13. 2010 Western Conference first-round Game 6 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
In hopes of winning a second-straight NBA Championship during the 2009-10 season, the Los Angeles Lakers found themselves in an absolute battle with the eighth-seeded young, up-and-coming Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. However, the Lakers found a way to close out the pesky Thunder in Game 6 on the road in what would end up being quite the classic game.
Pau Gasol tipped in the game-winner with less than a second left after getting a timely offensive rebound off a Kobe Bryant miss. Kobe finished with a game-high 32 points and seven rebounds. Gasol only finished with nine points (and 18 rebounds) but scored the biggest two of the game.
The Lakers escaped in what would end up being one of Kevin Durant’s worst playoff performances of his career. Durant still managed to finish with 26 points but only shot 5-23 from the field and missed 17 of his first 20 shots.
For as much as the Lakers were pushed by the Thunder, it was the start of what would be remembered as a memorable playoff run (that would end with another championship) for the team. As for the Thunder, their disappointment during the 2010 season would help them bounce back as they would go on to make the NBA Finals during the following season.