Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz: A Rivalry Renewed

A look at the history and recent developments of the rivalry between the Phoenix Suns and the Utah Jazz

The rivalry between the Phoenix Suns and the Utah Jazz is one of the most heated in the NBA. The two teams are located in close proximity to each other, and they have a long history of competing for the same division title. In recent years, the rivalry has been renewed, as both teams have been among the top contenders in the Western Conference.

The rivalry between the Suns and the Jazz dates back to the early 1980s. The two teams first met in the playoffs in 1984, and the Suns won in four games. The Jazz got their revenge in 1988, when they defeated the Suns in the Western Conference Finals.

The rivalry continued to heat up in the 1990s. The Suns and the Jazz met in the playoffs four times in the decade, and the Jazz won three of those series. The most memorable of those series came in 1993, when the Jazz won in six games in the Western Conference Finals.

The rivalry cooled off somewhat in the 2000s, as the Suns and the Jazz struggled to maintain their success. However, the rivalry was renewed in recent years, as both teams have been among the top contenders in the Western Conference. The Suns and the Jazz have met in the playoffs twice in the past three years, and the Jazz have won both series.

The rivalry between the Suns and the Jazz is one of the most intense in the NBA. The two teams are located in close proximity to each other, and they have a long history of competing for the same division title. The rivalry has been renewed in recent years, as both teams have been among the top contenders in the Western Conference.

Key moments in the rivalry

• 1984: The Suns defeat the Jazz in the first round of the playoffs.
• 1988: The Jazz defeat the Suns in the Western Conference Finals.
• 1993: The Jazz defeat the Suns in the Western Conference Finals.
• 2018: The Jazz defeat the Suns in the first round of the playoffs.
• 2021: The Jazz defeat the Suns in the second round of the playoffs.

The future of the rivalry

The rivalry between the Suns and the Jazz is likely to continue for many years to come. Both teams are young and talented, and they are both located in major markets. The rivalry is also helped by the fact that the two teams are in the same division.

The Suns and the Jazz are two of the most exciting teams in the NBA. Their rivalry is one of the most passionate and intense in the league. Fans of both teams can expect to see many more memorable games in the years to come.