10 memorable moments of Jazz playoff history

Some things leave an indelible impression. For instance, when man first walked on the moon. People remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when it occurred.

Same way with the NBA playoffs. The memories linger for years, even decades.

With another Jazz postseason appearance beginning this weekend, there are sure to be mesmerizing moments. Events that will be recalled with either fondness or frustration. Forthwith are 10 great Jazz playoff moments (and a bonus) that will be remembered — in the words of the great Buzz Lightyear — to infinity and beyond:

HONORABLE MENTION: SOMETHING FISHY. During the 1997 NBA Finals, Chicago swingman Brian Williams, aka Bison Dele, entertained himself by riling up Jazz fans with references to Salt Lake's night life. He went on to say the place smelled like brine shrimp and the only thing he liked in Utah was the alluring waitresses at LaCaille.

Or did he say he say the lake was alluring and the waitresses smelled like brine shrimp? With him it could have been either.

10. STOCKTON-TO-MALONE. Late in Game 4 of the '97 finals, with the crowd going rock-concert delirious, John Stockton one-handed a court-length pass to Karl Malone for the clinching layup. In that fleeting moment, with the series tied, destiny seemed on the Jazz's side.

Too bad nobody notified Michael Jordan.

9. BENOIT'S BUST. Having previously been to the conference finals twice, and finished with a 60-22 record, the '95 Jazz appeared a serious contender. But they abruptly found themselves in Game 5 of a brutal first-round series with Houston. With time running out, David Benoit missed three consecutive 3-pointers. Houston went on to become NBA champ and Benoit, who was previously referred to as Ben-waaaasome, instead became Ben-waaaawful.

8. DEREK FISHER'S RETURN. The Jazz were locked into a close Game 2 against Golden State, last year, when Fisher, who had been in New York attending to his seriously ill daughter, walked into EnergySolutions Arena. As he made his way to the court, the crowd gave him a standing ovation. Exactly what made Fisher more heroic for showing up, rather than staying with his daughter, is anyone's guess. Still, it was a made-for-TV moment, and the fans ate it up.

7. HEARTFELT. The Jazz were playoff novices in 1984 — and so was their audience. Thus, when Denver Post columnist Woody Paige accused the Jazz of having no heart, that's all it took.

Jazz fans showed up with their hearts on their shirtsleeves and heart slogans on their pants, shoes, coats and foreheads.

In short, they took it personally.

The Jazz went from being down 2-1 in the series to winning 3-2.

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