LOS ANGELES (AP) - The 3-pointers, slam dunks and Kobe Bryant's fadeaway jumper as he fell on his backside were all impressive.

Monday's games

• Hawks 81, Heat 71 (Tied 2-2)
• Nuggets 121, Hornets 63 (Nuggets 3-1)
• Lakers 107, Jazz 96 (Lakers win 4-1)

Sunday's games

• Bulls 121, Celtics 118 (2OT) (Tied 2-2)
• Cavaliers 99, Pistons 78 (Cavs win 4-0)
• Magic 84, 76ers 81 (Tied 2-2)
• Rockets 89, Blazers 88 (Rockets 3-1)

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FOXSports.com analysis

• Playoff results, schedule
• 2009 NBA Playoff Central
• Behrendt: Odom key to Lakers' win
• Rosenberg: Billups over AI for Hall
• Rosen: Rondo not quite elite PG
• Rosen: Jazz good; Lakers great
• Hench: 5 stars for future Finals

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Video

• Monday's playoff highlights

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Photos

• Monday's action

Bryant had a welt under his right eye. The Lakers acknowledged that Utah was a tough opponent despite being the No. 8 seed.

"I think it will prep us for what we have to do as we go along," coach Phil Jackson said. "We don't want to get ahead of ourselves."

It was a disappointing end for a Jazz team that had high expectations.

"Injuries kind of affected us and we really weren't able to ever get into a rhythm," point guard Deron Williams said. "We kind of headed downhill toward the playoffs and we just really didn't get the type of effort we needed to win a series."

Although it wasn't the most artistic game at times, the Lakers got the shots to fall when they needed them most.

If there was any question that this was going to be the Lakers' night on their home court, Bryant answered that in the closing seconds of the first half.

He drove the lane and passed to Pau Gasol. The ball was batted loose and Bryant grabbed it, turned and sank a fadeaway jumper as he fell on his rear end, giving the Lakers a 56-43 halftime lead.

The crowd spent the ensuing timeout cheering the celebrities shown on the big screen at Staples Center - John McEnroe, Dustin Hoffman, Glenn Frey and, of course, Jack Nicholson.

"We're happy that we got the win, but I don't think we're happy about how we won so we have to pay attention and stay focused on closing games out," Lakers forward Trevor Ariza said.

Paul Millsap led Utah with 16 points while Andrei Kirilenko and Williams had 14 apiece.

Gasol had 17 points and 11 rebounds, and Ariza 12 points for the Lakers.

The Lakers weren't particularly sharp in the first quarter, and the Jazz held on for a 26-all tie.

But when the Jazz took out Williams starting the second quarter, the Lakers went on an 8-0 that put them ahead for good. Odom and Bryant each hit a 3-pointer and Bryant made two free throws for a 34-26 lead.

Notes