1998 NBA playoffs
The 1998 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1997–98 season. The tournament concluded with the two-time defending NBA champion and Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls defeating the Western Conference champion Utah Jazz 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. The Bulls achieved a second three peat, a goal unrivaled since the Boston Celtics in (/wiki/1966NBAplayoffs). Michael Jordan was named NBA Finals MVP for the sixth and final time.
Article
1998 NBA playoffs
The 1998 NBA playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1997–98 season. The tournament concluded with the two-time defending NBA champion and Eastern Conference champion Chicago Bulls defeating the Western Conference champion Utah Jazz 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. The Bulls achieved a second three peat, a goal unrivaled since the Boston Celtics in (/wiki/1966NBAplayoffs). Michael Jordan was named NBA Finals MVP for the sixth and final time.
Overview
1998 NBA playoffs
The New Jersey Nets made the playoffs for the first time since (/wiki/1993–94NewJerseyNetsseason), but did not appear again until (/wiki/2002NBAplayoffs). Their presence was a mere asterisk compared to what they accomplished in (/wiki/2001–02NewJerseyNetsseason), getting swept by the eventual champion Bulls.
The Minnesota Timberwolves won their first playoff game in franchise history by winning Game 2 of their series against the Seattle SuperSonics. However, the SuperSonics prevailed in five games despite the Timberwolves taking a 2–1 series lead.
The Cleveland Cavaliers lost to Indiana in the first round 3–1 and did not appear again until (/wiki/2005–06ClevelandCavaliersseason). It would also be the final playoff appearance for the Cavaliers without LeBron James on the roster.
The Heat–Knicks series was extremely notable for two reasons
• Game 4: A fight broke out between Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning at the end of the game (in which the Knicks won 90–85). A lasting image of the fight was Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy clinging to Mourning's leg. Both players were suspended for two games. Johnson and Mourning had bad blood dating back to their stint as Charlotte Hornets teammates. • Game 5: The New York Knicks became the fourth seventh seed to knock off a second seeded team in the first round of the playoffs. This would not occur again until (/wiki/2010NBAplayoffs).
Game 5 of the Jazz–Rockets series would be the final game of Clyde Drexler's career.
The Los Angeles Lakers advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since (/wiki/1990–91LosAngelesLakersseason). They were ultimately swept by the Jazz.
The Indiana Pacers entered the postseason with a franchise record 58 wins. Although they would lose to the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals, this team was later named by Pacers.com as the greatest in franchise history primarily due to their record, even better than the (/wiki/1999–2000IndianaPacersseason) team that won the Eastern Conference Title. The Eastern Conference Finals series between the Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers was extremely notable for several reasons:
• Game 4: Reggie Miller's game winning 3 pointer with 0.7 seconds, which has been marked one of the greatest postseason moments in NBA History. Michael Jordan attempted a game winning 3 pointer of his own, but it rimmed out, effectively tying the series at 2–2. • Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals: With a win, the Pacers took the Bulls to the limit by becoming 1 of only 2 teams to force a Game 7 in the Bulls' title years (the Knicks achieved this in (/wiki/1992NBAplayoffs)). • Game 7: This was the first (and as of 2025, only) Game 7 to take place at the United Center. • Game 7: This was the last Game 7 the Bulls would play until (/wiki/2009NBAplayoffs).
For the first time since 1989 NBA Finals, there was a rematch of the same two teams: the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz. This would not happen again until (/wiki/2014NBAFinals).
Game 6 of the NBA Finals was extremely notable for several reasons:
• In the waning moments of the game Michael Jordan made the title winning shot over Bryon Russell. This moment was marked as one of the greatest moments in NBA playoff history. • It was the highest rated and most watched game in NBA History, with 72 million viewers watching at least part of the game and an average of 35.9 million viewers in the U.S. • It was the last Chicago Bulls postseason game until (/wiki/2005NBAplayoffs) and the last involving the Michael Jordan-led Bulls. • Michael Jordan's final NBA playoff game. • Phil Jackson's final game as coach of the Chicago Bulls (he would go on to coach the Los Angeles Lakers two seasons later). • As of 2026, this remains the most recent NBA Finals game for the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz.
Bracket
1998 NBA playoffs
Teams in bold advanced to the next round. The numbers to the left of each team indicate the team's seeding in its conference, and the numbers to the right indicate the number of games the team won in that round. The division champions are marked by an asterisk. Teams with home court advantage are shown in Italics.
<table><thead><tr><th></th><th>First Round</th><th></th><th></th><th>Conference Semifinals</th><th></th><th></th><th>Conference Finals</th><th></th><th></th><th>NBA Finals</th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td></td><td></td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td></td><td></td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td></td><td></td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>E1</td><td>Chicago</td><td>3</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>E8</td><td>New Jersey</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>E1</td><td>Chicago</td><td>4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>E4</td><td>Charlotte</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>E4</td><td>Charlotte</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>E5</td><td>Atlanta</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>E1</td><td>Chicago</td><td>4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Eastern Conference</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>E3</td><td>Indiana</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>E3</td><td>Indiana</td><td>3</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>E6</td><td>Cleveland</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>E3</td><td>Indiana</td><td>4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>E7</td><td>New York</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>E2</td><td>Miami</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>E7</td><td>New York</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>E1</td><td>Chicago</td><td>4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>W1</td><td>Utah</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>W1</td><td>Utah</td><td>3</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>W8</td><td>Houston</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>W1</td><td>Utah</td><td>4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>W5</td><td>San Antonio</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>W4</td><td>Phoenix</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>W5</td><td>San Antonio</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>W1</td><td>Utah</td><td>4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Western Conference</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>W3</td><td>LA Lakers</td><td>0</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>W3</td><td>LA Lakers</td><td>3</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>W6</td><td>Portland</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>W3</td><td>LA Lakers</td><td>4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>W2</td><td>Seattle</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>W2</td><td>Seattle</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>W7</td><td>Minnesota</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>
Playoff qualifying
Home court advantage
The Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls tied for the best record in the NBA. However, Utah won the season series 2–0 and was awarded home court advantage throughout the playoffs.
Clinched a playoff berth
The following teams clinched a playoff berth in the West:
• Utah Jazz (62–20, clinched Midwest division) • Seattle SuperSonics (61–21, clinched Pacific division) • Los Angeles Lakers (61–21) • Phoenix Suns (56–26) • San Antonio Spurs (56–26) • Portland Trail Blazers (46–36) • Minnesota Timberwolves (45–37) • Houston Rockets (41-41)
Best record in conference
The Chicago Bulls clinched the best record in the East, and earned home court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Clinched a playoff berth
The following teams clinched a playoff berth in the East:
• Chicago Bulls (62–20, clinched Central division) • Miami Heat (55–27, clinched Atlantic division) • Indiana Pacers (58–24) • Charlotte Hornets (51–31) • Atlanta Hawks (50–32) • Cleveland Cavaliers (47–35) • New York Knicks (43–39) • New Jersey Nets (43–39)
First round
(1) Chicago Bulls vs. (8) New Jersey Nets
<table><thead><tr><th>Chicago won 4–0 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>November 8, 1997</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>New Jersey Nets 86, Chicago Bulls 99</td></tr><tr><td>United Center, Chicago, Illinois</td></tr><tr><td>December 20, 1997</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Chicago Bulls 100, New Jersey Nets 92</td></tr><tr><td>Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey</td></tr><tr><td>January 23, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Chicago Bulls 100, New Jersey Nets 98</td></tr><tr><td>Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey</td></tr><tr><td>March 16, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>New Jersey Nets 72, Chicago Bulls 88</td></tr><tr><td>United Center, Chicago, Illinois</td></tr></tbody></table>
This was the first playoff meeting between the Bulls and the Nets.
(2) Miami Heat vs. (7) New York Knicks
<table><thead><tr><th>Tied 2–2 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January 28, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>New York Knicks 82, Miami Heat 86</td></tr><tr><td>Miami Arena, Miami</td></tr><tr><td>February 1, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Miami Heat 83, New York Knicks 89</td></tr><tr><td>Madison Square Garden, New York City</td></tr><tr><td>April 8, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Miami Heat 80, New York Knicks 83</td></tr><tr><td>Madison Square Garden, New York City</td></tr><tr><td>April 12, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>New York Knicks 81, Miami Heat 82</td></tr><tr><td>Miami Arena, Miami</td></tr></tbody></table>
This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Heat winning the first meeting.
<table><thead><tr><th>Miami leads 1–0 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1997</td></tr><tr><td>Miami Heat 4, New York Knicks 3</td></tr><tr><td>1997 Eastern Conference Semifinals</td></tr></tbody></table>
(3) Indiana Pacers vs. (6) Cleveland Cavaliers
<table><thead><tr><th>Tied 2–2 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>November 4, 1997</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 77, Cleveland Cavaliers 80</td></tr><tr><td>Gund Arena, Cleveland, Ohio</td></tr><tr><td>January 30, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Cleveland Cavaliers 83, Indiana Pacers 89</td></tr><tr><td>Market Square Arena, Indianapolis</td></tr><tr><td>April 7, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Cleveland Cavaliers 80, Indiana Pacers 82</td></tr><tr><td>Market Square Arena, Indianapolis</td></tr><tr><td>April 18, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 92, Cleveland Cavaliers 96</td></tr><tr><td>Gund Arena, Cleveland</td></tr></tbody></table>
This was the first playoff meeting between the Cavaliers and the Pacers.
(4) Charlotte Hornets vs. (5) Atlanta Hawks
<table><thead><tr><th>Atlanta won 4–0 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>November 29, 1997</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Charlotte Hornets 80, Atlanta Hawks 98</td></tr><tr><td>Georgia Dome, Atlanta</td></tr><tr><td>January 31, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Atlanta Hawks 103, Charlotte Hornets 83</td></tr><tr><td>Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina</td></tr><tr><td>April 10, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Atlanta Hawks 99, Charlotte Hornets 87</td></tr><tr><td>Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina</td></tr><tr><td>April 17, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Charlotte Hornets 104, Atlanta Hawks 121</td></tr><tr><td>Georgia Dome, Atlanta</td></tr></tbody></table>
This was the first playoff meeting between the Hawks and the Hornets.
(1) Utah Jazz vs. (8) Houston Rockets
Game 5 is Clyde Drexler's final NBA game.
<table><thead><tr><th>Utah won 4–0 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>December 25, 1997</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets 103, Utah Jazz 107</td></tr><tr><td>Delta Center, Salt Lake City</td></tr><tr><td>January 10, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Utah Jazz 111, Houston Rockets 84</td></tr><tr><td>The Summit, Houston, Texas</td></tr><tr><td>March 1, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Utah Jazz 106, Houston Rockets 100</td></tr><tr><td>Compaq Center, Houston, Texas</td></tr><tr><td>March 9, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets 93, Utah Jazz 100</td></tr><tr><td>Delta Center, Salt Lake City</td></tr></tbody></table>
This was the fifth playoff meeting between these two teams, with each team winning two series apiece.
<table><thead><tr><th>Tied 2–2 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1985</td></tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets 2, Utah Jazz 3</td></tr><tr><td>1985 Western Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1994</td></tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets 4, Utah Jazz 1</td></tr><tr><td>1994 Western Conference Finals</td></tr><tr><td>1995</td></tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets 3, Utah Jazz 2</td></tr><tr><td>1995 Western Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1997</td></tr><tr><td>Houston Rockets 2, Utah Jazz 4</td></tr><tr><td>1997 Western Conference Finals</td></tr></tbody></table>
(2) Seattle SuperSonics vs. (7) Minnesota Timberwolves
<table><thead><tr><th>Seattle won 3–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>December 9, 1997</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Seattle SuperSonics 108, Minnesota Timberwolves 99</td></tr><tr><td>Target Center, Minneapolis</td></tr><tr><td>December 23, 1997</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Minnesota Timberwolves 112, Seattle SuperSonics 103</td></tr><tr><td>KeyArena, Seattle</td></tr><tr><td>March 8, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Seattle SuperSonics 99, Minnesota Timberwolves 98</td></tr><tr><td>Target Center, Minneapolis</td></tr><tr><td>March 14, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Minnesota Timberwolves 80, Seattle SuperSonics 114</td></tr><tr><td>KeyArena, Seattle</td></tr></tbody></table>
This was the first playoff meeting between the Timberwolves and the SuperSonics.
(3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Portland Trail Blazers
<table><thead><tr><th>Tied 2–2 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>December 8, 1997</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 99, Portland Trail Blazers 105</td></tr><tr><td>Rose Garden, Portland, Oregon</td></tr><tr><td>February 4, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Portland Trail Blazers 115, Los Angeles Lakers 122</td></tr><tr><td>Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California</td></tr><tr><td>February 10, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 105, Portland Trail Blazers 117</td></tr><tr><td>Rose Garden, Portland, Oregon</td></tr><tr><td>March 11, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Portland Trail Blazers 107, Los Angeles Lakers 121</td></tr><tr><td>Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California</td></tr></tbody></table>
This was the eighth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning five of the first seven meetings.
<table><thead><tr><th>Los Angeles leads 5–2 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1977</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 0, Portland Trail Blazers 4</td></tr><tr><td>1977 Western Conference Finals</td></tr><tr><td>1983</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 4, Portland Trail Blazers 1</td></tr><tr><td>1983 Western Conference Semifinals</td></tr><tr><td>1985</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 4, Portland Trail Blazers 1</td></tr><tr><td>1985 Western Conference Semifinals</td></tr><tr><td>1989</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 3, Portland Trail Blazers 0</td></tr><tr><td>1989 Western Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1991</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 4, Portland Trail Blazers 2</td></tr><tr><td>1991 Western Conference Finals</td></tr><tr><td>1992</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 1, Portland Trail Blazers 3</td></tr><tr><td>1992 Western Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1997</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 3, Portland Trail Blazers 1</td></tr><tr><td>1997 Western Conference First Round</td></tr></tbody></table>
(4) Phoenix Suns vs. (5) San Antonio Spurs
<table><thead><tr><th>Phoenix won 3–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January 9, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>San Antonio Spurs 79, Phoenix Suns 100</td></tr><tr><td>America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona</td></tr><tr><td>February 14, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Phoenix Suns 94, San Antonio Spurs 81</td></tr><tr><td>Alamodome, San Antonio</td></tr><tr><td>February 22, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>San Antonio Spurs 79, Phoenix Suns 97</td></tr><tr><td>America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona</td></tr><tr><td>March 22, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Phoenix Suns 83, San Antonio Spurs 93</td></tr><tr><td>Alamodome, San Antonio</td></tr></tbody></table>
This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Suns winning two of the first three meetings.
<table><thead><tr><th>Phoenix leads 2–1 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1992</td></tr><tr><td>Phoenix Suns 3, San Antonio Spurs 0</td></tr><tr><td>1992 Western Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1993</td></tr><tr><td>Phoenix Suns 4, San Antonio Spurs 2</td></tr><tr><td>1993 Western Conference Semifinals</td></tr><tr><td>1996</td></tr><tr><td>Phoenix Suns 1, San Antonio Spurs 3</td></tr><tr><td>1996 Western Conference First Round</td></tr></tbody></table>
Conference semifinals
(1) Chicago Bulls vs. (4) Charlotte Hornets
<table><thead><tr><th>Chicago won 3–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>November 14, 1997</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Charlotte Hornets 92, Chicago Bulls 105</td></tr><tr><td>United Center, Chicago, Illinois</td></tr><tr><td>December 12, 1997</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Chicago Bulls 77, Charlotte Hornets 79</td></tr><tr><td>Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina</td></tr><tr><td>January 21, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Charlotte Hornets 79, Chicago Bulls 110</td></tr><tr><td>United Center, Chicago, Illinois</td></tr><tr><td>February 11, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Chicago Bulls 92, Charlotte Hornets 90</td></tr><tr><td>Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina</td></tr></tbody></table>
This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Bulls winning the first meeting.
<table><thead><tr><th>Chicago leads 1–0 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1995</td></tr><tr><td>Charlotte Hornets 1, Chicago Bulls 3</td></tr><tr><td>1995 Eastern Conference First Round</td></tr></tbody></table>
(3) Indiana Pacers vs. (7) New York Knicks
Reggie Miller hits the game-tying 3 with 5.1 seconds left to force OT.
<table><thead><tr><th>Indiana won 2–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>December 17, 1997</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>New York Knicks 80, Indiana Pacers 87</td></tr><tr><td>Market Square Arena, Indianapolis</td></tr><tr><td>January 21, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 89, New York Knicks 97</td></tr><tr><td>Madison Square Garden, New York City</td></tr><tr><td>March 15, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 91, New York Knicks 86</td></tr><tr><td>Madison Square Garden, New York City</td></tr></tbody></table>
This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Knicks winning two of the first three meetings.
<table><thead><tr><th>New York leads 2–1 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1993</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 1, New York Knicks 3</td></tr><tr><td>1993 Eastern Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1994</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 3, New York Knicks 4</td></tr><tr><td>1994 Eastern Conference Finals</td></tr><tr><td>1995</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 4, New York Knicks 3</td></tr><tr><td>1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals</td></tr></tbody></table>
(1) Utah Jazz vs. (5) San Antonio Spurs
<table><thead><tr><th>Utah won 3–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>November 8, 1997</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Utah Jazz 80, San Antonio Spurs 87</td></tr><tr><td>Alamodome, San Antonio</td></tr><tr><td>November 22, 1997</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>San Antonio Spurs 74, Utah Jazz 103</td></tr><tr><td>Delta Center, Salt Lake City</td></tr><tr><td>February 21, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Utah Jazz 79, San Antonio Spurs 77</td></tr><tr><td>Alamodome, San Antonio</td></tr><tr><td>April 8, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>San Antonio Spurs 88, Utah Jazz 98</td></tr><tr><td>Delta Center, Salt Lake City</td></tr></tbody></table>
This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Jazz winning the first two meetings.
<table><thead><tr><th>Utah leads 2–0 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1994</td></tr><tr><td>San Antonio Spurs 1, Utah Jazz 3</td></tr><tr><td>1994 Western Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1996</td></tr><tr><td>San Antonio Spurs 2, Utah Jazz 4</td></tr><tr><td>1996 Western Conference Semifinals</td></tr></tbody></table>
(2) Seattle SuperSonics vs. (3) Los Angeles Lakers
<table><thead><tr><th>Seattle won 3–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January 24, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 95, Seattle SuperSonics 101</td></tr><tr><td>KeyArena, Seattle</td></tr><tr><td>February 13, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Seattle SuperSonics 113, Los Angeles Lakers 108</td></tr><tr><td>Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California</td></tr><tr><td>March 16, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 89, Seattle SuperSonics 101</td></tr><tr><td>KeyArena, Seattle</td></tr><tr><td>March 20, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Seattle SuperSonics 80, Los Angeles Lakers 93</td></tr><tr><td>Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California</td></tr></tbody></table>
This was the seventh playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning four of the first six meetings.
<table><thead><tr><th>Los Angeles leads 4–2 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1978</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 1, Seattle SuperSonics 2</td></tr><tr><td>1978 Western Conference First Round</td></tr><tr><td>1979</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 1, Seattle SuperSonics 4</td></tr><tr><td>1979 Western Conference Semifinals</td></tr><tr><td>1980</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 4, Seattle SuperSonics 1</td></tr><tr><td>1980 Western Conference Finals</td></tr><tr><td>1987</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 4, Seattle SuperSonics 0</td></tr><tr><td>1987 Western Conference Finals</td></tr><tr><td>1989</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 4, Seattle SuperSonics 0</td></tr><tr><td>1989 Western Conference Semifinals</td></tr><tr><td>1995</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 3, Seattle SuperSonics 1</td></tr><tr><td>1995 Western Conference First Round</td></tr></tbody></table>
Conference finals
(1) Chicago Bulls vs. (3) Indiana Pacers
Reggie Miller hits the game-winning 3 with 0.7 seconds left.
<table><thead><tr><th>Tied 2–2 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>November 28, 1997</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Chicago Bulls 83, Indiana Pacers 94</td></tr><tr><td>Market Square Arena, Indianapolis</td></tr><tr><td>February 17, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 97, Chicago Bulls 105</td></tr><tr><td>United Center, Chicago, Illinois</td></tr><tr><td>March 17, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Chicago Bulls 90, Indiana Pacers 84</td></tr><tr><td>Market Square Arena, Indianapolis</td></tr><tr><td>April 13, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana Pacers 114, Chicago Bulls 105</td></tr><tr><td>United Center, Chicago, Illinois</td></tr></tbody></table>
This was the first playoff meeting between the Bulls and the Pacers.
(1) Utah Jazz vs. (3) Los Angeles Lakers
<table><thead><tr><th>Los Angeles won 3–1 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>October 31, 1997</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Utah Jazz 87, Los Angeles Lakers 104</td></tr><tr><td>Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California</td></tr><tr><td>November 18, 1997</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 97, Utah Jazz 92</td></tr><tr><td>Delta Center, Salt Lake City</td></tr><tr><td>March 28, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 91, Utah Jazz 106</td></tr><tr><td>Delta Center, Salt Lake City</td></tr><tr><td>April 19, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Utah Jazz 98, Los Angeles Lakers 102</td></tr><tr><td>Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California</td></tr></tbody></table>
This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with each team winning one series apiece.
<table><thead><tr><th>Tied 1–1 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1988</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 4, Utah Jazz 3</td></tr><tr><td>1988 Western Conference Semifinals</td></tr><tr><td>1997</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Lakers 1, Utah Jazz 4</td></tr><tr><td>1997 Western Conference Semifinals</td></tr></tbody></table>
NBA Finals: (E1) Chicago Bulls vs. (W1) Utah Jazz
1998 NBA playoffs
Luc Longley hits the game-tying shot with 14.3 seconds left to force OT.
Utah scores the fewest points in any playoff game in NBA history (54) and loses by the biggest margin in NBA Finals history (42).
Michael Jordan hits the game-winning shot with 5.2 seconds left; this was Jordan's final NBA game with the Bulls.
<table><thead><tr><th>Utah won 2–0 in the regular-season series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>January 25, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Utah Jazz 101, Chicago Bulls 94</td></tr><tr><td>United Center, Chicago, Illinois</td></tr><tr><td>February 4, 1998</td></tr><tr><td>Recap</td></tr><tr><td>Chicago Bulls 93, Utah Jazz 101</td></tr><tr><td>Delta Center, Salt Lake City</td></tr></tbody></table>
This was the second NBA Finals meeting between these two teams, with the Bulls winning the first meeting.
<table><thead><tr><th>Chicago leads 1–0 in all-time playoff series</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1997</td></tr><tr><td>Chicago Bulls 4, Utah Jazz 2</td></tr><tr><td>1997 NBA Finals</td></tr></tbody></table>
Statistical leaders
1998 NBA playoffs
<table><thead><tr><th>Category</th><th>Game high</th><th>Average</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Player</td><td>Team</td><td>High</td><td>Player</td><td>Team</td><td>Avg.</td><td>GP</td></tr><tr><td>Points</td><td>Michael Jordan</td><td>Chicago Bulls</td><td>45</td><td>Michael Jordan</td><td>Chicago Bulls</td><td>32.4</td><td>21</td></tr><tr><td>Rebounds</td><td>Dennis Rodman David Robinson Jayson Williams</td><td>Chicago Bulls San Antonio Spurs New Jersey Nets</td><td>21</td><td>David Robinson</td><td>San Antonio Spurs</td><td>14.1</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>Assists</td><td>Mark Jackson</td><td>Indiana Pacers</td><td>17</td><td>Damon Stoudamire</td><td>Portland Trail Blazers</td><td>9.5</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>Steals</td><td>Charlie Ward Jason Kidd</td><td>New York Knicks Phoenix Suns</td><td>6</td><td>Jason Kidd</td><td>Phoenix Suns</td><td>4.0</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>Blocks</td><td>Shaquille O'Neal</td><td>Los Angeles Lakers</td><td>8</td><td>David Robinson</td><td>San Antonio Spurs</td><td>3.3</td><td>9</td></tr></tbody></table>