20 years ago: Jazz win series open over Suns

Jazz win playoff series opener over Suns

After a 23-month wait, the Utah Jazz finally won a playoff game with a 113-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of their best-of-five Western Conference first-round series at the Salt Palace.

Karl Malone scored 21 points for Utah, which captured its first postseason victory since winning Game 6 of its seven-game series against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals in 1988. The Jazz were swept out of the playoffs by Golden State in 1989. "At least we won a game," said Malone, who managed just four points in the first half against Phoenix. "We sort of have a little to prove after last year." John Stockton collected 16 points and 17 assists, and Bobby Hansen and Thurl Bailey added 16 points apiece for Utah. Swingman Dan Majerle led the Suns with 23 points. Shooting guard Jeff Hornacek — pressed into some first-half duty at point guard afterKevin Johnson was limited to just nine minutes due to a case of the flu — had 20 points and Tom Chambers chipped in with 19 more, although Chambers made only 5-of-16 shots from the field. "We need to make a few adjustments for (Game 2 on) Sunday, but if the ball starts dropping, you'll be surprised at how few adjustments are really needed," Chambers said.