L.A. Times: The Lakers bolted to a 22-point first-half lead in Game 1 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series Sunday, knowing the Utah Jazz would not give in no matter what.
And the Jazz didn’t, punishing the Lakers inside, getting to the free-throw line way too often, and making it a game until the Lakers stood firm in pulling out a 113-100 victory over the Jazz at Staples Center.
At issue for the Lakers were how many points the Jazz scored in the paint (44) and how many second-chance points (24) Utah got.
More importantly, how many layups and dunks the Jazz scored against the Lakers defense in the second half.
Before the series started, one Western Conference scout who requested anonymity because it is his team’s policy, said this about the Jazz.
“They rarely settle for the shot of least resistance,” he said. “They’ll make one more extra pass to get a closer shot.”
Continue reading ‘Second half of Game 1 could foretell future trouble for Lakers’
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