o Utah’s nickname is the “Beehive State.”
o The state bird is, ironically, the California Gull.
o The Utah state flag contains a beehive, symbolizing diligence
o Major industries include agriculture, mining, natural gas, oil, and steel production. Website design By BotEap.comThe Utah Jazz’s debut season in the NBA included some sour notes. They lost their first game to the Portland Trailblazers and finished the season with a 24-58 record. Although the Jazz’s first season was disappointing, they were beginning to create a solid foundation on which to build the franchise. Website design By BotEap.comLess than two decades after entering the NBA, the Jazz team was playing sweet music. In particular, the duo of John Stockton and Karl Malone created one of the best double hits in the league. In 1996-1997, the Jazz posted a franchise-best 64-18 record during the regular season. Website design By BotEap.comThe Jazz would slide through the playoffs. They sank the Los Angeles Clippers (3-0), drowned the Los Angeles Lakers (4-1) and eliminated the Houston Rockets (4-2) in a war. In the NBA Finals, the Jazz faced Michael Jordan and the mighty Chicago Bulls. Although the Jazz played closely against the Bulls, the Bulls dominated them and won the series (4-2). Website design By BotEap.comHaving established a solid team, the Jazz would play all the right notes during the upcoming regular season, finishing with an outstanding record of 62-20. In the playoffs, the Jazz would struggle to topple the Houston Rockets (3-2), unseat the San Antonio Spurs (4-1) and then drain the Los Angeles Lakers (4-0). Website design By BotEap.comMany NBA pundits believe the Utah Jazz will end the Bulls’ five-time championship dynasty. However, the Jazz fell behind in the series 3-1 and never recovered. In Game 6, Michael Jordan led the Bulls to victory and a 4-2 series win. Website design By BotEap.comHow have the Jazz fared since their last trip to the NBA Finals? While they have made seven playoff appearances and won three division crowns, the furthest they have advanced was to the Western Conference Finals (2007). Website design By BotEap.comThroughout their history, the Jazz have retired the jersey numbers of seven players: Website design By BotEap.comAdrian Dantley – #4 (front): 1979-1984
Mark Eaton – #53 (Center): 1982-1993
Darrell Griffith – #35 (Guard): 1980-1991
Jeff Hornacek – #14 (Guard): 1993-2000
Karl Malone – #32 (Forward): 1985-2003
Pete Maravich – #7 (Guard): 1974-1980
John Stockton – #12 (Guard) 1984-2003 Website design By BotEap.comIt is inevitable that some of these players will also be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Website design By BotEap.comWhile the Utah Jazz have earned two trips to the NBA Finals, they haven’t completed their song. Wear Utah Jazz merchandise to cheer on the team with the sweet sound of an NBA championship!