This Day In Utah Sports History: Malone Dunks On Jordan
Feb 3, 2023, 12:16 PM | Updated: 1:03 pm
SALT LAKE CITY – On this day 31 years ago, Karl Malone got the Delta Center bouncing after running the break and dunking on Michael Jordan.
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The dunk happened around halfway through the 1991-1992 NBA season. The Jazz beat the Bulls that night, 126-123.
The Bulls finished the year with a 67-15 record and went on to win the championship. Michael Jordan received MVP and the Finals MVP honors.
Karl Malone, Jazz Take Down Powerhouse Bulls
Coming into the game the Bulls had a 39-7 record and held the Easter Conference’s one-seed. The Jazz were 30-17 and third in the West.
Widely considered the greatest regular season Jazz game of all-time, Utah pulled out a three-point victory in triple overtime.
As we watch #TheLastDance tonight here is a Bulls vs. Jazz memory from 1992 when the Bulls and Jazz went to Triple OT. Jordan and the Mailman both score 34. A classic! #KSLSportsArchive #NBA pic.twitter.com/TqEqoh3Qo3
— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) May 18, 2020
The game was very close throughout. The Bulls lead by 6 after the first quarter but the Jazz ended up taking the lead before halftime, 52-49.
After three quarters, the Jazz held an 8-point lead. Chicago went on a run in the fourth to force overtime.
1991-1992 Utah Jazz Season
* Can Stockton/Malone breakthrough
* Sloan year 4
* Release of Golden Griff
* Trade of Big T
* Opening of the Delta Center
* Magic HIV
* Malone’s elbow cause ?? stitches
* Greatest regular season Jazz game ever
* Division Champs
* RIots
(1/2)— David Locke (@DLocke09) April 6, 2020
The first two overtime periods were intense. Neither team could get the upper hand as they traded baskets and defensive stops.
At the very end of the third overtime, Michael Jordan got into the face of a ref after a foul call and got ejected. It was his second technical of the night. He finished with 34 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists in 56 minutes played.
Malone and Stockton both played very well in the contest, Malone finished with 34 points, 21 rebounds and 5 assists. Stockton recorded 19 points, 12 assists, and 4 steals.
Where Is Malone Today?
After retiring from the NBA in 2005, Malone went on to become the director of basketball promotion and assistant strength and conditioning coach at Louisiana Tech University, his alma mater. He held that position from 2007 to 2011.
Malone has lived in Northern Louisiana since leaving Salt Lake City. Malone spends his free-time hunting and working out. He owns multiple businesses in Louisiana and Utah, including a cigar shop, a restaurant, a clothing store, and an apartment complex.
Chandler Holt is a Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com, specializing in all things basketball and football. Follow Chandler on Twitter at @ChandlerHoltKSL.
