Top Five Fights In Utah Jazz Franchise History
Feb 6, 2023, 5:05 PM | Updated: Feb 8, 2023, 9:38 am
SALT LAKE CITY – Due to some recent altercations between players in NBA games, KSL Sports Live took a look at the most heated fights or dust-ups in Utah Jazz franchise history.
On February 2, former Jazz and current Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell got into it with Dillon Brooks of the Memphis Grizzlies.
After Brooks missed a layup, he appeared to drag Mitchell to the floor as the Cavaliers guard grabbed the rebound. As Mitchell fell, he threw the ball and Brooks, then shoved the Grizzlies’ wing once they got to their feet. As Brooks crashed to the floor he appeared to purposely roll into Mithell’s legs before taking a swing at his midsection. Both players were ejected.
One day after the dust-up between Mitchell and Brooks, five players were ejected after a fight during a game between the Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves.
RELATED: Memorable Fights In Jazz History
In light of those altercations, KSL Sports Live’s Jeremiah Jensen and Sam Farnsworth dug up videos on the top dust-ups in Jazz history.
Top Five Fights In Utah Jazz History
5. Greg Ostertag vs. Zydrunas Ilgauskas (2004)
In 2004, Jazz center Greg Ostertag made contact with Zydrunas Ilgauskas on a shot by the Cleveland Cavaliers big man. Punches were thrown before both players were ejected from the game.
Who wants to see a fight between Greg Ostertag and Zydrunas Ilgauskas? 🙋♂️#NBA #KSLSportsArchive pic.twitter.com/iXDXF60TuD
— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) March 20, 2020
4. Larry H. Miller vs. Denver Nuggets fan (1994)
In 1994, Jazz owner Larry H. Miller had reached his limit with a Nuggets fan that was in the crowd at the Delta Center during the playoff series between Utah and Denver. After going into the crowd, Miller had to be pulled back by arena personnel. He apologized for his part in the incident a few days later.
3. Jeff Hornacek vs. Jerry Stackhouse (1996)
In 1996, Jazz guard Jeff Hornacke drove toward the basket before dishing the ball back to a teammate. On his way to the hoop, Hornacek was hacked by Jerry Stackhouse of the Philadelphia 76ers. Immediately after making contact with Hornacek, Stackhouse unloaded a round of punches on the Jazzman. Both players were ejected from the contest.
Since the Knicks fired Jeff Hornacek and are planning on contacting Jerry Stackhouse as a potential replacement, here's our favorite video of Jeff and Jerry. pic.twitter.com/nPUaCf3r5G
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) April 12, 2018
2. Jerry Sloan/John Stockton vs. Dennis Rodman (1991)
In 1991, Detroit Pistons big man Dennis Rodman got into it with Jazz guard John Stockton. Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan went onto the court in defense of his player. After making a foul shot, Rodman pointed back at Sloan, who blew a kiss toward the Piston.
The entire Sloan vs Rodman sequence is cuckoo bananas and will make the most die-hard of of Jerry Sloan fans love him even more. pic.twitter.com/KCBvzmqY1O
— Matthew L Glade (@matthewLksl) January 15, 2019
1. Karl Malone vs. Isiah Thomas (1991)
In 1991, Pistons guard Isiah Thomas drove for a layup when he was met in the air by Jazz forward Karl Malone. The contact sent Thomas hard to the court. Several Pistons, including Detroit’s head coach Chuck Daly, took issue with Malone’s play. Thomas received 40 stitches from the incident.
28 years ago, Karl Malone elbowed Isiah Thomas, giving him an injury that required 40 stitches to close 😳 pic.twitter.com/6hMN91RYWI
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 14, 2019
