Greg Ostertag, the outspoken former Utah Jazz center, has reignited a long-standing “What if” debate surrounding the 1998 NBA Finals, firmly believing that questionable officiating deprived his team of a legitimate chance to force a Game 7 against the formidable Chicago Bulls. Despite the ultimate loss, Ostertag contends that specific calls in Game 6 were pivotal in altering the series’ trajectory, casting a shadow over what could have been a historic upset.
The 1998 NBA Finals represented the second consecutive clash between the Jazz and the Bulls, a rivalry defined by high stakes and intense competition. Utah, led by Hall of Famers John Stockton and Karl Malone, was determined to dethrone Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls dynasty. Game 6, in particular, was fraught with tension and pivotal moments, making any controversial referee decisions all the more impactful on the final outcome.
One of the most contentious moments, according to Ostertag, involved a wave-off three-point basket for the Jazz. He vividly recalls a newspaper image from the following day, showing the ball still in the air with 0.1 seconds remaining on the clock when the shot was disallowed. Ostertag specifically named veteran official Dick Bavetta, asserting that he “cheated us out of that one,” a claim that has fueled Utah Jazz history debates for decades.
This particular non-call held immense significance, as it could have significantly altered the momentum of Game 6. A successful three-pointer at that critical juncture might have provided the Jazz with a crucial lead or tied the game, forcing the Chicago Bulls to adjust their strategy and potentially extending the contest, a truly pivotal moment within the 1998 NBA Finals.
Further fueling Ostertag’s contention was another instance where, as he describes, the Bulls were awarded a three-point basket that occurred after the buzzer. Such a ruling, when combined with the prior wave-off, compounded the frustration for the Utah Jazz players and fans, creating a narrative of systemic referee decisions working against them in a championship scenario.
Despite his strong criticisms of the officiating, Ostertag was quick to emphasize that his remarks do not diminish the greatness of the Chicago Bulls. He acknowledged that the Bulls were “fantastic teams,” a testament to their legendary status and the sheer talent that comprised their roster during their dominant run. His focus remained solely on the perceived unfairness of specific game management.
The core of Ostertag’s enduring belief is that had the officiating been fair and unbiased, the Utah Jazz would have forced a Game 7. He firmly stated, “I think if we go to Game 7, I think we win,” illustrating his unwavering conviction that the Jazz possessed the capability to overcome the Bulls on a neutral playing field in a decisive final game.
This candid Greg Ostertag interview offers a fascinating glimpse into the mindset of a player who believes his team was denied a fair chance at basketball’s ultimate prize. Such controversial officiating moments continue to be a subject of intense debate among fans and analysts, shaping the narrative of one of the NBA’s most iconic championship series and adding another layer to the rich tapestry of NBA Finals history.
