Utah pries win from the Jazz of defeat

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Stockton describes his big pass to Malone. (Courtesy NBA/NBC Sports)
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Malone says Stockton was great down the stretch.
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Jerry Sloan says Stockton's pass was unforgettable. (Courtesy NBA/NBC Sports)
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There was less than a minute remaining in the fourth quarter of Game 4, with the Bulls leading 73-72. Michael Jordan had just missed a long-range jumper, and Stockton worked his way inside to corral a defensive rebound.

In the final minute, John Stockton looks upcourt and spots Karl Malone. The rest is history.

Like any great quarterback -- and Stockton is the most prolific passer in NBA history -- his first reaction was to strike quickly. He turned up court and saw two flashes. One was Jordan, the most athletic player to ever step on a basketball court. The other was Karl Malone, Utah's hulking power forward, the yin to Stockton's yang.

If it were any other player streaking down the court, Stockton would not have unloaded the pass, he said. But this was The Mailman, and that was enough to trigger the 75-foot touchdown pass.

"He had position," Stockton said of Malone, "and once he does, he's the best at getting the ball."

As the ball sailed through the air, Jordan and Malone both broke for it. The pass drifted just beyond Jordan's reach and landed right in Malone's hands, enabling the 6-foot-9, 256-pounder to catch it right in stride. Two steps later, the Jazz had the lead for good, 74-73.

Even though the state of Utah has seen many great quarterbacks come through Brigham Young University, none ever threw such a perfect touchdown pass.

"The pass he made is probably one you'll never forget," Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said, "because I don't know how he made it and got it past (Jordan)."

Karl Malone rejoices with coach Jerry Sloan.

Jordan later said he didn't feel like he had his rhythm to jump and intercept the pass.

"I saw it, but I was really off-stride and I didn't think I had the opportunity to get to it," Jordan said. "He made a great pass."

To Malone, who has played with Stockton 12 seasons, it was more than that.

"Out of all the great passes he's made, I will remember this one for the rest of my career," Malone said. "It had to be the perfect pass."

And it was.

Following Malone's layup, the Bulls called timeout and the Delta Center crowd erupted. At the other end of the court, Stockton -- the normally stoic 35-year-old -- jumped in the air and pumped his fist in exultation.

"I think that was more out of relief. It was a long way to watch a basketball fly," Stockton explained. "I think if you could have suspended time right as the ball was in the air, Jerry (Sloan) would have probably strangled me for throwing it. But it got there.

"It was one of those 'No, no, no ... yes!' type deals."