Jazz regroup, beat Lakers, tie series at 2-2

By DOUG ALDEN, Associated Press

Last update: May 12, 2008 - 8:01 AM

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz had plenty of chances to crumble and nearly did.

It let a 12-point slip away in the last four minutes and faced overtime against league MVP Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. Instead of wilting, Utah played its toughest defense of the playoffs and pulled out a 123-115 victory on Sunday, tying the Western Conference semifinals 2-2.

The Jazz held the Lakers to two baskets in overtime and went 9-for-9 from the foul line.

"We never have any doubts in our confidence," said Utah’s Andrei Kirilenko, who blocked Bryant twice in overtime and converted a three-point play with 35 seconds remaining to help the Jazz pull away.

Deron Williams had 29 points and 14 assists, while Carlos Boozer scored 12 of his 14 points in the second half and grabbed 12 rebounds. Mehmet Okur added 18 points and 11 rebounds, and Kirilenko finished with 15 points and five blocks — stuffing Bryant twice as the Lakers tried to rally in overtime.

"We’re confident now but we still need to prove we can win on the road," Williams said.

Bryant, who said he was fighting back spasms from early in the first quarter, finished with 33 points and 10 assists.

"No excuses for me. [Kirilenko] did a great job," Bryant said. "They did a terrific job. They did big plays when they needed to."

And Los Angeles helped by sending the Jazz to the foul line 20 more times than the Lakers, who made it worse by missing 11 of 25 foul shots.

Lamar Odom had 26 points and 13 rebounds for the Lakers. Derek Fisher finished with 15 points, scoring 10 in a row as the Lakers rallied in the fourth.

Utah had a huge advantage at the foul line, making 37 of 45 free throws. The Jazz reserves also dominated the Lakers’, outscoring them 39-16.