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Source: AFP

-- OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma – Pau Gasol tipped in Kobe Bryant's missed shot with less than a second to play as the Los Angeles Lakers edged Oklahoma City 95-94 to advance in the NBA playoffs.

The reigning NBA champions won the Western Conference first-round series four games to two and next face Utah, who eliminated Denver Friday with a 112-104 victory.

But the Lakers had to fend off a determined effort by Oklahoma City, who erased a seven-point deficit in the fourth quarter as they tried to extend the series.

Spain's Gasol, pumped both fists after his put-back - his only basket of the second half.

The Lakers advanced when Russell Westbrook missed a desperation three-pointer at the buzzer.

Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 26 points but was a woeful 5-for-23 from the floor. Westbrook had 21 points and nine assists.

Bryant scored 32 points and Gasol had nine points and 18 rebounds.

In Salt Lake City, fans were already chanting "Beat LA!" as the Jazz wrapped up a 4-2 series victory over the Nuggets.

Carlos Boozer scored 22 points with 20 rebounds and rookie Wesley Matthews scored 23 and made a key block for the Jazz, who pulled away for the victory after Denver had tied the game in the fourth quarter.

Deron Williams added 14 points and 10 assists for the Jazz, who made 34 of their 51 free throws.