MVP Bryant lifts Lakers over Jazz

NEW YORK: Kobe Bryant accepted his Most Valuable Player trophy on Wednesday, then poured in 34 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 120-110 victory over Utah in the National Basketball Association playoffs.

Lamar Odom added 19 and 16 rebounds as the Lakers took a 2-0 lead over the Jazz in their best-of-seven Western Conference second-round series.

The Lakers remained unbeaten this postseason as they look ahead to Game 3 in Salt Lake City on Friday.

Before tip-off, NBA commissioner David Stern presented Bryant with the first MVP trophy of his 12-year career.

Bryant briefly addressed the crowd, receiving a massive ovation before he was mobbed by teammates.

"I'm at a loss for words, I don't know what to say," Bryant told the adoring throng. "I love you guys so much. We're going to play until June. Let's get this party started."

Bryant, who was booed by fans at the Lakers home opener back in October after a contentious offseason, celebrated his and the team's turnaround with a sparkling performance that also included eight rebounds and six assists.

"It was an emotional night for all of us," Bryant said. "What we tried to do is ride that momentum. It was special tonight. I haven't seen Staples Center this electric. I had goose bumps running out."

Derek Fisher scored 22 points and Lamar Odom contributed 19 and 16 rebounds for Los Angeles, which shot 57 percent (39-of-68) from the field.

Fisher, who played for last year's Jazz team that advanced to the conference finals, made a key 3-pointer from the top of the key to push the Lakers' advantage to 104-94 with 4:55 to play - after the Jazz had crept within 6 points minutes earlier.

After a 3-point play by the Jazz, Bryant sliced through the lane and found Pau Gasol underneath for a dunk that resulted in a 10-point lead with 2:40 remaining.

Bryant sealed the game with a pair of free throws to keep the margin at double figures with just under a minute left.

"We were playing against a backcourt that has 18-20 years experience," Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said of Bryant and Fisher. "Those are things that throw you back."

The Jazz, who outrebounded the Lakers by 17 in the opening game, won the rebounding battle by just a 41-37 margin.

Deron Williams had 25 points and 10 assists and Paul Millsap scored 17 off the bench for Utah, which had seven players score in double figures but never looked like getting over the hump.

In Orlando, the Magic thrashed the Detroit Pistons 111-86 to cut the deficit in their Eastern Conference semifinal playoff series to 2-1.

Forward Rashard Lewis led the way with 33 points and center Dwight Howard contributed 20 points and 12 rebounds in the Game 3 rout in Orlando.

The Magic roared into a 20-6 lead and Detroit looked in trouble when guard Chauncey Billups was forced to the locker room with a strained hamstring.

"I thought getting off to that start gave us confidence, got the crowd into the game and more importantly gave us a cushion we really needed," Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy told reporters.

"He's their leader, he runs everything," Van Gundy said of Billups, who scored 28 points in Detroit's Game 2 victory. "It definitely had a huge effect on the game."

Orlando led 54-42 at the intermission but Detroit clawed its way back.

The Pistons used a 12-2 run late in the third quarter to move within four points at 73-69 heading into the fourth when an 11-0 burst by the Magic put it in front to stay.

About halfway through the first quarter, Billups slipped as he made a move toward the hoop and went into a near split. He limped off the court and did not return.

"I think we're shooting for him to play on Saturday," Detroit coach Flip Saunders said. "I'm concerned because he's our quarterback and runs our team. He's been a huge part of why we've been successful."

Rookie Rodney Stuckey filled in for Billups, scoring 19 points.

AFP/Agencies

(China Daily 05/09/2008 page24)