Kobe Bryant’s Overtime Buzzer-Beater Gives Lakers 3-1 Edge on April 30, 2006
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Los Angeles, CA — April 30, 2006: Kobe Bryant capped a 29-point night by drilling a jumper at the overtime buzzer, pushing the Los Angeles Lakers past the Phoenix Suns 99-98 in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round series.
The decisive shot came with 0.7 seconds left in the extra period at Staples Center. Bryant chased down a jump-ball tip from Luke Walton, dribbled to the right elbow and released over Raja Bell and Boris Diaw, lifting Los Angeles to a 3-1 series lead.
Bryant had already forced overtime with a baseline runner that tied the game at 90-90 with 0.7 seconds in regulation. He finished 11-for-23 from the field and added five rebounds and five assists.
The Lakers entered the postseason as the No. 7 seed after a 45-37 regular season under returning head coach Phil Jackson. Bryant averaged an NBA-best 35.4 points per game while starting alongside Lamar Odom, Smush Parker, Luke Walton and 18-year-old center Andrew Bynum.
Phoenix, led by reigning MVP Steve Nash, had taken Game 1 before Los Angeles won three straight tight contests. Nash scored 22 points in Game 4, but his late-game collision with Walton set up the jump ball that preceded Bryant’s winner.
Despite the dramatic victory, the Lakers did not advance. Phoenix captured the final three games to win the series in seven and eliminate Los Angeles. The Miami Heat, featuring former Laker Shaquille O’Neal, went on to claim the 2006 NBA championship.
Source: lakersnation.com
