Jazz’s exciting overtime win coupled with Kobe’s back problems open the door for a compelling final three games

SCOTT JACOBS

Kobe Bryant went up, gently put threw the ball up against the glass and the ball bounced out. Johnny on the Spot (Lamar Odom) was there to put it back and tie the game at 108-108. Utah’s 12 point lead late in the fourth quarter had evaporated and the Lakers appeared ready to seize control of the series. Derek Fisher blocked Deron Williams’ game winner, and the Jazz faithful looked shocked as their team prepared to play for an unexpected overtime.

The Lakers, even with an injured Kobe Bryant, had climbed the mountain.

But the Utah Jazz had one last run in them, and fed off the Energy Solutions Arena fever pitch to pull themselves together and take the Lakers apart. Shooting a clutch 8-8 at the line in OT, the Jazz not only helped tie their second round series with the Lakers, they revived hope that they can win this series.

Of course, be careful to put too much stock into a post-season where the home team rarely loses. With Utah’s tough overtime win, the Jazz added another win to a startling 13-1 home record for teams in round two. The key is if the Jazz can win a game at Staples Center. But by protecting their homecourt, the Jazz who looked sluggish and too slow to keep up with the Lake Show in games one and two, found out they can beat Kobe, Gasol, and co.

So now it’s 2-2, and we’re down to a best of three series.

The big question is obviously Kobe’s health. Kobe was really shaken up in this one, and he clearly couldn’t play his usual role of clutch super-hero, as the MVP struggled in the fourth quarter and overtime. He squealed in pain constantly, and lacked his extra step that has helped turn him into an elite player.

So now we go back to LA nodded at two.

Don’t blame the Lakers big three, even with Kobe’s injury: Kobe, Gasol, and Odom combined for a mere 82 points.

Blame the Utah Jazz, who are now 37-5 at home in the playoffs and regular season combined.

No one doubts if the Jazz can win at home. If they can win game five they will probably win this series.

Of course the way this second round is going, that’s not likely to happen.

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