For the first time in the series, Utah shot more free throws than Los Angeles as it went 37-for-45 from the line and the Lakers were only 14-for-25. The Jazz also had assists on 32 of their 40 field goals, while L.A. posted 20 assists on its 46 field goals.

First-quarter breakdown

The Jazz jumped out early and threatened to pull away. After going up 12-6, they extended the lead to 10 at 19-9 on a Ronnie Brewer alley-oop dunk for his eighth point in the run. The Lakers responded with a 6-0 run to pull back within four at 23-19 with Pau Gasol (10 points) and Kobe Bryant (7) leading the way. The Jazz closed with the last four points to lead 31-21. Deron Williams had six points and five assists.

Second-quarter breakdown

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The Utah lead reached as high as 11 with 4:35 left in the quarter, but the Lakers closed on a 19-8 run to have the game tied at the half at 55. Kobe Bryant had 10 points in the quarter, including a buzzer-beater to draw L.A. even. Deron Williams was the star for the Jazz racking up 13 points. The Lakers shot 13 free throws in the quarter while the Jazz had 10. Sasha Vujacic had 11 points off the bench for Los Angeles.

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