NBA playoffs 2008: Jazz tie series with 123-115 overtime win over Lakers
NBA playoffs 2008: Jazz tie series with 123-115 overtime win over Lakers
The Utah Jazz had plenty of chances to crumble and nearly did.
They let a 12-point slip away in the last four minutes and faced overtime against league MVP Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. Instead of wilting, Utah played its toughest defense of the playoffs and pulled out a 123-115 victory on Sunday, tying the Western Conference semifinals 2-2.
The Jazz held the Lakers to two field goals in overtime and went 9-for-9 from the foul line while outscoring the Lakers 15-7.
“We never have any doubts in our confidence,” said Utah’s Andrei Kirilenko, who blocked Bryant twice in overtime and converted a three-point play with 35 seconds remaining to help the Jazz pull away.
After opening the series with two losses in Los Angeles, the Jazz came home and answered with two wins to make it a best-of-three series, starting Wednesday at the Staples Center. Game 6 will be Friday back in Salt Lake City, where the Jazz are 4-1 in the playoffs.
Series at a Glance vs.
Series tied 2-2
Game 1: at LAL
UTH 98, LAL 109 - Final
Recap | Box Score
Game 2: at LAL
UTH 110, LAL 120 - Final
Recap | Box Score
Game 3: at UTH
LAL 99, UTH 104 - Final
Recap | Box Score
Game 4: at UTH
LAL 115, UTH 123 - Final OT
Recap | Box Score
Game 5: at LAL
Wed, May 14 - 10:30 pm EDT
TV: TNT
Game 6: at UTH
Fri, May 16 - TBA
TV: ESPN
Game 7: at LAL
Mon, May 19 - TBA
TV: TNT
Series Breakdown
Deron Williams had 29 points and 14 assists, while Carlos Boozer scored 12 of his 14 points in the second half and grabbed 12 rebounds. Mehmet Okur added 18 points and 11 rebounds, and Kirilenko finished with 15 points and five blocks — stuffing Bryant twice as the Lakers tried to rally in overtime.
Bryant, who said he was fighting back spasms from early in the first quarter, finished with 33 points and 10 assists.
“No excuses for me. (Kirilenko) did a great job,” Bryant said. “They did a terrific job. They did big plays when they needed to.”
And Los Angeles helped by sending the Jazz to the foul line 20 more times than the Lakers, who made it worse by missing 11 of 25 foul shots.
Lamar Odom had 26 points and 13 rebounds, and Pau Gasol scored 23 and pulled down 10 boards for the Lakers. Derek Fisher finished with 15 points, scoring 10 straight as the Lakers rallied in the fourth, but had no assists and got in early foul trouble.
Lakers coach Phil Jackson said the Lakers were depending too much on Bryant.
“I still thought he went to the basket hard at the end,” Jackson said. “He was still able to get to the basket and do what he wanted to do. He was out there to make plays.”
Utah was 40-for-76 (53 percent) and had a huge advantage at the foul line, making 37 of 45 free throws. The Jazz reserves also dominated the Lakers’, outscoring them 39-16.
“Our bench stepped up and provided with a lot of scoring and a lot of energy. We need to take that to L.A.,” Williams said. “We’re confident now but we still need to prove we can win on the road.”
Williams had a chance to win it at the end of regulation but was blocked by Fisher, his teammate a year ago. But the Lakers’ momentum stopped there as the Jazz regained their composure.
“Everybody here’s been in overtime games. It’s just another five minutes added to the clock,” Williams said.
The Lakers struggled in the extra period and didn’t score until a layup by Bryant with 1:10 remaining cut Utah’s lead to 112-110. Los Angeles almost forced the Jazz into a shot clock violation before Kyle Korver got off a shot from the corner just in time. The ball bounced off the rim right to Okur, who passed it back outside to Williams, and Utah was able to burn some time before Williams slipped a pass to Kirilenko, who dunked it while getting fouled by Lamar Odom.
NBA Playoffs 2008: May 11, 2008
Duncan scores 22, Spurs win to even series 1:02 am EDT
Sunday’s National Basketball Association Capsules 11:07 pm EDT
NBA Playoff Capsules 10:58 pm EDT (AP)
Cavs’ Wallace, Varejao questionable 9:54 pm EDT
Bryant tweaks back in Game Four loss 9:38 pm EDT
Lakers F Turiaf ejected for flagrant foul 8:39 pm EDT
Jazz tie series with 123-115 overtime win over Lakers 8:20 pm EDT
Celtics still searching for first road win 6:58 pm EDT
Lakers F Turiaf ejected for flagrant 4:41 pm EDT
Magic still confident despite missed opportunities 3:14 pm EDT
Magic optimistic despite 3-1 series deficit 12:50 pm EDT
Baron Davis: Might Exercise Opt-Out Clause 11:59 am EDT
Ben Wallace: Overcomes Allergies 11:59 am EDT
Chauncey Billiups (Hamstring) Out for Game 4 11:59 am EDT
Rodney Stuckey: Replaces Injured Billups at Point Guard 11:58 am EDT
Richard Hamilton: Keys Pistons’ Win Over the Magic 11:58 am EDT
NBA Today 10:08 am EDT
NBA Calendar 9:45 am EDT (AP)
Big Apple could take big bite out of D’Antoni 6:20 am EDT (Yahoo! Sports)
NBA Playoffs 2008: May 10, 2008
Cavs’ Wallace starts Game Three 1:07 am EDT
James, Cavaliers shoot down Celtics 108-84 12:30 am EDT
Wallace boosts Cavs in Game 3 despite dizziness 12:29 am EDT
D’Antoni takes Knicks’ job 12:22 am EDT
D’Antoni accepts offer to become Knicks coach 11:38 pm EDT
Hamilton scores 32 as Pistons beat Magic 90-89 9:35 pm EDT
Mavericks say Carlisle was “top choice” 9:21 pm EDT
Parker vs. Paul is the matchup to watch 8:06 pm EDT
First playoff loss doesn’t discourage Lakers 7:03 pm EDT
Mavs ink Carlisle to four-year deal 6:10 pm EDT
Pistons G Billups out for Game Four 5:08 pm EDT
Pistons’ Billups won’t play in Game 4 against Magic 4:02 pm EDT
Lakers finally face resistance in postseason 2:20 pm EDT
Rockets players Battier, Alston have operations 11:37 am EDT (AP)
May 8, 2008
Parker, Ginobili both score 31 in Spurs’ Game 3 win 1:46 am EDT (AP)
Pierce, Allen lead Celtics to Game 2 victory 11:27 pm EDT
Duquesne’s James hires agent, will enter NBA draft 10:53 pm EDT
Documents from potential Sonics buyers to remain sealed 9:26 pm EDT
Celtics and Cavs banging around in Game 2 8:53 pm EDT
Jefferson denies doing anything wrong in Minneapolis assault 7:57 pm EDT
Jameer Nelson: Scoring in the Playoffs 7:25 pm EDT
Deron Williams: 10 Assists Against Lakers 7:25 pm EDT
Jamaal Tinsley: Pacers Not Counting on Him 7:24 pm EDT
Jazz down 2-0 to Lakers as series comes to Utah 6:30 pm EDT
Nets promote Kiki Vandeweghe to general manager 6:01 pm EDT
Nets promote Vandeweghe to GM 5:09 pm EDT
Grunfeld on Arenas: ‘We’re on the same page, then’ 4:42 pm EDT
Bryant headlines All-NBA team 4:29 pm EDT
Bucks G Mo Williams undergoes thumb surgery 4:07 pm EDT
Bryant unanimous pick for All-NBA team 3:55 pm EDT
Bucks G Williams has surgery 3:50 pm EDT
King, Bickerstaff among Hawks GM candidates 3:46 pm EDT
Troy Weaver is Sonics’ new assistant GM 3:30 pm EDT
Boozer must improve for Jazz to succeed 2:50 pm EDT
Rashard Lewis: Hot Shooting Night 1:27 pm EDT
Dwight Howard: Big Effort in Game 3 Victory 1:27 pm EDT
Jazz owner Larry Miller to skip Sunday playoff game 1:10 pm EDT
Fisher’s steady hand helps guide Lakers 7:45 am EDT
Arenas, Jamison package deal for Wizards 3:43 am EDT
NBA Playoffs 2008: May 7, 2008
MVP Bryant leads Lakers past Jazz 2:41 am EDT
Lewis’ 33 points lead Magic past Pistons 111-86; series 2-1 11:43 pm EDT
Report: Lakers C Bynum might have surgery 11:41 pm EDT
Bryant receives MVP trophy from David Stern 11:08 pm EDT
Surgery possible for Andrew Bynum 9:53 pm EDT
Arenas: ‘Weird things happen in free agency’ 9:03 pm EDT
Marvin Williams: Suspended for Flagrant Foul 7:00 pm EDT
Travis Diener: Undergoes Successful Surgery 6:58 pm EDT
Richard Jefferson: Charged With Assault 6:57 pm EDT
Carmelo Anthony: More Trouble With the Law 6:57 pm EDT
Hornets look to steal game in San Antonio 6:55 pm EDT
Hawks GM Knight to step down in July 6:50 pm EDT
James says he won’t repeat woeful Game 1 performance 6:44 pm EDT
76ers prez Stefanski wants to keep Cheeks, Iguodala 6:19 pm EDT
Hawks’ Marvin Williams suspended for 1 game 5:55 pm EDT
Steve Francis exercises contract option 5:40 pm EDT
Pacers promote Morway to general manager 5:28 pm EDT
Hawks F Williams suspended 5:24 pm EDT
Pacers promote Morway to GM 5:03 pm EDT
Nets’ Jefferson charged with assault 4:21 pm EDT
Rockets’ McGrady has minor surgery 4:19 pm EDT
Pacers G Diener has surgery 3:18 pm EDT
Sonics’ trial to start June 16 2:13 pm EDT
LeBron James: Rough Night on Tuesday 1:26 pm EDT
Kevin Garnett: One-Man Show in Opener 1:25 pm EDT
Tracy McGrady: Undergoes Minor Surgeries 1:25 pm EDT
Nuggets F Anthony gets speeding ticket 1:02 pm EDT
NBA stages first event in India as part of BWB camps 12:33 pm EDT
Nuggets’ Anthony gets speeding ticket 12:14 pm EDT
Hawks GM Knight resigns 10:13 am EDT
LeBron slowed by Celtics, for now 9:55 am EDT
Chris Paul: Another Big Game 4:15 am EDT
Predrag Stojakovic: Scores 25 in Win 4:14 am EDT
Bryant runaway winner of MVP award 4:00 am EDT
MVP at the buzzer and when the check arrives 3:35 am EDT
Defense never rests for Posey and the Celtics 3:30 am EDT (Yahoo! Sports)
Series Breakdown
Deron Williams had 29 points and 14 assists, while Carlos Boozer scored 12 of his 14 points in the second half and grabbed 12 rebounds. Mehmet Okur added 18 points and 11 rebounds, and Kirilenko finished with 15 points and five blocks — stuffing Bryant twice as the Lakers tried to rally in overtime.
Bryant, who said he was fighting back spasms from early in the first quarter, finished with 33 points and 10 assists.
“No excuses for me. (Kirilenko) did a great job,” Bryant said. “They did a terrific job. They did big plays when they needed to.”
And Los Angeles helped by sending the Jazz to the foul line 20 more times than the Lakers, who made it worse by missing 11 of 25 foul shots.
Lamar Odom had 26 points and 13 rebounds, and Pau Gasol scored 23 and pulled down 10 boards for the Lakers. Derek Fisher finished with 15 points, scoring 10 straight as the Lakers rallied in the fourth, but had no assists and got in early foul trouble.
Lakers coach Phil Jackson said the Lakers were depending too much on Bryant.
“I still thought he went to the basket hard at the end,” Jackson said. “He was still able to get to the basket and do what he wanted to do. He was out there to make plays.”
Utah was 40-for-76 (53 percent) and had a huge advantage at the foul line, making 37 of 45 free throws. The Jazz reserves also dominated the Lakers’, outscoring them 39-16.
“Our bench stepped up and provided with a lot of scoring and a lot of energy. We need to take that to L.A.,” Williams said. “We’re confident now but we still need to prove we can win on the road.”
Williams had a chance to win it at the end of regulation but was blocked by Fisher, his teammate a year ago. But the Lakers’ momentum stopped there as the Jazz regained their composure.
“Everybody here’s been in overtime games. It’s just another five minutes added to the clock,” Williams said.
The Lakers struggled in the extra period and didn’t score until a layup by Bryant with 1:10 remaining cut Utah’s lead to 112-110. Los Angeles almost forced the Jazz into a shot clock violation before Kyle Korver got off a shot from the corner just in time. The ball bounced off the rim right to Okur, who passed it back outside to Williams, and Utah was able to burn some time before Williams slipped a pass to Kirilenko, who dunked it while getting fouled by Lamar Odom.
NBA Playoffs 2008: Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe …
Kirilenko made the free throw to put Utah up by five and the Jazz hit the rest of their free throws to clinch it.
Utah backup guard Ronnie Price also had a big game, despite finishing with four points and two assists. Price had to get four stitches for a cut over his right eye after he was flagrantly fouled early in the second quarter by Ronny Turiaf, who was ejected.
Turiaf came down hard with his left arm and Price went straight down and his head bounced on the court. Price leaped right up as his teammates swarmed the officials and pushed for the flagrant call. He got stitches in the locker room and came back in the second half with one of the plays of the game.
Luke Walton had a clear path for a layup or dunk after a missed 3-pointer by Price, who caught him from behind and blocked the shot midway through the fourth to keep Utah’s lead at 92-84.
“That was the play of the game,” Boozer said.
Notes
Three stars from “High School Musical” signed a ball during a timeout in the second quarter. The runaway hit movie’s third installment is being filmed at East High School. … Paul Millsap put Utah up 31-21 with one second left in the first quarter, then intercepted the Lakers’ inbounds pass. … The Lakers opened the game 4-for-14 from the floor, then went 12-for-17 in the second quarter and caught up to the Jazz just before halftime after trailing by 11.
NBA playoffs 2008: Jazz tie series with 123-115 overtime win over Lakers. Editing by David Yu
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[...] Iflove Sports - Beijing 2008 Olympic Games wrote an interesting post today on NBA playoffs 2008: Jazz tie series with 123-115 overtime win over LakersHere’s a quick excerpt NBA playoffs 2008: Jazz tie series with 123-115 overtime win over Lakers The Utah Jazz had plenty of chances to crumble and nearly did. They let a 12-point slip away in the last four minutes and faced overtime against league MVP Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. Instead of wilting, Utah played its toughest defense of the playoffs and pulled out a 123-115 victory on Sunday, tying the Western Conference semifinals 2-2. The Jazz held the Lakers to two field goals in overtime and went 9-fo [...]