Lakers-Jazz: Kobe Shines as Boozer Struggles

Kobe proved why he was named this seasons MVP and Carlos Boozer continued to struggle as the Lakers beat the Jazz 120-110.

The Lakers got ahead early and were up 33-18 at the end of the first quarter, and never looked back. Lakers coach, Phil Jackson, said “we never really felt threatened at any stage during the match”.

The Jazz scored five more points than the Lakers in the second and third quarter, but never got close enough to really pressure the Lakers.

As Kobe went about his normal business, scoring 34 points with 8 rebound and 6 assists, it was veteran point guard Derek Fisher who chipped in with 22 points, hitting 3-4 beyond the arc.

Pau Gasol had another solid night, finishing with 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocks. The Lakers had 9 blocks while the Jazz had just one by Matt Harpring.

The Jazz need Carlos Boozer to play much better if they want to have any chance of winning this series. Boozer has had a very average post season, after his impressive regular season. Boozer was shooting 54% and scoring 21.1 points in the regular season, but his shooting touch has disappeared. In the Lakers and Rockets series Boozer has been shooting a dismal 41% and averaging just 15 points.

The Lakers have won both games this series by double figures, largely to the absence of Boozer’s offensive presence.

It went from bad to worse for Boozer; as he threw up an air ball which was caught by Kobe Bryant, who lobbed it down court for Lamar Odom to finish the easy fast break.

These next two games in Utah are crucial for the Jazz. To have a realistic chance of winning the series they must win both games, and win them well to show they aren’t yet down and out. If they only win one, I would expect the Lakers to finish the series and win game 5 in Los Angeles.