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They couldn’t go 16-0 in the postseason, could they? With that sort of defeatist attitude, maybe not. Either way, the Lakers finally hit a bump on what has been a surprisingly smooth road towards the NBA Finals, losing Friday night in 104-99. Not a huge setback for the purple and gold- seriously, Laker fans, even if the season eventually ends with a parade down Figueroa, they weren’t going to run the table along the way- as they still have a 2-1 lead in the series, and most importantly, have home court advantage. They don’t have to win in Utah. It would be nice, even advantageous, but it’s not a must. The same can’t be said for Utah in L.A. That helps Game 4 this afternoon another must win for the Jazz. Here are (in our best SHLA tradition) five things to watch for:

• Carlos Boozer. He’s been slumping throughout the playoffs, but Utah’s force in the post finally showed up with a big game on Friday. 27 points, a career playoff high 20 rebounds. He was finally able to get shots that had been rimming out in Games 1 and 2 to fall, and it was clear his frustration level was back in a more manageable place. Another strong effort is critical for Utah’s chances.
• Pau Gasol. The Big Knock on the big Spaniard when he arrived in LA was, when push came to shoving, Gasol didn’t have the stuff to stand up and shove back. Utah’s physical style of play definitely had an effect on Gasol’s production in the first two games, but in Game 3, he was genuinely bad. Five turnovers, only 12 points, and six boards. Too often he got inside and when the contact came looked to the officials for help. Utah will continue to hammer Gasol this afternoon, and it’s important he establish early that he won’t be intimidated, the he can push through resistance to get a shot up or make a pass with an arm in his back. If the Jazz see early that they can get into his head, they’ll stay there all day.
• How well will the Lakers shoot? In Game 1, Utah couldn’t hit cord from the perimeter to save their lives, shooting 21% from beyond the arc. Hell, they couldn’t shoot from anywhere, and only because of a massive advantage in rebounding were they able to stay relatively competitive. In Game 3, the Lakers were the gang that couldn’t shoot straight, going 5-23 from three-point land. It’s never a good thing when they get perimeter happy, but when they shoot and things don’t fall, it tends to close off options to the basket. Between bad outside shooting and a flummoxed Gasol inside, the Lakers weren’t able to find as much space to operate as they did in LA. A couple converted J’s will do wonders for the purple and gold. Which leads us to…
• Sasha Vujacic and Bench Play. He was a huge factor in Game 2, scoring 12 points and making some big buckets along the way. In Game 3, he was a non-factor in 10 minutes, missing all three of his shots and generally playing without much control or composure. No shock to see Phil Jackson slash his PT. When combined with Jordan Farmar’s 0-6 performance, the Lakers’ backup backcourt gave them absolutely nothing. That has to change. Both teams have great and productive benches. On Friday, though, LA didn’t get what they usually do from the seconds.
• Turnovers. The Lakers gave the ball away 18 times on Friday. Can’t do that on the road in a playoff game. Some of that was Utah’s D, some was old fashioned poor decision making by the Lakers. If they can cut those down, LA has a chance to steal one in Salt Lake.

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