[1] During the off-season, the Jazz signed free agents Chris Morris,[2][3][4] Greg Foster,[5][6] and second-year guard Howard Eisley.
Meanwhile, Karl Malone moved into ninth place in all-time scoring, and was named to the All-NBA First Team, averaging 25.7 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game.
[23][24][25] In the Western Conference First Round of the playoffs, the Jazz defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in a full five-game series, which included a 38-point margin in a 102–64 home win in Game 5.
[26][27][28][29] In the Western Conference Semi-finals, they continued to play strong basketball as they beat the Midwest Division champion San Antonio Spurs in six games.
[38][39][40][41][42] Following the season, Benoit signed as a free agent with the New Jersey Nets,[43][44][45] and Spencer was traded to the Orlando Magic.