First-round results.
Lakers beat Thunder 4-2; Jazz beat Nuggets 4-2.
In the spotlight: Deron Williams.
The Jazz guard was the MVP in the series against the Nuggets, averaging 25.8 points and 11.3 assists in six games. But will he be able to commandeer the pace from the veteran Lakers?
Interesting factoid.
The Kobe Bryant-led Lakers defeated the Jazz in three of four matchups this season, and Los Angeles outscored Utah in the four games, 105.0-92.3.
Bottom line.
The Lakers’ low post, even with Andrew Bynum banged up, is superior to the Nuggets’ low post. Without Mehmet Okur, Utah should be overmatched nightly by Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. Yes, the pesky Thunder showed the Lakers are vulnerable, but one would suggest that the short-handed Jazz peaked when defeating Denver.
Benjamin Hochman’s pick.
Lakers in six.
