(Date: June 3, 1998)

In an electrifying overtime showdown, the Utah Jazz emerged victorious against the Chicago Bulls in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, delivering an 88-85 thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats. This was a classic battle of titans, with both teams trading blow for blow in a match that came down to the final possessions.

At the heart of the Utah Jazz victory was the legendary playmaker, John Stockton. Stepping up in the face of adversity, Stockton's incredible performance bailed out his struggling teammate, Karl Malone, leading the Jazz to a critical 1-0 lead in this best-of-seven series.

Despite winning the game, the Jazz failed to cover the -3.5 point spread, meaning those who backed the Chicago Bulls as +3.5 underdogs saw a return on their wager. The game also went 'under' the total of 187.5, with the robust defenses from both teams making their mark on this historic showdown.

The game was filled with high-stakes drama, with Stockton's incredible running jumper in the final seconds of overtime leaving the Delta Center in a state of euphoria. The diminutive point guard finished with a team-high 24 points, shooting an efficient 9-of-21 from the field. Stockton also dished out 8 assists and grabbed 4 rebounds in a stellar performance.

However, not all was smooth sailing for the Jazz. Karl Malone, the 1997 NBA MVP and the team's offensive fulcrum, struggled mightily with his shooting. The 'Mailman' delivered just 9 of 25 shots, finishing with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Despite the poor shooting night, his rebounding and defensive efforts were key in securing the win.

Dennis Rodman played a significant role in limiting Malone, despite dealing with a thumb injury. Initially hesitant due to his thumb, Rodman's rebounding efforts improved as the game progressed and Karl Malone struggled. Coach Phil Jackson expressed satisfaction with Rodman's performance despite the circumstances, stating, "I think Dennis played exceptionally well for all the anxiety over the injury." Though Rodman faced challenges in keeping up with Malone, he managed to contribute significantly when Luc Longley got into early foul trouble. The Bulls, especially Scottie Pippen, acknowledged Rodman's potential, emphasizing the need for him to play at the level they know he can achieve.

Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls with a game-high 33 points, although it came on a less-than-stellar 13-of-29 shooting. Even with the loss, Jordan's performance underscored his reputation as a big-game player, as he nearly carried the Bulls to a comeback victory in overtime.

The Chicago Bulls were resilient throughout the game, coming back from a 7-point deficit with less than five minutes remaining in regulation and then fighting back from a 5-point deficit in overtime. However, the comeback efforts fell short, with a Scottie Pippen desperation 3-pointer bouncing high off the rim to end the game.

As previously noted, those who took the Chicago Bulls as +3.5 underdogs managed to cover the spread despite the loss. However, with the Utah Jazz now holding a 1-0 series lead and homecourt advantage, the betting market could see a significant shift ahead of Game 2.

Updated Series Price After Game 1
Utah Jazz -210
Chicago Bulls +180

Game 2 Spread & Total
Chicago Bulls +2.5 (-105) @ Utah Jazz, O/U 181.5

While the final result did not go in their favor, the Bulls demonstrated their championship pedigree throughout the game. As the series progresses, it will be intriguing to see how Coach Phil Jackson adjusts his game plan and whether the Bulls' supporting cast can rise to the occasion.

This is just the beginning of what promises to be a historic NBA Finals series. With both teams showcasing their championship resolve in Game 1, fans and bettors can look forward to more thrilling matchups as the series continues.

For the Jazz, the challenge will be to maintain their home-court advantage and try to take a 2-0 lead in the series. For the Bulls, the focus will be on striking back in Game 2 to even the series before heading back to Chicago.

Stay tuned for our preview of Game 2 as we delve into how the game strategies might evolve, the shifting betting market, and more. Get your popcorn ready – the 1998 NBA Finals is turning out to be an unforgettable ride.

--

Pregame.com 'Legends of the Game' Series: 1998 NBA Finals Preview

Get Real-Time Updates: Stay on top of the latest odds and line moves for all the latest sports with our real-time odds from Las Vegas and offshore

Special Offer: $25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!

Read More: For more articles, odds, and expert picks, check out Pregame news.