ESPN writer breaks down how Scottie Pippen psyched out Karl Malone in 1997 Finals: "One free throw and maybe NBA history looks a lot different"

The 1997 NBA Finals between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz will always hold a special place in history. The ultimate battle between two legendary duos, starring Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen on one side, and Karl Malone and John Stockton on the other.

Gearing up for Game One, the Bulls indeed had an edge over the Jazz, given their championship DNA. While the Jordan-Pippen tandem was chasing their second three-peat, Malone and Stockton helped the Utah franchise clinch its first-ever Finals appearance.

The Bulls had homecourt advantage, courtesy of their 69 wins in the 1996-97 season. The stage was set for Game One at the United Center. Nonetheless, this was also an opportunity for the inexperienced Jazz to pull off an upset. Unfortunately, that didn't turn out to be the case.

Taking advantage of Jazz's rawness at the Finals stage, Pippen dished out one of the most iconic one-liners in basketball. Falling prey to it at the free-throw line was Malone.

"The Mailman doesn't deliver on Sundays," said Pippen, following which, Malone missed both his free throws.

A couple of years back, ESPN's David Fleming decided to research the origin of the verbal jab and how the Jazz could have spoiled the party for the Bulls.

Malone goofed up big time

Karl had the perfect time to seal Game One, having two free throws to take the lead with less than ten seconds remaining, with scores tied at 82-82. But Pippen seemed to have Malone's number, managing to get into his head during clutch time successfully, and the rest is history.

Upon his study, the senior writer discovered how Jazz could have potentially scripted history, but the moment was too big for them. Talking about the intel he collected, Fleming revealed what former Deseret News columnist Brad Rock told him.

"It was Karl's game to take. One free throw and maybe NBA history looks a lot different." 

Fleming also analyzed Malone's free-throw statistics, which told a different story.

"So far in the 1997 playoffs, Malone has made 78 percent of his free throws. And for his career, he turns out to be a 77 percent free-throw shooter on Sundays - the highest of any day of the week. But after digesting Pippen's line, all the kinetic smoothness seems to drain from Malone's motion," mentioned the senior ESPN writer.

Everything said, Malone had no malice in his heart against Pippen, even admitting to coming up short during the moment.

Related: "It was the most sad I was in my basketball career" - Joakim Noah explains why making millions in the NBA didn't bring happiness

Taking ownership

Malone was never one to make excuses, accepting responsibility for missing the two free throws in Game One. Not to mention, the two-time MVP has always had a great relationship with Pippen and continues to do so.

"That didn't bother me. Scottie and I are competitors, and I consider him a friend. I can say that because I don't have a lot of friends in the league," said Karl.

While the Mailman did have a chance to do the unthinkable, the reality is that the Bulls were the better team. This was evident in their back-to-back Finals victories over the Jazz in 1997 and 1998. Irrespective, both sides shared a high mutual respect.

Related: "No one was supposed to be wearing Jordan Brand" - Reggie Miller admits he wore Air Jordan's later in his career just to piss off MJ

This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Nov 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the Old School section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.