Salt Lake City, UT (Sports Network) - Derek Fisher hit the go-ahead three- pointer down the stretch, and the Los Angeles Lakers escaped EnergySolutions Arena with a thrilling 111-110 Game 3 victory over the Utah Jazz and a stranglehold on their Western Conference semifinal series.
Game 3, 8:00 P.M.: At Home, Jazz Try To Find Answer Vs. Lakers
The final 2 1/2 minutes of the contest were played at a breakneck pace, and it was Fisher that came up with the big basket, countering Deron Williams’ go- ahead baseline jumper with a deep three from the right wing with 28.6 seconds remaining.
Wesley Matthews found himself open for a three at the other end but missed the attempt. Carlos Boozer wound up with a loose ball under the basket, but Fisher knocked the ball away in a sea of players in the paint.
Kobe Bryant was sent to the foul line with 7.8 seconds left and made both free throws. Los Angeles quickly fouled Williams, who made both freebies 1.7 seconds later.
After a timeout, Ron Artest threw away his halfcourt inbounds pass to Kyle Korver, who called a timeout with 4.4 ticks left.
With the game on the line, Williams shook off Artest at the top of the key and hit all iron with his 22-foot attempt. Matthews had a chance at the tip-in just before the buzzer sounded, but the putback rimmed out, putting the Jazz at a 3-0 series disadvantage that has never been overcome in NBA history.
Bryant finished with 35 points and seven assists, while Fisher and Artest each scored 20 for the Lakers, who will attempt to finish off the sweep on Monday. Pau Gasol recorded 14 points and 17 rebounds in the win.
Williams led the Jazz with 28 points, while Korver was a spark off the bench with 23 points on 9-of-10 shooting, including a 5-for-5 effort from behind the arc. Boozer had 14 points and 14 boards in the heartbreaking setback.
Utah is trying to avoid becoming the 14th team in NBA history to be eliminated by the same team in three consecutive playoffs.
Via Sports Network
See More:
