Utah Jazz @ Los Angeles Lakers

• Trueblue23

  

  The Jazz visit STAPLES tonight, Lakers better show up or the Jazz will beat them..
  
  Lakers- 16-3
  
  Jazz- 12-8
  
  Thoughts?
• Sage

  

  Carlos Boozer has been lights out as of late--but he always struggles against bigger, more athletic type of guards. Unfortunately, the Lakers don't have any of those....so expect a big night from Booze.
  
  Also, the question is not "Who is going to guard Andrew Bynum?" for the Jazz, but rather, "Who CAN'T guard Andrew Bynum?" With a plethora of big bodies to throw at Bynum, I expect him to be in foul trouble and looking dazed early.
  
  And as for Mr. Bryant, well, his struggles against the Utes are pretty well documented. Look no further than his recent struggles in the '08 and '09 playoffs. Seeing as nothing as changed since then, there is no reason to think the Jazz domination of Bryant won't continue.
  
  And on the bench--well, the Jazz have Mr. Bling Bling himself--Jerry Sloan. Probably one of roughly 12 coaches I'd give advantage to over Mr. Jackson.
  
  If this game were in Utah, I'd say Jazz by 18+ ... but since it's in the notoriously raucous confines of the Staples Center... well, I will say Jazz +12.
• newarkcatholicfan

  

  Team L.A. need only to play their game to post another win.
• Trueblue23

  

  Sloppy play for the Champs so far tonight..
  
  at the end of the 1st the game is tied at 24
• Trueblue23

  

  At the half, the Lakers trail 52-48.
• newarkcatholicfan

  

  Looking like another tough night in the west.
• Trueblue23

  

  Lakers need to freakin box out. No excuse for giving up 10 offensive rebounds.
• Sage

  

  They'll be fine, fellahs. They'll be fine.
• Trueblue23

  

  Lakers need to get their shit together
• SQ_Crazies

  

  They're far from out of the game.
• Trueblue23

  

  SQ_Crazies wrote: They're far from out of the game.

  Yea I know..
  
  But you know how games like this go.
  
  A consistent 5-7 point lead, always cutting it to 2 or so but can't get over the hump.
  
  Pisses me off lol
• SQ_Crazies

  

  That's why you have Kobe and the 4th quarter. I do know how games like this go, he'll either get it done, they'll slam the ball in the post and get it done or they just won't get it done. Won't hurt them to drop this one--a quality opponent, and their run was going to come to an end sometime.
• Trueblue23

  

  And just like that, the Lakers go up 67-65.
  
  Not sure what Bynum's deal is tonight.
• Trueblue23

  

  Lakers lead 73-71 after 3 quarters.
• SQ_Crazies

  

  Still worried?
• Trueblue23

  

  A little bit..
  
  it aint over till its over
• Trueblue23

  

  Lakers up by 14 now...
  
  
• SQ_Crazies

  

  Surprise!
• Trueblue23

  

  Lakers have outscored Utah 17-2 in the 4th
• Trueblue23

  

  Lakers up 95-75
  
  Kobe finishes with 27 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists
• Sage

  

  We have a Kosta Koufos sighting in LA!
• SQ_Crazies

  

  Koufos sucks.
  
  Not surprised that the Lakers are going to win--definitely surprised at the way the Jazz suddenly forgot how to play basketball. Don't see a team fall off like that very often.
• Sage

  

  1-14 FGs in the 4th.
• Trueblue23

  

  Lakers- 101
  Jazz- 77
  
  LA outscored Utah 28-6 in the 4th quarter.
• Sage

  

  Also, the Lakers defense has been lights out. Just straight up nasty. Easily the best defense I've seen from them since I've been a fan of this team. Does not bode well for the rest of the league.
  
  Artest's numbers haven't been eye popping, but his defense is DPOY worthy right now.