Jazz overcome Lakers to keep playoff hopes alive

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Reuters) - The Utah Jazz kept their playoff hopes alive with a 104-99 Game Three victory over the LA Lakers on Friday, cutting the deficit in their best of seven Western Conference semi-finals series to 2-1.

Carlos Boozer scored 27 points and added 20 rebounds as the Jazz handed the Lakers a first loss in this year's playoffs despite a 34-point haul from the league's most valuable player Kobe Bryant.

The Jazz forged a 52-43 halftime lead and were able to stave off a series of comeback attempts by the Lakers.

Utah will fancy their chances of tying up the series in Game Four on Sunday after losing only four games at home in the regular season.

It was a much brighter Utah performance in comparison with the opening two games -- particularly in offense where they looked sharper and were boosted by Boozer's timely return to form.

"I felt great and now I am pumped up for rest of series," Boozer told reporters.

"I relaxed a little more, that was important and as a team we went back to basics. We work harder and had some fun out there, which is important," he said.

Deron Williams chipped in with 18 points and 12 assists for the Jazz, who handed the Lakers their first defeat since April 8 when they were beaten by the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Lakers know they will need to improve in Game Four if they are to retain their two-game advantage.