Paul Millsap stars, Utah Jazz beat Los Angeles Lakers 103 – 99; Andrew Bynum’s 33 go to waste – NBA Recap
Los Angeles Lakers tasted defeat at home on Sunday when the Utah Jazz beat them 103 – 99 after a well fought out 48 minutes. Lakers received a massive contribution from centre Andrew Bynum but in the end it just did not prove to be enough.
Bynum was in splendid form as he pounded game high 33 points of a terrific 12-of-14 from the floor. He also made 9 of his 12 free throws and also had 11 boards, the game high. His efforts though were cancelled out by the poor display from super star Kobe Bryant.
Bryant, who has been the mainstay of the Lakers offence for years, just couldn’t get going and managed only 15 points in the game, coming at the cost of 20 shots and 7 turnovers.
"You have nights like that every now and then," Bryant said of his horrendous display. "I couldn't make a shot. ... You try to just hang in there, get some stops down the stretch and try to muck up the game."
"The bottom line is, he's our guy," Lakers coach Mike Brown said. "The shots he took, I'd give it to him again. I don't know how many shots he missed near the rim - I mean, point-blank shots."
Pau Gasol was impressive with 18 points and 10 rebounds in a double-double showing.
Paul Millsap though was perhaps the most decisive player in the game. The Utah forward scored a team high 24 points. He also hauled down 9 rebounds and handed out 5 assists. Derrick Favors had 12 points and 10 rebounds while Enes Kanter scored 17 and grabbed 8 boards.
The game was pretty close in the first quarter. There was virtually nothing to separate the two sides throughout and Utah finished just ahead at 23 – 20.
An early 8 – 0 run by Los Angeles put them up 28 – 25 in the second period. Near the half way mark they had stretched the lead further to 38 – 31. The Jazz however ended the first half with a 12 – 1 burst to go up at half time, 45 – 44.
After the break Utah continued to push. They were the stronger side in the third period and pounded 30 points, Los Angeles only managing 25 in reply, the score 75 – 69.
The Lakers levelled the score in the final quarter at 78 – 78. Jazz then launched into an 11 – 1 blitz that put them up 89 – 79. Los Angeles came close again right at the death, Bryant making it 102 – 99, but it just wasn’t to be and Utah saw out the game at 103 – 99.
Tags: