Receiving the league's Most Valuable Player Award just before the game, did not distract Kobe Bryant nor his teammates from disposing of Utah in game two. In fact, the Lakers played like MVPs in the first quarter to take a 33-18 lead. They seemed impossible to stop, as was true the whole game. Shutting down the Jazz in the first quarter was key, because the Jazz actually outscored L.A. the rest of the game! Most of the Lakers baskets were from outside the paint. They shot 63% from behind the arc and 57% from the field. The Jazz attempted 101 field goals, but only made 45! (The Lakers only attempted 68)! Utah out rebounded L.A. especially on the offensive glass but had 10 more fouls than the Lakers. Surprisingly, Los Angeles had 9 blocked shots compared to Utah's 1. The Jazz, to stay in the series, have to shoot better, period. L.A. leads the series 2-0, which now continues in Salt Lake on Friday.
In the other game Wednesday, the Orlando Magic had a breakout game from Rashard Lewis to beat Detroit in game three. Lewis had 33 points. Orlando out shot the Pistons, especially in the paint, 46-26. The Magic made 53% of their field goals and 45% of their 3-point shots. Detroit only shot 40% and 20% respectively. Chauncey Billups injured his hamstring in the first quarter and didn't return. The Pistons surely missed their quarterback and their fire power was greatly diminished. Even if Billups returns to the series, it will probably go seven games. Either team can still win this. Game four is in Orlando on Saturday. Detroit leads the series 2-1.
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