Ron Artest’s Buzzer-Beating Putback Lifts Lakers Past Suns In 2010 West Finals Game 5
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LOS ANGELES — On May 27, 2010, forward Ron Artest grabbed Kobe Bryant’s missed three-pointer and banked in a layup as time expired, giving the Los Angeles Lakers a 103-101 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals.
The best-of-seven series was tied 2-2, with the home team winning each of the first four contests. Determined not to return to Phoenix trailing, the defending NBA champions seized an 18-point advantage in the third quarter at Staples Center. The Suns, however, responded with a 16-4 run to set up a tense fourth period.
With 1:05 remaining, Steve Nash hit a mid-range jumper, cutting the Lakers’ lead to 101-98. On the ensuing possession Artest missed twice, Pau Gasol failed on a dunk attempt, and Phoenix regained possession with 17.9 seconds left. After consecutive three-point misses by Nash and Jason Richardson, the Suns corralled each rebound, and Richardson’s second try — a 27-footer that banked in — tied the game at 101 with 3.5 seconds on the clock.
Los Angeles drew up its final play for Bryant, who caught the inbounds pass and launched an off-balance three from the right wing. The shot came up short, but because Bryant released early, Artest was positioned under the rim for the winning putback at the horn.
Artest finished with four points on 2-of-9 shooting, yet delivered the game’s decisive basket. Bryant led all scorers with 30 points, adding 11 rebounds and nine assists. Gasol contributed 21 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while Lamar Odom posted 17 points, 13 boards and four assists.
The Lakers clinched the series in Game 6 at Phoenix and went on to defeat the Boston Celtics in seven games to capture their second consecutive NBA championship. Artest later knocked down a crucial three-pointer in the decisive Game 7 of the Finals, further cementing his place in franchise lore.
Source: LakersNation.com
