LOS ANGELES – The Utah Jazz stifled Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night to get a 103-99 win in Los Angeles. The Jazz held Bryant to 3-20 shooting and 15 points.
Both Jazz rookies had career nights. Alec Burks scored 13 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter to help the Jazz hang on for the win. Enes Kanter also brought down eight rebounds to go along with his 17 points. Both rookies played over 20 minutes.
The Jazz had six players in double figures, including Burks and Kanter led by Paul Millsap. Millsap scored 24 points and brought in nine rebounds. Josh Howard, Devin Harris and Derrick Favors all scored 12 points each. Harris also added nine assists and Favors corralled 10 rebounds.
The Lakers’ bigs stepped up on offense while Bryant struggled from the floor. Pau Gasol scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while Andrew Bynum scored 33 points and brought in 11 rebounds.
The Jazz are now just a half game out of the final playoff spot in the West, and take on first place Oklahoma City tomorrow in Salt Lake. The Jazz are now on a three game winning streak.
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Copyright 2012 St. George News.