Is it more than coincidence that Karl Malone has led the Jazz in scoring and rebounding all four times (1992), 1994, 1996 and 1997) Utah has clinched spots in the Western Conference Finals? "No. You've got to go to the MVP or his partner (John Stockton) when it's critical," said teammate Antoine Carr. "That's for sure."

Prior to his 32-point, 20-rebound performance in Monday's series-clinching 98-93 win over the lakers, Malone delivered mightily - averaging 31 points and 14.3 rebounds - in games that earned the Jazz trips to the NBA's final four. "Hopefully, this is the year (Utah gets to the last round)," said Malone. "We'll see what happens. This is not all we want."

Added Malone: "People keep aging the Jazz, but I think we're aging well."

Karl's Kids: During a timeout, Malone's three young children Kadee Lyunn, Kylee Ann and Karl Jr., held up sings that read "Daddy MVP/Jazz NBA Champions." When asked about it after the game, Jazzman said (with a smile and a wink): I don't know where they got those. Maybe they know something I don't."

Maybe, maybe not. Malone said earlier in the series that the NBA has revealed the outcome of the MVP voting to him. The Deseret News contacted 113 of the 115 media members who casted ballots and projected the Mailman a winner on May 1. The league could make an offician announcement as early as this weekend.

MODERN MATURITY: For the first time in franchise history, Utah is 2-0 in series-clinching games. In fact, not since a 3-1 opening round win over San Antonio in 1994 has the Jazz immediately closed out a series with their opponents on the verge of elimination.

- After taking a 3-0 lead over Denver in the 1994 Western Conference Semifinals, Utah needed four games to eventually eliminate the Nuggets.

- Utah led Houston 2-1 in the first-round of the 1995 playoffs before dropping the final two games of that series.

- A year ago, the Jazz built a 2-0 lead over Portland in a best-of-opening series before the Trailblazers tied it up to force a fifth and final game showdown. Utah then went up 3-1 on San Antonio in its second series before dropping a game in Texas before winning Game 6 in Salt Lake City. And last of all, Seattle;s win in Game 7 of the 1996 Western Conference Finals aded to the lore.

Utah is 12-13 all-time in playoff series.

R & R: Jazz center Greg Ostertag was pleased to learn practices for the Western Finals won't begin until Wednesday. After all, he said, it isn't easy to battle a 300-pound opponent in a series.

"It's going to help me out a lot," said Ostertag. "I'm sore."

Utah's man in the middle told reporters Shaquille O'Neal is "as strong as an ox."

LAKRS (WITHOUT AN E): Los Angeles coach Del Harris was hoping for the best when he saw press passes inscripted with a large block latter "E" on them - representing Utah's fifth postseason home game.

"I really thought we had an omen here," said Harris. "When I saw on all your (media passes) that it was Game E, I thought that might bode well for Elden (Campbell) and Eddie (Jones)."

It didn't. The duo combined to play 84 minutes and score just 17 points on 5-for-27 shooting from the field.

SIGN LANGUAGE: A sampling of fan-made signs in the Delta Center Monday.

- "It ain't over until the Fat Shaq whines."

- "Kickin' Bootah in Utah."

- "Laker Fans Hotline: 1-800-WHAAAAA."

- "Real men don't make excuses, they deliver."

- "Give Shaq all the tacos he wants, we want the big enchilada."

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- "When it comes to M.V.P., one man stands Malone."

- "Shaq: Man of Squeeeeeel."

- "Hey Shaw, It's Showtime. Magic is gone and youre not Worthy."

- "And Shaw went wee, wee, wee, wee all the way home"

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