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Sometimes a ceremony can be a bit anti-climatic. Sometimes, the anticipation can be so much the real thing doesn't approach expectation.

Wednesday's reunion of the 1997 Utah Jazz Western Conference championship team didn't have that problem.

Even without Karl Malone in person, the ceremony lived up to the advance billing. Malone couldn't attend because of a prior commitment, his wife, Kay, said via Twitter. But the power forward recorded a message for the sellout crowd at Vivint Smart Home Arena.

"People talk about raising your game," Malone said on the video. "But my game was already raised. I owe that to you guys (the fans)."

Keep in mind, Malone didn't get off that easy. His teammates razzed him pretty good Tuesday night for his absence. Mostly, they missed him and would've liked to have seen him make the ceremony.

"There's no grief," guard John Stockton said. "We picked on him last night pretty good in his absence and that's his own fault. He knows if you're not here, you're going to get killed by the fellas. He took his doses last night."

The video of that Jazz team included footage of an incredible comeback against the Denver Nuggets. Utah trailed 70-36 at halftime, and the Jazz rallied to win in the biggest comeback in franchise history. It also included Stockton's game-winning 3-pointer against the Houston Rockets that sent the Jazz to the NBA Finals.

Everyone associated with the team was introduced individually, from the coaching staff to the players. There were hugs, there were smiles. But mostly, there was rousing applause.

"Playing here was the biggest thrill of my life," Stockton said to the fans. "We want you to know how much fun we had playing in front of you."

Wednesday began with the players and coaches meeting with the media at the Jazz's practice facility. Players shared their favorite stories and gathered for pictures. Stockton re-enacted his famous shot for those in attendance, and swished it on his first try.

The team razzed Stephen Howard for being late for a picture. Jerry Sloan and Phil Johnson held court, speaking to everyone who approached them for well-wishes.

"It's just fun being here with the guys and seeing everyone again," Russell said. "There are so many memories. The comeback against Denver. How close we came to winning it all. We were so close with each other as a family. I call all of these guys my family."

Twitter: @tribjazz