Prior to June 4, 2000, the largest deficit ever erased in a Game 7 fourth quarter comeback was six points. After three quarters of the deciding game of the 2000 Western Conference Finals, the Lakers trailed Portland by 13 and would fall behind, 75-60, after Bonzi Wells made two free throws with 10:28 left in the game.

The Lakers erased their 15 point deficit with a little help from Portland. The Trailblazers went ice cold from the field at the worst possible time, going 5r for 23 in the 4th quarter after shooting the lights out at a 50% clip through the first three quarters. The Lakers took full advantage of the Blazers’ missteps. The comeback rally began when O’Neal scored the first of his nine fourth-quarter points, followed by a three-pointer by Shaw.

Many basketball fans agree that Shaw’s awkwardly banked-in three with 4.4 seconds left in the third quarter was the real turning point in the game, and it certainly got the veteran guard going, as he hit several of the biggest shots of the comeback.

Robert Horry, who was the Lakers’ most potent late-game big-shot threat during their 3-peat run, played his part, as well, taking an offensive rebound and dribbling out unmarked for a three-pointer. With 4:00 remaining, Shaw struck again from deep, nailing a three to complete a 15-0 run and tie the game.

The Trailblazers briefly regained the lead but O’Neal tied it up again with two free throws. Kobe gave the Lakers their first lead of the quarter, 81-79, with two more foul shots. After Kobe’s free throws, the Lakers started to get some separation when he knocked down a jumper for an 83-79 lead with just over a minute left.

Another stop for the Lakers at the defensive end gave the space to show off their skills, Bryant spread the floor and set up O’Neal for a lob that lead to a dunk that provoked a roar of jubilation and relief.

The Lakers were never tested by the Indiana Pacers in the 2000 finals as much as they were by Portland. They rolled to a 4-2 finals win, but the championship series was almost a dud in the wake of the heart-stopping Game 7 of the conference finals.

– John A. Roberts

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Tags | 4th quarter rallies, Basketball, lakers, NBA, trailblazers