From Deseret News archives:

Utah Jazz: Dead in the water?

NBA's MVP Bryant confident as series moves to Salt Lake

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2008 12:24 a.m. MDT
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The Jazz did close to within as few as eight a couple times in the third quarter, the last time when Ronnie Brewer stole Odom's bad pass and drove for an Andrei Kirilenko-fed dunk.

But Bryant had 15 points on 6-of-7 field shooting in the period, sending L.A. into the fourth up by 10 at 93-83.

The closest Utah could come in the fourth was five, which came when Boozer hit two free throws midway through the quarter.

But Vujacic answered with a jumper, Fisher followed with a 3-pointer and the Lakers led by eight or more until the final minute.

Williams did hit a trey with 14.8 seconds left to make it 116-110, the Lakers sealed the deal with 4-of-4 free throws.

With that, the Jazz were left searching for inspiration of some sort, any sort, from somewhere, anywhere.

Wednesday morning, they thought it might come by simply looking up.

Those who did during a shootaround at the Lakers' practice facility in El Segundo could see eight NBA championship trophies displayed in all their glory behind conveniently open blinds in an upstairs office — one for each of the franchise's titles won under the ownership of Dr. Jerry Buss.

"Shiny stuff," Williams said.

"That's what you want to get," he added. "It's definitely inspiring."

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But the intimidating Lakers presence trumped all that Wednesday night, allowing Bryant — personal hardware in hand — to boast that the calendar has his team on track for adding a ninth to what's already behind the glass.

MISC.: Last time Boozer and Williams were both scoreless in the opening quarter of a game was Feb. 1 at Washington. ... Millsap finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds — his first double-double in this year's playoffs. ... Jazz coach Jerry Sloan was slapped with a technical foul in the opening quarter.


E-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com

Recent comments

The Utah Jazz are losing because of their inconsistent play. Not...

Consistency | May 9, 2008 at 1:41 p.m.

Cmon now! Did you even watch the game? Check yes or yes. Kobe got...

Re: lakerhater 39 | May 9, 2008 at 11:47 a.m.

i have lived in utah since i was young and for some reason i just did...

jazz | May 9, 2008 at 6:38 a.m.

Image
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Utah Jazz guard Deron Williams has his shot rejected by Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol on Wednesday in the Staples Center.

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