Game 3: Return of the Kobe

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz 108-94, giving them a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Lakers shot .519 from the field, as well as 8-for-19 from 3-point range, and out-rebounded the Jazz 46-39. LA used a 40-point second-quarter to overpower Utah, and never looked back after halftime. The Jazz were just 22-for-32 from the stripe, and finished the game shooting .442 from the field. Kobe Bryant delivered a blow of amnesia to anyone who questioned him after Game 3, scoring 38 points on 16-for-24 shooting. Lamar Odom had his first start of the playoffs, relegating Andrew Bynum to the bench, putting up 10 points, 15 rebounds and 2 blocked shots. The Laker bench did its part, out-scoring Utah 30-24, as Shannon Brown continues to stun opponents off the bench with 9 easy points. Deron Williams had 23 points and 13 assists for the Jazz, and Carlos Boozer also added 23 points and 16 rebounds.