NBA Playoffs Second Round Matchup
No. 1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 4 Utah Jazz
The Lakers completed a first-round knockout of the Denver Nuggets and had to wait for the winner of the Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets winner.
The Lakers grew tired of practicing against each other while waiting to find out who their opponent would be. The battle raged on longer than the Jazz would’ve liked, but they did prevail.
The Lakers were 3–1 in the season series.
11/4 Los Angeles Lakers 119, Utah 109
11/30 Utah 120, Los Angeles Lakers 96
12/28 Los Angeles Lakers 123, Utah 109
03/20 Los Angeles Lakers 106, Utah 95
Kobe Bryant & company against Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer is a matchup of two of the best half-court offenses in the league.
These teams used different approaches to get to this point. The Lakers outran the Nuggets with a patient transition game. The Jazz used stellar point guard play to break down a tough Rocket defense.
A total team effort getting everyone involved has helped the Lakers win against the Jazz this season.
Starter Matchups
PG Derek Fisher 6’ 1” 210 lbs. 11thYear, Avg. 11.7 Pts, 2.9 Ast., 2.1 Reb, 1 Stl
PG Deron Williams 6’ 3” 205 lbs. 3rdYear, Avg. 18.8 Pts, 10.5 Ast, 3 Reb, 1 Stl
This is a match up of two veteran point guards and former teammates. Deron Williams was the hero of Game Six against the Rockets going 6-for-9 on 3-pointers.
He averaged 20.8 points per game on 50 percent shooting. He went 13-for-22 on 3-point shoots for the series. He is athletic and physical and can push the ball quickly.
Williams is also adept at slowing down enough to get the team into their sets. He is dangerous in the post and off cuts, and the team looks for him there when in need of a bucket. He has averaged 23 points against the Lakers, but L.A. has forced him into the most turnovers.
Derek Fisher is a savvy veteran who can play at any tempo. He does an excellent job of getting the team going and spreading the floor.
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