 with just under four minutes to go in the half. Harper with the steel. Harper is really reading John Stockton. He told me he wants to watch Stockton’s eyes all the time cuz Stockton’s looking to get it off to somebody else. Pippen again for three. Wow, Scotty Pippen with successive three-pointers and the Jazz lead down to 12. Well, the only two offensive threats for the Bulls right now on the floor, Brian Williams and Scotty Pippen. And Pippen’s doing it right now. Coach waits to come in. Scotty Pippen with his third three-pointer of the night. Pos on a quick release three. Rebound Foster. Foster. Well, he’s equal a season high. He has 13 points. Beautiful offensive execution. When they do miss a shot, Foster is everywhere on the weak side. Greg Foster having the game of his professional life. Russell just went down in a collision with Williams. They double up on Brian Williams. Here’s Brown. Revited by Rodman who has been very not only quiet, he fires a three. Not a good decision. Dennis Rodman has not been playing with his usual fire over the course of the serve. But look at Carl Malone. He’s starting to point. He’s got that anger in his eyes. Stockton forced it and it was knocked out of bounds by the ball. When we resume, 5 seconds remaining on the shot clock. 218 to go in this first half and the Jazz leading 5541. One of the heroes of the first half. There’s the other big man, Carl Malone with 20 points. Greg Foster with 13. Mone’s in bounds finding Russell. He lost it. Shot clock gone down and a foul called but Chicago claiming it should be a 24second violation and the officials will confirm. Jack’s clearly called the foul first and they’re going to stick with that. Jack a tremendous referee. This is his first Finals game ever in his career which I find shocking because I think he’s one of the best referees there is. And what he did there was he went right over to U Hollands and asked if it was a shot clock violation before he blew the whistle to call the foul. Foul on Hopper and Foster an excellent foul shooter. 83% during the regular season. reminder. This Thursday at 3:00 p.m. Eastern, 12:00 noon Pacific. NBC Sports proud to present the 97th US Open, the first of four days of live network coverage. Tiger Woods obviously the focus of attention coming off his Masters victory. We will have live coverage cover their second grand slam title and the national championship coverage beginning Thursday 3 p.m. Eastern 12:00 noon Pacific right here on NBC just under two minutes to go in the half and Steve Kerr with his second field goal. He has five points. Well, good things continue to happen anytime the ball goes inside to Michael Jordan. [Applause] [Music] stopped and lost it. Adam Kee has got to catch that ball. Nice pass from Ko. It counts and the foul. So Brian Williams will head to the line. Well, Chicago getting a kind of a semi-transition play getting it into the post quickly. Nice little give and go between crew coach and Brian Williams. Now, this Chicago defense just giving up 31 points in the first half of game one at 31% shooting and only 42 points in game two have already given up 57 in this first half. Terrible nonboxed out as the Bulls can’t convert. Utah has led by as many as 18. They now lead by 12. Adam Keef was looking looking to spot it up off a screen. Malone with the snack. 22 points for Carl Malone and the Jazz up 5945. Chicago defense nailed to the floor much of this first half. Pippen firing way off after hitting three from three-point land. [Applause] Well, they’re not even playing key for the shot. Scotty Pippen trying to back up into the lap of Malone to try to help out cuz Carl Malone is a scoring machine right now. Down to 45 seconds in the first half. Cucumber getting it down low again. [Applause] Cucumber for three and Keith rebound. Half minute remaining in the first half. Stockton played by Jordan. So Jordan check the clock. [Applause] 10 on the 24. [Applause] That’s where Carl Deon has raised his game. The low post passing, the perimeter shooting. Beautiful basketball. Utah. Final seconds of the half. Down to one. Who coach? Did he get it off in time? No, it is way gone. Will not count. The outside official said it came after time had run out. Third quarter is underway. [Applause] [Music] Off the weave Stockton handing to Hornosk, but the shot clock rolling down. It’s at five. Stockton with a crossover to set it up for Hornosk. [Applause] Great sign for Jerry Sloan in Utah for Ottal. Dennis Rodman very quiet in the first half. Michael Jordan played by Brian Russell. And here’s Jordan. Oster tag with the rebound. That’s the oster tag. Those two plays that were so critical against the Lakers with Shaq and Houston with a horn and Stockton in the back court. Malone Ott and Russell up front. Here’s Stockton brushing off Pippen. Horn a second and by Oster. Well, we talked in the first two games about how good the Chicago defense was. The first half was absolutely miserable and a horrible start here in the third quarter. And usually the trademark of the Bulls is to come out smoking defensively. They haven’t done it. A 16-point lead by the Jazz at halftime. Longley able to get it back to Pippen. You recall the Bulls led by 16 at the half. Game two in Chicago. Scotty should be able to post up against Hornosk. Forget the fade away and go to the hoop for Scott. And for Luke Longley that his first bucket. The Jazz up 65- 47. We played two minutes of this third quarter. They isolate Russell against Pippen. Malone screening for Stockton. Open shot for Russell for his second from downtown. He has eight points. Ron Harper unable to keep John Stockton from penetrating anytime he wants. And once Jon gets in there, he’s finding the open people. Now the mismatch. Pippen working on Honosac, but Hornosac received help and a miscommunication. Malone Jordan fouled by Malone. Well, one of the rare fast break opportunities for Chicago and it was a struggle, but Greg Oster finally getting involved on the offensive glass with nobody boxing him out again. Dennis Robman just won’t get a body on him and he had a little bit there trying to hold him, but Dennis just no lift in those legs and it’s all Oster Tag able to finish. But notice how Oster Tag is keeping his hands above his shoulders here. You look at the first half center comparison. Luke Longley and Greg Oster Tag the Donuts. Ouch. Brian Williams and Foster strong in reserve. Foster with the upper hand for Utah. Greg Foster with a 15-point first half. His careerhigh is 17. Three minutes gone by in the third. Turning face against Luke Long. Just go to the hoop. Malone and rebounded by Longley. Jordan waiting for teammates to join him down court. A very unaggressive offensive game for the Bulls Pippen and Jordan. Second bucket for Longley both here in the third. It’s down to a 17-point Jazz lead. But nothing’s really going to happen for the Bulls till they get after it defensively, start getting some stops and turn them into running opportunities. Malone and Pippen able to rebound following the miss time. So Malone has missed his first three shots of this third quarter. Terrific defensive job that time by Stockton to make Pippen pick up his dribble at half court to cut down the transition play. Here’s the mismatch. Pippen working on Stockton and the pass broken up. That’s a three on one. Malone will short. Nobody in his right mind is going to get in front of Carl Malone when he’s barreling down like that. But you got to foul him. the way he’s struggling from the free throw line. Make him earn it from the line. And here comes Stockton again. The Jazz got to keep pushing. Keep the run on. Big Chicago quit. Oh, Rodman showing up and try to save it, but he did. He step out of bounds. Yes, he did. But finally, Dennis Rodman has shown up to do something. Even if it does, the Bulls do not get the ball. The first time he has done anything. And you saw that left shoulder hit the line, but a good effort play by Dennis Robin. Finally, 24 minutes for Robin only three rebounds. Phil Jackson felt the other night that Dennis was not in the game. Malone has certainly been in the game. And that is now 26 points from Malone plus a foul away from the ball. Malone can just school Luke Lonley. long lead. Not enough quickness to get up on top. They call the foul away from the ball. Stockton sets the good screen there and then Scotty just throws him down. Little bit of a flop there. Scotty though with the arm on the shoulder of John Stockton after Pippen. It’s his first foul. So Stockton to the line for one shot. 73 51 Utah. 5 minutes in third quarter. [Applause] [Applause] Shot clock down to five and a score as Russell break and Phil Jackson falling four-point lead for Utah. Their biggest lead of the night. Ryan Williams back on the floor. He has been contributing. That’s 12 points for Williams. Well, the Bulls down by 22 and it’s either the altitude or they did not take the Jazz seriously after Utah’s poor performance in game two. I think it’s the Stockton rejected. What a recovery by Ron Har. Let’s keep in mind this is a uh a very good Utah team also. Oh, and I think Chicago knows that this team does not lose here in this building very often. Only three times all season. A Jazz team that went 64 and 18 during the regular season. They have overwhelmed the Bulls to this point tonight. Oster Tag with the great extension forcing the aros. Coo’s miss on the three and the line got bottled up. The outside official Hollands with the call on Hoffer. That’s four on Hoffer. Let’s check in with Jim Gray. Jim. All right, Mark. During that last time out, Jerry Sloan looked at every one of the players on the bench. He said, “Guys, I don’t want you looking at the scoreboard. Don’t want to catch any of you glancing up there. Play the game like the game is tied. If we lose our intensity, this team can come back.” And they’ve done so time and time again. Mark. All right. Thanks, Jim. Howard Eley, who has been a very important player for the Jazz, has just come on. Give a rest to John Stockton. The Jazz up 7553. And the call away from the ball as Hornosk was tripped up. Well, even though 7 foot2 Greg Oster attack handling the ball 30 ft from the basket, you got to get up and pressure. Tony Cuckoo is 10, 12, 15 ft off him, letting him just pick out a pass receiver. The Bulls are in a position right now. They have to get up and pressure every pass and obviously every shot. Ryan Williams called on the foul. Talking about what Jim was saying about Jerry Sloan. Sloan said after the game the other day that as you see Malone get inside they control the boards. Sloan felt that the the Utah Jazz will to win was effective the other night and cuckoo hit by Oster. When you question the character of your team publicly that’s basically calling them out and saying let’s see what you’ve got. The Jazz have responded perfectly tonight. One of the rare casual attempts by Carl Malone the last time down resulting in the missed layup and Greg Foster has checked back in. Great hands right Williams is trying to hit Scotty Pippen with that pass. Just under five minutes remaining in the third quarter. Williams guarding Malone who faces up. Yes, Tom Malone 13 of 23. He has 28 points. It’s the Jazz 77 and the Bulls 53. Well, tonight Carl Malone is squaring all the way up. He’s not half turning around like he was in the games in Utah in Chicago, excuse me. Well, here’s Carl Malone and he has been bothered by the quick hands coming down and bottom. That time he was far away enough from the basket to discourage the quick hands of Chicago coming down. Non-shooting foul was called on the Hornos. Here’s Williams getting inside trying to adjust. Good play by Foster coming over and it was deflected out by the ball. Now Chicago has a height advantage with Scotty Pippen working against Hornosk on the post. The best thing for Chicago in the first half is Michael Jordan in the post. They have not gone there yet in the third quarter. Eisley setting it up, finding Malone who takes it to the basket. How is that not a foul in the body? Foster with the intercept. Pippen broke it up. Foster with the recovery. Jerry Slo not happy with that shot. Although Fosters had a terrific game, that was an ill-advised shot. It’s only good if it goes in. And Jerry Sloan trying to quiet down Greg Foster who has called for that foul. It’s so emotional in here. Jerry Sloan wants one shot to go down to break this thing wide open. That was the reaction to Fosters’s miss shot down there. Mark Eaton is in the building. I saw him. Did you say Mark? Oh, Dennis Rodman. They needed Mark to put the ball out of the room. You know, Matt and I looked at each other like maybe we’re wrong. Maybe he is playing. I saw him. You guys always look at me like that though. Mark Eaton. Shot clock at five and Hopper able to knock it away with four on the on the shot. There’s there’s Mark. Unfortunately though is retired. He will not be available tonight. Another self-inflicted wound. That’s terrible. Carl Malone hearing it from the crowd as he sits down. Shot clock running down and Eisley not able to convert. Jordan find it Cooper. Yes, it is a 20point Utah lead. Another rarity for Chicago in this game. Throwing the ball ahead from the back court. Usually some kind of good shot will show up. Foster being played by Cos Russell for three and rebounded by Jordan. Ball’s looking for a late rush here down the stretch in the third quarter in particular with Malone on the bench looking to cut into that lead which is now 20. Malone and Stockton on the bench. That’s almost like having Jordan and Pippen out of the game at the same time. It is exactly like it. And the foul on Russell his third. Well, anytime you can advance the ball there’s no matter how quick you are in transition defense, you just can’t catch up to the basketball. as Tony Coo was in rhythm, had his feet set and a good look ahead by Michael Jordan. Utah over the foul limit and Scotty Pippen is now just three of six at the line. Scotty Pippen great in game one. Remember playing on that very sore foot. Matt, you pointed it out that as this series wore on that foot could become a huge problem and Scotty has not been the dynamic presence that he normally is. as he reagravated that uh foot injury that occurred in in game number one. Minute and a half to go in the third quarter. The Utah Jazz trying to get back into the series. Trailing coming into tonight, two games to nothing. Here’s Carr. Blocked from behind by Harper. Harper challenging nicely and beating him for the stuff. And it all started at the defensive end as Carr put the ball on the floor. That’s the kind of defense that Chicago played in the first two games. Coming back in, knocking the ball loose. So, the Jazz up by 17. We come up on a minute left in this third quarter. Kick ball is called. They’ll get the new 24. Only two teams have come back from a 20- deficit in the finals to win. Here’s a look at that last play and Harper with the steel coming into tonight. Utah down two games to nothing to the Chicago Bulls. Eley for three and Williams with the rebound and the Bulls chipping into that huge lead. They’re in the midst of a 70 run. We’re down to 40 seconds left in the third quarter. Pippen for three, but Foster and the bench need to hold on a little bit here. Close it out with a good play to get the crowd into it. Bulls have a foul to give. Oh, Pippen with the block from behind. Shot clock at four. Eisley Foster with one on the 24. Rebound. Cuck coach. Final seconds. Third quarter. Hopper for three. And that’s the end of the third. The Jazz only won for the last 13. They just nine straight. All that was said about Chicago’s coming back. Jordan’s numbers non-existent there in the third. Utah extended their lead in that third quarter even with the terrible drought at the end. Yes. despite one of 13 from the field in the final minutes and they missed their last nine shots. Here’s Jordan. Oh, what a move getting it over the outstretched arm of Greg Foster. So, Chicago has reeled off nine unanswered and the Jazz lead is now 77-62. Utah has led by as many as 24. Alone and Stockton are back. Here’s Stockton. Perfect execution of the set offense. Stockton initiates, cut through, cuts through and comes all the way around off three screens and gets the foul line jumper. Jordan and Kerr now in the back court with two coach Williams and Bushler on the front line. There’s Cerran. After going two games without any blocked shots, everybody’s getting into the act now. Even little John. Greg Foster and Chris Mars both important players tonight. They’re up front with Carl Malone. [Applause] Stockton with the shot clock down to two. Fires and the rebound handled by Williams. Fourth quarter just underway. Marv Albert and Mukus, Bill Walton, Jim Gray Rashad. Minute and a half gone by in this fourth. [Music] fouled on a return. Foul on Balone. John Stockton playing off the ball now and Steve Kerr knows he’s in trouble but he’s trying to trail on the play and just had to go way too wide as Kerr has had his problems with Stockton. So Tony Cox to the line. There’s the stat line on John Stockton, nine assists, seven points. Reminder, Sunday at 5:00 Eastern, our own Ahmad Rashad will host NBA at the Finals, capturing a side of these championships that most fans never see. Plus, a look at three pioneers of the WNBA and the obstacles that they have faced on their journey to playing professional women’s basketball. All here Sunday 5:00 Eastern on NBC hosted by Ahmad Car Malone rebounded by Tony Cooko. And here’s Steve Kerr who does not have great speed but able to hit. Oh, Steve Kerr did a terrific job there. He’s rarely gets that kind of opportunity and he saw the big man bearing down on him. Still able to get that shot up and tying for Carl Malone in the low left box right here. The Utah lead is down to 13 and the foul is called. Some concern on the part of the Utah Jazz. For more on that, let’s check in with Jim Gray. All right, thanks Mark. During that timeout, Jerry Sloan told the guys, “Hey, make up your mind right now. Do you want to win the game? We need the effort that we had. You need to pick it up on defense. When you guys stand around out there, it tells me you don’t want to win. It’s right there in front of you. Grab it.” Hi, Jim. Chicago on a 13-2 run that dates back to the third quarter cutting into what was once a 24-point lead. It’s now down to 13. Here’s a sec. Rebounded by Bushler. The boards are starting to be controlled by Chicago. Throughout the game, it’s been Utah. Oh, CO. One of the few times you’ll see Carl Malone go in the air to make a defensive play at the hoop. Stockton big played by Kerr. A soft attempt by Tony Cuck coach and he knows that he’s got to at least draw a foul on that play. Malone swinging in on Williams. Bulls wanted a travel, but a foul is called on Chicago. There’s the big four tonight. Carl Malone having an outstanding first half. John Stockton, not so much with the points, but doing a terrific job of floor generalship. A quiet night for Michael Jordan. And Scotty Pitman has just been too spotty with his offense. I thought it was interesting that time when Carl Malone knew he was going down to the floor. Made sure that he got his right hand up so he didn’t put that right hand down on the floor. And a foul committed by Brian Williams who now has four. Mar, I’m flabbergasted as not by the missed free throw. Carl has had his struggles. The fact that Jordan and Pippen have 21 shot attempts between the two of them. This is their statement game, the third game in the playoffs. They’ve never lost one of these games on the road tonight. They haven’t brought their offensive attack. Well, the three for six at the line. He has 29 points. Utah 80 and Chicago 66. Three minutes gone by in the fourth. Steve Curl remaining on the floor. Phil Jackson looking for offense. Chris Mars defending on Michael Jordan with help. Cuc for three. Rebounded by Oster and Hugh Hollands seemed to indicate illegal defense. Now checking with Joe Crawford on the other side of the court. And what he’s asking Joe Crawford if it was a pump fake on the pass because you’re allowed to drop and it was allowed to drop below the free throw line extended if it is a pump fake and Joe Crawford helping you Holland out on the play on the question. So they call it an inadvertent whistle and they just keep the shot clock where it is and it’s at 14 right now [Applause] along with the pick the brush off Kerr. They double up by Malone and Bushner with the steel taps it ahead is foul. Beautiful play by John Bush. Foul on Chris Morris. That is his third. Well, for those of you who would like to continue with the NBA Finals, as usual, we will have our postgame special on CNBC. That’ll be immediately following tonight’s game. The entire cast will recap it all with highlights, live press conference interviews and guests. We take a look back at this game three, that’s the NBA Finals postgame special immediately following this game three between the Jazz and the Bull. Well, Jud Bushner had a miserable regular season from the free throw line, just 36%. And a foul on Bushler. He blocked Stockton. Mar Stockton is so tricky. Very little contact on the play, but he just kept going, absorbed what there was. Can you just imagine how many little 510 guys are sitting around their living room tonight saying, “Yeah, that’s me. I’m going to do that.” And John Stockton right now realizes what an important time of the game this is. It’s really barking out to his teammates. Stay in the game. Get with it. Get after it. The Bulls with their third team foul. Utah struggling. Only two from the last 17. Morris for three. Didn’t really have a grip on the basketball, but fired it up. Well, that won’t stop him. It’s a 13-point Utah advantage. Chicago very much alive after trailing by as many as 24. Just under 8 minutes to go in the fourth. Jordan and the tip by Brian Williams. Now Chicago has gone to a lineup to force Stockton the point guard on Michael Jordan. They don’t necessarily have to do it, but they did it on that possession. Jar Sloan’s got to make an adjustment there. Malone with room. Oster tag with the hustle rebound and called for time. Well, a good play by Greg Olag the possession. We’d like to thank the folks at Miller Brewing again for these aerial views on tonight’s game. This incidentally adjacent to the NBC local affiliate channel 5 KSL. I have to say uh a scene reminiscent of Woodstock as they take in all the action on the big screen. That’s where I’m going after the game. There will be a party there. And if there’s a party, I know Bill Walton is on hand. Right. 7:25 to go in the fourth quarter. It’s the Jazz 80 and the Bulls 69. The Jazz only two for their last 18. Chicago has had its difficulties particularly from long range and a foul spot on Hopper. That’s number five on Ron Hopper. Well, it’s Utah’s pattern coming down the stretch in fourth quarters to go to their pick and roll game, but it has not been successful from the side of the floor. They have had better luck from the top of the key in the middle. Stockton uses the pick. Aubra staying in with the five fouls. Here’s Russell. He continues to hit. I am so glad they came back with Brian Russell. Chris Morris is a little bit out of control there. Russell having his best game of the series. Brian Russell with 12. 8269 Utah’s [Applause] not getting any spacing. Cooch had nowhere to go. Beautiful pass. Good job. Stockton with the steel. Stockton protecting on Pippen. Setting it up for Hornet. Protect this by Oster Tag. And last touch by the ball. Ryan Russell battling off of screens. Scotty Pippen not able to stay with him. You see Scotty not with that great footwork that he normally has. Very sore ball of the foot. Oster Tag has become a warrior underneath the boards. Well, Russell had to create his own shot there, but on the pick and roll, Chicago has had so much success on that side pick and roll, forcing it down to the baseline, but so far, John Stockton now has been able to get to the middle of the floor. And Luke Longley has come on Tony, coach. Still no sign of Dennis Rodman for Chicago. Hello. Malone only three for his last 10. Able to hit. He has 31 and the Jazz lead 84 69 with just under 6 minutes remaining in the four. Jordan for three. Yes, Michael Jordan with 21 points. Oh, Brian Russell lost concentration. actually kind of went for the loose ball, but I don’t know how you can take your eyes off Michael Jordan at this time of the game. Balls have missed their previous eight from downtown. Stockton checking the shot clock. Stockton with the deceptive triple now. The last two times Chicago has forced it down and it’s turned into two field goals. One from the low and the easy land for Stockton. Bulls defense falling apart. Utah by 14. Jordan stopped by Russell able to shoot over him. Michael Jordan with 23. It’s the Jazz 86 and the Bulls 74. We have five minutes to go in the fourth. And Michael has to stretch the tongue hanging out and the look. Stockton again. Stockton. Carl Malone and John Stockton have to touch the ball every time down the rest of the way to keep the offense rolling. No time to let up here. Jordan putting moves on Russell. Russell played him well. Did not allow the shot. Here’s L. Rebound. Russell. Stockton. Accelerates and then pulled it back. Bos only one of nine from the field. Malone and back comes Pippen. Time running out on the ball as we approach four minutes to go in this fourth quarter. They are down by 14. Jordan for three. Yes, he’s too good. He had nowhere to go. Everybody on the bull started coming towards him, clogging up the lane. or just step back and take a three. 8877 Utah just under four remaining and the foul. Offensive foul. Illegal pick as Harper was shaken up. Foul on Malone. The press for Chicago was bringing Carl Malone out high. He keeps both hands on the ball and a little bit of step out and the Bulls have called for time. And here’s Jordan for three. Rebounded by Longley. Jordan gives it up. Pippen. Yes. A three for Scotty Pippen who has been off. But it is now an eight-point game. Utah led at one point 7753 with 324 left in the third quarter. 315 to go here in the fourth. Malone with the step. That’s what the MVP means. Not the numbers but at the big moments shutting down these great runs by Chicago who’s so poised. This game’s just getting started though. Jordan played by Stockton with just under three minutes remaining in the four. Pippen again with room for three. Yes, Scotty Pippen with two enormous three-pointers and the Jazz lead is down to seven. And Mike Scotty Pippen creating havoc defensively, running around as a wild card, trying to get the ball out of Stockton’s hands. When Malone gets it, he’s going to try to knock it loose. The Jazz have to look for Scotty Pippen’s man. And the foul on Russell as he tried to get it back. 14th team foul committed by Utah. Chicago has four. Pippen is now five of eight from three-point land. The Jazz 90 and the Bulls 83 with 2 minutes and 40 seconds to go in this fourth quarter. Hugh Holland’s asking for more room along the end line allowing Jordan to inbound. They’re coming in Utah with Foster. A little bit more offense, but they’re running great screens for Pippen to get him open behind the three-point line. Jordan picked up by Foster. Rebounded by Malone. And Malone comes up humbling. 20 second timeout called by Jerry Sloan. So Carl Malone off that loose ball and the collision had to use the timeout. Utah has three timeouts left. Chicago two on a 20. Here’s another look at it. Ovalone just sort of landed very awkwardly. He’s one of the most durable players in the history of the game. Didn’t look like the ankle turned over really. Just maybe a hard land on the knee a little bit. But Scotty Pippen along with Michael Jordan able to bring the Bulls back into a game that appeared to be gone in the third quarter. Anytime Michael Jordan makes any kind of penetration move into the lane, he’s going to draw the defense. They’re going to watch Michael Jordan and it’s going to leave Kerr and Pippen open. At one stretch, Utah led by 24. Since then, Bulls have outscored them 30-13. 215 remaining in the fourth. It’s a seven-point Utah lead. Shot clock at five. and Foster in a collision with Popper. If it’s Hopper, it is number six. Let’s check in with Jim Gray. Jim. All right, Mark. Carl Malone twisted his left hip. Mike Shaminsky, the trainer, looked him over. Car Malone said he’s in a lot of pain. Looked up at the scoreboard, said, “Mike, there’s only two and a half minutes left. I can get through this.” Mark. Hi, Jim. And it was number six on Hopper. An important play particularly at the defensive end. Lost to the Bulls. Ron Hopper with only two points but seven rebounds and a lot of gritty play at the defensive end. Here’s Foster who’s a very fine free throw shooter. 83% for the season. He now has 16 points. He’s five of six at the line and the Jazz leading 91 to 83. And they were checking team fouls. That last foul was indeed number five on Chicago to put Foster at the line. And now they’ve changed Utah to three team fouls. Big men who can shoot free throws. Critical element in all championship teams. Jazz leading 9283. Bulls looking for quick shots. Time running down just under two remaining. Jordan putting a move on Russell and the foul is called. It’s on Russell. So that’s five on Brian Russell. Well, looking ahead, game number four here in Salt Lake City on Sunday starting 7:00 Eastern time. Game number five if necessary. Next Wednesday here in Salt Lake City, Pippen for three offense and rebounded by the fouled by Longley. Now Longley not really in good position to get an offensive rebound there. But a pretty smart play. If he can’t get the rebound and you got Carl Malone in your sights, you might as well hack him with 147 to go in the fourth quarter and see if Malone can do anything at the foul line. Looked like Carl pushed off on him on that play. Now, Tom Malone had said after the poor performance the other night in Chicago, he won’t make any excuses. He said it was embarrassing the way he played. He will try to correct things tonight in game three. and he has certainly done just that. Carl Malone with 34 points. Well, Carl Malone a different player here at home as most players are. It really shows up in the shooting percentage. Actually, he is a 55 center during the regular season and making free throws at this juncture is absolutely critical to his confidence. Malone four of seven at the line this evening. Utah by 11. And again they are on their feet at Delta Center. Tipp played by Russell. Now Hornos on Jordan fires the three with the rebound. Stockton on the run. Leading Foster who is rejected by Jordan. Jordan will pick up the loose ball. Has a three on two. Pippen steps back to shoot the three. 9486 with 115 to go. Utah needs to keep moving that low. Flash big guys into the center of the court. A coach trying to slap it away. Called for the foul. How about Scotty Pippen? Six three-pointers. Six of 10 from downtown. You waited too late to bring that though, Mark. Very quiet early. 22 points in all for for Scotty Pippen. Very quiet first half for Pippen. Only 12 points on three of six from the field. Here’s Malone again at the line. And after Carl Malone missed those final two free throws in game one, a dead silent building for Carl Malone. He said he wanted to be back in this situation. And here he is. [Applause] The decel level has reached its peak here in Salt Lake City, Utah. Timeouts remaining. Neither club with a foul to give. Carl Malone 36 points, 10 rebounds. Truly an MVP performance here this evening. And truly a bounce back from Malone from what has taken place over the first two games. A minute eight remaining in this fourth quarter. The Jazz 95 and the Bulls 86. A rally by Chicago curtailed by impact. They now lead by 10. Now Scotty Pippen had something to say to Malone as he walked up to the line for that free throw. Didn’t phase him a bit. Jordan putting moves on Russell angling short of three-point attempt at last touch by Utah. The nightmare that Brian Russell lived through at the end of game one. He’s learned a lot. Jordan trying to draw the foul there. Russell just let him get out of balance. 22 timeout taken by Chicago. So the Bulls have just one timeout remaining. Well, coming out of that timeout, Scotty Pippen had said something to Carl Malone. if you’ll remember back at the end of game one. Something about the mailman not delivering on Sunday and that was very prophetic. But the mailman has been delivering here at home on Friday. Matt, you must have unbelievable ears cuz I can’t hear a thing in here. It must be the rabbit ears that all coaches develop. The Utah Jazz on their way to cutting it to a two games to one lead in this best of seven NBA final series. Russell with the rebound. Give the ball to John Stockton here. Hornac surrounded and threw it away. Jordan setting it up for Cerr. Pippen looking to get it outside, but he was hacked with 36 seconds left. [Applause] Well, the Utah guards at the end of games one and two. John Stockton had turnover problems, although it certainly was a huge factor in game one. Game two was a kind of a cosmetic comeback by Utah. Scotty Pippen, four of seven at the line. He’s hit six three-pointers. the NBA Finals record most three-pointers in a single game held by Kenny Smith of the Houston Rockets, seventh back in game one of 1995. But in any event, Bill, I liked your idea better. I take my chances putting the ball in the hands of John Stockett at this point. The Jazz 96 and the Bulls 88 and off the pressure, the foul on Pippen. Down to 35 and 9/10 seconds to go. And there’s Steve Young, San Francisco 49er quarterback and a product of Brigham Young taking it all in with Senator Orin Hatch, who is actually two seats away from Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan. That’s just to give some extra advice. The Jazz now 19 of 23 at the line. Mike Shaminsky in the white shirt, the He’s the buffer right there. Yeah, Mike the Utah trainer passing on advice from the center. The Jazz 98 and the Bulls 88. We come up on a half minute remaining. Pippen from way down and that’s seven three-pointers to tie an NBA Finals record again. The Bulls give the foul. It’s down to a seven-point lead with 29 and 510 seconds to go. And now the right man going to the line for the Utah Jazz. John Stockton in the fourth quarter at the bottom of your screen in this playoff. Near perfect. Stockton tonight one for one at the line. The Jazz 99, the Bulls 91. [Applause] Chicago has one timeout left. The Jazz up by nine. Jordan hustling down. Jordan did not take the shot. gave it to Busher who hit 100 to 93 and again a foul here Mike Jordan once again stopped him to the line wait a minute now I have seen some great crossovers in my day Tim Hardaway Allan Iverson but if this is not a carry I don’t know what is Michael Jordan bearing down on Jefferson and look at Hornish’s face on the other side with Wait a second how can you play defense if you’re not going to call that and and Michael, believe me, doesn’t even need that, but he wanted to make sure that he cleared a defender and got him to the lane. Matt, are you saying it was an illegal move? Uh, yes, I am, Bob. I will go out on that limb. Stockton is four for four at the line. The Jazz up by eight with 21 and 3/10 seconds remaining in the fourth. Stockton perfect at the line. Nothing but the bottom of the net. And Chicago has taken its final time out. Phil Jackson upset. He felt there were several Utah players cheating and jumping in as they were lined up for that Stockton free throw. Details. Let’s uh let’s see if we can pick it out. Here it is. [Music] Yeah. Jason Cathy in there way too quick. But it doesn’t hurt to try to complain about something. Try to buy something for game number four. Well, 21 and 3/10 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Utah with a 10293 lead. They they have the 24point lead in the third quarter. Chicago led by Michael Jordan. Scotty Pippen able to come roaring back but trailing here by nine. And Oh, the reason why Phil Jackson is complaining Carl Malone is not in his proper spot, which is the second position next to Jason Cathy. He is one too high. And Phil trying to rule that that should have been a violation and no free throw. That’s not the reason why Chicago is losing this game. And Utah is 24 of 28 at the foul line. The Chicago strategy obviously down the stretch try to hit the quick three and then foul, but the Jazz going to the line and hitting their shots. Mark, the great thing for Utah though was when Chicago made that big run late, Carl Malone took over. He got that big drive left from the top of the key. He hit the big free throws and now Stockton has just iced it with all of his free throws. And Bill, it’s been one of those games for Malone. He’s been solid throughout. He had a quiet period over a brief stretch, but he has 37 points on 15 of 29 shooting and he’s also done a good job at the foul line. Jordan for three way off. Stockton rebounds it again. The foul given by Kerr. Well, the exact same play that Chicago ran to get Michael Jordan open for the winning shot in game one. They ran it again to set Michael up for a three-point look. But in the little back screen and exchange between Jordan and Pippen without the ball, Scotty ran right into Michael Jordan. Down to 15 and 7. 10 seconds to go. Stockton is five for five at the line along with Carmelo. It has been a dramatic turnaround game for John Stockton. He now has 16 points and 12 assists. And a very interesting 48 hours coming up before the start of game four. Game four Sunday here in Salt Lake City. We’ll have it right here on NBC starting at 7:00 Eastern time for Pacific Coast. And then game number five, Wednesday here in Salt Lake City and on NBC. Utah’s got ahead of steam. Watch out for the Jazz. Along off the intercept, Stockton will run it out. Down to 10 seconds and they’re on their feet. Standing ovation for the Utah Cavs who have been able to get back into this series with a solid performance as they defeat the Chicago Bulls 104 to 93. Watch the game number five on sale tomorrow only. Tickets will be sold on a random draw. [Applause] Starting at 4 a.m. Many heroes for Utah. Their most viable player Carl Malone heading the list. He’s with Amad Rashad. Amad. All right. Thanks, Mom. Carl, before game two, you told me that you would do. Well, a couple of days later, you finally did deliver. Well, like I said, I haven’t been really playing the kind of basketball I would like to, but it start on the defensive end. When I’m more active on the defensive end, my shot seem to come together for me a lot more. But we going to take one game at a time, man. These guys are a great team. They got a lot of boys and we think about one at a time. We forget about this game. We get ready for Sunday because the intensity level going to be a lot higher. What was the difference between game two and game three? because you guys really didn’t have much intensity in Well, we didn’t have much intensity at all, but you know what? We act our small guys to do a lot of stuff for us. But it’s time for the big guys to step up and some screens and be a lot more physical. Not doing anything crazy. And when you do that, you get a lot more intensity to play the game of basketball. And this is the finals now. It is a lot higher. And Michael Scott and them get those ready every night. And we need to do that over here. When you talk about being the finals and the intensity and all that, you got banged around a little bit tonight in this game, but nothing was going to keep you out. No, it wasn’t. This isn’t a a bone sticking out. I will play and I don’t have any excuses. We forgetting about this n Sunday. That’s all I want to say. All right, Carl. Congratulations on the game tonight. with Steve Sunday.
#michaeljordan #mj #1997 #throwbackthursday #throwback #chicagobulls
Final Score
UTA: 104
CHI: 93
#throwbackthursday #throwback #chicagobulls #bulls #utahjazz #jazz #utah #bullsvsjazz #1997 #1997nbafinals #finals #nbafinals #nbafullgame #michaeljordan #mj #scottiepippen #dennisrodman #rodman #johnstockton #mailman #championship #threepeat
