Utah Jazz: By the numbers

Published: Monday, May 5, 2008 12:04 a.m. MDT
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Utah's streak of consecutive playoff victories over the Los Angeles Lakers was snapped at six. Prior to Sunday's meeting, the teams had not met in the playoffs since 1998 and L.A.'s most recent postseason win over Utah was in 1997.

First quarter breakdown

The Jazz jumped out to a 4-0 advantage before the Lakers responded with nine straight points. Utah eventually recovered and managed to hold a couple of leads late in the quarter. L.A., however, led 25-24 at the end of the period thanks to a game-high 15 points by Kobe Bryant. Carlos Boozer had seven points and six rebounds for the Jazz.

Second quarter breakdown

The Lakers held a 54-41 halftime lead after forcing 11 turnovers. They led by as many as 17 at one point with successful play on both ends of the floor. Bryant had 23 points at the break, while Sasha Vujacic contributed nine in four minutes off the bench in the quarter. Utah's first points in the period came on a layup by Matt Harpring with 9:22 to go.

Third quarter breakdown

After falling behind by a game-high 19 points, the Jazz climb back into contention with an 11-0 run. Boozer leads the outburst, which included scoring contributions from all fivez starters, with a pair of baskets. Utah took care of the ball in the comback and turned the ball over just once in the period. The Lakers entered the fourth quarter with a 79-72 lead.

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Fourth quarter breakdown

Utah's comeback bid continued in the final 12 minutes. The Jazz pulled as close as 91-87 on a layup by Ronnie Brewer with 4:43 left to play. Cold shooting, though, kept them from getting any closer. Boozer fouled out in the midst of an ensuing stretch where Utah missed nine straight shots. The Lakers made nine free throws down the stretch to seal the outcome. Pau Gasol paced L.A.'s successful finish with eight points in the last two minutes. Vujacic added four and Bryant three on free throws.

Up next: Game 2 on Wednesday

The series resumes Wednesday night (8:30 p.m., TNT) at the Staples Center. Originally announced as Tuesday, the NBA acknowledged a scheduling error in finalizing the date. Instead of cooling their heels in L.A., the Jazz (1-4 all-time in second-round Game 2s on the road) were scheduled to fly back to Salt Lake City Sunday night. They'll practice at home before returning to California on Tuesday.

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Recent comments

Boozer is trash thus far in the playoffs. If he doesn't show...

Pennypacker | May 6, 2008 at 1:57 p.m.

I generally see the glass as half full...but a big thing I remember...

Old School in Augusta,GA | May 5, 2008 at 1:52 a.m.