Lakers Take 3-2 Lead

Despite not attempting a single shot, Kobe Bryant still manged to score 26 points and led the Lakers to a 111-104 victory over the Jazz. Los Angeles can advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2004 with a win this coming Friday. Bryant's back spasms kept his shot selection limited, though he shot well at 6 for 10 from the floor and 13 for 17 from the line. The Jazz kept the game close until late in the fourth quarter, with all five starters scoring in double figures. Deron Williams led with 27 points and 10 assists. The Jazz got within one with 2:18 left, but after a Lamar Otom dunk, followed by Utah trey, Gasol went on to score the next four points and put the game away. Bryant did not practive between games four and five, concerned about his back.