Kobe Bryant’s Banked Buzzer-Beater Downs Heat in 2009 Thriller
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LOS ANGELES — On Dec. 4, 2009, Kobe Bryant added another dramatic finish to his lengthy highlight reel, sinking a leaning, one-footed bank shot at the buzzer to give the Los Angeles Lakers a 108-107 victory over the Miami Heat at Staples Center.
The matchup between the defending NBA champions and a Dwyane Wade-led Heat squad stayed tight from start to finish. After Wade scored to put Miami ahead by two in the final minute, Bryant missed a jumper that could have tied the game, forcing Los Angeles to foul.
Miami converted four consecutive free throws, appearing to seal the outcome. With 4.3 seconds remaining, however, Derek Fisher drilled a three-pointer that trimmed the deficit to 107-106. The Lakers immediately fouled Wade, who made the first free throw but missed the second, setting up the final possession.
With 3.2 seconds on the clock, Lamar Odom inbounded to Bryant on the left sideline. Guarded tightly by Wade, Bryant dribbled left, elevated off one foot and released a high-arching shot that banked off the glass as time expired, extending Los Angeles’ winning streak to eight games.
Bryant finished with 33 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Wade recorded 26 points, eight rebounds and nine assists for Miami.
Source: Lakers Nation
