In 2000, Karl Malone became the oldest player in the NBA, at age 36, to score 50 points in a playoff game. Malone scored 50 points in Game 1 of the first round Utah Jazz versus Seattle SuperSonics. Malone was selected 13th in the NBA’s 1985 draft by the Utah Jazz. He soon became known as one of the league’s most formable power forwards and teamed up with point guard John Stockton for one of the league’s most consistent guard-forward combinations which lasted 18 years. In addition to his NBA career, Malone was a member of the U.S. Men’s basketball team in 1992 and 1996. He currently holds the league record for regular season free throws. He also holds the record for games started at 1,471. The Jazz retired Malone’s no. 32 jersey on March 23, 2006 and he was inducted into the half fame in 200710 for both his individual career and as a member of the 1992 “Dream Team.”
Today in Sports History: April 22
INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 2: Karl Malone #32 of the Utah Jazz shoots a free throw against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 2, 1988 at The Forum in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1988 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)