Warriors' Miracle Run leads to Thrilling OT Win
January 21, 2007 | Warriors (9-1) @ Lakers (13-2)
23 23 15 24 - 12 - 97
21 18 16 30 - 9 - 94
Los Angeles, CA - Best game of the season? So far at least. The most hyped game of the season between the surprise top 2 teams was no disappointment. With amazing play on both sides, this match became and instant classic, and perhaps a Conference Finals preview.
The Warriors outplayed L.A. throughout the first half, leading 46-39 at the half. The Laker's strong defense allowed them to stay alive in the third. A pair of threes in the fourth quarter by Kobe tied the game, and turned the tide. Bryant, who finished with 42 points, and 16 rebounds led the Lakers to a 83-76 lead with a minute left. After a brilliant steal and 3-pointer from Arenas, the lead was four. Bryant ran down some clock, but could not capitalize on a field goal attempt.
The Warriors used a timeout, and Big Shot Bob hit a three from the corner to make it a 1-point game. With 8 seconds left, the Warriors were forced to foul. They fouled Odom, who sunk both. With no timeouts left, Arenas ran up the court, and with 3 seconds left, sunk a miracle three to tie the game at 85, quieting the sellout crowd. The Lakers took a timeout, but failed an alley-oop attempt to win the game.
In Overtime, the Warriors seemed in control, starting with a 6-0 run. Kobe wasn't giving up, and hit a 3, then swatted the struggling Monta Ellis and slammed a spectacular dunk. Steven Jackson saved his team in the final mutes, with 2 clutch jumpers and 2 steals. The Lakers, facing a 5 point deficit, passed to Kobe who hit a 3. Rashard Lewis answered back with a big dunk to put his team up 4. Odom was fouled on a desperation dunk, and split the free-throws. The struggling Monta Ellis was fouled, and missed both free-throws. With no timeouts left, Kobe was forced to heave a half court 3 with .6 seconds to go, which clanked off the rim, concluding the biggest game of the season.
Notable Player Stats:
Golden State
Gilbert Arenas: 37 Points, 6 Rebounds, 6 Assists, 3 Steals, 8-21 FG, 3-11 3PT, 18-20 FT,
(Player of the Game)
Rashard Lewis: 23 Points, 6 Rebounds, 1 Assist, 7-13 FG, 3-4 3PT, 6-6 FT
Robert Horry: 12 Points, 8 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 2 Steals, 3-6 FG, 2-4 3PT, 4-4 FT
Steven Jackson: 11 points. 5 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 3 Steals, 5-11 FG, 1-4 3PT
Al Harrington: 8 Points, 11 Rebounds, 1 Block, 4-7 FG
Los Angeles
Kobe Bryant: 42 Points, 16 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 4 Steals, 2 Blocks, 16-37 FG, 4-13 3PT, 6-6 FT
Lamar Odom: 13 Points, 9 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 3 Steals, 5-15 FG, 0-6 3PT, 3-4 FT
Andrew Bynum: 8 Points, 11 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 1 Block, 3-5 FG, 2-2 FT
Vladimir Radmanovic 8 Points, 7 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 1 Block, 4-9 FG
Smush Parker: 6 Points, 4 Assists, 2-5 FG, 2-4 FT
Next Game: vs.
Cavaliers (8-4)
Notes: The struggling Spurs (6-8) appear to be out of the running, as superstar Tim Duncan is out for the season with a Torn ACL. The San Antonio Spurs have won 2 of the last 4 titles.
Last edited by
Lamrock on Sun May 20, 2007 11:23 am, edited 1 time in total.