Battling both a fractured finger and upset stomach, Kobe Bryant went 7-for-24 and 1-for-9 from three-point range on the way to 16 points. The Lakers hit only 3 of 21 three-pointers in losing for the first time since Nov. 15.
The Jazz won for the 10th time in 13 games and now own a seven-game home winning streak. They went 3-1 in what looked like a fearsome week on the schedule, beating San Antonio, Orlando and the Lakers, though all three victories came at home.
Deron Williams finished with 21 points and 11 assists while Wesley Matthews had a season-high 19 and Ronnie Brewer scored 15 of his 19 in the second half. The
The Jazz held the Lakers scoreless on six consecutive possessions to start the fourth quarter, with Andrew Bynum missing twice inside and getting called for three seconds. Ron Artest picked up a frustration foul going after a rebound.
After Jordan Farmar missed a three-pointer, Williams came up with the play of the game, crossing over Farmar and driving for a three-point play as he was fouled by Bynum, giving the Jazz a 88-71 lead with 9:07 to play.
Even with the Jazz called for three offensive fouls and Boozer and Okur picking up their fifth personals, the Jazz stayed in command. Brewer tossed in a jumper to beat the shot clock as Bryant went 3-for-11 and 1-for-6 on three-pointers in the fourth.
rsiler@sltrib.com