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Lakers hold off Jazz to reach next playoff round

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-04-28 16:24

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant (2nd R) runs on fast break against Utah Jazz Mehmet Okur (2nd L) as teammate Lamar Odom (L) trails the play during the second half of Game 5 of their NBA Western Conference quarter-final basketball playoff game in Los Angeles April 27, 2009. [Agencies]

Late in the third quarter, Bryant produced a three-point jumper and then a clever assist for a Gasol dunk to put the Lakers up by 22 before they went into the final period leading 82-63.

Related readings:  Kobe shines as Lakers move within 1 game of series win  Boozer leads Jazz back into Lakers series  Bryant helps Lakers take 2-0 lead over Jazz  Lakers cruise past Jazz in NBA playoff opener

A Bryant two-pointer early in the fourth quarter gave Los Angeles a 21-point cushion before the Jazz clawed their way back into the game with 13 unanswered points.

Millsap and Ronnie Price, who also came off the bench, provided the energy for the Jazz who ultimately fell short of taking the playoff into a sixth game.

"I'd like to congratulate the Lakers," Utah coach Jerry Sloan said. "I thought they played extremely well. They took advantage of just about every situation they had.

"They did a great job in the playoffs, they've got a wonderful team and they should go a long way."

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