As the series moved to Utah for Game 3 of the Los Angeles Lakers-Utah Jazz match-up, I knew the complexion of the game would change.
Boy, was I right.
It was a big turnaround for the Lakers: There was no big first quarter explosion, no blistering shooting display, and no victory.
The Lakers lost 88-86 on a jumper by Deron Williams with 2 seconds left in the game. Kobe Bryant clanged a potential game-winning three ball and the Lakers lost the right to talk "sweep" in this series.
Like I said, Game 3 was played in way the Jazz wanted it-- defense-oriented, low-scoring, and, well, nasty. The Lakers struggled in the first quarter and mustered only 17 points. In the previous two games, the Lakers scored 30 and 41 points respectively. The Jazz made sure the Lakers never get into an offensive groove and they they were able to slow down Trevor Ariza and Shannon Brown, offensive sparks in the games in Los Angeles.
There were also other issues the Lakers faced: Kobe tried to shoot himself out of the Jazz defense and the result was 24 shots, 5 less than the whole Laker bench. The Jazz are probably pleased with themselves by stifling Kobe and making him shoot 21% from the field. Andrew Bynum never really got a chance to play with the foul trouble again. This is the second time in three games that Bynum had 5 fouls. Perhaps, his playoff inexperience is starting to show.
Last year, the Lakers lost Game 4 of their second round match-up against the Jazz. If the Lakers doesn't start to shoot well and defend better, the series will be 2-2 when they go back to Los Angeles.
Technorati: Los Angeles Lakers
I won't say anything other than Phil needs to have a serious talk with the Lakers. Maybe they should watch Rocky III and find out how to get the hunger back.
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