Bryant knocks down free throws, Lakers knockoff Jazz

BEIJING, May 5 (Xinhuanet) -- Kobe Bryant converted 21 of 23 free throws on the way to 38 points, six rebounds and seven assists as the Los Angeles Lakers knocked off the Utah Jazz 109-98 Sunday in Game 1 of the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.

"You've got to be able to knock those free throws down. They're open looks," said Bryant, who made his first 18 foul shots before missing two of his last five to finish 21-of-23. "It's my responsibility to knock them down.¡¨

The Lakers shot 38-of-46 from the foul line, while the Jazz went 22-of-30. The teams spent most of the final period going from one foul line to the other, with Los Angeles going 14-of-19 from the line and Utah 10-of-12. Twenty-four of the 60 personal fouls were called in the last 12 minutes.

Derek Fisher, who played with the Jazz last season, guarded Deron Williams, who shot 5-for-18. Fisher had a career playoff-high six steals to go with five points and six assists.

"I think probably what confused him was how old I am," the 33-year-old Fisher said, laughing. "When he fakes, I don't go for it because I can't react that fast so I end up stealing it from him."

Game 2 will be played Wednesday night before the best-of-seven series shifts to Utah for Games 3 and 4. Word leaked late Friday that Bryant had won his first Most Valuable Player award and he expressed his joy on Saturday. The NBA has declined comment, but Bryant is expected to receive the MVP trophy from commissioner David Stern before Game 2.

Pau Gasol added 18 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, Lamar Odom had 16 points and nine rebounds before fouling out with 45 seconds to play, and Sasha Vujacic scored a career playoff-high 15 for the Lakers.

Mehmet Okur had 21 points and a career playoff-high 19 rebounds for the Jazz. Carlos Boozer had 15 points, 14 rebounds and four assists before fouling out with 3:28 left, and Williams added 14 points, nine assists and nine rebounds.

(Agencies)