Confirm” Thers’s A Chance For The 74.3 Million Star Will Play Against The….

A look back at local, national, and global events from Deseret News archives.

“Uh-oh.”

Many Utah Jazz fans want to be upset with Bill Walton, may he rest in peace, but others understand why he said “Uh-oh” at one of the most pivotal moments in the state’s sports history.

It’s the same “Uh-oh” a loyal baseball fan shouts when he sees a weak ground ball and immediately anticipates a double play. Or when everyone in your foursome turns away as you truly chili-dip a wedge shot at the 18th hole. John Stockton was that good, and Bill Walton knew it.

On this day in 1997, Stockton hit a three-pointer as time expired to lead Utah to a 103-100 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 6 of the Western Conference playoffs. That May 29 victory provided the

Want more from the archives? What a treat for Jazz fans to witness Utah’s players and coaches happy and leaping around like children.

Now consider Bill Walton, who commented seconds after the shot, “What a fantastic moment for the Utah franchise.” It’s the most proud I’ve ever been.

Walton died Monday at the age of 71 after a long battle with cancer, the NBA confirmed on behalf of his family. He won the NBA MVP award in 1977-78, was named the league’s sixth man of the year in 1985-86, and was a part of the league’s 50th and 75th anniversary teams. That followed a college career in which he thrived under coach John Wooden at UCLA, winning three national player of the year awards, according to The Associated Press.