Five for five.
The Lakers continued their postseason victory bender Sunday afternoon with a 109-98 win over the Utah Jazz in Game 1 of their Western Conference semi-final, coming out ahead in a game that was a lot more physical than any of the four they played against the Nuggets, and certainly required more attention to detail. LA blew open what was a tight game early on the strength of a Sasha Vujacic-laced 16-4 run to open the second quarter, and held on from there as the Jazz made a second half push. But aside from getting absolutely smoked on the glass- Utah had a 58-41 advantage on the boards, and hauled down nearly as many offensive boards (25) as the Lakers did defensive (33)- the Lakers tended to control play throughout, taking the lead near the end of the first quarter and never giving it up.
Kobe led the way with 38 points, including a franchise playoff record 21 makes from the stripe. Pau Gasol started and finished strong on his way to 18/10/5, and Vujacic notched 15 on 4-6 from the floor and 5-5 from the line.
Game 2 is Wednesday night at Staples.
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lakers go go go!!!