NBA Playoffs: Kobe Bryant and Lakers Set the Standard in Game One

Kobe Bryant scored 38 points in the Lakers' 109-98 win over Utah, in Game One of the NBA Western Conference semifinals.

Bryant was successful eight of 16 times from the field, made 21 of 23 free throws, six rebounds, and seven assists 

Along with his amazing scoring performance, Kobe managed to get his teammates involved as well, particularly Sasha Vujacic. Vujacic continued to shoot out the lights like he did all season. He scored 15 points in 16 minutes, with two from beyond the arc.  

Mr. Consistent (Pau Gasol) had another impressive game scoring 18 points with 10 rebounds and five assists.

With the Lakers up by one at the end of the first quarter, it seemed the game would be a close one.  But the Lakers took control in the second, outscoring the Jazz 29-17 to open up a 13-point lead at half time.

The gap was closed to seven going into the final quarter, but fatigue kicked in and the Lakers took control with a strong finish.

Deron Williams had nine rebounds and nine assists for the Jazz, but shot a dismal five of 18 from the floor. Mehmet Okur cleaned up, grabbing 19 rebounds to go along with 21 points, but it wasn’t enough for the Jazz to stay close for the whole game.

Shooting 37 percent as a team will be the main focus for the Jazz going into Game Two in LA.

Utah was patient and waited for good shots, however they just weren’t falling for the Jazz.

Looking ahead to Game Two, Utah must find a way to contain both Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol—the only way to maintain a chance of winning.

Even if the Jazz manage to do that, they still have to deal with the best bench in the league—a difficult task in itself.