Bryant, Refs Score 21 in Lakers Win

The Los Angeles Lakers took advantage of an ailing Utah Jazz team to make for their third win in a row last night.  Mehmet Okur and Andrei Kirilenko weren’t their typical selves in Utah’s home loss, both playing after brief injury departures.  But then again, neither was Kobe Bryant, who reportedly was battling with strep throat during the game. 
 

No matter.  Bryant quietly scored 21 of his 35 points while standing at the free throw line.  His 24 attempts at the stripe matched a single game record for opponents of the Utah Jazz.
 

Phil Jackson could be seen working the refs early and often.  He’s been known to comment negatively about the officiating in Utah.  This time, however, there was little to complain about, as Kirilenko and Utah guard Gordon Giricek got called for anything and everything they did to try to stop Bryant. 
 

Last night’s game was a relief for Lakers fans, who might end up buying Lakers tickets to a playoff series versus the Utah Jazz in the postseason.  If that happens, now the Lakers have the confidence that they can win on the road in Utah.  Fans can also be confident that StubHub.com will be able to put them in some great seats when the Lakers play at EnergySolutions Arena for that potential series.         
 

Posted in General on February 27, 2007

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