Jazz at Lakers - Game 4 - '97 Conference Semifinals - 5/10/97 - Malone 42 pts (Highlights)

Karl Malone scored 42 points and set a NBA Playoff record for consecutive free throws made in leading the Utah Jazz to a 110-95 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on a Saturday afternoon at The Forum, giving Utah a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.

Following an embarrassing 20-point defeat in Game 3 in which Malone shot just 2-20 from the floor, the Mailman delivered bigtime in Game 4. In addition to his 12 field goals and 9 rebounds, Malone set a NBA record by shooting a perfect 18-18 from the free throw line.

The Jazz also got a huge lift from their supporting cast - specifically small forward Bryon Russell. The 4th-year pro scored a career-high 29 points (on 12-20 shooting and 4 3-pointers) and grabbed a team-high 10 rebounds. John Stockton also recorded a double-double with 11 points, 11 assists, 5 rebounds and 5 steals, and backcourt mate Jeff Hornacek added 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

Shaquille O'Neal was outstanding for LA, with a remarkable 34 point, 11 rebound, 6 block performance. He was joined in double-figures by Nick Van Exel (15 pts, 7 ast), Eddie Jones (15 pts) and Robert Horry (13 pts). Rookie Kobe Bryant scored 9 points on three 3-point FG's.

Despite trailing by double-figures for most of the 3rd-qtr, the Lakers found themselves down just 4 midway through the 4th-qtr, before Karl Malone and Bryon Russell delivered timely baskets to put the game out of reach. The Lakers simply were unable to stop Utah, as the Jazz follwed up a 51-point first-half with a 59-point second-half to win going away.

The Utah Jazz finished the 1996-97 regular season with a franchise-best 64-18 record, claiming the #1-seed in the West. The Los Angeles Lakers finished 56-26 to earn the #4-seed.

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