So much for Utah's home, sweet homecourt.
Chicago's 90-88 victory in Game 5 of the NBA Finals not only snapped an impressive Jazz run of 23 straight wins in the Delta Center, it also ended a reign of dominance over Eastern Conference visitors.Thirty games and 563 days had passed since any team from the Atlantic or Central divisions prevailed in Salt Lake City. Utah's run began after a 90-85 loss to the Bulls on Nov. 24, 1995 and ended Wednesday. The setback completes the 1996-97 Jazz home slate with a 48-4 record, including a 10-1 playoff mark.
"The fans here are great basketball fans. They love their home team and they don't have anything to be ashamed of," said Chicago guard Ron Harper. "They've played good basketball here all season long and it shows."
Teammate Scottie Pippen said the Bulls were well aware of how tough the Jazz are at home.
"This ranks among the top, to come in, and beat a very good basketball team on their home court in a Game 5 situtation," said Pippen. "They could have put our backs to the wall."
Added Toni Kukoc: "We came here with the idea to steal one out of the three. It was very hard for us, but we did it."
If history is any indication Chicago may have locked up the NBA title with the triumph. No team has ever overcome a 3-2 deficit by winning the last two games on the road.
"(The Bulls) were confident they could win here and we have to have the same approach," said Jazzman Karl Malone. "Is it going to be a tough task? Absolutely."
Chciago hasn't lost at home to a Western Conference opponent in either of the past two seasons. Utah's last win in the Windy City came on Dec. 17, 1994 when the Jazz prevailed 97-89 in the midst of Michael Jordan's retirement.
NO COMFORT: Jazz guard John Stockton said there is no consolation in coming close, but falling short, with two-point losses to Chicago in Game 1 at the United Center and Game 5 in the Delta Center.
"This is the championship," he said. "and close doesn't count."
ALL THAT OTHER JAZZ: Pomp and circumstance were plentiful at Game 5, beginning with the opening fireworks and famed ringside voice Michael Buffer's trademark "Let's get ready to rumble" announcement. Jazz mascot Bear then welcomed two of his furry friends to town for a few dunks. Boomer, a cat representing the Indiana Pacers, and the Seattle SuperSonics' bigfoot icon "Squatch" wore Jazz jerseys during the hijinx. The trio's highlight performance featured trampoline jumps over Donald Trump, yes that Donald Trump, before culminating with a slam dunk by Bear.
LUC THE SOUNDMASTER: Much has been said about the noise level in the Delta Center during the series, but one Bull, center Luc Longley, claims to have experienced worse.
"Nothing's as loud as the Pit," the former University of New Mexico star said of the Lobos' arena in Albuquerque. "Not even close."
Too bad none of his sound-sensitive Chicago teammates also played in the WAC. Utah's lone representative: UTEP product Greg Foster.
STERN ACTION: In response to Dennis Rodman's recent comments concerning the Mormon community in Utah, NBA deputy commissioner Russ Granik issued the following statement Wednesday.
"We have the matter under review and, if the statements are as reported, they are obviously offensive and inexcusable. A full report will be made to Commissioner (David) Stern upon his return to New York tomorrow, and an announcement of any action can be expected by the end of the day."
SIGN LANGUAGE: A sampling of fan-made signs in the Delta Center Wednesday.
- "Too noisy??? Too bad!"
- "World champs on and off the court - Utah Jazz."
- "It's not loud enough because we can still hear Chicago's whining."
- "Sweep Lake City."
- "Brother Rodman repent."
- "Hey Rodman, you got next - WNBA."
- "Quiet! Do not disturb the steers."
- "Rodman vs. Real men."
- "We believe."
- "Show us the title."