Playoff Game 2 Recap: Utah Jazz 110, L.A. Lakers 120
Playoff Series: Conference Semifinals; L.A. Lakers 2-0
Kobe Bryant couldn't have asked for a better way to celebrate his first MVP award.
He had 34 points, eight rebounds and six assists Wednesday night, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Utah Jazz 120-110 to take a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinals and remain the NBA's only unbeaten team in the postseason.
Bryant received his Most Valuable Player trophy from NBA commissioner David Stern in a brief ceremony before the game.
"I'm at a loss for words, I don't know what to say," Bryant said as the Staples Center crowd of 18,997 roared its approval and chanted M-V-P. "I love you guys so much. We're going to play until June. Let's get this party started."
The 29-year-old Bryant was a runaway winner, receiving 82 first-place votes and 1,100 points to far outdistance New Orleans ' Chris Paul in the voting of 126 media members. The results were announced Tuesday.
Following the presentation, Bryant's wife and two young daughters gave him with a bouquet of flowers at center court.
"It was an emotional night for all of us," Bryant said after the game. "We haven't seen Staples Center this electric. It gave me goose bumps. You want to ride the momentum, and we were able to do that."
The Lakers made their first six shots, and after falling behind 13-12, Bryant scored six points during a 13-0 run that put them ahead for good.
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