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SALT LAKE CITY -- After a painful 77-101 loss in their first meeting of the year with the Lakers, the Jazz will try to move to 1-1 on the season with Los Angeles Saturday at Energy Solutions Arena.
Through three quarters Wednesday, the Jazz hung with the team that time and time again proves to be their biggest nemesis of the season. Down just two points after the third quarter, it looked as though a win was possible for Utah, but they let it all go in the fourth, scoring just six total points to the Lakers' 28.
Rebounding nicely from the loss, the Jazz managed to come out on top in a tough game against an aggressive Orlando team Thursday, due greatly in part by an incredible performance from Deron Williams. Williams had 32 points, 15 assists and eight rebounds on the night as he led the Jazz to a comeback victory, stopping Orlando's six-game winning streak dead in its tracks.
C.J. Miles added 22 for the Jazz and Boozer tallied a double-double, scoring 20 points to go along with 14 rebounds.
KSL takes a look back and ahead as we prep for the game against the Lakers.
What did we learn about the Jazz against the Orlando Magic?
- The Jazz are able to compete with tough teams, and fight back from big deficits to get the win. Consistency and a solid effort by everyone on the floor is a must if they want to beat the Lakers.
- The Jazz also have the ability to rebound from tough losses and correct mistakes. After scoring a measly two baskets in the fourth the night before, Utah came out firing and ended with six guys in double-digit scoring.
- The Jazz shot a nice 50 percent from the field and outrebounded Orlando 46-40. Accuracy and rebounding are musts to beat the Lakers, at home or on the road.
What can the Jazz expect from the Lakers?
- Tough as usual, the Lakers are looking to extend their 11-game winning streak against a team they love to beat.
- The Lakers have four guys averaging double-figure scoring, while Utah has seven. Sure to bring an aggressive defense, the Lakers will be looking to shut Utah down, particularly in Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams.
- The Lakers have lost just once this season when they've scored over 100 points.
Probable Jazz starting lineup
- C - Mehmet Okur, 6-11, 273 lbs., Turkey
- PF - Carlos Boozer, 6-9, 260 lbs., Duke
- SF - Ronnie Brewer, 6-7, 236 lbs., Arkansas
- SG - Wesley Matthews, 6-5, 224 lbs., Marquette
- PG - Deron Williams, 6-3, 207 lbs., Illinois
Probable Magic starting lineup
- C - Andrew Bynum, 7-0, 285 lbs., St. Joseph HS (NJ)
- SF - Ron Artest, 6-7, 260 lbs., St. John's NY
- PF - Pau Gasol, 7-0, 250 lbs., Barcelona, Spain
- SG - Kobe Bryant, 6-6, 205 lbs., Lower Merion HS (PA)
- PG - Derek Fisher, 6-1, 210 lbs., Arkansas-Little Rock
Lakers leaders
Kobe Bryant 28.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg / Pau Gasol 17.8 ppg, 10.7 rpg
Jazz Injury Updates
- Ronnie Price - (toe) OUT
- Kyrylo Fesenko - (stomach virus) Questionable
- Matt Harpring - (ankle, knee) OUT
- Andrei Kirilenko - (back) Doubtful
- Kyle Korver - (left knee surgery) OUT
Lakers Injury Updates
- Kobe Bryant - finger, probable for tonight's game.
- Luke Walton - back, out.
Conclusion
By coming from behind to beat Orlando, the Jazz showed they are capable of playing with the best teams in the league. They did that for three quarters the last time they met the Lakers, but the outcome was exactly what could be expected from playing just 75 percent of a game against Bryant and company. Saturday will be a good test as to whether or not the Jazz can really match up with the Lakers for a full four quarters.
