Los Angeles Lakers opened their semifinal series of the West Coast this past Sunday with a 104-99 victory over the Utah Jazz in the NBA playoffs. The Lakers suffered much to defeat the Utah Jazz at home; the Jazz played strong, only giving the spectacular Bryant a chance to save his team at the very end. Bryant returned to his best when his team needed it, scoring 11 of his 31 points in the final four minutes.

The Spanish power forward Pau Gasol was the perfect match and scored 25 points and 12 rebounds. He also had five blocks, which is a new personal record in a play-off match. Bryant and Gasol are essential to the Lakers, as was demonstrated against the Jazz.

During the first quarter, both teams exchanged baskets for the first four minutes of the quarter, tying the score on three occasions. But after the Lakers had a 16-5 run, they gained a lead of 11 points with 3:43 left. The Jazz tried to respond with some baskets and ended the quarter losing by seven points, 30-23.

In the second quarter, the Lakers started with a run of 9-0 from of Luke Walton, Jordan Farmar and Lamar Odom, extending their lead to 14 points with 8:35. Utah tried to cut the scoring several times but the Lakers’ good shooting left them ahead by an average of 10 points. At the end of the quarter, Utah ended losing by 8 points, 45-53.

Entering from half time, Andrew Bynum started strong, scoring 6 points and putting the score 61-50 in favor of the Lakers. Nevertheless, Utah had a run of 10-2, cutting the lead to three points, 60-63. But Gasol and Fisher appeared to rescue Los Angeles, scoring 10 points and extending their lead again 73-66. At the end of the third, the Lakers ended winning by 8 points, 81-73.

In the last quarter, the Jazz rebelled and cut the scoring 82-81 with 7:43. Then, with two free throws from CJ Miles and a basket by Carlos Boozer, Utah got in front 85-82. A three-point play by Gasol- (basket under the rim and foul) tied the game, but again CJ Miles pulled out his big guns and put Utah ahead, 93-89, with 4:10. However, Bryant scored five points in just over a minute and led the Lakers to a 94-93. With 1:20 to play, Kobe scored six points and Gasol two points to seal the victory for the Lakers, 104-99.

At the end of the game, Ron Artest stated that he was really pleased with the victory of his team and even though was a tough one, all his teammates knew that Kobe would step up when they needed it.

“That's the makeup of our team. Every team has an identity. You know at the end of the game Kobe is going to step it up," said Artest.

The best scorers for the Lakers were Kobe Bryan with 31 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds; Pau Gasol with 25 points, 12 rebounds, 5 blocks and 4 assists; Derek Fisher with 10 points, 5 steals, 3 assists and 3 rebounds; and finally Lamar Odom with 9 points and 12 rebounds. For the Utah Jazz the best scorers were Deron Williams with 24 points and 8 assists; Carlos Boozer with 18 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists; CJ Miles with 16 points and 3 rebounds; Paul Millsap with 16 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists; and ultimately Wesley Matthews with 14 points , 7 rebounds and 3 steals.

The second game is scheduled for Tuesday May 4th, also at Staples Center, at 6:30 PST.

About the Author

Ally White has been a prominent writer on daily NBA games; sports news and the sportsbetting industry for many exceptional sport web sites. You may reprint this article in its full content, please note no modifications to it are accepted.