Newly-crowned MVP, Kobe Bryant, dropped 34 to lead his team to a 120-110 win over Utah and take a 2-0 lead in the series.

It was always going to be a big night for Kobe, no matter what he did during the game. Presented with the MVP trophy by the commissioner before Game 2 against Utah, Kobe knew it would be a night to remember.

“It was an emotional night for all of us I think. What we tried to do was try to ride that momentum, particularly to start the game. Feed off the energy and we were able to do that,” said Kobe.

Kobe put on a monster game with 34 points, eight rebounds and six assists to lead Los Angeles to a 120-110 win over Utah and give them a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference semis.

Kobe had plenty of help as well. Pau Gasol dropped 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocked shots while Lamar Odom chipped in 19 points, 16 rebounds and 2 assists. Deron Williams had a team-high 25 points and 10 assists for Utah in the losing cause.

In the Eastern Conference semis, Rashard Lewis exploded for a career/playoff high 33 points in Orlando’s 111-86 win over Detroit. Lewis shot a scorching 11-of-15 from the field, including 5-of-6 behind the arc.

Lewis was more than happy to have found his shooting touch once again.

“I made my first couple and really felt like I was going to have it going tonight,'’ said Lewis. “I know my 3 ball hasn’t been falling this whole series.”

The Orlando win snapped a record of nine-straight playoff losses against Detroit. Tayshaun Prince’s 22 points led the way for Detroit, who still hold a 2-1 edge in the series.