May 17 2008
Lakers Hold Off Gritty Jazz Team At The End
Road playoff wins in the second round have been pretty tough to come by and since the Utah Jazz had only lost five at home this season Kobe Bryant knew it would be tough. Bryant tossed in 34 points 12 in the fourth quarter to lead the Lakers to a 108-105 playoff win and a seat in the Western Conference Finals. Bryant had his usual great game, but down the stretch he really came alive.
For the Utah Jazz the bottom line is they got beat by the better team. Deron Williams played another great game with 21 points and 14 assists in a losing effort. Carlos Boozer got in foul trouble and fouled out in the fourth quarter. He did not play well and that really hurt the Jazz as well.
Now the Lakers will get some rest and wait to see if they play the New Orleans Hornets or the San Antonio Spurs. Either way it should be a good Western Conference Finals as either team will be tough for the Lakers.
