3.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns
May 27, 2010- Western Conference Finals: Game 5
Continuing with the 2010 Western Conference Finals, the Lakers and Suns would meet up with the always pivotal Game 5. Unlike the familiar script, this game’s hero would be the Laker formerly known as Ron Artest. The Lakers were up by three, but the Suns still had a chance to tie the game up, and it took two missed three points shots and two offensive rebounds until finally Jason Richardson would bank in a game-tying three. With the game tied at 101, the Lakers would give the rock to Kobe to try and avoid taking the game into overtime. With time expiring Kobe would miss a difficult three, but Metta World Peace would rebound the miss and manage to get the put-back at the buzzer. The victory would give the Lakers the 3-2 series lead with an opportunity to close the Suns out in Phoenix.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0qPoWAgsF8
2.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns
May 10, 2000- Western Conference Semi-Finals: Game 2
The Los Angeles Lakers were in search of their first championship since the Showtime era, and in the 2000 NBA playoffs they squared off against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Semi-Finals. Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal would face Jason Kidd and Penny Hardaway for a ticket to the conference finals. The Lakers had a one game lead in the series and in Game 2 were in danger of losing home court advantage in the series. Down by a point with about 14 seconds left, Kobe Bryant would wait for the clock to wind down until he pulled up for the jumper with Jason Kidd all over him. The shot would give the Lakers a one point lead with just two seconds remaining, and the Suns would not reclaim the lead after that. This instance was huge because it was the Laker’s first title run since 1988, and a young Kobe would show his greatness in the clutch.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HF73m3RJpCo