3. Lakers vs Kings – Game 4 – 2002 Western Conference Finals: Robert Horry For The Win
The Lakers were looking to win their third straight NBA title, but the Sacramento Kings were standing in their way. The Kings had home court advantage and Sacramento had a 2-1 lead going into Game 4 at the Staples Center.
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The Kings got off to a hot start, they had a 24 point lead at one point in the first half and the Staples Center crowd was awfully quiet. Luckily, the Lakers were able to cut the deficit to 14 by halftime.
The Lakers came out in the second half and kept chipping away at the lead. They found themselves only down seven after three-quarters, so at least they were within striking distance with 12 minutes to go.
With about 10 seconds to go in the game, the Lakers were down 99-97 and the ball went to Kobe Bryant. The Mamba drove to his right and got a shot off close to the rim, but missed. Shaq rebounded the ball and tried to put it back in but missed.
Vlade Divac then swatted the ball away, but it went directly to Robert Horry, who was standing at the top of the three-point line. Marv Albert was calling the game and said, “Horry for the win, Yes.”
One of the most exciting finishes in NBA history, the Lakers would go on to beat the Kings in seven games and sweep the Nets in the NBA Finals.
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