honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, May 27, 2010

Artest’s miracle shot leads Lakers past Suns, 103-101


By GREG BEACHAM
AP Sports Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Los Angeles Lakers' Ron Artest, center, is congratulated teammates, including Kobe Bryant, second from left, and Pau Gasol, top right, after hitting the game-wining basket against the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers won 103-101.

WALLY SKALIJ | AP Photo/Los Angeles Times,

spacer spacer

LOS ANGELES — Ron Artest beat the buzzer with a wild bank shot after rebounding Kobe Bryant's miss, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Phoenix Suns 103-101 on Thursday night to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference finals.

Bryant had 30 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists for the Lakers, but Artest was the improbable hero with just his second basket of the night.

Jason Richardson banked in a straightaway 3-pointer with 3.5 seconds left to tie it for the Suns, who rallied from an 18-point deficit in the second half.

Bryant missed a difficult shot from the corner, but Artest rolled into the lane, collected the rebound and threw up a hideous shot that somehow went in.

Game 6 is Saturday night in Phoenix.