Lakers 111, Jazz 103 (Lakers lead 2-0)

The writing is on the wall for the Utah Jazz.  The Los Angeles Lakers scored 64 of their 111 points in the paint, giving them a 2-0 lead in the series.  Utah had no answer on defense as Los Angeles scored lay-up after lay-up.  Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with thirty points, but Paul Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Lamar Odom showed up big time tonight.  If Gasol (22 points, 15 rebounds), Bynum (17 points, 14 rebounds), and Odom (11 points, 15 rebounds) play like this night in and night out, I do not think there is a team left that can stop the Lakers.  These three also combined to reject nine Utah Jazz shots.

The Jazz were led by Paul Millsaps 26 points and 11 rebounds.  Carlos Boozer and C.J. Miles both chipped in 20 points apiece, but struggled shooting a combined 15 of 36 from the field.  The Jazz were able to cut the lead to four in the fourth, but Kobe’s jump shot over tight defense pushed the lead to seven and they never looked back.

In case you missed this game here is what you need to know after Game 2:

1.  Phil Jackson’s teams do not lose series after going up 2-0. Every team coach by Phil Jackson has ended winning the series after going up two games to none.  This does not bode well for the Utah Jazz.

2.  The Laker big men are unstoppable. How can an opponent stop these guys when there is always at least two seven footers on the floor at all times.  Gasol, Bynum, and Odom all scored in double-figures tonight and grabbed at least 14 rebounds.  For as well as Millsap and Boozer are playing for the Jazz they desperately need help.

-JB