SidelineShow.com-SportsTalk Radio

Kobe Bryant was given his MVP trophy to the sold out Staples Center in L.A.  Bryant before the game started said to the fans  “I’m at a loss for words, I don’t know what to say,” Bryant said as the Staples Center crowd of 18,997 roared its approval and chanted M-V-P. “I love you guys so much. We’re going to play until June. Let’s get this party started.” The Lakers took to his word and in the first quarter the Lakers outscored the Jazz 33-18.  In the first quarter Bryant and the Lakers shot 66% and at the end of the 1st half they shot 61% and had the lead 63-49.

Charles Barkley of TNT said it best when it comes to the way the Utah Jazz has been playing against the Lakers.” They look like they don’t have a fight in them and they don’t want to even compete.”  The Jazz has been horrible in the 1st half alone Carlos Boozer only played 7 minutes got in foul trouble Williams was not a factor.  Game 2 was all Lakers lead by the MVP Kobe Bryant with 34 points in all there were 5 Lakers in double figures.  A big spark for the Lakers was Derek Fisher who scored 22 and was 4 for 5 from three point range.  The Lakers shot 57% from the floor.  Game 3 now shifts to Utah were the Jazz had the best record in the regular season at 37-4.  Deron Williams of the Utah Jazz had this to say”There’s no need to panic, but they’re definitely in control right now,” said Williams, who scored three points in the first half. “We’ve got to protect our homecourt. These next two games are must-wins. If we’re down 3-1, it’s going to be tough to come back from.” The Lakers are now in the best of seven 2-0.  Game 3 will take place in Utah.