Jazz have to deal with MVP's expanded game

After enduring the entire Kobe Bryant Experience, replete with points and passes, the Utah Jazz feel much like the "V'' between "M'' and "P.''
Caught smack dab in the middle.
Bryant dropped a game-high 38 points on Utah as the Los Angeles Lakers took Game 1 of their Western Conference playoff semifinal series 109-98.
That includes not only 8-of-16 shooting from the field, but also 21-of-23 from the free-throw line.
Yet it wasn't just Kobe's scoring that had Jazz heads spinning.
Rather, the NBA's MVP-elect also dished seven assists and got his teammates -- Pau Gasol scored 18, Lamar Odom 16 -- involved in a manner not always seen in postseasons past.
"That's their team,'' Jazz starting shooting guard Ronnie Brewer said. "Their first option might be Kobe. You shut that option down, he's gonna make a pass to somebody. And if you rotate well, they tend to move the ball really well. They were throwing the ball inside to Gasol, the guy streaking to the basket. Their chemistry was really going for them today.''
"He's definitely changed his game a little bit to do that,'' veteran Jazz forward Matt Harpring added. "He's more of a passer now. I mean, he can still score -- for sure. But he definitely looks for his teammates now, which makes them a better team.''
It also makes the Jazz a club desperately in search of answers for Bryant, preferably sometime prior to Wednesday's Game 2.
"Their triangle offense, there are so many options in there,'' said Brewer, one of the Jazz's chief defenders on Bryant. "So a lot of times you get the ball in the post, and he's being physical with you, so you have to be physical back with him. Unfortunately, they were calling it a little tough down there.''
But Brewer added, "You have to make adjustments, or read how they're gonna call it, and just make him work on the offensive end. I mean, he's a talented player. He's going to take a high number of shots. He's gonna take the ball to the basket aggressively. You just have to be ready every play.''
It's a frustration with which the Jazz, who were playing on about 38 hours' rest after eliminating Houston from the first round, must address soon.
First, though, they have to get over Sunday.
"He didn't settle for a lot of jumpers. He made extra passes,'' Jazz point guard Deron Williams said. "That's why he's the MVP. He just took over the game.''