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Okur says Jazz must be concerned about MVP Bryant's defense, too
Deseret News (Salt Lake City), May 7, 2008 by Linda Hamilton Deseret News
Kobe Bryant, the Lakers' star who will be awarded the NBA's MVP trophy by commissioner David Stern Wednesday night at Game 2 of the second-round playoff game against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center, is known for his remarkable offense.
Jazz center Mehmet Okur said Tuesday the Jazz have to worry about his defense, too.
"He was active on the defensive end and (would) come behind us, try to steal the ball," Okur remembered of Sunday's Game 1 Utah loss in which the Jazz had seven second-quarter turnovers. Bryant had one steal.
"He was really good at it, and hopefully, we're going to take care of the ball next game," Okur said.
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Playing the Lakers tonight with a crowd that will be in a frenzy over Bryant's MVP ceremony will be "another challenge for us," Okur said. "It's going to be tough. You know he's going to come out there, try to score.
"I think we've got to do a better job. We can't let him get (to) the free-throw line like 20, 25 times."
Bryant shot 23 free throws Sunday and made 21 of them.
"We cannot do that next game," Okur said, "so hopefully we're going to try to go out there, help each other on the defensive end, especially on Kobe.
"We can't just let him catch the ball anywhere or anytime he wants the ball. We've got to put the body on him, try to help, rotate and see what happens."
Like most of his teammates, Okur sees Bryant as the MVP. "I think he deserves it," he said. "He did a good job all year long."
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