3-2 Lakers Lead

Written on May 15, 2008 – 7:36 am | by bcourtney |

Wednesday night in the Western Conference semifinals the Lakers now lead the series 3-2. They won big at home with a 111-104 against the Jazz. Home teams have won 19 of 20 games played in the second round. MVP Bryant, who tweaked his back early in Game 4 seemed to have no pain as he scored 26 pts. Lamor Odom had 22 pts and 11 boards and Pau Gasol added 21 pts, six rebounds and eight assists. Gasol’s energy really help the Lakers pull off this victory. All five Utah starters also scored in double figures. They were led by Deron Williams who had 27 pts and 10 assist.

Carlos Boozer added 18 pts and 12 rebounds. The Jazz, who trailed by as many as 12 pts in the second quarter, outscored the Lakers 15-8 to start the second half. Gasol, who had a scoreless fisrt half shot 6-for-9 and scored 15 pts in the second period. Utah had alot of turnovers, committing 15 in the opening 24 minutes. Bryant, who still had six rebounds and seven assists, scored only three points in the fourth quarter. Game 6 is next and this game will be played in Utah on Friday.

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