May 10th, 2008 
Stephen Rhodes 
Posted in 
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As it has been all of this post-season, as Carlos Boozer goes, so does the Utah Jazz.? Fortunately for the Jazz, Boozer broke out of his post-season slump as he scored 27 points, leading Utah to a 104-99 win over the Los Angeles Lakers Friday night at EnergySolutions Arena; the win narrows Los Angeles’ lead in the best-of-seven series to 2-1.
Neither team distinguished themselves in the first half; both teams were tied after the first quarter, and Utah outscored Los Angeles 29-20 in the second quarter, taking a 52-43 lead into halftime.? The Jazz led 79-72 after 3 periods and would open the fourth quarter with a 7-2 run, which would bring Bryant back into the game for the Lakers; however, a quick offensive foul was called on Bryant as he elbowed the Jazz’ Matt Harpring on the chin.? The Lakers went on a 6-0 run to get to within 95-92, but Utah’s Boozer took over as he made a hook shot over Luke Walton to put Utah up 97-92 then would make a basket over Lamar Odom.
After a miss by Bryant, Utah got the rebound and Boozer would score yet again, giving Utah a 101-92 lead; the Lakers would not get any closer the rest of the way.? Utah’s leading scorer was the aforementioned Boozer with 27 points, 20 rebounds and 3 assists while Mehmet Okur had another strong effort, scoring 22 with 4 three-pointers, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, a block but committing 5 turnovers; Deron Williams added 18 with 3 rebounds and 12 assists.? Los Angeles was led by Bryant with 34 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and a block while Odom recorded a double-double, scoring 13 with 12 rebounds, an assist, a steal and 2 blocks.? Utah, hoping to tie the series at 2 games apiece, will host Los Angeles again on Sunday at 3:30 PM EST.
