The Lakers return to Los Angeles with a series tied at two games apiece. The Utah Jazz did what they had to do and won both games in Utah. It isn’t shocking that the Jazz won both games the Jazz had one of the best home winning records in basketball.
This just means that as basketball fans; we now have a series. Game four of this series might’ve been the best game so far of the playoffs but clearly one of the most exciting and competitive.
The previously discussed adjustments were made by the Lakers. There was good news and bad news. First the good news, Kobe Bryant showed his metal and really gutted it out and played through some serious back pain.
Lamar Odom was more of a factor, he played bigger and had 26 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, one steal and three blocked shots and the basket that forced the game into overtime.
The Lakers had the opportunity to steal both road games. Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and Derek Fisher scored 99 points which is most cases would warrant a win.
Now the Bad News, the Lakers got 16 points from their bench which has been big for the Lakers all season but not on the road. The Lakers outscored the Jazz 34 – 24 in the second quarter of game four but missed 10 huge free throws.
This is where game four was lost. Had the Lakers made the 10 free throws the Lakers would've outscored the Jazz by 20 points in the second quarter and instead of the score being tied at the half the Lakers would've lead by ten to start the third quarter.
The bottom line is that the road trip to Utah produced two loses for the Lakers but could be better described as two lost opportunities that were there for the taking.
The Jazz are great at setting screens, Utah does an excellent job of forcing you to move your feet and fight over the screen.
The Jazz are also one of best rebounding teams in the league. The Jazz also are tough to beat in Utah. Despite the above, the Lakers had a chance to win both games in Utah and contrary to popular belief this series is far from over.
The Utah Jazz deserves a lot of credit for winning two games and making this a series. The Lakers have lost twice but I feel that they’ll come out and play a much better game on Wednesday night in Los Angeles.
Hopefully Kobe Bryant’s back will allow him to play pain free and be the Kobe Bryant that we all know.
2 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Dave Barnett about 1 year ago
I am a Jazz Fan! I find Coby Bryant to be a remarkable player and I feel Fisher has been steller hitting 3's from everywhere. He is shooting great and if he continues the Jazz will not have a chance. Coby is going to get 30 or more but if we (the Jazz) can be effective in stopping the 3 point shot and blocking out on the boards, we will be in a good position to take this game just like LA could have in Utah. Utah took two from Houston in that series. Do not take this game lightly LA.... The Jazz are tough!
Dave in Utah
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Jeff Little about 1 year ago
Thanks for the feedback, Cave! No one has underestimated the Jazz, especially not this writer. My goal is to write about the facts as a beat writer for the Lakers. Please inform me if I left any facts out of the story Cave. As stated this is now a best of three series with the Lakers having two home games. Utah held serve and won their two home games, congratulations - the series isn't over Cave. If it was the Jazz would be in the next round and the last time I checked they weren't. The Lakers missed several shots on the road just as the Jazz did in LA. In closing Cave both teams know exactly what the other will do it is all about who executes the best.
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