NBA: Utah 88, Los Angeles Lakers 86

SALT LAKE CITY, April 24 (UPI) -- Deron Williams hit a short jumper with 2.2 seconds remaining Thursday, giving Utah an 88-86 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

After falling behind by as many as 13 points in the third period, Utah rallied to cut its deficit in the opening-round playing series to 2-1. The Jazz will try to even the series when they host the fourth game Saturday.

Utah had a four-point advantage at halftime, but the Lakers opened the third period with a 25-8 run and seemed on their way to an easy triumph. With Matt Harpring and Carlos Boozer leading the way, Utah rallied back into the lead and eventually made the key plays down the stretch.

Boozer powered through the defense of Pau Gasol and made a slam dunk to give Utah a two-point lead with 17 seconds to play. Gasol responded with his own dunk to tie it with 12 seconds remaining, setting up Williams' game-winning shot.

Williams put up a soft shot over the outstretched arm of Lamar Odom to get the victory. A 3-point attempt by Kobe Bryant as the buzzer sounded bounced off the rim.

Boozer scored 23 points to lead the Jazz. Williams had 13 and Harpring 10.

Bryant made just 5-of-24 shots from the field and wound up with 18 points. Gasol paced the Lakers with 20.