Lakers Use Balanced Attack to Defeat Jazz
Posted on: Thursday, 8 May 2008, 06:00 CDT
By David Leon Moore
LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Lakers handled the Utah Jazz again in Game 2, and this time they didn't have to answer those annoying questions about getting pushed around.
The Lakers parlayed a balanced offensive attack and a spirited defensive effort into a 120-110 victory Wednesday to take a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinal series. They improved to 6-0 in the postseason.
They also battled Utah to a near-standstill on the boards, significant since the Jazz, in an 11-point loss, outrebounded the Lakers 58-41 in Game 1.
Lakers fans were handed "MVP" signs on entering the Staples Center to help honor guard Kobe Bryant, who was presented the MVP trophy by NBA Commissioner David Stern before tip-off. "I'm at a loss for words," Bryant told the sellout crowd, then said, "Let's get this party started!"
That they did, outscoring the Jazz 33-18 in the first quarter behind Bryant's 10 points. Bryant, who had 15 in the third quarter, finished with a game-high 34, plus six assists.
"Kobe's big night got us off to a quick start," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said.
The Lakers led 63-49 at halftime, at which time Jazz stars Carlos Boozer, who played only six minutes because of foul trouble, had zero points and Deron Williams, struggling for the second game in a row, had three points. Williams finished with 25 points and Boozer 10.
The Lakers' stars shined. Bryant, Pau Gasol (20 points), Lamar Odom (19 points, 16 rebounds) and Derek Fisher (22 points) took turns carrying the offensive load. Home teams are 8-0 in the NBA's second round. Game 3 is Friday at Utah.
Source: USA TODAY
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