This week, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and remind ourselves how dominant and clutch the Lakers have been the last couple of years. In doing so, we will list the top five clutch playoff victories in the Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol era.
5. Lakers vs. Thunder: (95-94)
At number five the Lakers faced the young Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the 2010 NBA playoffs, and the series would reach Game 6 in OKC where the Thunder were looking to even the series at three and force a Game 7 in Los Angeles. The Lakers were obviously looking to avoid a Game 7, but they knew they were going to get the Thunder’s best shot. In the end the Lakers would come out on top with a Pau Gasol game-winning bucket and avoided the dreaded Game 7 at the Staples Center.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqQyur3gaJw
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4. Lakers vs. Suns: (111-103)
At the number four spot the Lakers would face Suns on the road in Game 6 of the 2010 Western Conference Finals. Once again the Lakers were up 3-2 in the series and were looking for the sun to set in Phoenix. The purple and gold came out and closed out a pesky Phoenix team that had given them some trouble. Once again they avoided a dangerous Game 7 and came out and delivered a series clinching win.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-4SgEKEhDM
Next Page: More Western Conference Foes
3. Lakers vs. Nuggets: (119-92)
Coming in at number three the Lakers would face the Nuggets in the 2009 Western Conference Finals, and the series had just shifted to Denver after the Lakers escaped with a Game 5 win. With a hostile crowd in the mile high city the Lakers were looking to dispose of the Nuggets on their home court in Game 6. In a must-win game to advance to the NBA Finals, the Lakers quieted the Pepsi Center crowd by stomping the Nuggets and leaving no doubt on who was the superior team.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knsnTCgVSjM
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2. Lakers vs. Rockets: (89-70)
The Lakers were supposed to roll over the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference Semi-Finals, especially after Yao Ming went down with an injury, but to everyone’s surprise the Rockets would take the Lakers all the way to Game 7 at the Staples Center. Most of Lakers Nation was in shock as this Rockets team had actually brought the Lakers to the brink of elimination, but the Lakers would erase any doubt in Game 7 as they came out and dominated the Rockets with ease.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYTaN6QMO_w&
Next Page: Lakers, Celtics – Game 7
1. Lakers vs. Celtics (83-79)
The story book ending was set, Game 7 against the Boston Celtics at home for all the marbles. Could you ask for a better setting? After falling down 2-3 in the series but with the next to games in Los Angeles, the Lakers still had a good chance of capturing the title. They easily beat the Celtics in Game 6, so Game 7 would determine the 2010 NBA champion. After coming back from an early deficit the Lakers would eventually beat the Celtics down the stretch in one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking games in recent memory. The Lakers answered the call, and even after being down in the series they still manage to overcome adversity and beat the hated Celtics for a second straight title.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfaxusuEIcI