Boozer, Brewer Jazz It Up
Led by Ronnie Brewer’s great defense on Kobe Bryant, the Utah Jazz upset the Lakers Thursday night. Deron Williams hit a game winning shot for Utah with 2.2 left in an 88-86 Utah win.
After Williams’ basket, Brewer still had to keep Kobe from making a game winner in those last 2.2 seconds. The Lakers inbounded in their front court. Brewer kept Kobe from catching the inbound pass anywhere close to the 3-point line.
Carlos Boozer Photo from AllPosters.com
The Laker great had to launch a long, 35-foot jumper over Brewer‘s outstretched hand. It drew iron but was not close to going in.
The win saved the series and the season for the Jazz. It prevented the Lakers from going up 3-0 in their best of seven series. Instead, the Jazz trails 2-1 with another home game Saturday night.
It is great fun to watch close games. The Jazz started strong in this one on their home court. They were up by nine after the first quarter and led by four at half. But the Lakers dominated the third quarter, taking the lead and going up by as much as 13 at one point.
Kobe opened the second half looking for the ball and knocking down several shots. The Lakers entered the fourth quarter up by eight.
Carlos Boozer and Williams led Utah’s comeback on offense in the final quarter and Brewer kept Kobe from continuing the hot shooting that helped the Lakers gain the lead in the third quarter. Boozer tied a Utah playoff record for rebounds, hauling in 22 to go with his game high 23 points.
Kobe credited the Jazz with changing their looks and mixing up their defenses as the reason for a poor 5-24 shooting night. Bryant finished with only 18 points.
Thank goodness for the Jazz’ strong effort. The other two playoff games Thursday were 20-plus point blowouts that put me to sleep. Dallas stomped San Antonio, 88-67, leading by as many as 30 in the third quarter. That gave the Mavs a 2-1 series lead with game four set for Saturday.
Boston took back home court advantage, going into Chicago and shutting down the Bulls for a 107-86 win. The Celtics pressured the Bulls into 22 turnovers and held them to 37% field goal shooting. The win put the Celtics up 2-1 as well. Game four is scheduled for Sunday afternoon in Chicago.
