Fisher's late basket stuns Spurs as Lakers gain control
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-05-14 14:30

Derek Fisher sank an 18-foot jump shot with 0.4 seconds remaining to give the Los Angeles Lakers a thrilling 74-73 win over the Spurs in Game Five of their Western Conference semi-final in San Antonio on Thursday.

Los Angeles Lakers' Derek Fisher (2) celebrates with teammates Gary Payton (20) and Kobe Bryant, right, after beating the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals Thursday May 13, 2004 in San Antonio. Fisher hit a basket at the buzzer to lift the Lakers to a 74-73 win over the Spurs. The Lakers lead the best-of-seven series 3-2. [AP]

The victory moved the Lakers into a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series and they can eliminate the defending champion Spurs when the teams return to Los Angeles for Game Six on Saturday.

San Antonio had won 17 straight games before this series started, but the Spurs now face post-season elimination, something they never did in winning NBA titles in 1999 and last season.

The loss also ended a 17-game home winning streak for the Spurs, who thought they had won the game just seconds before Fisher's game-winning shot.

Tim Duncan made a spectacular off-balance 20-foot shot while falling, sending the crowd into hysterics as the San Antonio players poured off the bench to celebrate.

But it was the Lakers who celebrated just moments later when after a timeout, Gary Payton's pass hit Fisher, who drained the winner as time expired.

"This is special," Fisher said.

"This game was an indication of how our whole season has gone. We look great at times, we look poor at times.

"This is just a great win for our team and for our organization," Fisher added.

Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 22 points for the Lakers, who led by as many as 16 points only to rely on a last-second basket to win.

Devean George had 16 points for Los Angeles, while Shaquille O'Neal added 11 points and 11 rebounds.

"One lucky shot deserves another," O'Neal said after Fisher's winning basket.

Karl Malone had just seven points, but had 12 rebounds, while Fisher had eight points in 23 minutes.

Duncan had 21 points and 21 rebounds for the Spurs, who have lost three straight games in this series after taking a 2-0 lead.

Tony Parker added 15 points and six assists for the Spurs, while Devin Brown added 11 points in 24 minutes off the bench.

Fisher's winning shot was reviewed by officials as the Lakers ran to their dressing room to celebrate and the Spurs stood at their bench in stunned silence when the basket was confirmed.

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