Head coach Jerry Sloan Record 47–35 (.573) | Arena Delta Center | |
Place Division: 3rd (Midwest)
Conference: 4th (Western) Playoff finish West First Round
(eliminated 1–4) Television Fox Sports Net Rocky Mountain, KJZZ | ||
The 2002–03 NBA season was the Jazz's 29th season in the National Basketball Association, and 24th season in Salt Lake City, Utah. During the offseason, the Jazz signed free agents Calbert Cheaney and Mark Jackson. The team finished third in the Midwest Division with a 47–35 record, and qualified for the playoffs for the twentieth straight season. However, the Jazz once again failed to make it out of the first round, losing to the Sacramento Kings in five games. This season also marked the end of the Stockton and Malone era. John Stockton and Karl Malone were both given a long standing ovation after Game 4 at the Delta Center, and another one after Game 5 at the ARCO Arena. Following the season, Stockton retired while Malone signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Lakers. Also following the season, Cheaney signed with the Golden State Warriors and Jackson was released. The Jazz would not return to the playoffs until 2007.
West First Round
(2) Sacramento Kings vs. (7) Utah Jazz Last Playoff Meeting: 2002 Western Conference First Round (Sacramento won 3-1)