Jazz Defense Key In OT, Beats Lakers 123-115 To Tie Series

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA PLAYOFFS

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It is difficult to gauge exactly what type of team that the Utah Jazz are; during their playoff run this season they have been blown out, they have lost narrow decisions, they have won some close games and have blown out some of their opponents.? Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers was one they nearly let slip through their fingers; fortunately, the Jazz shut down the Lakers in overtime, beating Los Angeles 123-115 at EnergySolutions Arena.

Neither team established themselves in regulation as the first half was dominated by each team; Utah outscored Los Angeles in the first quarter 31-21 while the Lakers outscored Utah by 10 in the second quarter, resulting in both teams going into their respective locker rooms tied at 55.? The second half was more of the same as each team won a quarter – Utah outscoring Los Angeles by 4 in the third quarter while Los Angeles outscoring Utah by 4 in the 4th period – taking the game into overtime.? The Lakers struggled mightily in overtime, not scoring until a layup by Kobe Bryant? with 1:10 remaining reduced the Jazz’ lead to 112-110; Utah was able to burn precious time off the clock, thanks to an offensive rebound by Mehmet Okur?who passed the ball to Deron Williams who in turn passed the ball to Andrei Kirilenko, who dunked and was fouled by the Lakers’ Lamar Odom.? Kirilenko made the free throw, which put up Utah by 5; the Jazz would make their free throws the rest of the period to seal the victory.

Utah’s leading scorer was Williams with 29 points, including 3 three-pointers, 3 rebounds, 14 assists, 2 steals and a block while Okur scored 18 with 11 rebounds, 5 assists and a block; Kirilenko added 15 with 3 assists and 5 blocked shots while Carlos Boozer recorded a double-double as he chipped in with 14, along with 12 rebounds and 3 assists.? Los Angeles was led by Bryant with 33 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists and a steal while Odom scored 26 with 13 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and 3 blocks; Pau Gasol added 23 with 10 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal and a block while Derek Fisher pitched in with 15, along with 2 steals and a block.? Utah, with the win, knots the best-of-seven series at 2-2 and hope to increase the margin as they host Los Angeles again on Wednesday at 10:30 PM EST.

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