The most devastating losses in Phil Jackson’s era at Los Angeles Lakers – NBA Feature Part 2
Western Conference Semifinals Game 5 against San Antonio Spurs - 2003
The San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers were the two most dominant teams in the early part of the last decade. The two powerhouses were pitched against each other in the Western Conference Semifinal in the 02-03 season.
As expected, the series turned out to be a dog fight and was levelled at 2-2. In the fifth game though, the San Antonio Spurs were cruising to victory after the Lakers played first three quarters lethargically. Trailing by 25 points
at one time in the game, the Lakers made a massive comeback in the game and reduced the lead to only 2 deep into the game.
However, with just seconds remaining and the Spurs leading by 96-94, Robert Horry found space behind the three point line. He nailed the effort, but unfortunately for him and the Lakers, the shot bounced off the rim and the Spurs
went on to win the game and consequently the series 4-2.
2004 NBA Finals Game 5 Vs Detroit Pistons
In 2004, the Detroit Pistons managed to pull off one of the biggest upsets in the history of NBA. The team at the receiving end were the Los Angeles Lakers.
Detroit Pistons managed to beat the giants of NBA in just five games. In the final game, Pistons easily overcame the Lakers winning the game by 100-87. Lakers left the court shattered and shocked. But, what was more heartbreaking
was the fact that Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O Neal played as team mates for the last time.
The star duo which Jackson put together in years was broken right infront of his eyes.
2008 NBA Finals, Game 4 Vs Boston Celtics
Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, in their first year together, propelled the Boston Celtics in the NBA finals, where they came up against the mighty Los Angeles Lakers. The C’s were leading the series 2-1, but the Lakers
dominated game 4 and were at one time, 24 points ahead.
However, it all changed within a span of few minutes.
NBA saw one of the finest comebacks ever as the Celtics came from behind and stunned the Lakers, extending their lead in the series to 3-1. The loss was followed by a humiliating 39 points loss in the game 6 of the series. That
defeat however set the platform of two years of dominance for the Lakers.
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