NBA: Utah 104, LA Lakers 99

SALT LAKE CITY, May 10 (UPI) -- Carlos Boozer made three straight shots down the stretch Friday to lift the Utah Jazz to a 104-99 playoff triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers suffered a post-season loss for the first time this year and saw their lead in the Western Conference semifinals reduced to 2-1. Utah will be at home again Sunday for Game 4.

Boozer scored 27 points, pulled down 20 rebounds and outplayed MVP Kobe Bryant in the closing minutes to give the Jazz a must victory.

Bryant scored 34 points, but the Lakers trailed throughout the final three quarters.

Los Angeles closed within three points after a series of Utah turnovers, but Boozer made a hook shot with 3:12 to give the Jazz a 97-92 advantage. Bryant turned the ball over, leading to a Boozer jump shot, and after Bryant missed a three-point attempt Boozer hit another jumper to make it 101-92 with 1:59 to play.

Mehmet Okur added 22 points for Utah and Deron Williams had 18.

The Lakers still had a chance when a jump ball was called between Williams and the Lakers' Pau Gasol with 14 seconds remaining. Gasol got the tip to Luke Walton, but he fumbled the ball away, sealing the Lakers' fate.