Jazz Hits Groove Against the Bulls

Last June, Utah Jazz players walked off the United Center court with their heads bowed and shoulders slumped as the Chicago Bulls celebrated another NBA title.

Sunday, the Jazz had reason to do some celebrating, using a 15-6 run at the start of the fourth quarter to hand Chicago its second home defeat this season, 101-94.

“We’re grateful for the victory, but does that mean that when you come in here for the playoffs you’re going to win? No,” said Jazz guard John Stockton, whose team went ahead, 92-79, with the fourth-quarter surge. “This game doesn’t mean anything in the big picture.”

It meant something to Michael Jordan.

“I hate to lose,” said Jordan, whose 32 points weren’t enough to extend the Bulls’ 17-game home winning streak. “Right now, it sticks with me because we don’t want teams to come in here and gain confidence.”

Said Utah’s Karl Malone, who missed several free throws in last season’s finals, but who was 11 for 12 from the line Sunday: “We played well, but it had nothing to do with last year.”

The Bulls (30-13) didn’t suffer their 13th loss last season until the final game and are 21-2 in Chicago, matching their home loss total for each of the past two seasons.