That's not to say the Jazz didn't look good, despite shooting just 39 percent. While it was veterans like Raja Bell, Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap, Josh Howard and Devin Harris who took the Jazz down the stretch, youth was also served at times. Derrick Favors had some fine moments, getting five rebounds in 12 minutes. Enes Kanter banged his way around for four rebounds. Gordon Hayward struggled (1-7 shooting) but drew praise from Bryant.
Even in losing, this Jazz seems to be finding itself.
"They have a chance to be good for a long time," said Laker coach Mike Brown.
The Lakers are still beating the Jazz. They still have their star, still have their big men that give the Jazz fits. And they still have some fire inside.
But the Jazz are coming.
Even in losing, the future didn't seem too far off.
Email: rock@desnews.com
Twitter: therockmonster
Facebook: rockmonsterunplugged
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Brad Rock, a.k.a. "Rockmonster," has been a sports columnist at the Deseret News since 1994. Prior to that he worked as a beat writer, covering the Utah Jazz (1990-94). He has covered the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, NBA more ..
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Why be negative. What a great entertaining game.This is all I'm hoping for all year.Win or lose. Still just only entertainment.Great play by Hayward to get ball to Jefferson,better play by Bynam.Great game.
Disappointing loss but certainly a dramatically better team and effort than we saw during the early blowout losses.
If you go back and watch the end of regulation shot though Bell did not even lift his arms to contest Kobes shot. Bell More..
Loved seeing Paul Milslap Gasol.
Hayward is really good at getting to the hoop but he tries to dish it out way too much. Last night we need him to take that big time shot and he gave it up to Jefferson. Hayward's shooting percentage More..